Under $100: Quito

Although the Ecuadorian capital may not pack the same punch as other South American capitals, it retains a certain charm.

The Mariscal area is home to the majority of hostels, hotels and tourist restaurants, and one of the best breakfast options is La Union bakery. Grab a coffee and some pastries ($7) before heading into the Old Town on foot.

Astronomical Observatory of Quito © Charles Pence | Flickr

On your way you will pass by the Quito Observatory, which is situated in a large park. Pop inside ($2) for a closer look at some of the centuries-old instruments.

Old Town Quito © Hoang Bao Nguyen | Dreamstime

Continue your walk toward the Old Town and marvel at the incredibly well-preserved colonial architecture around the main square. Head over to Cafe del Teatro ($12) for lunch looking over a busy plaza, the perfect vantage point to observe Quitenos going about their daily life.

Los Granaderos de Tarqui, Guardians of the Presidential Palace in La Plaza Grande © Javarman | Dreamstime

Walk back towards Mariscal via the massive cathedral, which perches on the side of a hill. Get a taxi ($10) to the cable car ($9) which will take you 4,050 meters above sea level. From the top, Quito appears to be attempting to escape from the steep-sided valley in which it sits, construction sites creeping up its rocky edges.

© Kseniya Ragozina | iStock

Head back down and go for dinner at Chandani Tandoori ($25) which offers a decent curry and a selection of beers. Take a stroll around the lively Mariscal and dip into one of the many bars frequented by locals and tourists alike. The Cherusker pub has a number of German craft beers ($5 each).