Quito's newest urban-renewal venture is a work in nascent progress at this writing. The city has taken one of its most historic streets, swept away the prostitutes and drug dealers, beefed up security, and given grants to owners to refurbish their properties. Galleries, shops, and cafés have begun to open, with more on the way. Flowers deck out the wrought-iron balconies and flags flutter over the winding, two-block cobblestone street.
Visit the Travel Talk forums for help on planning your trip