Having written what is notable concerning the pleasant town of Pasto, it will now be well to continue the journey, by relating what there is on the road to the city of Quito.

I said that the town of Pasto was built in the valley of Atris, within the territory of the Quillacingas, a shameless people, and they and the Pastos are very dirty, and are held in little estimation by their neighbours. Leaving the town of Pasto, the road leads to a village of the Pastos called Funes, and farther on there is another called Iles. Three leagues more bring the traveller to Gualmatan, and another three leagues on the road towards Quito bring him to the village of Ipiales.

In all these villages there is little or no maize, the country being very cold, and the maize seed very delicate. But they grow plenty of potatoes and quinoa, besides other products. From Ipiales the road leads to a small district called Guaca, but before reaching it the road of the Yncas is seen, which is as famous in these parts as that which Hannibal made over the Alps when he descended into Italy. Indeed, the former ought to be held in more estimation, as well on account of the great lodgings and storehouses along its whole length, as for being made in spite of many difficulties over rugged and swampy mountains, so that it is a sight marvellous to behold.