3 possibilities for a last minute 2 week trip over New Year's--Yucatan, around Mexico City or Ecuador--Advice Needed Please
Nov 24th, 2007, 09:11 AM
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3 possibilities for a last minute 2 week trip over New Year's--Yucatan, around Mexico City or Ecuador--Advice Needed Please
As usual we are last minute planners. I've been checking out air fares for dates that work for us. We've got some flexibility but not a ton. I've come up with reasonable airfares to Mexico City (I could also possibly to an open jaw with one of the flights into Guadalajara or Puerto Vallarta), Cancun and Quito.
We've never been to South America. In Mexico we've only visited the Yucatan (not Cancun) and while there stayed an eco-tourism lodging outside of Ek Balam, Coba, and Xcalak where my husband fly-fished. We've driven and traveled all over western and Europe on our own so we're not intimidated by cultural differences and language difficulties or independent travel. We were way, way, way off the beaten path in Vietnam earlier this year and did homestays in very remote areas so have experienced third world countries.
Do you have any thoughts about any of these possibilities over others? We just hit sixty but are in pretty good shape and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking/trekking, kayaking, bicycling etc. My husband is also a fly fisherman. We like to experience authentic cultures and enjoy local markets for their color rather than for shopping purposes. We like unique architecture and charming areas but are not into cutsey overly-touristed places with just lots of boutiques for shopping and upscale hotels/restaurants. We don't need fancy lodging or dining. We like learning about history but have discovered that we are not huge fans of ruins. (After visiting some of the Yucatan's ruins and this summer in Turkey we've kind of decided the ruins we enjoy the most are those with great settings.) We do not want to just go the beach and we do not need beach weather. We live in Minneapolis so anything will be nicer than January in Minnesota.
If we did the Mexico City flight idea we'd probably spend a few days there and then visit possibly the colonial cities (San Miguel d'Allende Aguascalientes, Zacatecas, and San Luis Potosi). Or we'd go the other direction and hit the Puebla, Cuernavaca, Taxco, Oaxaca route. My primary concerns about these options the smog issues for Mexico City at this time of year, how much time we would really want to spend in a megapolis like Mexico City, how crowded things will be over the New Year season, and the cooler weather.
If we do the Cancun flight we'd probably visit Merida, possibly Campeche, maybe Palenque, Lago de Bacalar and probably back to Xcalek for a bit of fishing for my husband. If we do Ecuador it would be without the Galapagos this trip.
We have anywhere from 10 days to 2 weeks for this trip. If you could comment based on your experiences and our likes, I'd really, really appreciate it. Thanks.
We've never been to South America. In Mexico we've only visited the Yucatan (not Cancun) and while there stayed an eco-tourism lodging outside of Ek Balam, Coba, and Xcalak where my husband fly-fished. We've driven and traveled all over western and Europe on our own so we're not intimidated by cultural differences and language difficulties or independent travel. We were way, way, way off the beaten path in Vietnam earlier this year and did homestays in very remote areas so have experienced third world countries.
Do you have any thoughts about any of these possibilities over others? We just hit sixty but are in pretty good shape and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking/trekking, kayaking, bicycling etc. My husband is also a fly fisherman. We like to experience authentic cultures and enjoy local markets for their color rather than for shopping purposes. We like unique architecture and charming areas but are not into cutsey overly-touristed places with just lots of boutiques for shopping and upscale hotels/restaurants. We don't need fancy lodging or dining. We like learning about history but have discovered that we are not huge fans of ruins. (After visiting some of the Yucatan's ruins and this summer in Turkey we've kind of decided the ruins we enjoy the most are those with great settings.) We do not want to just go the beach and we do not need beach weather. We live in Minneapolis so anything will be nicer than January in Minnesota.
If we did the Mexico City flight idea we'd probably spend a few days there and then visit possibly the colonial cities (San Miguel d'Allende Aguascalientes, Zacatecas, and San Luis Potosi). Or we'd go the other direction and hit the Puebla, Cuernavaca, Taxco, Oaxaca route. My primary concerns about these options the smog issues for Mexico City at this time of year, how much time we would really want to spend in a megapolis like Mexico City, how crowded things will be over the New Year season, and the cooler weather.
If we do the Cancun flight we'd probably visit Merida, possibly Campeche, maybe Palenque, Lago de Bacalar and probably back to Xcalek for a bit of fishing for my husband. If we do Ecuador it would be without the Galapagos this trip.
We have anywhere from 10 days to 2 weeks for this trip. If you could comment based on your experiences and our likes, I'd really, really appreciate it. Thanks.
Nov 25th, 2007, 07:45 AM
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Hi
Just thought I would give you some ideas about what you could do on a non-Galapagos Ecuador trip. In general, Ecuador, outside of the Galapagos is rather non-touristy.
The historic part of Quito dates back to the 16th century and there are a number of beautiful old churches built in the 1600s. The gold leaf in La Compania de Jesus (1605) has to be seen to be believed. The Basilica is of more recent origins (1870s) and was built in the style of Notre Dame, but instead of gargoyle water spouts, they are in the shape of the native birds and animals of Ecuador - (My personal favorite was the sloth waterspouts). You can also climb up into the steeple for a wonderful view over the city.
I also liked the Museo de la Cuidad and the Museo Banco Central in Quito.
In the old city I have stayed at the Patio Andaluz, a very nice atmospheric colonial hotel and also at the Cafe Cultura, which is in the Mariscal district. The Cafe Cultura is wonderful and unique and highly recommended.
I have just been called to breakfast so I will write more later about what to do outside of Quito.
Pamela
Just thought I would give you some ideas about what you could do on a non-Galapagos Ecuador trip. In general, Ecuador, outside of the Galapagos is rather non-touristy.
The historic part of Quito dates back to the 16th century and there are a number of beautiful old churches built in the 1600s. The gold leaf in La Compania de Jesus (1605) has to be seen to be believed. The Basilica is of more recent origins (1870s) and was built in the style of Notre Dame, but instead of gargoyle water spouts, they are in the shape of the native birds and animals of Ecuador - (My personal favorite was the sloth waterspouts). You can also climb up into the steeple for a wonderful view over the city.
I also liked the Museo de la Cuidad and the Museo Banco Central in Quito.
In the old city I have stayed at the Patio Andaluz, a very nice atmospheric colonial hotel and also at the Cafe Cultura, which is in the Mariscal district. The Cafe Cultura is wonderful and unique and highly recommended.
I have just been called to breakfast so I will write more later about what to do outside of Quito.
Pamela
Nov 25th, 2007, 09:26 AM
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Hi
Back again
Quito lies in a valley (albeit a very high valley) and hence is a long narrow city, runing north - south. There is a trolley system (25 cents a ride) which is great from getting from place to place.
There is a teleferico (cable car) which goes part way up Pinchaba volcano which gives a great view over the city and if it 's not cloudy in the distance you can see Cotopaxi (the world's tallest active volcano - hasn't erupted for 100+ yrs). Cotopaxi is magnificent; the crater is conical and snow-capped and on a sunny day it is spectacular.
The Mitad del Mundo is also near Quito (accessible by bus). There is a monument, which was thought to lie on the equator, but with the advent of the GPS was determined to be a little off the mark. It now has a ethnographic museum at this location about the people of Ecuador and very close by is a newer site dedicated to the equator. Here they do demonstrations like draining water swirling clockwise, counterclockwise and without swirling, all within four feet of each other.
Outside Quito to the South:
Back to Cotopaxi - Cotopaxi (19000+ ft) is in an area called the avenue of the volcanoes and Cotopaxi itself is in a national park. The countryside is very beautiful
There are haciendas near Cotapaxi where you can stay overnight such as the Hacienda Porvenir (just outside Machachi) I have never stayed here (but plan to next trip) but have gone there a number of times for day trips to go horsebackriding. (2 hrs by public transport) Lunch there is wonderful.
There is another hacienda, La Cienega, that would also make a good base for Cotapaxi activities. Ate wonderful lunch there last September.
In the national park, you can hike up from the parking lot to the Refugio (alt 15,500+ ft). The refugio is where the mountain climbers hang out, waiting to climb to the summit in the evening if the weather permits (they leave for the summit around midnight or so).
It is also possible to do a downhill mountain bike ride - you get driven up the mountain and then bike back down. There are also lakes to hike around etc.
A little further to the south, there is a Thursday market as Sasquisili. While one can buy handicrafts at this market, it is a real working marketplace for the Ecuadorians. (much less touristy than the market at Otavalo)
Nearby is Chimborazo, the highest mountain in Ecuador and again this is a national park area, with a many hiking opportunities.
North and West of Quito:
About an hour and a half to two hours west of Quito is the cloudforest near Mindo. I have stayed at a place called Bellavista in the cloudforest. Great birding, hummingbirds everywhere, nice hiking through the trails to waterfalls.
Otavalo is about an hour and a half to two hours north of Quito. This is the best known of the indian markets and probably the most touristy place in Ecuador after the Galapagos. But the is a portion of the market that is not dedicated to tourism where the locals due their trading.
On the way to Otavalo you pass Cochasqui, a low key site with a number of pre-Incan pyramids and a nice panoramic view of the countryside. We did a short guided tour of the site which was rather interesting and very peaceful (no other people).
Well I am running out of steam so I'll sign off. If any of this seems interesting to you or you want more details let me know.
Pamela
Back again
Quito lies in a valley (albeit a very high valley) and hence is a long narrow city, runing north - south. There is a trolley system (25 cents a ride) which is great from getting from place to place.
There is a teleferico (cable car) which goes part way up Pinchaba volcano which gives a great view over the city and if it 's not cloudy in the distance you can see Cotopaxi (the world's tallest active volcano - hasn't erupted for 100+ yrs). Cotopaxi is magnificent; the crater is conical and snow-capped and on a sunny day it is spectacular.
The Mitad del Mundo is also near Quito (accessible by bus). There is a monument, which was thought to lie on the equator, but with the advent of the GPS was determined to be a little off the mark. It now has a ethnographic museum at this location about the people of Ecuador and very close by is a newer site dedicated to the equator. Here they do demonstrations like draining water swirling clockwise, counterclockwise and without swirling, all within four feet of each other.
Outside Quito to the South:
Back to Cotopaxi - Cotopaxi (19000+ ft) is in an area called the avenue of the volcanoes and Cotopaxi itself is in a national park. The countryside is very beautiful
There are haciendas near Cotapaxi where you can stay overnight such as the Hacienda Porvenir (just outside Machachi) I have never stayed here (but plan to next trip) but have gone there a number of times for day trips to go horsebackriding. (2 hrs by public transport) Lunch there is wonderful.
There is another hacienda, La Cienega, that would also make a good base for Cotapaxi activities. Ate wonderful lunch there last September.
In the national park, you can hike up from the parking lot to the Refugio (alt 15,500+ ft). The refugio is where the mountain climbers hang out, waiting to climb to the summit in the evening if the weather permits (they leave for the summit around midnight or so).
It is also possible to do a downhill mountain bike ride - you get driven up the mountain and then bike back down. There are also lakes to hike around etc.
A little further to the south, there is a Thursday market as Sasquisili. While one can buy handicrafts at this market, it is a real working marketplace for the Ecuadorians. (much less touristy than the market at Otavalo)
Nearby is Chimborazo, the highest mountain in Ecuador and again this is a national park area, with a many hiking opportunities.
North and West of Quito:
About an hour and a half to two hours west of Quito is the cloudforest near Mindo. I have stayed at a place called Bellavista in the cloudforest. Great birding, hummingbirds everywhere, nice hiking through the trails to waterfalls.
Otavalo is about an hour and a half to two hours north of Quito. This is the best known of the indian markets and probably the most touristy place in Ecuador after the Galapagos. But the is a portion of the market that is not dedicated to tourism where the locals due their trading.
On the way to Otavalo you pass Cochasqui, a low key site with a number of pre-Incan pyramids and a nice panoramic view of the countryside. We did a short guided tour of the site which was rather interesting and very peaceful (no other people).
Well I am running out of steam so I'll sign off. If any of this seems interesting to you or you want more details let me know.
Pamela
Nov 25th, 2007, 02:20 PM
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I would go to Ecuador. Spend a week in Quito area doing some day trips. Well explained above. Otavalo on a Saturday though-Big market & not to be missed. Quito itself only takes a day to see but is a great base for day trips. I would try and do a week tour of the Galapagos. Ecuador is by far a more interesting place. You can do volcano tours, amazon tours, bird tours...the list goes on and on.
Dec 17th, 2007, 12:09 PM
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Ecuador is AMAZING! We went to the Galapagos and thought we'd stay an extra week in mainland Ecuador since we flew all the way there.
So that being said - if you think you'll go to the GAlapagos at some point, you might want to wait and do both at the same time.
We have been to Mexico a few times. We did a road trip through the Yucatan. Your trip sounds like a lot of driving, which you would likely do. (In Ecuador, it was easier and cheaper just to hire a guide to drive).
Here is some info I wrote up on my trip to Ecuador:
http://www.epinions.com/content_297806302852
Feel free to e-mail me - I ahve tons of pics of Ecuador and the Yucatan.
manichol @ suffolk.lib.ny.us
So that being said - if you think you'll go to the GAlapagos at some point, you might want to wait and do both at the same time.
We have been to Mexico a few times. We did a road trip through the Yucatan. Your trip sounds like a lot of driving, which you would likely do. (In Ecuador, it was easier and cheaper just to hire a guide to drive).
Here is some info I wrote up on my trip to Ecuador:
http://www.epinions.com/content_297806302852
Feel free to e-mail me - I ahve tons of pics of Ecuador and the Yucatan.
manichol @ suffolk.lib.ny.us
Dec 17th, 2007, 12:36 PM
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The posters above have said it well, but my vote is for Ecuador too. There is so much to see and do there, even if you just stay in and around Quito, and even without going to the Galapagos.
Here's the way I'd look at it: You'll almost always be able to find decent airfares to Mexico City or Cancun from the United States. Finding one to Quito is never a guarantee, so if I did find one there, I'd grab it.
Here's the way I'd look at it: You'll almost always be able to find decent airfares to Mexico City or Cancun from the United States. Finding one to Quito is never a guarantee, so if I did find one there, I'd grab it.
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