stormygirl4

Hello!

I am planning a trip for my husband with a $7,000 budget. I would like to go to Ecuador & the Galapagos and was wondering if anyone can recommend places to visit and/or hotels to stay in.

Some things about us: We are 22 years old. We like white-water rafting and exploring the environment, but for me, the beach is a MUST. We like to drink and relax, so local bars are also a must.

Thanks for your suggestions!

eurotraveller

How long is your trip? You can go a long way in Ecuador for $7,000 as it is inexpensive. The Galapagos will take a good chunk of that depending your how long and what boat.

I spent 6 weeks in Ecuador but didn't spend time at the beach at all so I can't help you there.

Banos is a fantastic town that I absolutely fell in love with! I spent about 3 weeks there although I had only planned on spending 3 days. I got stuck in what I now call the Banos "vortex"! There is rafting, hiking, biking, zip lining, canyoning all very nearby. You can rent bicycles, buggies and atv's right in town. The nightlife is also very good. I highly recommend Hostal Chimenea as the best place to stay in town no matter what your budget! The owners, Carlos and Marcia, are from the area and they are sooo nice!

The Quilotoa Loop is for the more adventuresome traveller. Great hiking, friendly little towns and beautiful scenery.

Vilcabamba is much further south but worth the journey, especially if you stay at Hostal Izhcayluma. An amazing place!

Good luck with your planning!

fbeifeld

My husband and I just returned from a great trip to Galapagos. There are a number of cruise lines making the trip and some have 3 or 4 night trips. So you do not have to spend 7 nights on a ship. ALSO, on Santa Cruz Island I saw a number of small hotels. They have packages where you stay at the hotel and take day trips out to the islands. The packages include meals at the hotels, hiking on the islands, kayaking and snorkeling. I believe they offer guides for your hiking.

daleb85

You might visit the jungle. http://www.laselvajunglelodge.com/
And "everyone" must visit Otavalo for the market
http://www.alishungu.com/ is a nice hotel there.
Bus trips are exciting. As is the train at Riobomba

Chytown

http://gulliver.com.ec/ - I am 26 and went to stay at the Papagayo for a hike to Cotopaxi (tallest volcano in South America I believe?) with a bike ride down and one day of horseback riding. It was excellent. It's only about one hour from Quito and they provide transportation.

If you want a quaint hotel in Quito - Hotel Los Alpes. Not a sterile corporate place, but a family owned hotel with a great staff - although not as many frills a higher starred hotel.

For bars - Mariscal area has tons. I went to Maconda.