brendensadventures

Hi guys, Im off to Ecuador in 2 weeks arriving directly from Lima, Peru.

I am planning to travel for 5 to 6 weeks and really dont know what I want to do. I know I would like to spend 1,2 weeks in the Galapagos Islands and 2/3 weeks in the jungle.

Where are the must visit places in Ecuador? I dont want to go on tours as I am getting low on funds so would prefer places I can get to alone..

Im not so good at planning and find myself staying in places for a long time which I love but I am getting towards the end of my trip and dont want to miss anything.

After Ecuador I will have around the same time in Colombia....

crellston

Hi Brenden, I have been following along on your blog. Seems like you have been having a great time on your travels.

"1,2 weeks in the Galapagos Islands and 2/3 weeks in the jungle." Doesn't leave a whole ilot of time for the rst of the country - 0-2 weeks?

For a variety of reasons we didn't visit either the jungle or the Galapagos but that does seem like overkill to me.

Highlights for me included:

biking and hiking down Chimborazo volcano near. Riobamba ( tour needed)

Vilicabamba, beautiful town in the South en route from teh Peruvian border. Some nice hikes and a great place to chill out

Cuenca also a nice city ( although. Expensive for Ecuador ) . Parque Nacional Cajas is nearby and definitely worth a visit ( no tour required)

Banos has a lot going, downhill biking to the jungle, zip lining, hot springs etc. on but is a little bit touristy

Quito is clearly worth a clue of days - make sure you visit Telefériqo for amazing views of the city, the old town can be explored in a day. The equator monument isn't worth the effort IMO.

Mindo for the Cloudforest and birds and Otavalo for markets and hiking are on the way to Columbia and are worth a visit.

There is of course the coast as well and I think it is a good time to visit. We were not that impressed but maybe because it was the wrong time of year.

Probably the best experience for us was visiting Quilatoa Crater Lake and hiking to Chughilan. amazing!

A good thing about Ecuador is that it is compact and it has a great, cheap but often crowded bus system so it is easy to get around.

Some more info on our route ( in the opposite direction to you) @
http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blo...ai/6/tpod.html

pantanal

Skip the coast and stick to the mountains (and jungle and Galapagos, but you sound like you have that part covered). Especially since you are going to Colombia where the beaches are so much better. I second crellston's advice on Quilotoa. Coming from Peru, you may want to take the train from near Guayaquil up to Riobamba. it's really amazing as it goes from sea level up into the mountains. Then you're near Quilotoa and all, and from there can easily get to Quito. Skip Banos; too touristy. Enjoy!

brendensadventures

Hey Crellston and pantanal,

Thanks for your help!! I am having a great time and falling in love with everywhere I go.... but now time is ticking I need to make some kind of plans..

I was thinking 2 weeks Galapagos because of costs to get there etc. I have a couple of days off to read over your blog etc

I want to spend at least 2 weeks in the jungoe near Tena with a local community...

I think im covered in Colombia. I have friends there so they will sort me out,

Thanks again, ill post when I have some ideas.. hopefully I dont get too distracted over the weekend.. I do have a week in Lima for a paragliding course.

brendensadventures

Ok so ive had a lottle spare time to plan a little...

When I look at the map I have no idea the best route. I dont like going to and from places to many times...

Heres what ive got so far...

Depending what day I can leave Lima (if its a wednesday I can get a direct bus to Guayaquil)... otherwise I need to have a look at routes..

I would like to visit.

Guayaquil- to get to Galapagos
Galapagos- around 7-9 days I think
Chimborazo?
Bonos
Tena- visit jungle from here (local community) 2 weeks approx
Archidona
Quito (climb Cotopaxi volvano)
Quilotoa
Mindo
Otavalo
Cotacachi

Not sure if ive missed something? Jist need to work out esiest route for seeing everywhere..I will save the beaches for Colombia..

Pantanal- you said Banos is risky?? Is there a lot of crimes?

taylorsmith831

Hi,
Ecuador is a land of rich cultural and historical attractions. Some of top tourist places in Ecuador is:
La Compañía, Quito
Cotopaxi
Baños
Nariz del Diablo
Tena

These some the tourist places which are must to visit.As you told in your post that you are going to Galapagos Island, then it is very good choice because id you're nature lover then you are going to like this Island.

Hope you had a great journey ahead.

mlgb

brendansadventures, if you will still be in Ecuador on September 23/24 I'd recommend heading for Latacunga and the Mama Negra festival there. I went last year just for the 23rd September but it was a highlight.

It is in the center of Latacunga, which had good bus service (although you may need to walk in from the highway or take a taxi). Tours to Cotopaxi can be arranged from Latacunga. You should be able to get there from the Tena direction also, via Banos.

After traveling for a while I think you know to be careful with your belongings, in general.

brendensadventures

Hi guys,

Thanks heaps for all of the suggestions, I havent had a spare moment to sit down and work things out. Im very busy in Lima taking a paragliding course and couchsurfing so have new people to meet most days..

Mlgb thanks for the suggestions, all sounds great just need to coordinate dates etc.. I honestly like the feeling of infinate time and I just decide on the way instead of planning.. its not possible now as home time is coming up way too quickly...

mlgb

How are you doing Brenden? I just started reading your blog and it's great, especially enjoyed your article on Ollantaytambo and on your amazing hike up Nevado Mismi.Glad you didn't wind up dead on that one!

PS link is on Brenden's profile page.

brendensadventures

Hi guys,

and hi mlgb... It has been a long time since looking at Fodors. I spent a lot of time in Lima seeing doctors to treat leishmaniasis which I picked up on my travels. I did not take well to the medication and unfortunately did not get to continue with my travels to Ecuador and Colombia!

I have been busy back in Australia with work and recently received medication to continue treating the leismaniasis as it unfortunately continued!

I have just started a university degree and hope to travel during breaks etc..

Thanks again for all of the help guys. I look forward to getting healthy again and back into travel

crellston

Hi Brenden,

I read about your leishmaniasis on your blog. Sounds (and looked!) horrendous. Sorry to hear you are still having problems. Best wishes for a full recovery and good luck with the degree.