Ecuador - advice on towns to visit
 

I'm planning a trip to Ecuador in January and have looked thru Fodor's Travel Talk (not much and old) and have looked up various websites on Ecuador. This is a preliminary investigation and wondered if anyone had some current recommendations on towns to visit, sites to see and restaurants. If this is too vague, just pass (but I hope you won't). Personally I'm a tourist's tourist - love seeing, touching and visiting all. I like people, sites scenery and good food.

Nancy,
My dh and dd went to Ecuador last year on a mission trip, and will return this July. They mainly stayed in Quito, the capital city. They did spend a day shopping, and there is a place at the equator that has a folk museum and show, I think. If your are interested in staying in Quito, just post again, and I'll get hotel and resturant names from them,

Thank you, happytrails2u. I will appreciate restaurant names. I'm traveling with my cousin and her husband (she was there in the Peace Corps). Not sure how much time we'll spend in Quito but would like to know of restaurants. I'll tell her about the folk museum.

Hi nancy,
Sorry to take so long to get this info to you. They stayed in the Hostal Junior Plaza in Quito. The staff is bilingual. Next door was the Reina Isabela..don't know about it's staff.

Resturants: The Magic Bean; La locina del Monastrio(an old monastery); and next door to the Jr. Plaza was a good Italian resturant, but they've forgotten the name.

Hope this helps!

Oh, and one more thing. They were strongly advised against going out at night. Just thought I'd pass that along....

Was in Quito several years ago. Then went to Cuenca which we enjoyed very much.

Forgot to add (after Cuenca) that if you can yoyu should definitely go to the Galapagos (Ecuador is the jumping off point). It was fabulous. We went with Quest, a Canadian company. We've traveled with them since.

helenw - thanks for your reply. If you remember, what was the cost to go to the Galapagos? I'm reading $3000 (I think from Ecuador!) Too much for me. I wouldn't have thought it would be so costly if you're already in the vicinity.

Nancy,
I am leaving for Ecuador in August. Here are some ideas that I've been researching: Quito for 3 days; Casa Cultura for both lodging and food -- flat out terrific. Banos for the highlands + Amazon + sheer beauty. Hotels are a mixed bag ( I have a book reference if you would like it for this). Guayaquil is O.K.; commerical, industrial, etc. But, the "real" people live here; as opposed to the "Capital City". I would try it out for a day.
The coast on the Santa Elena Peninsula ---- not Salinas, too touristy --- but, Machillia (sp?) and, most imp., Isla de la Plata...this is your alternative to the Galapogos. Try Hosteria Alandaluz' (use Google search to get there) and you will like these prices. Finally, back in the just north of Quito area go to Otavalo. Be sure you get there for Saturday market (Wednesday is O.K. also). More info if you would find it helpful.

Nancy:

I booked a Galapagos Cruise for this September and it was under $3000. I think it depends on how many days you are going, what classification is the boat, how many passergers. Just do a search on google. I used this website and they were very helpful: http://www.guide2galapagos.com/
Another site I got a lot of information off of and they have a forum is:
http://www.igtoa.org/

JoeC - thank you, you've given me more places to investigate. I am forwarding your response to my cousin (she was in Ecuador a few years ago in the Peace Corps and has visited later a couple of times). She asked me to find "other" places to see. I'll come back if she has questions. Nancy

Peg - I checked out your first website and will investigate further. In my quick look, it seems I could do it much cheaper than I originally thought. If possible, I hate to pass up the opportunity when I'll be so close. Since you've done your research, would you mind telling me on which boat you booked? I'll be traveling solo, altho' in my quick search, I didn't notice single supplement prices. Thanks, Nancy

Nancy,.

I spent five weeks in Ecuador 2 years ago. Quito is nice, you could spend 2-3 days there and make sure that you get up to Otavala, it is a must!!! Also I spent a great deal of time in Cuenca and it is a beautiful city with nice museums. Guayaquil is hot, dirty, industrial and the only reason to go is to get to other areas around there. I have friends who are from Quito and they love to visit The Esmereldas, its an island or beach, can't remember which but very beautiful and their favorite spot. (they have been to galapagos also) I was unable get to the galapagos due to a transportation strike that lasted the last two weeks of our trip. (in fact it delayed my return to the US by 5 days. Lesson learned the hard way, try not to travel to any south american country during a planned stay of foreign dignataries if you can help it) But if you are that close to the galapagos it is a must if at all possible.

la consentida

I certainly agree that Octavala (spelling?) on market day is a must see.
Bring your camera.
The Galapagos are a once in a lifetime experience.

Thanks, consentida and TexJoe - I will definitely go to Otavalo and will just have to figure out how I can afford the Galapagos. So close yet, so expensive...

Hi Nancy:

We booked the Aida Maria, as we wanted something small and not expensive and not cheap either. It seemed like a good fit.

Peg, I just looked up for boat trip and it looks very good. Much less expensive than others I have looked at. I like the "small" boat idea, too. I would be very grateful if you would e-mail about your experience after your trip. [email protected]

Great places to visit in the Ecuadorian Andes are Quito, Cuenca, Ambato, Riobamba, Otavalo. Coast City's are Esmeraldas (Not an island) but it is on the coast therefore it includes the beach, Manta could be a nice place to see. Guayaquil is a sea port and a good tourist will find it interesting. Santo Domingo de los Colorados can be fun if you have the time. I hope you have a great time and find my country pleasant. Be careful the economy is not the best so crime is up. Take care and happy traveling.
Pink's :)

Thanks, Pink's - I have saved your suggestions in my Ecuador file. I really appreciate getting your advice and all others. Nancy

Nancy:

I wrote your e-mail down so I will try and remember to do that when I get back.