I am planning a trip to Ecuador for early October, and will be there for 12 days, not counting the travel days to and from. We are most interested in colonial towns, markets, general sightseeing, some hiking (up to a few hours for a day - hike, not heavy duty). Not interested in going to Galapagos or rainforest - sticking to the highlands.<BR><BR>Here is our rough itinerary -<BR><BR>Quito for 2 full days <BR><BR>One day bus from Quito to Riobamba <BR><BR>One day Nariz del Diablo train, then bus to Cuenca<BR><BR>Cuenca for two full days (fly back to Quito)<BR><BR>Two days Quito<BR><BR>Two days Otavalo for market<BR><BR>Time in Quito would probably include a day trip or 2 - to equator and maybe to nearby volcano<BR><BR>Anyone have an opinion on this plan?<BR><BR>Any recommended hotels? Looking at moderate to upper level (for Ecaudor) hotels - maybe Mansion del Angel or Villa Nancy or Cafe Cultura in Quito; Crespo in Cuenca; Ali Shungu in Otavlao. Any thoughts on these or others?? <BR><BR>Thanks!

We have the main hotels such as Hilton, Marriott, HoJo in Quito. Also a nice one called OroVerde in Cuenca. I think Crespo is good. Not sure about Riobamba. I can give you a few local websites if your interested. Please email. Your itinerary sounds good.

I was there in late September 98. The only place we went where you'll be going is Cuenca. Great little town - you will love it. We had a friend in the Peace Corps in Azoques, so our experience was broadened by the time we spent with locals (we went there for his wedding to a local). People are great, scenery is just amazing. We enjoyed the highlands more than the beach area (we flew into Guayaquil). Anyway, we walked by the Hotel Crespo, and it looked very nice - I believe our friends stayed there on their wedding night. Enjoy!

Hi,<BR><BR>Cuenca is Beautifull, we did it just after our Nariz del Diablo train ride, we arranged the bus ride on the train, some guys passed by, easy to arrange.<BR>Going back and we will stay at Cafecito.<BR>good cheap food,<BR>Otavalo, we stayed at Rivera Sucre,<BR>we enjoyed it a lot, will be back there.<BR>we liked the location, quiet.<BR>You have to include BA&Ntilde;OS in your trip, nice easy hiking there, at the foot of a volcano, el Tungurhaua, loved it.<BR>In Quito, we stayed at CASA SOL, very good location and safe, Friendly,<BR>www.casasol.com I think. that is how I found it. they met me at the airport upon arrival, at midnight it was safer.

Banos is a must, quaint little town with easy hiking; horseback, market, rafting.etc...