We are a group of six friends and will be traveling to Ecuador in April. We have our flights booked but that is it. We are very active and would like to do a bit of hiking. I would welcome any suggestion as how to break up my days for a first trip to Ecuador. Thanks

http://www.ecuadorexplorer.com/html/...ing_tours.html

Cotopaxi perhaps Old Quito maybe a little Cuenca/Banos

Not a lot of time though...

www.blacksheepinn.com/highlights.htm

pretty cool place to base for Cotopaxi...

Thanks for the information. I am going to take a look at it. I am sure I will have more questions. I know I don't have enough time.. that always seems to be my problem.

ttraveller,

I'm in the process of booking a 5 day stay in Ecuador prior to a Galapagos cruise. We've looked at trips that combine the Chiva Express with a road trip to the historic town of Cuenca which looks a great destination.

The Hostal San Jorge http://www.hostsanjorge.com.ec/ combines great birdwatching and walking opportunities close to Quito.

There is also the possibility of a visit to one of the Amazon lodges out of Coca.

The hot springs are another destination popular with travellers and zip-lining is available at Bellavista or Mindo and also in conjunction with a Chiva Express daytrip.

We have decided to spend 4 nights in Quito and do day trips from the city to Cotapaxi, Bellavista Cloud Forest and Otavalo Market. It was a difficult decision to choose between a Quito based day trip agenda and the possibility of hiring a vehicle and driver and doing a short tour of Quito surrounds. This is part of an 8 week trip to South America that has a lot of flying and we have tried to minimise 1 and 2 night stops. Therefore, we are considering Los Alpes, http://quitolosalpes.com/ and the day trip option.

Cheers,


Pol

Thanks for you reply. I am considering staying a couple of days at the San Jorge lodges and then going to Otavalo. We enjoy hiking and horseback riding so although I would love to go to Cotopaxi it might just be easier for us to stay in one place. Enjoy your trip.. sounds wonderful