brmsimmons

Hi gang, I'm heading to Ecuador for the first time for 1 week in mid April and I'm looking for itinerary advice.Wearrive late on a Friday night and will be leaving late on a Friday the following week I'm looking for advice on how to arrange by itinerary for the week looking to visit Quito, Mashpi Lodge(going on assignment for 2 nights) and a hacienda in the Andean highlands(currently looking at Hacienda Santa Ana and Hacienda Cusin but open to other suggestions.) We are an active couple in our late 30's who enjoy all manner of food from street food to fine dining, wildlife,hiking, and photography.

Right now I'm looking at 2 nights Quito, 2 nights Mashpi, 1 night Quito, 2 nights Hacienda; does this look doable? As always all advice is appreciated!

crellston

It certainly looks doable. Had a quick look at your accomodation choices and they look fantastic! I assume, given your time constraints, I assume that you will be travelling by car between locations? If so, I would investigate the possibility of going direct from the mashpi to Cotopaxi thus avoiding the middle night in Quito. Getting in and out of Quito by bus is a real pain.

I have to say Quito itself is not my favourite South American city, but the old town had plenty of interest for a very full day. On a clear day, a trip to Teleferico is also worth considering for the fantastic panoramas of the city. Personally I wouldn't bother with Mitad del Mundo.

yestravel

We just returned from a month in the Andean Highlands and it is beautiful. I echo all of crellston's comments. Definitely consider driving instead of using buses & if you can avoid going back to Quito that would be great. Quito has horrible traffic. Roads in the highlands are very good and driving is quicker yet allows you to travel at your own pace and stop along the way.

In Otavalo we stayed in a wonderful place, Ali Shungu Mountaintop Lodge. I haven't completed our TR, but you can read about Quito and other stops up to our visit in Cotopaxi.
http://www.fodors.com/community/sout...in-ecuador.cfm

brmsimmons

thanks crellston and yestravel, the only reason I was considering the middle night in Quito is that Mashpi's included transportation brings me back to Quito at about 1330. Would a 1500 pickup to go to my hacienda be advisable or just stick with my original plan of overnighting in Quito?

yestravel

Are you arriving in Quito at 1330? where are they dropping you? Is thereyou would be picked up? Are you having a driver at 1500?

brmsimmons

Yes the arranged transportation would drop me off at one of 4 hotels at 1330 and I would then arrange for a driver at 1500. I haven't booked my hacienda yet.

yestravel

I would think that should work. I wouldnt spend a night in Quito -- but then I didnt care for Quito.

crellston

I agree. Get a car straight out to Cotapaxi. An extra night there will increase your chances of seeing the volcano peaks by 50%. Not always possible because of the low cloud and mist.