I'm not quite clear on the issues relating to the post Galapagos itinerary.

Do you think you have to stay in Quito because you need to retrieve luggage after the Galapagos?

One solution is to just stay near the airport the night before you fly to the Galapagos. On your return, retrieve your luggage on your way to spending the next few nights in Otavalo, and return to Quito for the final night before you fly home.

There are some nice places near the airport, although there isn't anything to do out there (or anywhere to eat, much although most places will be happy to provide dinner). I stayed at Hacienda Su Merced in Puembo (if you feel a need to stay at a Hacienda) and also Hostal Posada Mirolindo in Tababela. The latter had very well behaved neighborhood dogs and they included airport pickup and return in the pricing. Two lovely sisters manage it, you can book directly on their website www.posadamirolindo.com or use booking.com

Just to be clear, mlgb, we have already said that we don't want to be moving from hotel to hotel and your suggestion does exactly that. As I said, I realize from my own research that we can store bags at the airport and that is one of the reasons not to stay in Quito. We will need to have laundry done, so that is very much an issue. Given that Hacienda Cusin is pretty much as close to the new airport as Quito it seems to make sense to stay there for our 4 nights (3 full days) after our cruise. It looks like we can get to Cotapaxi for a day trip, if we are so inclined and there are many other options for spending time at a relaxing pace in the area.

It sounded to me like you were daytripping every where from Quito, which I didn't understand at all.

I didn't suggest that you move every day. I did suggest that you pick up your luggage after you fly in from Quito and continue on to Otavalo. I wouldn't want to go from Otavalo to the airport if you have an early flight, though. Or even from downtown Quito to the airport.

I'm not sure how the need to do laundry would dictate hotel choice. I have yet to stay at even the smallest hostal that doesn't offer laundry service to guests.

But please, don't let my experience be of any assistance, since you clearly already have decided what to do!

Hi mlgb, my plan is evolving based on your input and others. Don't think that what you say is not important to me or to others that look to this thread for info just because I attempt to clarify my concerns. I have been posting on Fodors for many years and my experience has been that not everybody reads the entire thread for background before they post.

Anyway, I have now confirmed we can do laundry, so we are good to go at Hacienda Cusin. Our flight departs Quito at 8 am and we would be happy to get up very early rather than have to move to another place for one night. From your experience, is this a reasonable plan?

Having been through some horrendous weather/traffic (twice) on the way to the airport, my preference is to stay nearby. I would look into February weather, I have been in Sept and May/June. Not February. Wind and /or torrential downpours would be my concern.

I appreciate your reply.

FWIW I used Runa Tupari for excursions around Otavalo. They do Cuycocha as well as workshop visits. Did not inquire re horses.

Our weather in Feb was quite nice. Light rain in the far South and light winds. How far is your place from the Quito airport? The airport had a Wyndham that should be open by Feb. it looked to be nearing completion when we were there. Other than that there are no airport hotels. A bunch are about 10-20 minutes away.

yest - according to the website, it is 70 minutes to the airport. I would probably allow for 2 hours regardless, but we always overcompensate, just to be safe...

I'd say if you don't mind getting up early, there should be no traffic that early. Also if you are coming from the direction of Otavalo, you don't have to go into Quito

I've had it take 1.5 hours from the JW Marriott to the airport! (It was raining).

Coming from Otavalo is probably better than coming from Quito Central.

Here is your climate average for Pichincha..thunderstorms are the biggest concern.

https://weatherspark.com/averages/33...hincha-Ecuador