If you could go to one place in Ecuador, other than the Galapagos, where would you go?

I am thinking about a 3-5 day pre-Galapagos trip in the first week of June. We are fairly well-traveled seniors interested in native culture and wildlife. My husband is unable to do long hikes.

I'm looking at Napo Wildlife Center (but it would be very wet and I'm not sure we would see any animals really) and have read that Cuenca is nice (but is it that much nicer than the old town of Quito)? We spent 6 weeks touring Peru (including 2 weeks downriver from Quitos) -- so I'm looking for a unique experience that would not repeat what we already have seen.

All comments or suggestions appreciated.

Cuenca is very nice, which is possibly why it attracts a lot of expat retirees from N. America. Nicer than Old Town Quito? Not as much to see but worth a couple of days. Parque Nacional de Cajas is nearby which is beautiful but not sure if it is possible to see that much of it without a fair amount of hiking (I could be wrong!).

Otavalo and Mindo are fairly close to Quito. I haven't been to Mindo but it is famed for its cloud forest and bird life ( mlgb has been and hopefully will comment).

Really loved our time in Otavalo staying at La Luna. We did some long hikes which where quite tough at that altitude but I believe there are some much shorter ones around the villages. The Saturday market is fantastic for the local colour, especially the animal market. Click on the excellent trip report by yestravel who is on her way there at the moment. http://www.fodors.com/community/sout...m#last-comment

I didn't care for Quito and much preferred Cuenca. But as crellston said there is more to see in Quito. I think you can see el Cajas without serious hiking.
In addition to crellston's comments, the villages around Otavalo are interesting to visit. The animal market was fascinating. We do't look for wildlife, but don't recall seeing any anywhere during our month in Ecuador .

Thanks for the shout ou, crellston. We have been to Otavalo and are now home--just haven't finished the TR.

Thank you both for your suggestions. I've heard that the villages around Otavalo are very pretty -- and that is what we will do. Thanks Crellston for the metion of Yestravel's Trip Report -- going to read it right now.

My daughter and I are spending two weeks in the Galapagos Islands (one week visiting friends and working at a school, and one week on a cruise.) We are spending another week based in Quito, taking a day trip to Mindo and and an overnight trip to Otavalo. I considered the rain forest but decided against it (we'll we warm enough in the Galapagos!) I can't wait to see Yestravel's trip report for Otavalo!

I enjoyed Baños, as well as daytrips from Cuenca (where you can go to Gualaceo market). Cuenca has the usual photogenic veg market in the center of town and is less intense than Quito but of course can't match sites like La Compania.

If you want hummingbird sightings then Mindo (Mindo Gardens has feeders) or take a short trip to Guango Lodge on the Andes east slope. It might also be possible to spend a night at Guango although they do book up.

Quito is interesting in the old town and the HoHo bus is good. Hotel choice and weather can make a difference in perception. I liked it, but then I like cities (Lima too).

Skip Mitad del Mundo.