Ecuador and Machu Picchu

Hi,
Im planning a trip to Ecuador and Peru in March 2014.
Anybody know of a trustworthy, local agent in Ecuador that can arrange a trip including
Quito, the Galapagos, Cusco and Machu Picchu for about 3 weeks.

What would you say is the best time to visit the Galapagos? I read that March have calmer water compared to July...
Thanks

Trekking Salta and Nevado de Chañi

Hello all,

I livein Antofagasta and will have 8-9 days free and I'd like to head to Salta to do some trekking, if possible. I am wondering what are the best 2-3 days hikes one can do in the region (Jujuy/Salta/others). I will be with a buddy, we are experienced trekkers and would like to not have to rely on a guide. What resources are available to people like us (maps, transportation options)?

I am also looking into climbing the Nevado de Chañi, though information as to how to get to it and back seem quite scarce. Does anyone have any information about the climb? We are going in August and I understand it will be very cold, but hopefully dry. Is Chañi snowcapped at this time?

Thank you very much, and I am open to other options as well as to how to spend 8-9 days in the region using public transportation.

money exchange

What is the best way to travell with money in Columbia are the ATM's easily available do they except dollars or do i need to bring columbian cash with me
any answers would be appreciated thanks

check out all of these new destinations....

hola my friends, I am updating the places where I have been, in case you like to check them and go on by yourself. Most of them are paradise, if you need any information on how to get there, transportation, accommodation, local guides, things to do, ... you can let me know i will be very happy to advice you.

my next post will be my plan for this year. if you wanna join me also you can do it. I speak english and of course spanish ejjeje.

center-north: chia, guasca, suesca, zipaquira, ubate, chiquinquira, florian, velez, Barbosa, puente nacional, raquira, villa de Leyva, socorro, san gil, barichara, guarne, pinchote, Bucaramanga, giron, Lebrija, Barrancabermeja, cucuta, san Alberto, aguachica, curumani, lpaz, Valledupar, uribia, Riohacha, cabo de la vela, santamarta, Aracataca, barranquilla, Cartagena,

center-west: Madrid, la vega, facatativa, villeta, honda, la dorada, mariq... more »

Itinerary suggestion for 2 weeks in Peru and Bolivia

My plan is to take a flight from Santiago de Chile to Cuzco (via Lima). I have 2 weeks time, and I am interest of titicaca and Machu Picchu. Plan is to go with busfrom cuzco to La Paz, Bolivia.

Can you help me with itinenary?
How many days need to spend Cuzco and Puno?
Is there something interesting places nearby I should maybe visit?

Is machu picchu a day trip from Cuzco, or how many days I need for that?

I planned to stay at La Paz maybe only 3 days, just wanted to visit salt desert.

This is not easy job for me, thanks in advance.

Still issues to use credit cards?

Hi
In January, issues to use credit cards in Ecuador were reported. ATMs seemed not to recognize cards, and the only bank that accepted credit cards is Banco Boliviano.
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/thread.jspa?threadID=2294469
I found this information also on the page of the German foreign office.
Is this information still correct? In which banks can I get cash with maestro/VISA/MC? Where can I pay with a cc then?
Thanks a lot
J

Gold Bond Powder in Santiago (or similar)?

Anyone know if they sell a product like Gold Bond Medicated 'Foot' Powder down in Santiago. It's a 'foot' powder, but it's no secret that it's magical.

Heading to Africa soon and the thought Africa with no Gold Bond is a bit scary :)

Thanks.