Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands

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May 30, 2013 8:05 AM
Frida1

last reply
May 30, 2013 9:22 AM
Frida1

0 replies
80 views
location: Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands

Los Cedros Reserve

Has anyone been to Los Cedros Reserve in the Ecuadorian cloud forest? Any feedback? It looks interesting, and I'm thinking of doing a 3 day tour there.

Edited by: Frida1

May 30, 2013 7:25 AM
Steve1365

last reply
May 31, 2013 4:27 AM
Steve1365

2 replies
173 views
location: Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands

So I assume once in Quito and having researched the boats or trips that I like I will have no problem finding an agent to sell me a trip. Or is there an area where they are kind of grouped together? Anything that I should be particular careful about? As to bookings. We have been in South America a lot but not here so appreciate the feedback and your time
Thanks
Steve

May 30, 2013 6:12 AM
fennyy

last reply
Jun 8, 2013 12:28 PM
2digitalnomads

3 replies
225 views
location: Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands

Diving live aboard in Galapagos

I am currently planning a one-week liveaboard in July 2013 with my fiancé. Most of the posts here seem to be about non-diving cruises. Would like to know if it would be more advisable to book a tour when I reach Ecuador, or is it better to pre-book. We have some flexibility in our schedule so can afford to wait for a more value option, but safety is still our priority.

What I have found so far cost more than $5k per person for a week, and I am hoping to look to something more value.

Would be great if any one can throw out some recommended names of liveaboard that I can start looking at as well. Thanks!

May 29, 2013 3:26 PM
Steve1365

last reply
May 30, 2013 5:35 AM
ghman

4 replies
282 views
location: Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands

Galapagos Quito or no Quito

New Quito Airport Go or not go

The plan, My wife and I plan to fly in to Quito find a last minuet cruse to the Galapagos. So here is the question Now that the airport is over an hour from town do we need to go there to find a cruse agent ? Or is that information to be found around the airport. Can you recommend an hotel near the airport or Quito it we need to go there for booking information Arriving in early Nov. Definitely want to hit the islands during the low season . Lastly like to spend some I would like to spend extra days in Santa Cruz and Puerto Villamil . Or other island suggested locations.
Thanks Steve1365

May 29, 2013 11:20 AM
outdoors90

last reply
May 30, 2013 12:41 PM
lesoto

1 replies
141 views
location: Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands

ECUADOR - Climbing and adventures activities

Hi,
I am planning to be in Ecuador for the first two weeks of June. Plan is to climb Cotopaxi and Chimborazo in the second week. First week will do some hikes to acclimatize and do some adventures sport like mountain biking and zip lining etc.
If anyone is going to be there at the same time and is interested in doing these let me know, I will be really happy to have a partner. Will be staying in Quito for most of the trip. Can change my plans if you have something exciting planned out and want a partner.
Take Care
-UD

May 29, 2013 1:39 AM
sirandrew799

last reply
May 29, 2013 9:34 PM
snowflakes100

4 replies
307 views
location: Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands

Ecuador Itinerary advice

Dear Friends,

I am preparing a trip to SA and for Ecuador (I will arrive from Peru and then head to Columbia) I have come up with this itinerary:

Day 1) Cuenca

Day 2) Cuenca

Day 3) El Cajas Park - one day trek

Day 4) Banos

Day 5) Banos - Ruta de las cascada by bike

Day 6) Banos - either Tungurahua volcano or rafting in Tena - which one is better?

Day 7) Quito

Day 8) Quito

Day 9) Trek the Quilotoa Loop

Day 10) Trek the Quilotoa Loop

Day 11) Trek the Quilotoa Loop

Day 12) Trek the Quilotoa Loop - on a person's blog I have found that he did it in 3Nights \ 4 Days and it was really nice (the path, the communities he met etc)

Day 13) Mountain Biking the Cotopaxi volcano

Day 14) Leaving Quito

Please make your comments on my itinerary, but be aware that Galapagos is out of question as the price is not affordable.

I have also taken into accou... more »

May 28, 2013 11:10 AM
kellyc0502

last reply
Jun 5, 2013 8:44 PM
Skiman1980

1 replies
165 views
location: Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands

Last minute Galapagos cruise in Aug

I know it's an age old debate whether to pre book or wait until arriving in Ecuador but does anyone have personal experience trying to get a last minute deal in August? I'm aware this is busy season and wondered how difficult it might be to get a cruise last minute?

My timing is pretty flexible, land 1st Aug and planning on spending a month in Ecuador with no fixed itinery but I'd like to avoid backtracking as much as possible.

Any insights greatly appreciated for thia time of year.

May 27, 2013 10:00 PM
janelleg

last reply
Jun 8, 2013 12:27 PM
2digitalnomads

4 replies
336 views
location: Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands

Galapagos Day tours

Hi everyone,

Just trying to set up a bit of a budget for the Galapagos in a few weeks. Generally speaking on average how much do day trips out of Puerto Ayora cost? i realize that there are many variables (where you are going, what activities you are doing, meals vs no meals) but on average how much for a day trip with some sightseeing/hiking /snorkelling?

thankyou!

May 26, 2013 10:33 PM
cords96

last reply
May 26, 2013 10:36 PM
cords96

0 replies
127 views
location: Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands

Eco-tourism in the Galapagos Islands

For people who have been to the Galapagos Islands or work there, is it an ecofriendly place?
The definition of ecotourism is:
"Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people."

Would you say this applies to the Galapagos Islands? If yes, what precautions are taken to ensure the environment is kept conserved. If not, how so? Are there already visible signs and deterioration of the island from tourists?

Principles of Ecotourism

-Minimize impact.
-Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect.
-Provide positive experiences for both visitors and hosts.
-Raise sensitivity to host countries' political, environmental, and social climate.

Edited by: cords96

May 26, 2013 8:25 PM
afisher800

last reply
Jun 1, 2013 3:12 PM
tommeetucker

3 replies
252 views
location: Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands

jungle experience wanted

We are a family of 5 traveling overland from Peru thru Loja and on to Banos. We should arrive in Banos about Saturday June 21, and we are flying out of Quito on July 4. We do want the experience of experiencing the Amazon jungle particularly interested both in the nature and in indigenous communities, but also need a few days in Quito and the highlands. . We are on limited income (mid-range hotels generally). Any suggestions on how to handle this are appreciated.
Allan

May 26, 2013 3:08 AM
scottyheather

last reply
Jun 8, 2013 12:27 PM
2digitalnomads

6 replies
329 views
location: Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands

How to pre-book Galapagos Islands day trips

Hi folks

First off, thanks heaps for all the advice I've been given so far on the whole South America branch of TT - it's really appreciated.

Now for a question...... We have booked our flights for an eight day trip to the Galapagos Islands and given the short amount of time we'll be there, we'd like to see if we can pre-book some day trips (eg Bartolome and Kicker Rock). I've been trying to find information on the net but there seems to be a real lack of information regarding day trips - I can find heaps of stuff relating to expensive cruises - but that's not what we want.

What we'd like is to find information about how to pre-book a daytrip to Bartolome from Santa Cruz and then one to Kicker Rock preferably from San Cristobal (as we are flying out from there anyway). Does anyone know of a relatively reputable agent who we can contact about this please? We don't want to ha... more »

May 26, 2013 3:07 AM
meshboi

last reply
May 27, 2013 4:07 AM
meshboi

2 replies
162 views
location: Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands

DOCUMENTS FOR ECUADOR

Last few days till I head to Ecuador ..

Just wondering if I need any paperwork to carry with me for the airport officials in Quito..
I realise that I don't require a visa to Ecuador , but not sure if There's any additional paperwork which might get asked by the authorities there.
Also is it mandatory to get a yellow fever vaccine to enter Ecuador ?

i'm coming from india and have an indian passport..

So if anyone has this info , please let me know..

Thanks

May 24, 2013 1:52 PM
carlycap8294

last reply
May 28, 2013 4:24 PM
michinook

2 replies
254 views
location: Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands

Ecuadorian Amazon lodge advice

I am looking to go to the Amazon for 4-6 days. From my understanding it is best to stay at a lodge and take day hikes into the jungle? I am looking for a low budget place to stay...not looking for any luxury in the jungle. Perhaps more hostel-like, and less resort-like. Want to focus on the forest as much as possible. I am a little overwhelmed on which area to focus on and finding a place to stay.

Any recommendations?

May 22, 2013 7:45 PM
buzkashiboy

last reply
May 31, 2013 2:04 PM
NicoleAAS

4 replies
282 views
location: Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands

Tips for Andes trekking/Amazon accomodations in Ecuador

Hi everyone. I am currently planning a 2-week trip for a group of friends in Ecuador. Our main objectives are to do a short trek and spend some time in the Amazon. I have a tentative itinerary below, but I was wondering if anyone had any tips for treks in the Andes and lodges or other accommodations in the Amazon. We're a group of recent college grads looking for low budget (but not necessarily shoestring) options, but we are willing to splurge on aspects of the trip. Thanks!

Tentative Itinerary
August 2-4: Quito
August 5-8: Trek at Cotopaxi volcano
August 9: Quito
August 10-13: Amazon
August 14: Back to Quito

May 22, 2013 10:27 AM
aardbeienjazz

last reply
May 25, 2013 6:46 PM
Karenaventures

6 replies
285 views
location: Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands

One Month Itinerary 60-year-olds

Hi all,

I'm planning an Ecuador-trip for my 60-year-old parents in law. They are travelling a month in Ecuador during Oktober this year. They will arrive in Quito and leave in Guayaquil. They are in a relatively fit shape.

I spent the last few days researching a lot about Ecuador and came up with the following itinerary:

Quito (3 days)
Mindo (2 days) - Visiting El Mitad Del Mundo on the way
Otavalo (1 day)
Pappalacta (1 day)
Cuyabeno (5 days) - Staying in a jungle lodge
Latacunga (1 day) - To see the Quilotola Lake
Cuenca (5 days) - Spending a little more days here because they will be visiting their daughter here
Guayaquil (2 days)
Galapagos (7 days)

This makes 27 days in total. This means they have 4 or 5 more days to spend somewhere. Is there a place where they should spend more time? Or is there a very nice place that is not in my itinerary that is worth visit... more »

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