Ecuador without the Galapagos
Replies: 4 - Last Post: Sep 30, 2012 4:31 PM Last Post By: nihaoxiongmao
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I recently travelled south through Ecuador without visiting the Galapagos - partly due to lack of funds and partly so I can do it in style when I'm a little older.
Despite that I had a fantastic time there and wanted to share some highlights to others possible passing through such as climbing to the roof of a church in Quito, mountain biking down Cotopaxi, losing my breath at Quilotoa, driving a buggy to waterfalls near Banos and watching whales dance offshore for just $20.
Here are some of my favourite pictures that I hope will encourage you to visit or get you excited about a trip there.
http://michaelpalinsfault.wordpress.com/2012/09/09/ecuador-without-the-galapagos/
Despite that I had a fantastic time there and wanted to share some highlights to others possible passing through such as climbing to the roof of a church in Quito, mountain biking down Cotopaxi, losing my breath at Quilotoa, driving a buggy to waterfalls near Banos and watching whales dance offshore for just $20.
Here are some of my favourite pictures that I hope will encourage you to visit or get you excited about a trip there.
http://michaelpalinsfault.wordpress.com/2012/09/09/ecuador-without-the-galapagos/
1
you sound like me. I originally wanted to include Galapagos in my trip too, but just couldn't afford it. Your itinerary looks similar to mine. I'm not leaving until November though so I'll miss the whales in Puerto Lopez but will go anyways and visit Isla de la plata as well. Great photos!2
Great photos! Thanks for posting them :) I was able to go to the Galapagos during my time in Ecuador (4 months)...but if time/money is short they are worth a separate trip.@ Thalo - You are going to love ecuador! Here are some tips:
Quito: http://www.boundlesstraveler.com/quito-ecuado/
Banos: http://www.boundlesstraveler.com/banos-ecuador-who-else-wants-more-adventure-for-less-money/
3
thanks for the links. Can't wait for my adventure to begin. Still a little worried about traveling by bus alone with all the horror stories I keep reading. I've traveled by bus extensively in Mexico with no trouble but I guess it may be different in South America.By the way nihaoxiongmao how did you go about finding a boat to take you to Isla de plata. $20 is a steal. I think Machalilla tours quoted me $40-$45 for a trip to the island.
4
I've gone from Cancun in Mexico to La Paz in Bolivia pret much just by bus and had no issues except the odd break down. Touch wood no issues for the rest of my trip.I stayed at a hotel called Flipper - ignore the people who say it has closed at the bus stop. Run by a lovely old woman and her son who has a tour agent in front. Speak to him and he should sort you out for $20. My tour was semi busy so maybe at a quieter time you might pay a few dollars more.
Enjoy your trip!
