Galapagos and Avenue of Volcanoes advice

Thorn Tree forumCountry forumsSouth AmericaEcuador & the Galapagos Islands
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KatM94
KatM94

Hi,

I'm planning a trip to South America around June, starting in Quito.
I'll be spending about 10 or so days in Quito then a little while in Cotopaxi National Park. I'll then be flying to the Galapagos for about 2 weeks.
I'm on a budget, but I also want to experience as much of the Galapagos as I can. Is it easier/cheaper to book a tour when I get there? I've left 14 days so I have time to find one once I get there. Is this the best way to go, instead of booking from more expensive tour companies in advance? Any advice?

After this, I want to make my way down from Quito to Cuenca before getting on a bus to Lima, Peru. I've left 5 days to get from Quito to Cuenca because I want to stop off at some of the places and hike/see the Avenue of Volcanoes. Any advice for this would be great as I'm not sure how to go about it, whether to do it on my own, catch buses and stay at hostels, or whether it would be better to do a tour.

Cheers! Any tips and advice it greatly appreciated! :)

-Kat.

Edited by KatM94
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jgcp
jgcp

Were you planning on spending 10 days in Quito itself or did this include day trips from the city as well? Or were you doing something else in these 10 days? Your really only need 3-4 maximum in Quito but there are quite a few day trips you can of from the city too if basing yourself in the city...

You might find a travelling companion doing much the same thing as you if you are lucky then you won't have to take a tour.. How is your Spanish? If OK then don't do the tour thing because you aren't free to do what you want like lingering in a place as bit longer because you like it there...

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KatM94
KatM94
In response to #1

It includes day trips, just using the time to get over jet lag, settle in and see the area.
My Spanish isn't great, but I'm planning to at least be fluent in all the basics by the time I leave.
Thanks for the tip!

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zeg81
zeg81

Yes, book when you arrive in Santa Cruz. Most of the boats tend to depart Thursday to Sunday I discovered. As a solo female it is easy to get a last minute deal for a much cheaper price than if you book ahead. I'd personally look at flying into Baltra and out of San Cristobal. It's easy to get from Baltra airport to Puerto Ayora but the return journey requires a cab as buses only depart for airport early morning. You could always do a couple of dives from Santa Cruz island while you are waiting for a cruise and visit tortuga bay and Charles Darwin research centre

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KatM94
KatM94
In response to #3

Great! Thanks so much for the tips! That's what I was hoping to hear. I can't wait!

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