Greetings~
I am planning on traveling around Ecuador with my cousin and our two mothers for about two weeks. We would love to go on a cultural tour- visiting villages, markets, etc. I have read through many posts here along with researching happygringo, ola, etc., but I would LOVE your advice.
Happy Gringo has a tour that goes the following places: Quito, Otavalo, villages around Otavalo, Cuenca, Ingapirca ruins, back to Quito. However, I am wondering if it would be better to do these things, plus a few more on our own and book tours once we are there. Also, is it worth it to go to the Galapagos Islands for 3 days or shorter? Our mothers are not in the best of shape so we will probably stay away from lots of hiking, etc.
Also, what other places should we visit? (La Mitad del Mundo, Santo Domingo del los Colorados, Banos, Saragua, Loja). Is it best to have a central place and take day trips or take buses to places?
We all have traveled a lot and Spanish.
I would greatly appreciate any suggestions, ideas, help you may be able to provide.
Many thanks, Audra
Am in Ecuador now - great place. IO went with Gulliver tours for a day tour to Otavalo, including two volnaos lakes and peguche waterfalls - 20 usd ea, good value. Mitad del mundo is great for an afternoon, make sure u go to the place about 200 metres up the road where they show the experiments.
On advice from krazy, we went to visit the womens prison - awsome experience. Open wed sat and sun arvos, and you can tour the place and talk with the foreighners there. If u want more info let me know.
Quito - Otavalo - Banos - Cuenca - Vilcabamba and if you must the Nariz del Diable train ride - though i find it over-rated. That should fill your two weeks nicely - you could even throw in a bit of Amazon if you wanted.
Hello
Do not forget to visit the Jungle in fact if the Andeans were not int he middle of the country the whole country would be just like the jungle, Puyo city is just one hour from Baños and it is pure jungle, torus can acommodate any interests and interests from Wildlife to pure adventure walks, big rivers etc. or calmed jungle sunsets! you name it
if interested do not hesitate to buzz! ;-)
All the best!
David V
trusted partner
