Hi eliyakim. We just got back from Ecuador in November and decided to skip the Galapagos as well. Though I am sure it would have been amazing, it would probably be for another time and with more money. It seems like you spend the whole trip there alone.
We opted to tour around the other parts of the country and found some amazing places. Guayaquil was not one of them... :)
I've written about our favourite places here: http://hub.me/aj29A
Enjoy your trip!
Hi Stephanie, I started reading the nice report you wrote for the above country. I plan to print it and read it at my leisure time and place. How long approximately would you suggest to visit Ecuador with no rush and skipping the Galapagos? I spent 2 months in Colombia with no rush and visiting San Andres island. Also what would you suggest to do prior to land on the highest city in the world? Would you suggest me to start with Guayaquil which has nothing to offer only to get familiar with the altitude and arriving by bus? I know Guayaquil is not high. Thanks again.
I would fly in to Quito and spend a couple of days there acclimatising and sightseeing around the the city. If you fly into Guayaquil you would still have to acclimatise yourself if you want to explore the sierra unless of course you head off to Cuenca and spend a couple of days there before heading north.... Guayaquil is sea level so is of no benefit at all for acclimatising if you are travelling up into the Andes. It is a pity you have not decided to spend a couple of weeks in Galapagos and then 2-3 weeks on the mainland afterwards or before...Ecuador is a small country so it will be easier to see a bit of most of everything you want in less time than you took in Colombia without any rush...
It really depends on what your interests are as to what you will want do in Ecuador... distances aren't huge like in other countries so enjoy your trip...
Hi Stephanie, thanks for sharing your travel link. I have just printed the report and will read it at my leisure time. I decided to get back to all Thorn Tree old emails and print the important documents/comments from all the nice travelers. I booked my trip to Ecuador and the islands with my miles. I will decide there if I would go or not. Thanks.
hi, I do not know if i have already replied to your note. I booked my flight to Ecuador and the Galapagos with my miles.
I will check the cost in Quito or upon arrival on the island. Thanks for your comments. I am printing them.
This topic has been automatically locked due to inactivity. Email community@lonelyplanet.com if you would like to add to this topic and we'll unlock it for you.