Hello all,
My husband and I are in the planning stages of a trip to Ecuador next summer. We are thinking 14 days and want to include the Galapagos.
From doing preliminary research, it looks like it's best to fly in/out of Quito for the Galapagos. That being said, we aren't dead set on staying in Quito very long - we're more interested in the natural beauty of Ecuador.
Any recommendations on places/timing/etc.? Sorry this is very broad - trying to just get an idea of where to start!
Thanks!
As you say I think Quito is the best city to fly in and out of. It is a much nicer city than Guayaquil and I especially like the old town of Quito.
Yes, it is a very broad question and it would be good to know more of your interests and budget.
Some places to recommend are Quilotoa for hiking between the villages in that area, Hacienda Los Mortiños and a visit to Cotopaxi National Park, and Baños for all fun things you can do there.
Quilotoa: http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/3fbdb/1839f3/
Hacienda Los Mortiños: http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/3fbdb/22ad24/
A couple of days in Mindo would also,be lovely especially if you like birds and butterflies and it is not too far from Quito. There have been numerous post by other on Mindo,if you do a search on this thread.
I just came back from Ecuador. I quite liked the old town of Quito. La Iglesia de Compania de Jesus is well worth seeing. The cathedral is worth a look too as is the presidential (Carondelet) palace. For the palace, they have tours abut every half hour, you go to the guard post and give them your passport or a photocopy and they give you a ticket to come back at the time on the next available tour. Free. There was another museum that wanted my passport also, again a photocopy was fine.
I found the National Museum (former Museo de Banco Central) to be disappointing. The Teleferico was enjoyable and gives a great view of the city and mountains. I understand there are hiking trails at the top; I didn't hike though.
I think Quito is worth 2-3 nights, and I'd recommend staying in the old town, I stayed at Hotel Patio Andaluz and it was quite nice.
