Quilotoa Loop Qs and Guaranda to Salinas (Mtns)

I am sorry I cant remember a lot of details about the trip we made but it was completely do able (and we did it on easter weekend!) But what I do remember is that the Lonely planet seemed to list hikes that were "moderate" however, taking into effect the altitude, and the fact that the sun goes down around 6 everynight you may want to speak to someone who has done the trek directly. I do remember that the lonely planet was WAY off in most of the information that it gave about the hikes (distance, degree of ease etc). I believe that there had been some additional buses added since the last lonely planet was published. But word to the wise be at the bus station early cause if you miss your bus your stranded for a while. Unfortunately the tours to that area are expensive ($120 for 3 days!) but the locals in the area are nice but not very outgoing if you dont speak Spanish though!

Be prepared for the bus journey in this area-my bus was crammed and people sat on the roofs (mainly because it was easter) however there were a lot of turns that the bus had to evacuate because we only had 3 wheels on the road and the ther one was hanging over the other side of the mountain.

But like travelling anywhere keep your sense of humour and your patience and you will make out just fine.

I went to Quilotoa back in July.

At that time there were two daily buses to Chugchilan. Both left from the main terminal in Latacunga. The first left at 11:30 am and the second left at 12 noon.

Once in Chugchilan I think there were daily buses at like 3:30 and 4:30 in the morning. On Sunday there was an additional 10 am bus.

While in Chugchilan I stayed at the Black Sheep Inn. I'd recommend it, but there are a few other places to stay there as well. I bring this up only because the Black Sheep Inn organized transportation for us. So if we wanted to go to Quilotoa in the morning, they would get a pick up truck for us. If other people wanted to go to Saquisili, the people at the Black Sheep would arrange transport for them as well. On leaving Chugchilan, the Inn arranged transport for us all the back to Quito. There was 10 of us in total and it cost 10 or 12 dollars each.

Also, if I remember correctly, there is more frequent transport from Saquisili to Latacunga. Sorry, I don't remember the specifics.

Check out this address for more info on making the trip around the loop : http://www.blacksheepinn.com/Location.htm<BR><BR><b>Ambato to Guaranda</b>

I did this trip last April on my Vespa. The sky was gray and I could barely make out Chimborazo from behind the mtn of clouds. Even so, the area was beautiful and the road is paved the entire way. I only stayed about an hour in Guaranda and then I rode the Vespa to Salinas. The road to Salinas is dirt, actually it was mud because it was raining and there were small landslides... but I did it on a Vespa, so you should really have no problem.

As for Salinas itself... it will be what you make it to be. You can tour all the factories in about half a day, and that includes time to gorge yourself on cheese and chocolates. The rest of my time there I spent talking to the locals and exploring the countryside. It's beautiful and definitely less touristy than Quilotoa, but you also won't find any crater lakes and canyons that are as dramatic as they are around Quilotoa and Chugchilan. To compensate however, find a way to explore the road beyond Salinas. It opens up onto the slopes of the eastern andes and offers incredible views. You can also take this road back to the highway that connects Ambato to Guaranda. Along this route you will also find a couple little villages with friendly people who have volcan Chimboraza in their backyard. It's a stunning scene and also a quick way to get to Riobamba as there is a new road that cuts through to the south of Chimborazo. If you take this new road the time from Salinas to Riobamba is not too much longer than if you went from Salinas to Guaranda to Ambato. Though you will definitely have to be creative when finding a ride.

And, just to add, you should have some nice weather. The Andes in Ecuador usually take a short break from the gray skies and rain from mid December to mid January.

Just like Kages said, be positive and have fun. I'm not sure how your Spanish is, but it will help if you can communicate with the people at the bus terminals. Most of them are very helpful and they want to get you on the right bus.

Enjoy the Andes, they are amazing.

fatrob

My friend has spent a lot of time in the Quilotoa area. The above info is good and covers most things.

Check out some photos