Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands

Hey! How much tip would be adequate for a seven night liveaboard trip from the Galapagos Islands? I understand that one gives one amount for all the crew and they split it?
And how much is expected for guided day-tours on land?
I know it always depends on how content I am and so on but a guideline would be helpful. Especially as the usual 10(-15)% rule seems to result in an inappropriately high amount when having paid so much (for this very service).

I am looking for a small boat (say 16 PAX) which either has specific single berth accommodation or one which does not charge a single supplement for a cruise in August.

Thanks

For the life of me I can not understand the rave reviews this place has received on TA and also how it could have been chosen as a Lonely Planet top pick.
We pre-booked this hostel in March 2014. 50% deposit was required, payable only via Paypal, non refundable within 72 hours of arrival. Arriving late in the afternoon, we would not have checked in if we had not already prepaid the required 50% deposit. We were greeted by a nice guy from Canada who showed us to our room and the the real…

Since I tore my perenial tendon and the operation went bad on me I have difficulty walking. I am an avid traveller and still want to see the world though. I am experienced travelling in south america and speak good spanish. Where might be a destination without too much rough walking please? Thanks

Hi all,

Just thought I'd see if anyone has any hotel recommendations for Quito's Old Town? We're likely only going to be in Quito 1 night, 2 days (maybe 2 nights) in mid-May. Preferably private room with private bathroom. Obviously we'd love a good deal but we'd be ok going up to about $150 USD/night (it seems there is quite a price range when I look on Trip Advisor).

Thanks very much!!

The intercity bus station was adjacent to the Guayaquil airport (about a $3 taxi trip).
Bus to Playas cost about $2.50 and frequency was every 10-15 minutes during the day.
I stayed at the Hosteria Puerta Faro rather than the LP listed Hotel Ana and I believe it was a good choice (better pool, friendlier staff, and cozier generally). The Hosteria is located about a 15 minute walk along the beach or the main road from a mall with a hypermarket where food and drinks are relatively cheap (not so…

hi all,

anybody know if there is a prepay sim card which would work in the Galapagos as well as on the mainland?

thanks

Hi! I am wondering how late the buses from Quito (Quitumbe) to Latacunga go. I understand they do so very frequently but can't find any information whether I will still be able to head for Latacunga after arriving from a Cuyabeno tour...

has anyone used them? should i consider them? if not, what are some recommendations for a decent, reliable company at a reasonable cost? thanks.

Hello,

We were thinking about going to Ecuador this August and visit the coast for some party, surfing and sightseeïng. Our plan was to start in Canoa and go to Bahìa de Caráqyez - Puerto López - Montañita and Guayaquil (and fly from there to Lima).
We have heard many different things about the low season in Montañita (the coast in general). Some say it's cold, bad waves and a lot of bars will be closed. Others say the waves will be good for beginners (which we are) and it will be fine.

We're…