Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands

Hi all
I was fortunate enough to spend a few days in Guallupe back in January 2006, to see how the Fundacion Golondrinas operated. I was extremely impressed with what I saw, and especially with the dedication of the founder and driving force, Eliza. I recently tried to contact Eliza so that I could forward her a donation, but could get no reply from any of the phone numbers, email addresses or websites that I tried - even the 'Casa Eliza' seems to be no more.
Can anyone throw some light on the…

Hey guys!

I am a solo female traveler from Canada trying to plan my first foray into South America for this July or August, and I'm so excited!
I'm going to go to Ecuador for about 9 days, based in Quito and staying at a hostel (I'm not sure where yet, but probably in the Old Town).

I just have a few burning questions that I haven't been able to answer by looking through the forum yet...

1) I really want to do a trip to the Amazon, but since my stay in Ecuador is only about 9 days-what I can…

Hello fellow travelers,

I am currently in Quito and would like to go to Mindo next week via bus to spend at least 4-5 days there as I am an avid birder/naturalist.

I have heard that when taking a bus from Quito, you are dropped off along the hightway and it´s a good 30 minute walk to the centre of the town.
My questions....
Is this true?
Is it safe to walk along the highway to the town?

Also, is anyone able to recommend a good hostal/hotel with a private bathroom? Nothing too fancy but…

Hi Everyone,

I am embarking on some traveling next month and in mid-April to May I will find myself in Ecuador. I have roughly three weeks there before my partner joins me and we go to the Galapagos. I was wondering how the best way to fill three weeks would be- I will be traveling alone and would obviously like to see Quito and take it from there.

I really enjoy outdoorsy stuff, plus historical cultural sights and wildlife. I'm not too fussed about beaches because i will have just come from…

Avoid sope divers:

-defective equipment
-inexperienced 19 year old dive guide
-Do not check certification or have divers sign waiver
-unfriendly

My wife and I just returned from two weeks in Ecuador. Here's some tips:

Hosteria San Carlos is a fine hotel 10 minutes from the airport. Great spot to stay when departing rather than making the long trip from Quito especially if your flight is early am,

Taxi from Quito to airport charge $25.

Famous Otavalo market was a bit disappointing. You can get most of the stuff they sell during your travels across the country.

Long distance busses are VERY cheap and efficient. $4.00 for instance from…

Hi everybody!

We are getting married in August and hope to celebrate our honeymoon with three weeks in August in the Galapagos and Equador.

Just a couple of questions with regards to the islands- we hope to spend a week on the islands- which islands would you recommend for both nature and relaxation? What is the weather like in Galapagos in August?

With regards to Equador where we hope to spend the remainder of our trip- we would like to visit the Amazon-what other highlights would you…

I know, it is a difficult question. My couple and me will spend 1 week there, and according to the information I got, cruises are the best way (but also the most expensive) to move arround. So our idea is to go to the islands linked with regular or private transportation (fibras, speed boats, etc) and only use a cruise to reach the farest. So, we are minding to stay for a couple of days in Santa Isabela (for example), and then move.
Sumarizing, those are my questions:
1.- Which islands are…

Hello,

I have only passed through Ecuador before on my way to Colombia and stayed one day back in 2007.

I have 15 weeks , landing in Bogota on feb 18th. I want to go east to Ecuador for a few weeks in either april or may and can find my way to Quito from the border with Colombia and Ipiales. I like mountain and treks and animals and beaches, did Roraima in 2012 in Venezuela and done most of south america apart from Paraguay, North east Brazil and southern Chile/Argentina.

Any ideas on what…

My husband and I are planning a two week trip to the Galapagos. We'd like to do book our guided tour once we arrive in Quito as opposed to here in the US. Do tours typically leave on certain days of the week?

Thanks so much.