Travel Answers

From reading in the guidebook, it seems that there will be a Carnival festival while we are in Galapagos. Would you know what does it mean for the travelers in terms of the accommodation, transportation etc?

What are the best months to visit the Galapagos islands in order to see as much of a variety of wildlife as possible (perhaps including snorkeling)? I was considering beginning of March. Is that a good time?

Best footwear to take to the Galapagos.

Regarding the race track around the lake. Who races on the track ? Who is the scanctioning body for the events ? How long is the track ? Any information regarding the Yaguarcocha Lake race track would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Bob

Hi - We will be going to Otavalo and are trying to get information for Samay Inn – Calle Sucre & Calle Colon. How can I make reservations? Thanks.

Hi We're going to stay in Otavalo 2 nights in late June...want to stay at Hostal Maria. Does anyone know how I can contact the hostal? Stephen

Does the El Yamor Fiesta start on Friday sept 1? I can only be there for Friday and part of Saturday. Is it worth it? I can't find a schedule.

Because of timing constraints, I can only visit the Otavalo market on Sunday. Are things really quiet on Sundays? Is it still worth going?

I plan to travel light on my first trip to Ecuador (carry-on only), but am hoping to find a nice duffle bag in Cotacachi's leather shops (to haul home all my souveniers from Cotacachi and Otavalo!). I read all about the great leather items there, and wonder what experience others have had.

I've been checking out many options for lodgings in Otavalo, and the rates are mostly great! But I'd like input from those who've been there. Considering anything in the area, but it must be safe for a woman traveling alone and secure enough to trust leaving valuables in the room while daytripping. Thanks much for any input!

Hi, I'm heading to Galapagos with a friend in February and was planning on organising a tour when arriving in Puerto Ayora. Has anyone done this and found it worth their while? We are not rushed for time at all, and are prepared to just hang out on the island for a week or 2 if nedd be. Any hints or tips of things we should look out for when looking for a boat would be great. Cheers, Pete

Hello, I will be in flying from Central America to South America around mid February. I had first thought about flying from San Jose to Lima but I realized that maybe instead of spending a week in Costa Rica, we could try to see the Galapagos instead. At first I was afraid of the cost but I realized that maybe it was worth to skip CR (as Im sure the cost of life there is not that inexpensive) and spend400+ (everything included?) We would be interested in a 4-day tour. Some of you think it's possile to show up in Ecuador and book at the last minute. Does it really work? Won't we be very disappointed if we show up there and everything's booked (cause we won't be able to wait for a week to get a boat?) Otherwise, where should we start our cruise and what are the islands not to miss? Any tour agency you could recommend? Thank you so much for your answers. It will be very much appreciated. Celine

Hi We are planning to go to the Galapagos in September, and are cheking out several offers for dive trips. The range from app. 1200 USD (incl plane from Quito and Scuba gear) to three times this price. If anyone has comments on different companies (to aviod or reccomandations) please post them :o) We don't have much time there, and have to make all arrangements in advance. ------ We are planning om going to Maccu Picchu as well, and wonder if anyone knows how to get there / back from Quito in a time- and money saving way... :o) Thanks

I don't want to dive every day in cold water...so I'm looking to be land base and take dive trips every othre day....did any one donne that? how much is to fly from quito...and what will be a good dive operationI will travel arround november. thanks

hello, i'm planning on going to ecuador and the galapagos at the end of november. i received a quote from a tour operator to the galapagos, and was wondering if anyone has travelled in any of the following boats: Cormorant - 12 passenger cruise double cabin with two shared  bathrooms dates 21-25 Nov US$ 400 per person. Poseidon - 10 passenger cruis double cabin with private bathrooms dates 20-24 Nov US$ 450 per person. Yolita - 12 passenger cruise double cabin with private bathroom dates 21-25 Nov US$ 450 per person. these prices seem to good to be true, so i'm just a little weary about the boats... and the tour operator! All other operators have a higher price for the same boats.. if you have travelled in any of these or know someone who has, could you please let me know how the experience was -- would you recommend it, would you have spent more money for a better boat class, etc? Also, what are the chances of me finding a last minute deal on a galapagos cruise, at the end of november, for a total of 4 people? many thanks!~ judy

I will be spending a week in July touring the islands. I am interested in native arts and crafts and jewelry. Any suggestions what are the best buys and where to purchase the items. I love silver jewelry, pottery, and paintings. Thanks for your help.