Ecuador Travel Forum

I am organizing a trip for two to Ecuador and have loads of info on the Galapagos. Less easy are tips for seeing the mainland of this exciting sounding country.

We are not looking for treks, but general sightseeing; walks and local culture are our interests. We shall probably not go until Dec/Jan, and plan to spend 10 days or so on the mainland.

Anyone got experience of internal flights, particularly Guayaquil - Quito?

Any help and advice most welcome, thanks.

When I flew to Ecuador with KLM, the route was Amsterdam - Curacao - Guayaquil - Quito.

The city of Cuenca is worth a visit. It does have some Incan ruins there also. Riobamba and Baņos de Agua Santa are worth it. The famous train from Riobamba is a joke - seems to be run by Keystone Cops.

If you get down south, past Loja there is Vilcabamba, famous for the longevity of its inhabitants. There I recommend Ecolodge Rumi Huilco.

Photos at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/john37perry/sets/72157594251871601/

Here below are some interesting links you may watch:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecuador#Transportation
http://www.decuador.com/catalog/default.php?cPath=12&language=en
http://catalogue.horse21.co.uk/ecuador+hotels
http://www3.tame.com.ec/eng/index.htm (Try www.ecuatoriana.com.ar as well)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transportation_in_Ecuador#Airports_-_with_paved_runways
I hope these clues will be useful for you.
Cassiovieggore

Hi!
I just came back from 8 weeks in Ecuador...

Flights from Guayaquil to Quito: They are very easy to book once you are there. Aerogal, Tame and Icaro are the local carriers. Aerogal have the most frequent flights by far... the flight only takes like half an hour, and the cost is about $60 US inc taxes one way.

Cheers,
Cat

If you need informations or prices for all travels in Ecuador and Galapagos, I know a serious and profesional travel agency.
the last year i went in all Ecuador with them and it was a wonderful travel.
i give you the mail to contact them
degira@puntonet.ec

If you're into hiking, the Quilotoa loop is recommended by many people - any Ecuador guide book should have a section on this, but it is not too easy on public transport, you might want to get a tour with an agent in quito or hire a vehicle. Mindo is beautiful, you can walk in the forest and see many birds, and this is easy to get to on public transport (just over 2 hours by bus from Quito).

Bear in mind that the rainy season starts in Dec/Jan, so if you're set on going at that time of year then take waterproofs!

Thanks to all, trip is now partly booked and tips are helping with the rest.

Cathy

It is very easy to get around in Ecuador by bus. Costs about $1 US per hour. Quito bus to Riobamba, 4 hours, $4. People are very friendly and helpful. Quilotoa is a trip back in time. You can take a bus from Latacunga. If you want more info, send me an email.

It's also very easy to have things stolen on the bus. Always keep your main luggage securely locked. If you have a day bag, try to lock that too; if you put it on the luggage rack, don't let it out of your sight, particularly when the itinerant hawkers invade the bus.