Ecuador Travel Forum

In october we will have three days in Quito, I am thinking of doing tours to Cotopaxi and Mindo Forest,

I have found several companies doing these tours but they are quite expensive, I am looking for tips, what to do, what are good companies to book those trips,

what do you suggest?

Hey, this might seem like a stupid question but I was wondering if Ecuadorian US dollars are as acceptable all over the coninent as actual US dollars?
So if, for example, I take a supply with me when I leave Ecuador I wont have problems using them in Peru, Bolivia or Argentina?
Thanks, Carly

Hello to those living in Guayaquil, and neighboring towns. I was wondering if it is possible to get into contact with a local potter.

I am working with a group of students from Clarkson University in the US, and Engineers Without Borders. We are hoping to bring clean water to a nearby town, and have chosen a clay pot filtration system. The only problem that we have in implementing this is having a method to fire the pots.

We think that the best way to do this would be to have a local potter fire the pots for the townspeople. We have it set up so that there would be no start up costs to the potter, and they could then recieve an income off the pots there after, perhaps even expanding to other nearby towns with similar circumstances

Any information that could help us find a potter, or another available method of firing pots would be extremely helpful.
thanks!!!!!

I'm going to be spending some time in Ecuador this summer and I'll be travelling with three other girls. I'll be the only guy in my group, so naturally I'm curious about protection. Specifically, if we are either held up or attacked - What is in my legal boundary? I know it's illadvised to fight back, but will I be in legal trouble if I do fight back? In terms of self defense, will I be protected under the law if I need to defend myself? If I show a weapon (pocketknife) while being held up, will I be asking to get arrested?

If anyone has any insight in these matter, it would be greatly appreciated! Obviously, I'm hoping that I won't ever have to be in a situation where I would need to defend myself - But you never know and I'd rather know what my legal limits are before I go so that I don't have to find out the hard way once I get there...

Hello, I have approximately 3 weeks and am travelling from Quito to Lima (flying in to Quito and out of Lima). Can anyone suggest an itinerary which isnt too hectic? Is going to Lima AND machu pichu too much to do in 3 weeks? Also a friend is flying in a week after I do so we need a place to meet towards Lima. Any suggestions?

Thanks

Hy is anybody living in Guayaquil. I read a lot about visiting Guayaquil, but since 3 Weeks i am living with my family here in Guayaquil. Still try to explore everything and find out where i can go and where not. Any tips about outhentic things,restaurants, areas, markets?

Thanx
stephanie

Hi guys I need to find a quick way of getting from Ecuador to Bolivia. I've been looking at flights but its difficult to find airlines that fly between the two countries. Someone told me I could book my flight once I'm in south america but I'm a bit nervous about doing that because it would be really last minute and they might turn out to be really expensive.
If anyone could suggest a reasonable airline to fly with that would be fantastic, or an alternative to flying.
I did think about getting a bus from Guayaquil to Lima and then another one from Lima to Santa cruz but wasnt sure about how much time this would take and how reliable the buses were.
Anybody with any information about this would be my saviour,
Carly

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 everyone I will be going to ecuador next weekend and was wondering if I could get some feedback.

I was thinking of doing my jungle tour with amarongachi or RICANCIE, i've heard good things for the first but not much about RICANCIE, anyone heard anything or had experience?

I am interested in learning about the indigenous people and also herbal medicine (inc ayahuasca) and having an excellent jungle adventure (hiking swimming etc) I'm leaning toward amarongachi.. my spanish is beginner at best. regarding puyo vs tena for a jungle tour, which would you suggest? I found http://papangu.yuricrea.it/uk/toursuk.html for puyo..

I've heard there is an overnight bus to Tena from Quito as well, if true does anyone know the schedule? Is it worth it to stop in Banos if I go to papallatca? I'm not that into bike riding and that plus hiking seems to be the only appeal to go to banos other than the hot springs which I can get at papallatca. I am thinking of doing one less day either in the jungle or quito to stop in banos.

lastly, has anyone taken dance or cooking lessons in quito? if so can i get some recommendations :)

Itinerary:
5/9/09 arrive 2P Saturday
Quito - stay at amazon inn www.amazoninn.com aka travellers inn
5/10 -Sunday
Tena jungle - maybe stop at papallatca on the way
start jungle tour with http://amarongachi.com/ or http://ricancie.nativeweb.org/
5/11 - Monday
Tena jungle
5/12 - Tuesday
Tena jungle
5/13 - Wednesday
Tena jungle
5/14 - Thursday
Quito-amazon inn - maybe stop at papallatca on the way back
5/15 - Friday
Quito - amazon inn
5/16 -Saturday
Fly home


Thank you in advance!!!!

I recently visited the galapagos islands and purchased a Tee shirt from a shop in Puerta Ayora, Santa Cruz. Having returned home, I wish that I had purchased more of the same Tee shirt. How can I locate or contact shops that possibly sell the same T-shirt that I purchased?

where exactly is this place? im going in less than a month and would like some pointers of places to go?

hi- i need to have some dental implants done, and am looking for a good qualified dentist in quito that has an email account so that i can correspond with him/her prior to my arrival. does anyone have any suggestions? there are a few listed on ecuador explorer and inquito, but they do not have email addresses. (well, one does but it is not valid). thanks, judy

My girlfriend and I will have 11 fulls days in Ecuador (plus two days for travel to and from the US) April 10 through April 20. We want to explore the mainland (at least the highlands) in a somewhat leisurely fashion and also see some of the Galapagos. Is that possible to do both without feeling rushed all the time? What would be the best way to do it? Or would we end up being stressed tourists always in and out of airports, etc?

would like to travel to VillaCamba Ecuador..soon (within 1 month)and like to know if anyone has any info on like available rentals and a typical cost of small apt....
and also if it is politically Ok...as in economy and crime etc....
Does spirit air fly to Ecuador....?
thanks David G

Hi everyone, my name is Chris Wood, or just Woody for short. I am a big Queen collector from the UK.

I am very keen to get hold of 2 Queen items from Ecuador.


Queen - Greatest Hits LP on Red/Pink vinyl EMI 303-0083

Queen - The Miracle LP EMI 303-0178


Let me know if you can help me locate these items.

Many Thanks,

Woody

Does anyone know the cheapest and easiest way to get from Ecuador to Brazil? I tried looking into flights and they seem very expensive.

Hi there
I am intending to learn some Spanish through listening to CDs and I've found there are many out there from which to choose, including one stating that it's Latin American Spanish - but my question is...

How different is the language here, particularly from the point of view of audio tapes/cds? Can anyone advise if they think the Latin American version of Spanish is preferable?

Is anyone currently living in, or has anyone recently been to Ecuador?

I'm planning a trip for this Spring/Early Summer, and I was hoping someone could give me some info on the happenings there...

As with most countries that one would visit, I understand that most countries are pretty safe if you use common sense, good judgment, and not look as though you're aching to be robbed or harassed...However, I'm looking to get a more detailed update on Ecuador, seeing as how most countries are rioting and protesting, etc. due to the Global Economic Situation that seems to have a ripple affect.

Thank You in advance.

Hi,

1 - Is there a site where I can know schedules and times between cities in ecuador?

2 - How much time is from cuenca to baños?

3 - Is it possible to travel quito/cuenca overnight?

Just asking to consider traveling by bus x hiring a car...what do you think? I'm short of time and planning to do : Quito - Cuenca - Baños - Quito.

I'd very much like to visit to Ecuador this Spring/Early Summer. Could anyone tell me about Ecuador's current situation, considering that the entire Global economy in turmoil? Is it safe for tourists? Should I bother buying a plane ticket?

Thank You

How much time will it take driving between Quito, Cuenca, Baños and Guayaquil? Is it so hard to drive in Ecuador? ( I'm from Brazil, used to a lot of bad roads)

I'm thinking about staying 3 days in Quito, including Cotopaxi and Otavalos, then 1 day in each of these cities: Guayaquil, Cuenca and Baños (not necessarily in this order). I know it is quite a few time for all but, is it possible to do?

How safe is for a single female to meet a single male adult from Quito from only internet and phone conversation. I have done much research on the safety issues for women traveling alone and have found most blogs state just be resonable and aware of the surrounds and city rules.

Do they have drug lords that kidnap women and put them into slavery in this area? I understand I will staying right across form the US Emabassy. Just trying to learn a little more about the culture and the possible dangers of such a scenario.

I appreciate any input.

Hi all

Ive read about Tungaruhua tours at night, or late evening. I can't find any websites on this so is it easier to arrange a trip when Im there?

Thanks

Hi, world~ I live in Guapolo and am looking for AA meetings: Can anyone help? Thanks!

Hi,

I'm currently organizing a research trip during March, and will be renting a van to drive from Quito to Ibarra to San Lorenzo to Esmeraldas city. Has anyone ever driven this route and, if so, what should I know regarding driving time, road conditions, and safety?

Thank you!

I am planning on going to Ecuador at the end of May and was hoping to spend about a month learning Spanish, preferably in a homestay environment, to meet local people and explore many aspects of the country. I'd like to get into the Amazon and hike Cotopaxi just to mention a couple of wishes. I also heard of a lovely bicycle ride beside waterfalls... but where/what? can someone help me on that too please.
I'm hoping to continue down through South America, basically following the Andes.
Does anyone want a travelling companion for a certain leg of such a trip?

Has anyone visited the Los Galapagos Turtle reserve in the northern portion of San Cristobal island independantly? I arrive in San Cristobal at 11am on my first day in the Galapagos and I want to use this half day to visit the turtle reserve becasue from what I have read it appears wild and the turtles have free range. I would appreciate any help with these questions:

1) Is a guide required to visit the Los Galapagos Turtle reserve? Can I visit it alone?

2) Is it feasible to hire a taxi from the Baquerizo Moreno to the Turtle Reserve? If so what is the approximate round trip cost?

3) How much approximate hiking will be required to see any turtles?

4) Is there another recommended way of visiting this place?
Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Matt

Hi,
Do anyone know how to get from Esmeraldas Airport to Atacames? Are there bus connections? And how far is it?

Kris

Looking for advice on when to visit the Galápagos Islands. Is there a time during the year that would be best?

How many days should I plan to spend on the Islands?

Also, could anyone suggest a tour guide/company that specializes in individual versus group tours?

Thanks!