Ecuador Travel Guide - Start your Planning Here!

This guide is for the independent traveler. I like planning my own vacation for more flexibility and control (ok I admit I am part control-freak). No need for travel agents!

Resources

Mini's Ecuador Itinerary - Includes Quito and the Galapagos (Cruise + Island Stay) - 12 days

Ecuador Top 10 Facts- My version of Cliff Notes

Ecuador Vendor Review - Zenith Travel: Ecuador based agent

Galapagos Cruise Review - Seaman Yacht

Quito Hotel Review - Hostal Jardin Del Sol

Should I book a 5 or 8 day cruise to the Galapagos?

My Ecuador Trip Report | Diary
Ecuador and the Galapaogs - A dream vacation
Day 1: Quito - Otavalo, Peguche Falls
Day 2: Quito - Old Town
Day 3: Galapagos Cruise Day 1
Day 4: Galapagos Cruise Day 2

Quito Trip Report - Day 2 (Old Town)

In Quito, you want to be careful because petty theft is common with the occasional armed robbery. Watch for pick pockets and do not walk around with your digital SLR (warning from the locals). Tourists have been mugged before. I hope this explains our lack of photos.

We started off the day with a visit to a food market in Quito. This is where the locals eat. Sadly it's been a while and I can't remember the name.



Ecuadorians like their pork as you can see We had a plate of the pork and chicharones downed with some coke for breakfast. Delicious!


We strolled around the old town for a bit and saw the presidential palace. I apologize for the poor photos. We had to do "drive by" shootings of photos, quickly stashing away our cameras. I know this sounds paranoid but our friend who lives there really freaked us out.



One of the next stops was the archbishop's palace that's been converted into a touristy mall of sorts with some restaurants. We ate at the one on the top floor. I know, I know we seem to be eating alot today! There's only limited time and we have to sample what Ecuador has to offer.



Ecuadorian ceviche is served with pop corn. Isn't it unique?


We were planning on taking the Teleferico up, one of the high points in Quito for views of the city. Unfortunately, we didn't end up going as I think my AMS would have killed me. I vividly remember throwing up outside the Hilton where we went for pizza.

Quito Trip Report - Day 1 ( Otavalo, Peguche Falls)

Our trip to Ecuador was my first time in South America proper (not including Mexico). Quito is the second highest capital city in the world after La Pez in Bolivia so you really want to be prepared for altitude sickness! I speak from experience.

On arrival in the evening, I was feeling fantastic though this didn't last so long. Being so high up, and located near the equator, the weather is quite pleasant, reminiscent of California. Our friend from college met us at the hotel and handed us 2 packets of tea (Cocoa de Matte) or mate de coco which was supposed to help with mountain sickness. P being the blackhole that he is devoured the tea in a gulp. Mistake number 1, I took a sip and tossed mine out. I think this is where my troubles began!

The next day we boarded a local bus with our friend (yes the theme of this vacation is do it as the locals do) to Peguche Falls near Otavalo. It's a 1-2hr bus ride away. Ecuador has a good system of public buses. It was all fun and novel initially but I wasn't so sure I enjoyed the ride on the way back. The blaring soap opera on the TV and the smell of garlic permeated did not go well with AMS.

Mistake number 2 was climbing a small hill near the waterfall. Probably not such a good idea on the first day in high altitude.

Peguche Falls:


The Country Side:


We eventually ended up at Otavalo Market and had lunch at Mi Otavalo, near Calle Sucre (Calle Morales). There was live music and we got to sample local food. I'm sure it's geared towards tourist but it was good and really cheap!

Corn and Cheese Appetizer (L) Pork Main Course (R)


Inside Mi Otavalo:


After some shopping, we eventually made it back to Quito in time for dinner. We went to Cafe Mosaico which has a great view of the city (old town) at night. This is a fancy restaurant for locals but tourists have the permission to be badly dressed!



I was feeling sick and uncharacteristically not hungry so I ended up with an avocado cheese soup. My taste buds cannot be trusted on this day but the texture of the cheese was spongey.



Cafe Mosaico
Manuel Samaniego N8-95 and Antepara
Itchimbia, Old Town
Quito, Ecuador

I couldn't sleep that night and that was made worst by a tingly sensation in my fingers. I tried popping some Diamox for altitude sickness but wtf that thing doesn't work. Should have started taking it BEFORE the trip. I had a huge migraine the next morning and fixed it with some Excedrin. Was miserable ...

What I wish I'd Known
I wish I'd known I'd have AMS.
I wish I'd taken diamox before the trip.
I wish I drank that coco de mate.
I wish I wasn't so gung ho and had taken it easy on the first day.
I wish we were in a nicer hotel being sick and all.
Oh so many regrets for this one ...

Quito Hotel Review - Hostal Jardin del Sol

A hostal is cheaper than a hotel but nicer than youth hostels. They are common through out South America and often family run.

We decided on this option since it's cheap ( < US$50 per night) and would provide a more interesting/friendly atmostphere than the usual 5 star hotels. We originally wanted to stay at La Casa Sol but being the procrastinators that we are, the place was fully booked by the time we got down to it. We eventually settled on Hostal Jardin del Sol on a friend's recommendation. It turns out that La Casa Sol and Jardin del Sol are right across the road from each other!

Our friend recommended this particular one since it was right in the heart of the Mariscal (gringo land) and you can walk anywhere. Internet Cafes, bars, clubs, restaurants are all close by. The other hotels we looked at were a couple blocks away but apparently it isn't safe to walk around at night even for short distances (armed robberies) so this place was the most convenient. Even the hotels lock their doors at night .... hrmmm.

The view from our room. Notice the spikes on the balcony.


We found the staff to be very friendly and the rooms generally clean. Obviously you shouldn't expect five star quality hehe. I was rather grossed out when I saw a piece of dried gum stuck to the edge of the night stand...eeeks! But I shan't complain too much. Given the price of $33 per night for a double, I'll suck it up.

The bathroom. I'm a girly girl and squeamish about unfamiliar bathrooms. Being an optimist, at least there was plenty of hot water.


Something else to be aware of is that some rooms facing the front of the hotel can be noisy at nights. We could hear the music from the bars down the street and after the clubs close at 3am, you start hearing the drunk tourists making a scene. The second room we got was much better and very quiet.

One weird thing I noticed about the hotel however is that the double room only has 1 large pillow that P and I were to share?! WTH! I like my pillow flat and he likes his firm and fluffy. One size doesn't fit all and the pillow certainly didn't help my AMS! (Yes I'm a wimp and had AMS. I was miserable for the most part.)

In the dining room. Breakfat of eggs, breads, cheese, fruit, and juice is included.


We heard from other travelers that there are other hostals in the area of similar quality but cheaper. So if you're out to save money you might want to shop around a bit. Otherwise Jardin del Sol is a decent choice since you know what you're getting.