Quito and Guayaquil
“A few recommendations in Quito – make sure to go up on the Teleferico, the city’s cable car for great views of the city, although best not to do in the first two days for acclimatisation. “The Itiñan museum on the Equator is also a must visit! There are a lot of fun sciency activities to try on the equator line, and you can
even get a stamp in your passport!
“We had short stays in both Quito (Casona de la Ronda Hotel) and Guayaquil (Oro Verde Hotel) as well and felt safe in each. Sticking to the main tourist areas and the hotels was great, easy to walk safely to and from. People everywhere were welcoming, friendly and very tolerant of our super-limited Spanish!”
Mindo Cloud Forest
“El Monte Lodge in Mindo Cloud Forest was OUT OF THIS WORLD – spectacular location (you cross the river on a pulley seat!), beautiful gardens, forest and just 6 lodges, it’s a Jurassic oasis with orchids, birds and butterfies. And the food is superb!
“Don’t miss the El Quetzal chocolate tour in Mindo town, fascinating and delicious. Enjoy the cable cars up into the mountains too, the views!”
Galápagos Islands
“We opted for a four-night cruise on a 16-passenger catamaran PLUS 4 nights to relax on Santa Cruz island.
“Winning combo: a catamaran is more stable, these smaller boats are cheaper than the big ones, you get plenty of space, max. time on all excursions due to the small group size and the Seaman Journey crew is AMAZING.
“On Santa Cruz, we stayed at the Ikala Hotel, in Puerto Ayora town. Not pricey, huge room, good brekkie, nice pool and perfect for strolling round town and port, to the Charles Darwin centre, or walking to the stunning Tortuga Bay.
“Take a water taxi across to Isla Grill (dinner with sharks beneath you as entertainment = a fun evening!) Don’t miss the fish market, the Fair Trade shop Exotico and the Galápagos Deli.”
Cuenca
“For colonial beauty, try Cuenca, Ecuador’s third city, in the south – it’s a cultural hub and is easier to travel around, prettier, sunnier and safer than Quito. It’s also right next to El Cajas National Park where you can take in the Andean scenery with llamas (for added zest).” “My main suggestion is to visit Cuenca, even if it means sacrificing time in Quito. It’s another stunning colonial-era city and UNESCO world heritage site, but is much safer and more relaxed than Quito. It’s got great restaurants and lots to do.”
Baños
“As well as visiting the Devil’s Nose and hot springs here, you must also visit the famous Swing at the End of the World to get some good snaps for the Gram!”
Tena
“If they want somewhere hot, the city of Tena is a great place to get a taste of the Amazon without trekking out the reserves in the far northeast. Nearby Puerto Misahuallí has jungle boat tours and a river beach with a lively population of monkeys.
“We stayed in lovely eco-lodges in the middle of the Tena forest which was scary at nighttime because you can hear everything outside due to there being no windows in the cabins, but during the day it was great! Selina Tena Cabins gave us a great glamping Amazon experience.”
Puerto Lopez
“Try Puerto Lopez just north of Ayampe for a more authentic Ecuadoran vibe and gentler waves, also a gritty-but-real fish market on the beach that gets mobbed by giant pelicans when the boats arrive.
“If they’re self-catering in Puerto Lopez, prepare to pig out on the best, freshest and cheapest seafood anywhere in the country (restaurants are probably affordable too).
“Watch out for the strength of the sun down on the coast, it’s quite literally blistering. Sun block all the way, especially on the Isla de la Plata day trip (which is spectacular! I don’t mind not going to the Galápagos after seeing this place!)”
