My sight is all sorts of set on Ecuador in five weeks. Ecuador will be the longest trip Zan and I have taken together, and the longest short-term trip I've ever taken (not counting living abroad). In researching and planning for our trip, I'm finding that the adage, "the more money you make, the more you need" rings true for travel as well: "the more time you have, the more you need." Eighteen days felt like such a luxury of time when we booked the trip. The closer we get, and the more filled in our itinerary gets, the more time I wish we had. There are hours I spend reading about some destinations in Ecuador when I just get lost, like you do in a great novel, and I dream of moving there. After endless research that isn't nearly over yet (I still have 5 weeks!), I wanted to share some of the things I'm most looking forward to during our time in Ecuador...
Quito: I can't wait to see the world's highest capital city, at a shocking 9,350 feet - fingers crossed we handle the altitude well. Cobblestone streets, panoramic sky-high views, Spanish architectural influence, churches that make my jaw drop, everything in the Old Town, and the equator! We rented an airbnb condo and will acclimate and explore the city for 3-4 days. I'd love tips on restaurants, cafes, nightlife, hidden gems, everything!
Otavalo: This indigenous market a couple hours outside of Quito is on every single "must do" list for Ecuador I've found. I can't wait to meet locals, eat street food, and shop for belated Christmas presents for loved ones back home. Which craft or local specialty do I need to bring back?
Quilotoa Loop: I stumbled across this one, and I'm enchanted. Quilotoa Crater Lake and the loop around it, through small villages, is said to be one of the most beautiful spots in the Andes, and I can't wait to trek there. We're toying with splurging and staying at the much-lauded, award-winning Black Sheep Inn. It's a little beyond our budget, but there's a waterslide! At a beautiful inn! Should we do the day hike from the Inn in Chugchilan or try to trek from further out? We'll be in the Andes for 2-3 days, longer if time allows.
The Galapagos: Doing a traditional cruise is far out of our budget so we're going to tackle the Galapagos independently, by land. I don't have all the details worked out, but we plan to stay on 2-3 islands (Santa Cruz, Isabela, and maybe one more?) and take 1-2 day trips to other islands. Any tips on independent land based tours? We're here for 5-7 days.
Banos: The "aventure capital" of Ecuador, this city is calling - nay, YELLING, my name. I want to do a waterfall bike ride, a volcano bike ride, hike, the whole works. But I have reservations! Everything I read sounds like this fun city is a haven for tourists and expats... will I still feel like I'm in Ecuador? Should I skip this for a more traditional city like Cuenca or Guyaquil? 2-3 days
Devil's Nose Train Ride: Well, if we can get to Riobamba easily, I'd love to do this. Zan hates heights but is stoked for this fear-inducing ride straight down a mountainside.
Amazon: When we booked Ecuador, Zan and I both looked forward to going into the Amazon. Now it's looking like we need to give up something, and maybe the Amazon is what will go... with the thought that Ecuador is really known for the Galapagos and the Andes, and maybe that's what we should focus on for this trip. I'm sure we'll find our way to Bolivia or Brazil on another trip when we can put our time and energy and money into a great Amazon trip. If we do the Amazon in Ecuador, it'll only be for 2 days max. Is it okay to skip it? Should we ditch something else to do the Amazon?
If you've been to Ecuador, I'd love to hear your thoughts! What am I missing? What should hands-down, no matter what I have to give up, go in our itinerary? Or where should we stay for longer? I'm a big, big fan of places off the beaten path, the ones that will make me tear up in awe, the towns and villages and cities with character and personality, the ones that I'll want to write about endlessly to tell other travelers, you have to go.
If you haven't been, which of these places sounds the best to you? How would you divide your time?
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thank you for taking the time to comment (and read)! If you would like to shoot me a longer note, feel free to email me at travelhikeeat@gmail.com.