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Quito, Ecuador
Most people start their two weeks in Ecuador in Quito, so presuming your
international flight is landing in Quito I would book a hotel in the heart of
the city (La Floresta neighborhood preferable) and acclimatize with 2800 mt.
altitude as not everybody is used to such an altitude. Depending on what time
you get there, just take it easy and walk around the beautiful city or take a
rest and leave exploring for the following day. I would join a free walking
tour, there are plenty and for different areas and normally the guides are local
students passionate about their own city and will give you lots of great
insights and tips. I joined two tours, one in La Floresta, the colorful hipster
neighborhood, and one in the historical center. Both of them were free and the
guides very informative. You are invited to leave a tip for their service. After
the tour, you will know more about the city and would have become a little more
familiar with the local culture. Also, you will realize how to stay alert and
keep your belongings in a safe place. Quito is not dangerous but it can become,
especially in the historical centre. On the third day, I will either venture out
by bus to see the Middle of the world monument and museum, which is where
exactly the imaginary line would be. SPOILER ALERT: I READ THAT THEY MADE THE
WRONG CALCULATION AND THE INFORMATION IT’S NOT REALLY ACCURATE, BUT STILL… It’s
a 30-minute bus from the city on the way to Otavalo. Or you can stay in Quito
and take a Uber to el Teleferico, a 40 minutes cable car that gets you at 4000
mt where on a clear day you can have a spectacular view of the city. From there
you can walk around and take a swing in one of those typical swings that you
will find around Ecuador, to fling yourself into space, typical Instapicture.
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Mindo, Ecuador
At only 2 hours bus drive from Quito, Mindo is a completely different world.
With a separate microclimate, you will enter into a thick cloud forest, with
tropical trees, lots of water, and beautiful birds. Here in Mindo bird lovers
find their paradise. The highlight of Mindo is the waterfall sanctuary that you
can reach both by a short spectacular cable car ride and then a beautiful easy
walk. Of course, it rained when I was there and I was soaking wet, but it’s part
of the adventure and it’s so hot you don’t even mind. The cute little town
offers any sort of accommodation from hostel to nice lodges, some of them have
arranged their backyard as a bird sanctuary, laying out fruits and flowers to
attract birds in the morning, especially hummingbirds. It’s amazing to watch. If
your hotel doesn’t have one, they will be able to address you where you can
appreciate this morning show. With a 5 USD fee only you can secure your
entrance.
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Quito, Ecuador
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Santa Cruz, Ecuador
There is a lot to see in the mainland in Ecuador, but since you are there, why
not visit the land that inspired Darwin’s theory on the origin of the species?
We all think that visiting the Galapagos island is a privilege for the few
wealthy ones, but it’s completely false. With a little planning and some travel
hacks, we can travel to this spectacular and still preserved location with a
modest budget. A week in the Galapo will allow you to see the highlights of at
least two islands without breaking the bank. Arriving in Santa Cruz on day 8th
of your 14 days itinerary, you would want to spend at least 3 full days and here
below I am sharing a list of the things you could do. Tour of Bartolome’ island
– 200 USD – expensive but worth it. I even saw two penguins while snorkeling.
SPEND THE DAY IN TORTUGA BAY. It’s a lovely 2 km walk from town to the
spectacular huge beach. As soon as you get there you will see the area that
skilled surfers love the most where the ocean is stronger, while on the other
side, it looks like a lagoon where locals and tourists alike enjoy some beach
time. It’s not uncommon to see baby sharks or stingrays close to the shore late
in the afternoon, while the funny blue-footed boobies dive into the water to
fish for their dinner. OTHER FREE ACTIVITIES THAT YOU CAN DO IN SANTA CRUZ ARE:
* Snorkel at Las Grietas and then relax in Playa Alemanes * Explore the
highlands and visit the Giant Tortoise walking around freely * Get to know the
Conservancy project in the Charles Darwin Research foundation and relax in one
of its 2 beaches. * Bask in the sun at El Garrapatero Beach * Relax in the
Laguna de Las Ninfeas * Watch the baby sharks from the pier * Familiarize with
the funny sea lions
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San Cristobal, Ecuador
Although it’s very difficult for me to pick one, I dare say that San Cristobal
is my favorite island overall. It’s probably because of the wealth of the sea
lions population that seems to be taking over the island. You can find them
everywhere with their funny sound and cute little face looking at you with their
sarcastic grin. Although in San Cristobal there are many activities that don’t
require any fee, I wouldn’t miss the 360 boat tour (180 USD), which is a trip
around the island. You will snorkel with sharks, bask on pristine beaches, see
the blue-footed boobies from a close distance, snorkel around the leon dormido (
kicker rock) where you might get a chance to see hammerhead sharks besides sea
lions and turtles. AMONG THE FREE ACTIVITIES THAT YOU CAN DO IN SAN CRISTOBAL MY
FAVORITE WAS: * Playa Punta Carola, for the best sunset spot and many playful
sea lions * Snorkel at La Tijeretas and hike to the Cerro Tijeretas above the
bay * Snorkeling and enjoy the sun at La Loberia beach
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Quito, Ecuador
Fly From San Cristobal To Guayaquil Or Quito To Fly Back Home