Anyway, last October we spent two weeks exploring Ecuador. Don't trust Google Maps in South America! Seriously, there were many times we appeared to get lost but by asking a few questions in broken Spanish, we figured it out.
I highly recommend Otavalo and Ibarra up north of Quito. This is a very scenic area, with pleasant temperatures year around and a couple snow capped volcanos set the backdrop. Definitely plan to spend a few nights at Refugio Terra Esperanza. Emerson and his Madre will treat you like family! And feed you well. They are very special people, and their eclectic hostel is one of a kind. It was a little chilly while we were there and they kept a big fire in the fireplace most of the time. We got out and climbed a mountain one day... up to about 12,500' And I rode Emerson's mountain bike up the cobblestone lane a couple miles.
Banos was another favorite spot, down south of Quito. This was a classic little resort town with many hot springs, thus the name. We took a nice 6 line canopy tour one day with a fresh grilled trout lunch included, all for $20 each! Oh and did I mention, you can get a 3 course lunch with drink, or almuerzo, anywhere in Ecuador for $2.50. The next day after the canopy tour we did a little waterfall repelling. This was great fun... something I've been wanting to do for a while. I'm hooked now and can't wait to do it again! It's right up there with skydiving.
The third area of the country I want to pitch is Manzanita on the coast. This is the coolest beach town! Lot's of great food, music and handicrafts lining the sandy streets and an amazing GIANT fresh fruit cup made right before your eyes for $3.
All in all, Ecuador is a great country. There is much more to see and do there than we had time for in our two short weeks. We will definitely go back, and use public transportation next time. Much easier and probably even cheaper than renting an SUV.
