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Ecuador
has a lot to discover
by
With a three-week hiatus in December,
lots of Internet searches and Lonely Planet
in hand, we hopped on a Continental Airlines
flight via Houston to Quito, Ecuador.
Arriving on Dec. 4, we got to experience the
Festival of Quito week --colourful cultural
events and village "Chivitas" (buses)
noisily parading the narrow streets.
After adjusting to the altitude of 2,800 metres,
we ventured down the Andes by bus to Riobamba,
a five-hour trip. Buses are plentiful, so if
you wish to stop off, another will be by shortly.
Costs are the equivalent of $1 per hour of travel.
We arrived in Riobamba on Friday in time for
the Saturday market. On Sunday, we boarded the
twice-weekly train taking us on an interesting
ride to Nariz de Diablo (Nose of the Devil).
The 12-hour return trip offered stunning vistas
and an insight into the agricultural prowess
of the indigenous people.
Then it was on to the Pacific coast, with Puerto
Lopez our destination, dropping from 2,800 metres
to sea level.
After manoeuvring through the bus terminal in
Guayaquil -- as big as many large international
airports -- we were on our way to Hosteria Mandala,
a relaxing spot right on the beach. Even though
it's on the equator, the Humboldt current from
Antarctica keeps the temperature pleasant.
After a few days exploring the coastal areas,
we went to Manta via Montecristi, the home of
Panama hats. Faced with a 12-hour bus trip,
we opted for a quick plane trip back to Quito
($62), then back on a bus north to Otavalo in
time for the Saturday market.
Christmas shopping was a breeze -- a one-day
event -- perfect. Cotacachi nearby produces
incredible leather goods.
Ecuador is a small country with so much to offer
the traveller: arts, crafts, culture, food and
sights, and helpful people. Small hotels abound,
providing B&B for about $40, double.
A little knowledge of Spanish is helpful as
English is not widely used.
Next trip we will visit the Galapagos and the
Amazon. So back to the Internet, Lonely Planet
and Ulysses guides.
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