www.ecuadors.org

Sherlock · Joined: 15 Jan 2007 Posts: 1

My wife and I will be spending 3 days in Quito and would like information on possible day trips. We will be taking a trip to the Otavalo Market. We are considerin the train ride on the Chivas Express. Has anyone any information on this ride - how long does it take - are there any attractions after the trip - how do we return to Quito. Can we book this day trip from Quito, is a guide needed forthis trip?

Also has anyone stayed at the Grand Hotel Mercure in Quito? Are there any suggestions on other Hotels in Quito?

Isaiah · Joined: 28 Aug 2006 Posts: 3

We were in Quito in November and stayed at the J.W. Marriott - it's a beautiful hotel and the location is convenient (a few blocks from the Mercure.)

We did a day trip to Otavalo (with a driver/guide from the Marriott) - had considered doing it by bus with Grayline, but am glad that we paid extra for a private driver. It was only $40. more in total for the two of us vs. going with Grayline, and in addition to Otavalo, we were able to stop at some very interesting places during the day (including Cotacachi). We did a second day with the same driver and went to Mindo and Bella Vista Cloud Forest.

The Mercure is on Ave. Amizonas - a street that is very busy & noisy with traffic. Perhaps you can request a room on the non-street side? On our airplane trip home, I sat beside a woman who had stayed at the Mercure and she was said it was very nice.