www.ecuadors.org

[Malik]

Hi Everyone

I am planning on going to Ecuador soon and have a few questions i`d like to ask...

1. I am spending the first 3 Month on a hacienda near otavalo, can someone tell me how the climate is there? And at what time of the year is it best?

2. Is it adviceable to buy an old 4 wheel drive there? And how much would it cost?

3. How about surfing? Where is the best spot to learn it?

4. Is it expensive to visit the Galapagos Islands? Is it possible to stay for a few days? Like camping?

Thx to everyone who helps me to find the answers i am looking for.... A beautiful autumn greeting from Switzerland ; )

[Abhijit]

Hi! I can't answer all your questions, but I'll try to answer some.

I was only in Otavalo for one night in April, and it was pretty nice. The nights cool down a bit due to the elevation. I'm sure there's a web site that will tell you what the climate and weather is like.

As for surfing, there are a few places on the coast that would be good to learn. When I was there I took a lesson in Montanita, and it was $12US for two hours which included the use of a surf board. I think that's a pretty standard price. Montanita is a really pretty town with lots of bars, clubs, restaurants, hostels and tourists. It's a pretty big party town, and it's nice to stay in, but it certainly wont give you an authentic Ecuadorian feel. Another place on the coast I stayed at was called Canoa which is smaller than Montanita. It's really beautiful, but looks to be heading the same direction as Montanita. I would recommend staying in Canoa over Montanita. It's really really relaxed and beautiful. There's also Mon Piche which I was at for 2 nights. It's beautiful, but it was completely void of tourists when I was there. I think they get surfers coming through following the waves, and other than that it's a sleepy fishing village. Once again, very beautiful though. I stayed at a "surf hostel" when I was there. I think it must have been run by some American hippy expats who had been living in Ecuador for a number of years. The hostel rented surf boards and gave lessons, I'm pretty sure. There's a lot of towns and cities of various sizes along the coast, and many of them probably offer surf lessons.

Then finally onto the Galapagos. Yes, they are expensive. There are ways to do it cheaper than some people do it, but it's still gonna cost you a fair chunk of money. First of all, all foreigners have to pay $100US as a park fee for the islands. You also have to pay for a play ticket over which will cost you probably minimum $200US return. So since you're shelling out all that money on the plane ticket and the park fee, you're gonna want to spend more than a few days there. As far as I know, there isn't any camping on the islands. The cheapest hostel I was able to find was $8US a night, and it was very basic and definetly not very clean! Then there's the worry of getting around the islands. To take boats from one island to another you're looking at around $30. Most things you do on the Galapagos need a registered tour guide or will end up costing you some sort of money. When I went I took a 5 day boat tour around the islands. It cost me about $800 for the tour and my plane ticket. So that encludes guide, food, a place to sleep etc. It was nice doing it that way because someone just organised everything for me. You can however organise your own tours and get to the islands by yourself which might save you money and give you more freedom. However, that's a lot more planning and research on your part.

I hope I wasn't too long winded, and that I was a bit of help. Ecuador is an awesome awesome country, you should really enjoy your stay.