www.ecuadors.org

[Edsel]

Hello again,
Thanks to those who have responded to my previous requests for information re. Peru. I will be traveling with 2 friends through Peru & Equador in September/October and we are now after some tips on Equador. After crossing the border at Huaquillas, we will be traveling by bus up as far as Banos and wish to spend about a week in this area.

We'd like to hear about:
- Good cheap accommodation in Banos,
- Amazon - Shuar Indian - tours from Banos.
- Other places to see South of Quito, to the border.
- Good markets to visit.

[Erwin]

Hi,

Baños is one of the cheapest places in Ecuador what Hotels concern. There's enough places around. I payed 4USD for a room with bath. For a jungle trip, go as far as Tena by bus (7hrs). There is a good travel agency in hostal Travellers Lodging. You pay about 25USD per day and spend a great time at tribe villages in the middle of the jungle about 1hrs drive from town. The indians are not Shuar but prices are better than in Baños (If you book in Baños take the way there and back into consideration). There is another 7hrs busride from Tena to Quito. So you can do a roundtrip. The famous roofriding train to Guayaquil has been ceased a few years ago due to niño floods. There is just a short touristy part in Alausí, which takes you to the devils nose. Absolutely recommendable is Vilcabamba, a small village in the southern andes. There is a bus from Loja (1h from Vilcabamba) which heads to Piura (Peru) via Macará (a very quiet border crossing). You can avoid Huaquillas.

Have fun