www.ecuadors.org

[Neal]

hi,

I am scheduled to arrive in quito from brazil 1 day before i go on a tour to the galapagos islands. i will then be flying directly into peru so won't have time to explore much of ecuador. however, i'm now contemplating of arriving in quito earlier to spend some time there, and to visit some of the surrounding areas, particulalry the otavalo markets. if i hadn't already booked my flights then this would be an easy decision, but if i decide to go to ecaudor earlier, i will have to pay to change my flight which i think will be around US$100.

i've read previous posts that the markets should not be missed, and some of you have said that they are underrated. i generally love going to markets, so i'm keen on getting people's opinions as to whether it is worth arriving in quito earlier to explore for a few days. i am also keen on seeing cuenca and banos, although unfortunately will not have the time.

i understand that the markets are only open on saturdays and i would probably have to arrive there on the friday night and this would work out well as my tour starts on a tuesday (so i would look at arriving quito on thursday/friday then going to otavalo, coming back on sunday and having a couple of days in quito.

also, can anyone tell me if there are any thermal baths within close proximity to quito or otavalo are if they are just in banos?

thanks

[Quincy]

If you like markets, I'm sure you will like Otavalo, although it is touristy (quite understandably). The best day is Saturday but due to its popularity, there are stalls open every day. Go early.

There are thermals baths at Papallacta, about two hours bus ride from Quito, they are actually nicer than the ones at Banos in my opinion. (It's south east of Quito, unfortunately in the opposite direction to Otavalo, but would make a nice separate day trip. The hotel and baths complex there, Las Termas de Papallacta, is expensive to stay but you can just pay to use the springs - about 5 dollars I think. The restaurant in the complex is also pricey but there is a snack bar and cheaper restaurants selling fresh trout just nearby. It's very busy at weekends so if you can go on a weekday, it can be more pleasant.

In any case I'm not sure Banos is really possible to visit at the moment due to recent volcanic activity.

If it were me, I would take a few days to see Ecuador, there's definitely plenty to keep you occupied, but I'm biased because I love Ecuador!

[Ham]

The main market is very touristy - but the livestock market on the edge of town is fantastic as it starts as the sun rises and its great fun to watch all manner of pigs, goats and cattle refusing to stand where they are told!! If you get there on Friday and take a room for just one night you will probably be ready to leave by checkout at Saturday lunchtime.. although there are some great walks in the surrounding mountains.