www.ecuadors.org

[Lashawn]

Hello! I am looking for 2 things.

1) Nice Hostel / Pension in Quito, cheap but clean, nice and central- does this exist ??

2) If we ever decide to do a cruise-trip on the Galapgos Islands (since I still, even with all those answers in the forum, don`t know, if we`d miss a lot of sights, just doing it by ourselves)- there are too many agencies- who did a cruise with whom and was happy with it ?? How much was it, what do we need to watch out for ??

3) How far is the airport from the city ? best (cheapest) way of transportation ? How much is a cab ??

Thanks a lot for your help.

[Drak]

If you want to be in Gringolandia as the Mariscal Sucre area is known to the locals then there are lots of cheap hostels. If you'd like to be in the colonial area but not too far from Mariscal Sucre you might like the Secret Garden which has a rooftop garden terrace with bar, restaurant, hammocks and a lovely view over coloninial Quito. It was the author' pick of hostels in Quito in the latest LP and won the South Amereican Hostel of the year a couple of years ago. Taxis from the airport and indeed anywhere in Quito are cheap as are buses, the Trole and Ecovia systems. Some hostels have airport pickup if required. Ask at the South American Explorers Club in Quito for any recommendations for trips to Galapagos although I belileve the Secret Garden can also organise one for you

[Ualtar]

I would recommend the Villa Nancy...now $25 a night for two, including a good breakfast and a kitchen where you can prepare your own meals.....I chose to stay there several years ago on the recommendation of the South American Explorers Club (found Club membership worthwhile...discounts at pensions recouped the cost)....chose Villa Nancy primarily because they offered free airport pickup which they still do. Run by a Swiss-Ecuadorian couple, very pleasant staff...you can leave stuff there while you go off to the Galapagos and other places.
You can get lots of info on Galapagos from the Club as well....I can recommend CNH tours....run by a couple from Ottawa who lived and worked in the Galapagos for several years...and know the boats and the guides ....at the time I found it very good value...super guide, staff, food, etc.
Both CNH and Villa Nancy have websites.
Enjoy your trip.

[Istu]

Just got back from Quito where we stayed at Hostal Inn L'Auberge. It is between Old Town and Marical Sucre. It was comfortable, safe and spotless. The staff is friendly and helpful and they have a restaurant for breakfast and lunch and a pizzeria downstairs, and an onsite travel agency. We had no problems venturing out at night taking the usual precautions. I wholeheartedly recommend it.