First timer - how to explore?

by Steve K
(Utah)

First time visitors must fly into Quito, as it is currently the only international airport. If one has NO AGENDA (e.g., ecotours, birding, Galapagos, etc.) what are the good ways to explore the diverse areas of Ecuador to experience the weather, amenity, and local color differences throughout the country? Rent a car? Local air and taxis? Hire a driver? Take buses? What are the relative costs between the choices?

Is it better to focus on places in one climate, or hop between jungle and beach and mountains?

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First, I'd like to clear up a misconception. You can fly into Quito in the mountains or Guayaquil. You can fly to Guayaquil from Miami or New York City.

If you're going to fly to Quito, explore the northern part of the country first (Quito, Otavalo, Cotacachi, perhaps the Esmeraldas coast area. I'd next check out El Oriente (the Amazon area) in the north.

Then fly to Cuenca and check out the area in the south, including Loja and Vilcabamba.

Then take a van to Guayaquil. If you're not into big, hot, steamy cities, continue on to Salinas and then travel up the coast to Bahía de Caráquez. From there, you can fly back to Quito (or take a bus).

If you fly into Guayaquil, start there and work your way up the coast, to the north, then the south, or do the reverse order.

If you can afford it, hire someone who's a tour guide in the area you want to visit. Don't just hire a taxi, as many don't speak English, and they don't know the specific history like a tour guide will.

If you're on a budget, go by bus, if you don't mind movies and loud music playing at the same time on the long trips, and music on most of the shorter trips.