Due to an amazing promotion through American Airlines, I found myself with a free ticket to any AA destination. South America was the best deal for the time and money I had...since I couldn't use AA's partners I couldn't go anywhere in Asia except Japan. I boiled my main interests to Bolivia and Ecuador—Bolivia because it was remote and less-touristed, Ecuador because it featured every possible landscape in a compact area that I could fully explore. I leaned away from Ecuador for a long time because I couldn't afford to go to the Galapagos and didn't want to feel I'd "wasted" my one trip there—as I try not to repeat places—but ended up choosing it because I worried the infrastructure in Bolivia would not be conducive to a non-Spanish speaking solo female.

However, when I suddenly found myself with more time than I expected, I took a Spanish class in Quito, staying with a host family, and have often wondered what it would have been like to use that month of freedom taking it slow in Bolivia with a week of Spanish under my belt. Luckily, I can honestly say I wouldn't trade my Galapagos-free time in Ecuador for anything—it was stunningly beautiful, I had an amazing host family experience, and because it turns out apart from the Galapagos Ecuador is hardly touristy, I found myself practicing Spanish with friendly locals on a daily basis. It was a truly wonderful trip and I feel so lucky to have seen a more unexplored side of Ecuador.

Driving up to Cotopaxi

Highlights
Animal Markets I thought the ones at Otavalo and Saquisili were pretty similar (although there were llamas at Saquisili and not Otavalo), so if you are limited on time, you don't need to see both. These markets offer a glimpse into rural Ecuadorian life, and watching the natives bargain for piglets can be fascinating.

Baths at Banos So relaxing! It is a very reasonable way to recreate the feel of a spa for only $1 for unlimited time in the thermal pools. Top off the spa day with an excellent 1-hour massage for $20 at Stay in Touch.

Cotopaxi Hike This is a must-do. If you are more fit and adventurous, you can do the longer hike to the summit, but if you just want some lovely views, like me, you can do a regular daytrip. It is beautiful.

Ayampe This tiny fishing village is not the most common place to visit the beach in Ecuador, but it was perfect for me, isolated and lovely, with the chance to mingle with locals and really relax.

Quick Tips
You probably won't need a student ID here, as discounts are few and far between.

Ecuadorian food isn't the main focus of the trip. You can save money by eating bakery items or buying groceries. There are a few highlights, and there is good Colombian food available, but in general, don't spend too much on food.

The Otavalo Market is a great place to buy a second bag for souvenirs if you have a place to store your luggage in Quito. A woven duffel bag will cost from $6 to $10 with some good bargaining.

I went in January, a great time to travel. It was the low season, so I never felt surrounded by tourists and was, in fact, often alone at a site. It's a better time to bargain and the weather is generally good.

I did not deprive myself. I always had a private room and I did eat in restaurants, despite my own advice, but I never spent more than $25/day. If you are traveling with someone or work harder on a strict budget, you can definitely get by on less.

Getting Around
Public transport is pretty good in Ecuador. In Quito, there are loads of buses, but I found the tram to be the best choice for all the places I needed to go. It's clean and efficient and runs in its own lane. Long-distance buses are very convenient as well and cost about $1 per hour. In the terminals, people are quite helpful in guiding you to the correct bus. Long-distance buses also provide gorgeous views of the country—as much as I appreciate the time saved on a night bus, I would have hated to miss out on the scenery.

Taxis are reasonable. They generally don't have meters, so you have to bargain before getting in. Many of the smaller towns (Banos and Cuenca) are very walkable.

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