I'm headed down to Ecuador to climb Cotopaxi and Chimborazo in July but would like to know what else everyone has done while in Ecuador. Anybody got any recommendations? I wouldn't mind heading to the coast and also have heard that Banos is an interesting city. I'll have at least a week after I'm done climbing-thanks

I wouldn't mind heading to the coast and also have heard that Banos is an interesting city.

I'm not sure what the current situation in Baños is, but last year I know it got evacuated at least once.

I'll have at least a week after I'm done climbing-thanks

You could always go to the Galapogos Islands or the beaches along the coast or head east to the Amazon.

Our boat got cancelled to the Galapogos, so we missed out. We'd already been to the Amazon twice, so didn't go again while in Ecuador, but the Amazon is really nice.

Anyway, we actually spent the entire time climbing peaks. Besides Cotopaxi, there are also peaks like Antisana, Altar, Sara Urco, Cayambe, Illinizas, etc. that you can occupy your time with.

maxomeara wrote:I wouldn't mind heading to the coast and also have heard that Banos is an interesting city. I'll have at least a week after I'm done climbing-thanks

Banos is well worth a few days of R&R. Its also an adventure hub so you can plan and book other things while there. Mountain biking, atvs, rafting, rock climbing, etc. If you base out of Quito you have plenty of day trips you can do: Otovalo, the national park nw of Quito, a city tour etc. Quito is also where you can head off to the amazon for a 3-4 day eco lodge or canoe trip. Check out Sierra Nevada Expeditions. The owner, Freddy, can help with any logistics and trips you might need. He was very helpful when I planned my trip in 2007. Cheers!