Lauren Tabbron shares her favourite things to do in Manchester
Jess Astbury regales tales of festivities in warmer climates.
When to go:
Ecuador is blessed with mild weather all year round. I visited in July. Travel might be more affordable during the summer months, as many people visit during the winter to escape snowy climes.
Getting There:
From Britain, a round trip ticket can cost around £550. Travel within Ecuador is quite inexpensive, with a typical meal costing 4 dollars (the Ecuadorian currency), less than £3, and a night in a hostel from £5-15, depending on the city.
What to do:
During my two-week visit, we managed to see monuments, a cathedral, go white-water rafting, snorkelling, hiking, dirt-biking, swimming, salsa dancing, and more. My friends even went bungee-jumping from a bridge (although I cannot vouch for the safety of this).
> The capital and largest city, Quito, sprawls across a valley in the mountains. An enormous statue of the Virgin keeps watch from a mountaintop while active volcanoes smoulder nearby. You can visit the statue and actually climb inside it, offering a fantastic view. Climb to the tower of the city’s almost-finished cathedral for a dizzying perspective of the narrow streets below. Take a gondola up a mountain until the altitude makes your head spin, and then cure yourself with a cup of coca tea (legal here) and hot tamales.
>For a completely different experience, head to the rainforest near Banos. This is where the Ecuadorians come to have rugged fun. While admiring the many waterfalls flowing gracefully down the cliffs, you can engage in pretty much any outdoorsy activity imaginable. At night, sooth your sore muscles with a dip in the crowded but therapeutic natural springs.
>The beaches in Ecuador offer plenty of sun and Pina Coladas. Some beaches cater to the surfer crowd, while others are more family-orientated. From the coast you can take a day cruise to the Isla de la Plata, where you can see some of the strange animals that made the Galapagos famous, such as the blue-footed boobie, but is far less expensive and time-consuming than visiting the faraway islands.
Where to stay:
There are plenty of hostels in Quito and along the backpacker trail. I would especially recommend the Rose Cottage Hosteria, situated in the foothills of the famous market town of Otavalo, and home to the largest Andean Market in Latin America. This new hostel is run by York student Richard Hackforth-Jones and his family and is like a home from home.
The Bottom Line:
Ecuador can offer the experience of a lifetime. Having many distinct regions and climates, it can feel like lots of holidays in one!
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