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LAN airline and possible trip to Quito, Ecuador

We have recently seen some great fares advertised by LAN and are considering a trip to Quito. We would be interested first in what other travelers have experienced using LAN and second in some ideas of how we might spend a week in Quito with day trips elsewhere. (Going to the Galapagos islands would not be on our agenda.) We primarily are interested in seeing the architecture, visiting neighborhoods, getting acquainted with the culture, a day trip outside the city, etc.

We have quite a bit of experience as independent travelers in Europe; however, our only visit to South
America was on a cruise that stopped in Venezuela.

Thanks!

Posted by
57 posts

Helen, I spent a month in Quito and did several day trips plus a trip to the Galapagos. I have the name of an excellent guide in Quito if you would like it. He took us to the cloud forest and to a hummingbird place in that forest. He also toured us around Quito. I have referred a friend to him while she was in Quito and they loved working with him....he is really a nice guy. Kathleen

Posted by
49 posts

I definately spending 3-4 days @ an eco-lodge in the Ecuadorian rainforest in the eastern part of the country. Easy flight to Coca, where you go downriver on a motorized canoe!

Posted by
1540 posts

I have used LAN to and from several places in So. America - only problem was a 14 hour delayed flight out of LAX to Lima - but they put us in a nice hotel at the airport with meal vouchers.
Had 3 other flights in Peru and Ecuador on LAN - no problems.
(PS - I was on a Gate 1 tour to Peru and Ecuador for a little over 2 weeks - We went on several day trips around Quito, and longer overnight trips around Ecuador) You can look at www.gate1.com to see where they go on their tours to give you an idea of places you may want to see)

Posted by
43 posts

Otavalo Market is a worthwhile day trip from Quito. The trip through the mountains is breathtaking. The tour we were on made several washroom breaks and to buy (if you wished) souveniors.

We also visited the hummingbirds on our return trip to Quito from a two day visit to the rainforest - well worth it.

Try to fit in the Galápagos Islands you wont regret it. Trip of a lifetime.....

Happy travels.....