The Ecuador Insider

El Tigrillo

Loja is an interesting place. Some acquaint it to a mini-Cuenca, but it actually has a flavor all its own. The people are very proud of the heritage, are very into the fine arts, classical music and they even have their own gastronomy, and arguably the best coffee in Ecuador.

Where to stay in Loja?

Hotel Prado Internacional: Near the old town, this is by far the best value for buck place in Loja, with top quality although cramped rooms for a reasonable price ($20 per person).

Hotel Londres:Sucre 07-51 My pick for budget travelers with rooms that start around $7 per person.

What to do in Loja?

– Meander the Old Town. Its one of the most picturesque in Ecuador.

– Visit nearby Parque Podocarpus.

– Visit the locally-famous zoo.

– Try the local eats like the TAMAL LOJANO, TIGRILLO, and LAS HUMITAS.

To read the rest of this article please sign up for my weekly, Ecuador Insider’s Newsletter below (You can unsubscribe at ANY time):

First Name
* Email
	* = Required Field

If there’s somewhere in Ecuador that has a true eternal spring-like climate, maybe it’s Chordeleg. Besides the wonderful climate, Chordeleg is neat to visit as the country’s top silver destination. The silver shops line the streets all around the main plaza.

Where to stay in Chordeleg?

Residencial Gualaceo: Gran Colombia 3-02 In nearby Gualaceo, this is my pick for budget travelers for the warm atmosphere and cheap prices with rooms starting around $8 per person.

What to do in Chordeleg?

– Go jewelry shopping in and around the main plaza in town, Ecuador’s finest!

To read the rest of this article please sign up for my weekly, Ecuador Insider’s Newsletter below (You can unsubscribe at ANY time):

First Name
* Email
	* = Required Field

A Llama

A Flower Market in Cuenca.

From the breathtaking views of the old town from the riverside to the friendly locals, you just might want to stay.

Where to stay in Cuenca?

Hotel El Barranco: Calle Larga My pick, a clean, eloquent old colonial turned hotel right where you want to be in Cuenca in the old town near the river with rooms starting around $20 per person.

Hostal El Capitolio: hermano Miguel 4-19 A good budget option right in the center of the old town…and cheap… with rooms starting around $8 per person.

What to do in Cuenca?

– Browse the old town around Parque Calderon

– Mix with expats at the Inca Bar or the California Kitchen.

– Visit nearby Parque de las Cajas.

– Buy flowers at the outdoor flower market near Parque Calderon.

– Visit the largest typical Ecuadorian street market at Feria Libre.

– Get a taste of the hip, local nightlife scene along Calle Larga in the Old Town.

– Try the local delicacy, fried Guinea Pig (Cuiy).

To read the rest of this article please sign up for my weekly, Ecuador Insider’s Newsletter below (You can unsubscribe at ANY time):

First Name
* Email
	* = Required Field

Azogues is like the unappreciated, ugly sister of nearby Cuenca, but if you stick around long enough to notice, it actually has a unique flavor of its own.

Where to stay in Azogues?

Hotel Paraiso: Vascones y Veintimilla My pick, a clean, eloquent business hotel with rooms starting around $24 per person.

What to do in Azogues?

– Buy a Panama Hat at the Saturday market on Rivera.

– Visit arguably the most impressive church in Ecuador, visible from about everywhere in town. They also use church management software which makes them easy to communicate with people for events and donators as well.

To read the rest of this article please sign up for my weekly, Ecuador Insider’s Newsletter below (You can unsubscribe at ANY time):

First Name
* Email
	* = Required Field

Where to stay in Riobamba?

Hotel Tren Dorado: Carabobo 22-35 Near the train station, a simple, clean option with rooms that start around $10 per person.

Hotel Los Shyris: Rocafuerte y 10 de Agosto In the city center with recently renovated rooms that start around $14 per person.

What to do in Riobamba?

– Hike the Chimborazo, the country’s highest peak.  Guides can be found in one of the several travel agencies like Veloz Coronado Expeditions Chile 33-21 y Francia

– Meander the Saturday crafts market near the Parque de la Concepcion.

– Board the famous train ride of El Nariz del Diablo.  $25, leaves 7am every Tuesday thru Sunday, Visit  The Ecuador train schedule for more.

To read the rest of this article please sign up for my weekly, Ecuador Insider’s Newsletter below (You can unsubscribe at ANY time):

First Name
* Email
	* = Required Field