Ecuador: planning

Listener Story Spotlight

I want to tell you about a listener named Pat who loves to take 40-minute walks. She does one every day. We have traveled together to Spain and have been ski buddies for over 10 years. She's a superb figure skater and loves cats. Maybe you even know my friend. Her last name is Brown, inspiring me to go to the Galapagos Islands this year. Thanks, Pat, for that encouragement.

 

The FAQ for today is: 

How do you choose your outfits for weather conditions that constantly change?

The answer is more straightforward than you think: It's basic colors, basic footwear, and layers, including a layer of insulated and waterproof clothing with a hat.

You can also buy things along the journey, so if you don't have one now, you can get one later.

What brings you more confidence? Is it knowing where you are going to sleep tonight? Is it knowing the language? Is it knowing you don't have to worry about anything? Let me know your thoughts.

 

If you like today's Confidence Challenge, Chapter 2 of my book dives deeper—the link is in the description."

 

See Book A for addressing all of these items.

Destination Deep‑Dive

Where am I headed? Ecuador

 

Here's a personalized travel itinerary for your Ecuador and Galápagos trip, tailored for a solo female traveler who loves the ocean and beach swimming. It includes suggestions for activities, safety tips, and recommended accommodations.

📍 Quito

Day 1 – Arrival in Quito

Arrival: Arrive at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO)

Hotel Recommendation:

Hotel Casa Gardenia – The Boutique is in the historic center, a safe and walkable area.

Budget option: Community Hostel Quito – Great for solo travelers, safe and sociable.

Afternoon:

Explore Quito's Historic Center (UNESCO World Heritage Site): La Ronda, Plaza Grande, and San Francisco Church

Evening:

Dinner at Casa Gangotena Rooftop for views of colonial Quito

Day 2 – Day Trip

Option 1: Middle of the World Monument (Mitad del Mundo) and Intiñan Museum

Option 2: TelefériQo Cable Car + short hike (go in the morning for clear skies)

Evening: Pack and rest for early Galápagos flight

🐢 Galápagos Islands

Flight: Early flight from Quito to Baltra Island (GPS), transfer to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island

Day 3 – Arrival and Beach Time

Stay in Puerto Ayora:

Mid-range: Hotel Fiesta Galápagos

Budget-friendly: Hostal Gardner Galápagos

Activity:

Visit Tortuga Bay – a white sand beach suitable for swimming and kayaking (walk in or take a water taxi)

Day 4 – Santa Cruz Exploration

Morning:

Visit Charles Darwin Research Station

Afternoon:

Swim/snorkel at Las Grietas (lava rock canyon)

Evening:

Enjoy seafood at La Garrapata or Il Giardino.

Day 5 – Day Tour (Don't Miss!)

Recommended Day Tour: Bartolomé Island (book ahead)

Stunning views, snorkeling with sea lions, penguins, and tropical fish

Tour provider recommendation: Galápagos Dreams Adventures or Nature Galápagos & Ecuador

Day 6 – Another Island or Beach Day

Option 1: Day trip to Isabela Island – visit flamingo lagoon, snorkel at Concha de Perla (more extended travel)

Option 2: Playa El Garrapatero – quieter beach, ideal for relaxing and birdwatching

🛫 Return to Quito

Day 7 – Quito City & Shopping

Return flight from Baltra to Quito

Hotel: Return to Hotel Casa Gardenia or Hostal El Arupo in La Mariscal

Visit the La Floresta neighborhood – artsy, cafés, and murals.

Shop for souvenirs at Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal

Day 8 – Final Explorations & Departure

Relax at Parque La Carolina or visit Museo del Banco Central

Depart Quito

🌟 Don't Miss Highlights

Tortuga Bay: Perfect for swimming and kayaking

Bartolomé Island: Once-in-a-lifetime views and marine life

Las Grietas: Safe, unique swim/snorkel spot

Mitad del Mundo: Fun and educational photo stop

✅ Tips for Solo Female Travelers

Stick to well-reviewed hostels or boutique hotels

Use airport and hotel transfers through your accommodation when possible.

Bring reef-safe sunscreen and your snorkel gear if possible.

Don't swim alone at isolated beaches—join a small group tour.s

Smart Move and Slip up pairings

 

Keep digital copies of travel documents and insurance. Don't forget to keep your passwords protected, too. 

 

If you like today's Confidence Challenge, Chapter 2 of my book dives deeper

·   Step out of your comfort zone

·   Enjoy your life

·   Innovate and explore

·   Self-Actualization

·   Pleasure

·   Emotional experience

·   Face your fear of going alone.

 

It seems that the more places I see and experience, the bigger I realize the world to be. The more I become aware of, the more I realize how relatively little I know of it, how many places I have still to go, how much more there is to learn. Maybe that's enlightenment enough – to know there is no final resting place of the mind, no moment of smug clarity. Perhaps wisdom, at least for me, means realizing how small I am and unwise and how far I have yet to go. (Anthony Bourdain, travel expert)

If you are looking for more solo female resources, you can find several tips and ways to navigate the pitfalls with Journey Woman or other great resources.

 

The away mantra is to go and find peace where you rest and bring good to others. 

 

You can travel solo and never be alone. Dr. Travelbest.