Attractions and Things to do in Quito, Ecuador

While in Quito, Ecuador, we plan to visit a number of different places to get an idea of what the local culture is like. We will first go visit the Company of Jesus Church, which is a masterpiece of baroque and Quiteno-colonial art with lavish golden altars and gilded columns, making it one of the most ornate structures in Ecuador.

Next, we will visit the world famous, Alegria Farm. The Alegria Farm was Built in 1911, historic Hacienda and 135-hectare Alegria Farm are in the verdant heart of the Avenida de los Volcanoes. These beautiful pasturelands are home to more than 200 cows and calves, 48 horses and foals, dozens of llamas and alpacas, and more. It’s the perfect place to learn about hacienda life, which includes milking cows, riding horses, animal care, and taking carriage and hay rides.

We also plan to visit Old Town while in Quito. Old Town is a historic district was the first city named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is noted for its narrow streets, Spanish colonial architecture and historic attractions.

Another potential activity is backpacking the Maquipucuna Cloud Forest Reserve. This reserve measures more than 6,000 hectares (15,000 acres) containing more than 375 species of birds, 45 species of mammals, 250 species of butterflies, and 1000 species of moths - amongst other species... In addition to hosting more than 2,000 species of plants, Maquipucuna harbors 4% of the world's bird diversity. Visitors can experience a unique community-run in-vitro propagation lab and orchid tour, as well as the only shade-grown, bird-friendly, beyond organic coffee-tour, all in association with neighboring communities in the Alambi river watershed, and Choco-Andean conservation & sustainable development corridor.

While in Quito, we would also like to visit the Iglesia de San Francisco. The Iglesia de San Francisco is the oldest colonial building in Quito is home to a collection of paintings, art, and furniture from the Museo Franciscano (Franciscano museum). Built by the Franciscan priest in 1536, Iglesia de San Francisco is the first church built in America.

These are just a few ideas of activities we can do while visiting Quito, Ecuador. Stay tuned to the blog to find out information about our actual trip! We leave on October 2nd for Quito!

Kevin Burnet

Attractions/Entertainment (India)

Things to do in India: 

1. Taj Mahal: For $85 per person, we could take the "Same Day Taj Mahal Tour" in which we will not only get to see the Taj Mahal with an englih speaking tour guide, but also we would get to see Agra Fort, Tomb of It-mad-ud-Daula, Tonga ride, Battery Van ride and visit the local market and experience (first hand) culture. 

http://www.indiatour-packages.net/india-tour-packages/same-day-tajmahal-tour.html

2. Another very famous place to visit in India is right in the capital, New Delhi and is known as the "Lotus Temple". This Temple is originally called "Bahai's Temple" but is known as the Lotus Temple because it is shaped like a flower. Its architectural structure is truly amazing and worth seeing since we will be in New Delhi, why not? We could just drive our rental vehicle to the Temple and see it without having to pay for an entire tour that includes this temple in its route. (Those can be pricey.) 

3. Another interesting, more natural excursion to take part in would be a hike into the Himalayan Mountains of Northern India and make our way to the Ganges River, India's "holiest" waters. Many do this as a spiritual journey, however it is one of the hot spots to visit in India because of its beauty and its religious affiliation. 

Jaimie 

Accommodations- India

After arriving in New Delhi, we can take a rental van from the hotel to our hotel for approximately $95
http://www.indiarentacar.com/volkswagen_multivan_deltariff.php <--- this shows all of the details

I found The Connaught Hotel of New Delhi that seems to be a great place for us to stay! Accommodations include: Hotel The Connaught New Delhi offers 87 well furnished rooms in 7 floors including deluxe rooms and suites, centrally air-conditioned with attached bath, mini fridge, direct dialing, color TV with satellite channels, individual temperature control, channel music & tea coffee maker. 
Since there are several different room offers our rate would vary. By booking "standard" rooms for our stay, we would have a rate of 9000 indian rupees/night ($169 US) 

In the hotel, there is a multi-cuisine 24 hour restaurant, a 24 hour snack bar and a bar opened from 12 noon to midnight. 

Jaimie 

Accommodations Antananarivo Madagascar

Info through Booking.com and the Tana hotel website.

Tana Hotel is located in the center of the city. The accommodations include transportation to and from the airport upon request. Breakfast is included either a buffet or continental breakfast in your room are options. This is a hotel that has many ammenities . We would need 4 standard twin rooms . all with 2 twins so someone will luck out and get there own room.                         
                                                              Total cost $2317.44                  

Set in the business district in the centre of Antananarivo, this 3-star hotel is just a 5-minute walk from the Presidential Palace. You can relax in the hot tub or enjoy a cocktail in the on-site bar.

The rooms at TANA Hotel are contemporary in style and offer views of the surrounding city. Each one is air-conditioned and also has a seating area with an LCD TV and a minibar. 

A buffet breakfast is provided every morning in the breakfast room. You can also use the hotel’s room service and enjoy the breakfast continental-style from the comfort of your room.

Massages and free private parking are some of the other facilities at this hotel. You may also organise a shuttle service at the 24-hour reception to Ivat Airport, which is 8 km away.

Hotel Rooms: 31.

You will pay in the hotel's preferred currency (MGA) after your stay at the hotel. The exchange rate is subject to fluctuations.

Hotel Facilities

General

Bar, 24-Hour Front Desk, Newspapers, Non-smoking Rooms, Family Rooms, Safe, Baggage Storage, Air Conditioning.

Activities

Hot Tub.

Services

Airport Shuttle, Laundry, Breakfast in the Room.

Internet

Free! Wi-Fi is available in the entire hotel and is free of charge.

Parking

Free! Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is needed).

Policies of TANA Hotel

Check in

07:00 - 23:30 hours

Check out

Until 12:00 hours                  Emily Currier

Kelly Hince - Buenos Aires Pre-trip planning

Carlos Calvo Escape is a rental house in Buenos Aires in the heart of San Telmo

It is 4 bedrooms and 3 baths and sleeps 8 comfortably 

There are many amenities including: Wifi, laundry, fully stocked gourmet kitchen, balconies and flat screen TVs with DVD players 

Reviewers online rave about the customer service of the owner and his recommended car service from the airport 

It is close to restaurants, bars, historical places, clubs and is just four blocks from the waterfront.

It will be $1,500 to rent for the week. 

Here is a link to more information: http://www.tripadvisor.com/VacationRentalReview-g312741-d1490912-Carlos_Calvo_Escape-Buenos_Aires_Capital_Federal_District.html#amenities

-- Kelly Hince

The Accommodation...

Alex Rathbun Indonesia- Pre Trip Planning

FLIGHT :

 I found a flight that leaves India at 11:10 pm on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 and we will arive in Bali on 11:45 am Wednesday, November 14th. The total price for 7 people is $3291.16. We have a connecting flight at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. I have attached all of the flight information on the bottom.

ACCOMMODATIONS: 

For the first two nights (Wednesday and Thursday) of our stay in Bali we are going in the heart of Bali's best hangout area. We are staying at the Kayun Hostel in Kuta. The hostel is a 10 minute walk to all the local bars and 15 minutes to the beach. The address is Kuta, Jalan Patih Jelantik 176, Kayun Hostel. We will be taking a taxi from the airport to the hostel. For two, four bedroom rooms this will cost us $320.16 for two nights. For food, we will be going out to eat both days. There are many restaurants near by so we will walk to local places for lunch and dinner.
http://www.travellerspoint.com/accommodation/73266-Kayun-Hostel/

Next, we will be traveling from Kuta to Ubud. Ubud is a traditional, beautiful place located in the mountains, north of Denpasar. I have read online it is one of the best places to see unspoiled old culture.  In Ubud, we will be staying at the Jati Home Stay and Gallery. I have booked two family size rooms and the total cost is $185.56 for two nights. 

Finally, we will travel from Ubud to Amlapura. Amlapura is on Balis North coast and is in the mountains. It is home of the former palace of the king of Karangasem. We will be staying at the Kubu Carik for two nights. For two nights and four bedrooms it is $574.56. There are a lot of restaurants near by so we will be eating at those. 
http://www.travellerspoint.com/accommodation/68352-Kubu-Carik-Bali/


ACTIVITIES/ATTRACTIONS:
Natural Site
Built monument or attraction
Cultural/historical event or site
Recreation/sports activity 

In Kuta, I was thinking for one day we can relax and hang out at Kuta Beach and party at night in Legian Street. They are both very close to our hostel.

I also want to see the Monument of Human Tragedy while in Kuta. This is where 202 people were massacred by two massive explosions.

In Ubud, we could go to Goa Gajah also known as the elephant cave. It is one of Bali's most historically significant sites and it served as a sanctuary in the 9th century.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g297701-d451059-Reviews-Elephant_Cave_Goa_Gajah-Ubud_Bali.html

 

In Amlapura, I want to visit the Puri Agung Karangasem which is a series of compounds that house the royal palace. It is 10,000 rupiah to enter the inner court which is called Maskerdam. 
http://www.travelfish.org/sight_profile/indonesia/bali/bali/amlapura/1047

I also want to visit Pura Luhur Lempuyang which is one of Bali's nine directional temples. We would be hiking to it and will get a guide when we get there. We would get there early in the morning because people say the heat is unbearable during the day.

http://www.travelfish.org/sight_profile/indonesia/bali/bali/amlapura/1050

-Alex

Tue 13 Nov 2012
 

Depart	Arrive	Flight	Price (INR)
11:10 PM DELDelhi ‑ Indira Gandhi International 6:50 AM(14 Nov) KULKuala Lumpur International Airport MH191(Boeing 777‑200) Non-stop INR 12825.00 8:45 AM KULKuala Lumpur International Airport 11:45 AM DPS Denpasar‑Bali MH715(Boeing 777‑200) Non-stop