links

• Interested in some very nice remote Sustainable Ecotourism trips in Peru? Please check out the following two links, you won't be disappointed...
  
  www.tambopatatravel.com & www.mikeonlocation.com
  
  If you are already in Ecuador, Peru is only a short couple of hours flight away. Mike's websites will speak for them selves and not only will you be visiting some incredible areas of Peru you will also be helping the indigenous people to help themselves by promoting sustainable eco-tourism.
  
  Mike writes: "Escape to the Peruvian Amazon with us and enjoy an authentic & enriching travel experience in the tropical rainforest whilst contributing towards its long-term conservation and the wellbeing of local communities. We offer carefully selected itineraries based around comfortable award-winning eco-lodges established on the principles of responsible and sustainable tourism, ensuring that your visit is not only memorable, but that it supports local economies, conserves resources and minimizes negative impacts. You can expect to enjoy wonderful river journeys, be awed by the majestic Amazon rainforest, float on tranquil lakes, stand on top of canopy-high towers, observe incredible wildlife, take part in interesting activities, view amazing panoramas and engage with local people and their traditions, all fully guided." We love Ecuador, but Peru is definitely worth visiting too. A huge diverse country both culturally and environmentally, with much more than simply Macchu Pichu or Lake Titicaca. We recently visited Peru & had the opportunity to meet with Mike and hear all about what he is trying to accomplish there. His trips are truly a win win for everyone, the planet included.

• A great source for hostals throughout South America. We have used this site to research hostals in Ecuador and Peru. http://www.hosteltrail.com/index.shtm

• We stayed here for 2 nights while on our last trip to Banos. Very nice hostal and very reasonable. Please read the section on Ecuador for more info on this hostal. Overall a good experience. http://banios.com/pedron/index2.html

• While in Otovalo we have stayed here at Hostal La Luna several times, each time was very nice. http://www.lalunaecuador.com/

• Can't say enough about this hostal in Quito. We have stayed here on multiple occasions and had excellent service. Dorms from $7 and $1.50 for a huge bottle of beer. Read more in the Ecuador section. http://hotelbambuecuador.com/pages/casaquito.html

• For the Quilotoa area this gives some added info. knowledge is power. Read more about Quilotoa in the Ecuador section. http://www.vivatravelguides.com/south-america/ecuador/andean-highlands/central-highlands/quilotoa-loop/quilotoa/quilotoa-overview/quilotoa-hotels/

• We did an overnight in Lima and we wished we had days to spend at this quaint, INEXPENSIVE and quite nice hostal. First thing out of the owner's mouth when we walked in was "we have complimentary beer for you", now that said welcome! They even had breakfast waiting for us at 3:15am as we had an early flight back to the states. Read more about this hostal in the Peru section. http://www.mamipanchita.com/index.htm

• Here is a link to the Walk on Inn Hostal we stayed at in Cusco. It was relatively inexpensive & I believe they had some dorm beds available for $10 US. The cheapest price for a big bottle of beer we found was here (4 soles or just over $1 US). http://www.walkoninn.com/

• We stayed here at this hostal in Ollentaytambo for a total of 4 nights while visiting Machu Picchu and surrounding areas. Please read the section on Peru for more info on this hostal. Overall a good experience. http://kbperu.com/

• We stayed here for two nights while in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu). At $40 a night expensive by Ecuadorian prices, but reasonable for Peru and Machu Picchu. Nice place to crash at night, friendly staff, plenty of free cocoa leaf tea. Read more in the Peru section. http://www.terrazasdelinca.com/rooms.html

• Here is the link to Peru Rail. This is a pretty sweet and easy way to get your tickets from Cuzco to Ollentaytambo or Aguas Calientes. In addition you can book the Andean Explorer from Cuzco to Puno on the altiplano at lago Titicaca.  https://www.perurail.com/en/

• If you have never heard of Couch Surfing you might be glad you have now. Couch Surfing is simply that bumming a couch for the night at homes/places all over the world. If you are on a budget where $8 for a dorm in an Ecuadorian hostal is pricey, then stop in at any internet cafe or cabina and find a couch to crash on. We have spoken to folks couch surfing through South America with good comments. We have not couch surfed ourselves, however we have belonged to couch surfing for a few years now and have hosted folks biking across the US as well as running across the US. It is a great way to meet new folks.
  http://www.couchsurfing.org

• Omnimap, a great source for all type of maps, I have used these guys since a caving trip to Golondrinas in Mexico back in 2001. I have bought several great maps of Ecuador & Peru also. http://www.omnimap.com