Im flying to quito for the winter to visit relatives and im planning on a short trip to Mindo, i've heard its a nice place. my question is, is it safe for two tourists to go alone to Mindo or is it better to go with people who know how to get there? my cousins wont be able to go so, it would be just me and my bf. in general is it a safe area to go in two? ive heard some wild stories that occured to my cousins getting mugged and stuff...kinda scares me, but im just curious to know...
2006-12-21 00:56:34 · 4 answers · asked by sueet2b 4 in Travel ➔ Latin America ➔ Ecuador
You shouldn't have a problem in Mindo itself. It's a very small town and the people are incredibly tight-knit and very kind (the entire town is a street)! I had a few friends that lived there and the only crime was the town drunk. If you go by bus you probably won't have any problems since the bus's final stop is Mindo, expect maybe being overcharged a dollar more than natives, but no safety problems. A word of caution for riding the bus is to never put your bags anywhere out of sight (on the floor under the seat in front of you is fine but over your head is not smart~the buses are typically very crowded and thieves often steal things from the overhead compartments). I traveled many times with just one or two more people and never felt frightened because there's always other tourists and Ecuadorians around. Especially since you're with a guy you should be fine anywhere you go as long as you use common sense! If you want a really good hostel ($5/night with the BEST breakfast ever) make a left out of the bus station and walk a little ways until you hit the road on your left. If you walk down that road past an equivolley court and continue on past a few houses in some trees it will be in a gate on the left. It's paradise (except at night since there are no street lights so a flashlight is recommended!)!!!! It's a little ways of a walk, but well worth it! Like I said you won't have to worry about crime~we walked around the town by ourselves on numerous occasions and never had a problem. Hope you have a blast!!! Mindo was one of my favorite trips (try the homemade ice cream from the restaurant on the corner~I don't remember the name but it looks newly rennovated and has a lot of wood furniture that looks like a ski lodge). Enjoy!
2006-12-21 15:57:24 · answer #1 · answered by dally1025 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I love Mindo! I dont think you will have any problems. Just use common sense. We have been to Ecuador twice this year. My husband and I are serious bird watchers and Ecuador is an incredible place for that. We didnt go with a tour group, though we did have a driver. We traveled all over the country and only found the people to be warm and wonderful. I hope you enjoy your visit as much as we did!
I would highly recommend getting the Loney Planet Book on Ecuador. We found it very helpful.
2006-12-21 22:10:00 · answer #2 · answered by sngcanary 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
just dont keep a bunch of money on your person, dont wear nice glasses/hats, and when you get to the airport or wherever... DONT let anyone take your bags (people asking to take them to your car or whatever for a small tip)
2006-12-21 10:13:52 · answer #3 · answered by i rock 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You'll be fine. No problem
2006-12-21 09:33:25 · answer #4 · answered by nachosmyman 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋