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I've done Quito to Cuenca via bus.  I would absolutely recommend staying a night or two in Baños.  In my opinion, it offers the most things to do compared to any other place between Cuenca and Quito. 

I'm not really into the indigenous crafts, but I do know there's a large, popular market in Saquisili (near Latacunga) on Thursdays. 

Also, fairly out of the way but worth the day trip, is Salinas de Guaranda.  It is a beautifully situated small town of co-op business like cheese and chocolate makers, mushroom growers, soccer ball makers, and such.  It also has an incredible hiking trail surrounded by sheer cliffs and small caves. It's accessed by pick-up truck from the city of Guaranda.   Guaranda is about 5 hours away from Quito. 

Latacunga looks like crap from the highway, but the downtown area has a quaint colonial feel and is nice to walk around and people watch.  There's not much to do though except walk around and eat a Chugchucara.

There's the Quilotoa crater lake and town.  I have yet to visit it, but it's high on my list.  It can also be accessed starting from Latacunga.

There's two large National parks south of Quito.  The Illinizas Reserve and Cotopaxi National Park. El Chaupi is the best place to stay to get to the Illiniza park.  El Chaupi can be accessed directly off the main highway and then by taking a cab/truck to it or via bus from Machachi. 

For Cotopaxi Park, there's the pricey but conveniently located Tambopaxi hotel, or you can stay in Machachi at a cheap hostel and pay a truck $10 or so one way into the park. 

Quito itself has a couple days worth of sightseeing.  If you haven't visited it yet, it could be a good option. You'll also be there during the Foundation of Quito Festivals which is a unique time of year for the city.  It takes place from the 1st to 6th of December.         

Most of the places I've mentioned are closer to Quito than Cuenca.  There isn't much other than Baños that's near the halfway point and worth the visit in my opinion. Riobamba and Ambato are two average Ecuadorian cities with little tourist activities.

Hey -

Thanks for the detailed response! That's exactly what I needed. I'm thinking that flying to Quito and basing out of there for my last week in Ecuador is the best bet (rather than traveling up through Banos, as cool as Banos sounds).

I'll definitely research some of the things you mentioned and spend a couple of days in Quito.


Thanks again,

Brock

Good idea.  Basing out of the city will let you visit some of the other popular places near Quito like Otavalo, Mindo, and Papallacta.

You're the MMA guy right? My coworker is a MMA fighter.  If you're curious and want to check out his gym in Quito, it's on the east side of Ave Seis de deciembre between Ave. Cristobal Colon and Ave. Francisco de Orellana. It's about a 15 min walk from Plaza Foch.

Thanks for the tip. I'll check his gym out when I get to Quito. Is he a pro or full time instructor or what?

I do jiu jitsu... very little MMA experience, but it would be cool to meet your friend. Is he from the States?

-B