The Ali Shungu
Mountaintop Ecolodge
Mountaintop Ecolodge
Otavalo, Ecuador
Markets like those at Otavalo or Saquisili are frequented by big city
pickpockets that "work the circuit". (This is sneaky crime and only
occurs when people are not paying attention to their belongings.)
Luckily they go back to Quito in the afternoon, and these pueblos return
to the relatively safe places that they are during the week. Thieves
look for easy targets! They often work in pairs or groups. While one
distracts your attention, another thief is robbing you. It's always a
good idea to go in a group to remote areas, like lakes outside of towns,
or to take long mountain hikes. Always go trekking or climbing with a
reputable guide, as most robberies of tour groups or hotels are "inside
jobs". Lately in the new city of Quito (the Mariscal), there have been
some reports of armed assaults. It's not a good idea to go out at all at
night unless you are in a group. Always try to look like you know
where you are going, and never flash huge packs of cash. Always keep
a few small bunches of the local currency in various places. Don't put
all your eggs in one basket. Never leave valuables in an unattended
car. Windows will be smashed by hit and run thieves. If you are
careful, nothing should happen, and you'll return home with only good
memories of your visit to Ecuador. Before you leave home make copies
of EVERYTHING. Your passport, airline tickets, traveler's checks'
numbers, and also have handy, phone numbers to call in case of lost
items. Another safty precaution: Never accept food or drinks from
anyone that you do not know. This goes for people on buses as well as
"well-meaning" locals in bars, etc. Many people have been "drugged" in
this way, only to wake up days later robbed of everything, even their
shoes! If you have been robbed, make sure you get a police report as
this may be necessary for you to collect from your insurance company
when you return home. Many policies have a "travel insurance" rider, or
if necessary, take out a travel insurance policy.
For the latest travelers' advisories, call the U.S. Department of State
Overseas Citizens Services (202-647-5225); the Canadian Travel
Advisory Line (800-267-6788 in Canada or 6l3-944-6788 outside
Canada); British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (171-238-4503) or
the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Consular
Operations Section (2-6261-3305) or check out theri web pages.
TIPPING
As far as tipping goes, generally 10% tip is added on to most hotel and
restaurant bills. Sometimes the employees do not receive this,
sometimes they do. If you liked the service and you feel that the
person was being honest and going out of their way to accommodate
you, leave something extra, perhaps another 5%. If 10% is not put onto
a bill, give 10-15% directly to the employee. Generally, all services
such as carrying your bag, watching your car, etc., merit a tip (about
$1.00-$2.00), especially if the service was good. Don't be surprised to
find a 12% sales tax on all sales in Ecuador. The government tax
department is very strict and not many services are exempt from paying
it.
BEGGING
Begging is a fact of life in Ecuador. Especially concerning the elderly,
it's a good idea to give something, a piece of food if you can. Follow
your heart and common sense. Please show basic human respect to
these people. More and more children are begging these days and are
being brought into the big cities by their desperate mothers who have
no way to earn a living in the country. Again, follow your heart- it's
better to buy some fruit, bread and cheese or other food. Children may
not spend the money you give them on food, which is their greatest
need. There are so many homeless children roaming the streets of
Quito, selling flowers, shining shoes. There are a number of centers in
Quito, one being "The Centro del Muchacho Trabajador" which helps to
educate and feed homeless kids. A tour of the place can be arranged,
and donations are greatly needed. Talk to the folks at the South
American Explorer's Club for more info on this. Elderly seem to have
the "right" to beg and even the locals will tithe a little bit of food to them.
Even a half U.S. dollar in the local currency can greatly impact the life
of an old person.
Your Private Balcony over Otavalo
