Post: #1

So here is my story - I am a 27 year old white guy in the Northeastern US. I recently decided to go to medical school. I got accepted to my top choice school, quit my job, and ended my LTR. Starting in July or August I will not have much free time for a very long time, so I am hoping to live it up between now and then. Next Wednesday, I fly to Quito, Ecuador.

I have read up on Ecuador on this forum, and I realize it is not necessarily a favorite spot among the Roosh community. That said, I have a pretty dope set up there - I will be volunteering at a hostel in exchange for free food/housing and most importantly immersive 1-on-1 Spanish lessons. I will be at this hostel for a minimum of 4 weeks (can stay longer if I want). I plan to use this time to get my bearings in South America, study Spanish as intensively as possible, and take advantage of some of Ecuador's awesome nature and outdoor activities. Hopefully toward the end I will be able to start working on some game (my Spanish is only OK right now, not great, so that may be limiting).

After Quito, I am basically free as a bird. Down to travel anywhere else, though hopefully on the cheaper side, so probably Peru or Colombia. I would love some suggestions on this. I would also love any other general tips for first timers in South America either related to collecting flags or more general travel stuff. I've already read the other Quito threads so I don't need specific bars/clubs, though any tips on that end are of course appreciated.

Finally, if anyone is in Quito or near by, I'd love to hang out at some point.

Thanks all!

Post: #2

You're welcome

Post: #3

Take a few days to explore Galapagos.

Post: #4

Quito is a pretty cool place.

For about 3 days.

Get on a bus and see some stuff. Lots of hostels will let you work for lodging. Buses cost a $1 per hour of the ride. I was gungho as hell about Quito for months, and then after a few days of arriving, I was like meh. I spent over three weeks there due to dating a nice English teacher, but I was ready to bolt. She agreed with the sentiment and left with me.

Ecuador is a truly beautiful country with great small towns with waterfalls, rafting, bungee, volcanoes, jungles, green mountains, rain forests, and nice people. Don't hole up in that dirty city waiting for someone to try for your wallet. You're there to see as much as possible before med school, right? You can see a bigass city anywhere.

Go explore Ecuador.

Post: #5

My plan is to spend 4 weeks in Quito during which I will study Spanish as intensely as possible during the week. My Spanish is OK and I really think I can become conservational in that time. I'll also use the weekends to hit the Amazon, Baños, Atecames, etc.

After that I am free to do anything for 6-8 weeks. That's what I am primarily looking for ideas for. Should I venture into Colombia? I could go Quito to Cali to Medellin, etc. Or maybe head down to Peru and check out Cusco or maybe the Inca trail. I could also stick with Ecuador and move out to Montanitas, Salinas, Mompiche, etc.

My criteria are a low cost of living, interesting nature/culture, and beautiful women who love Americans (I am tall light skinned and blue eyed). Learning Spanish is also a top priority, which rules out Brazil for me (I know Roosh and others love Brazil).

I have read through a bunch of the city guide, but 1) alot of them are fairly old and potentially outdated, and 2) alot of them read like they are kind of "selling" the cities, making it difficult to choose where to go. That was why I decided to make my own topic. I also plan to come back and update this topic as my trip goes on, hopefully contributing to the Roosh forum's collection of information.

Post: #6

I spent 2 months in Banos. Don't miss it. You can easily do a weekend trip from Quito just 3.5 hrs away to see if you like it (you will).

Colombia is actually cheaper right now in most aspects due to the USD vs COP exchange. I loved both and I can't say which is better. They are two very distinct places with different mindsets. And the Spanish is different. I have a lot more trouble hearing Colombian Spanish and figuring out their own versions of saying things.

If you're looking for chicas, Colombia wins hands down. I find the Colombians much more fun. Ecuadorans are generally a lot more conservative. Colombians love to party and drink and hang out all night. The Ecuadorans do too, but seem more shy and have to be back home to daddy's house by 10pm. I didn't find the majority of Ecuadoran girls to be very attractive, and the ones that are good looking are very much aware of it. There's no comparison in the beauty of Ecuadorans vs Colombians.

My fun experiences in Ecuador were mostly with other travelers; whereas, I could fit in very easily at any given time or place with a brand new group of Colombians. They're just very easy to meet, and they'll treat you like a lifelong friend from the getgo if they like you. Because of this trait, it's difficult to tell who is being nice because they're happy to meet you, and who is being nice because they want your i-phone. :/

I had a blast in both countries and would be on a plane tomorrow to go live in either if I had a rich uncle that left me lots of money.

Post: #7

Cr33pin is the man. He has all the answers.

Between now and July I wouldn't call the trip of a lifetime, its a trip though, glad you're taking advantage.

Ive been to every country in SA, and there might be others here, and there are many who have spent years in the places you mention. I would love to answer a question but you haven't asked any.

There are a lot of guys here who have been all over the world, so "should i go to Inca on the back of a llama or should i explore the ruins of the ancient jungle" doesn't work here as it will to your friends back home to oooo and awww.

"Any advice" for an entire continent is not a question.

Post: #8

(02-19-2017 01:04 PM)Cr33pin Wrote:  You're welcome

That is funny shit, I am stealing it next time.

OP, if you really want help. Just post some stuff you did find researching. Say, "I found this section that was very interesting in this thread, is it still good info?", or something like that. Or better yet, quote it and keep it in the original thread so it bumps an old thread and others who have not seen it can also benefit. Demonstrate that some honest work was done and people will help. I actually enjoy looking for shit, and plenty of times I have dug around on this forum to help someone. But make an effort please.

This stuff about threads being too old, etc doesn't always apply. It is isn't as if some country has shifted a 1,000 miles East.

Post: #9

Didn't mean to bother you guys, as you can tell I am new here.

I am specifically looking for suggestions on where to move on to when I am done in Quito. I thought I said that in both of my posts, but sorry if it was not clear. Off the Reservation, I am well aware that many on here have travelled much more extensively than I have, particularly in South America. That was kind of my point in making this topic.

Post: #10

Sounds like they want you to research all the South America threads and possibly create a rough draft your own plan and then they can maybe help you tweak your itinerary from there. But I could be wrong.

Post: #11

I travel to SA several times a year and I gave you a suggestion that you totally ignored......Go to Galapagos. It's gorgeous and interesting, and this is your chance to see it. There are a handful of tourists that you can meet there, I met a Colombian girl, but your main priority in the area would probably have nada to do with game. The fauna of the islands are exotic and plentiful... you can go swim with sea turtles, hang out on the beach next to a bunch of sea lions, kayak around, etc. Hostels there are affordable.

Sounds like you don't really want advice on logistics and activities; rather, you want advice on where to go in general. But let me tell you...Once you're in a city, you're not going to want to walk 50 minutes to and from the bar/club district (or other social scene). Find an apartment/hotel/Airbnb near your preferred stomping grounds. This will keep you safe, make you more friends, and bring more girls back to your spot.

I have spent some time in Guayaquil. Everyone I met there talked about how dangerous it is, so much so that I was spooked just walking around at night. No issues though, at least not for me. I'd say it was worth a day or two, but once you see some of the sights, it doesn't seem like a terribly special place to go out and meet girls.

There's a church in Quito called La Basílica del Voto Nacional...When I was there you could take an elevator to the top, walk across a catwalk inside the roof, and climb a makeshift outdoor staircase to a tower with a great view.

The area in Peru around Lima for me is a really meh place, I have been there twice and I haven't really liked it either time. Miraflores was the only place near Lima that seemed fun IMO. Outside of that, you can head south towards Ica and Pisco to see the Nazca lines and zip around the sand dunes in a buggy. Kind of fun if you're looking for a day trip with a girl. If I go back to Peru I might check out Iquitos, seems really unique.

Colombia I don't know as well as others on the forum but I thought Cartagena was a little inauthentic due to the presence of tourists everywhere. Would be fun to go with a GF or with a small group of buddies. Parque Tayrona is supposed to be really beautiful but I didn't make it out there. Caño Cristales and Las Lajas Sanctuary are on my list for the next trip I take to Colombia.

Santiago de Chile is really fucking cool and the flights can be cheap because both Quito and Santiago are airline hotspots. In the winter, you can take a day trip to ski in the mountains, and in the summer, you can take a day trip to get lost in the hillside neighborhoods of Valparaiso.

Your physical appearance will help a little bit but frankly if you pull at home you can pull there, and vice versa. IMO you won't know what countries have the girls that vibe with you until you go and meet them yourself. For example, I had a great time in Uruguay and Paraguay...chicks would smile and check me out even if they were walking and holding hands with their boyfriends, and I got opened by girls more frequently there than at home. Some people on RVF have the opposite experience in those two countries.

My last bit of advice is to get off the beaten path a little. You'll have a more interesting time going to the towns where locals aren't used to encountering tourists and expats. People will be excited to befriend an American in these places. They will show you cool spots, invite you to parties, and enrich your trip in ways that will surprise you. You might find your own personal bit of paradise, worthy of a return trip or several.

Post: #12

(02-20-2017 08:06 PM)QuitoBandito Wrote:  Didn't mean to bother you guys, as you can tell I am new here.

I am specifically looking for suggestions on where to move on to when I am done in Quito. I thought I said that in both of my posts, but sorry if it was not clear. Off the Reservation, I am well aware that many on here have travelled much more extensively than I have, particularly in South America. That was kind of my point in making this topic.

You might consider deciding this question after you get there. You could spend all the time in Ecuador and truly explore it. For example you may find the coast between Manta and Ballenita is worth several weeks of your time (if you like it.) Just the fish and food alone, if you stop at places like Restaurante Delfín Azul in San Lorenzo, will make you question many things in your life like, should I go to medical school, why did I book a ticket out so soon to ____ destination.

You have enough time to go see a lot of this truly amazing country. In one manner of thinking Colombia will "be there" for a future trip and it's not going anywhere, although its awesome too. But in your upcoming medical study and subsequent path it may be years until you have the chance to slowly explore a country without the stress of a packed agenda and make your next move to another town at a pace you decide not before but after you are there. This indeed can be a special trip.

I wish you a great trip. Leave some of the mystery alive and the outcome unknown.

Post: #13

Polymath - sorry about that, I didn't mean to ignore you! I'm actually very interested in Galapagos both as a tourist and a biologist. My research so far has made it seem a little bit on the expensive side compared to the other beach towns, but it's obviously world renowned and probably worth it. Thanks for the rest of your long post.

Off the Reservation - that is a very good point and likely what I'll end up doing. When I travelled to Panama I had all these pre planned ideas but locals ended up recommending better ideas, so I should probably keep it loose.

Thanks to you both (and BrewDog and everyone else!) I'll try to periodically post here with where I end up and such.

Post: #14

Random question - any thoughts on how much cash money I should initially bring with me? I have ~350 in almost all tens, fives, and ones right now. I have an account that refunds ATM fees so it's not like I will never be able to get more cash. It's tough because 359 isn't that much money really but it IS a big ass was when it's in such small bills.

Post: #15

(02-21-2017 02:50 PM)QuitoBandito Wrote:  Random question - any thoughts on how much cash money I should initially bring with me? I have ~350 in almost all tens, fives, and ones right now. I have an account that refunds ATM fees so it's not like I will never be able to get more cash. It's tough because 359 isn't that much money really but it IS a big ass was when it's in such small bills.

Maybe a few small bills and make sure they are in great shape. But 100s usually work better. You don't want a thick stack of cash poking out of your pocket. And I am serious about the condition of the money, I have had some money refused because it was not in great shape.

Bring enough to cover you in case you have to replace your ATM card. Have heard stories about people getting their ATM card eaten at a machine or stolen.

Make copies of your valuable docs and cards (passport, etc.) and keep it separate from the originals.

Guys don't mind helping, they just want to know you tried. And plenty of people always say they look, but you never really know how much effort they put into it. Hope that is understandable.

Have a good trip.

Post: #16

(02-21-2017 06:07 PM)samsamsam Wrote:  Maybe a few small bills and make sure they are in great shape. But 100s usually work better.

Don't do this to this nice chap.

Post: #17

Good to see some members talking positively about Ecuador for once, besides my posts/datasheet, it doesn't get the best reputation. Anyway RVFers, I'm still in Quito, hit me up when here if you want.

Post: #18

Samsamsam, I can't tell if you're screwing with me or not. I know you are correct about the good quality of the bills, but most of what I have read has said not to bring large bills because it will be difficult to get change anywhere.

Post: #19

These are the master threads for Colombia and Peru.

Crisp $100s are the easiest bills to exchange in Colombia and Peru. Some places won't exchange smaller bills.

Most credit cards have foreign transaction fees of 3% but some Capital One cards do not have these fees.

You can use services like Xoom if you lose your ATM card. Their exchange rates suck so try to get USD and then change the money locally.

You will get a lot more out of this forum if you contribute.

Post: #20

(02-21-2017 06:07 PM)samsamsam Wrote:  

(02-21-2017 02:50 PM)QuitoBandito Wrote:  Random question - any thoughts on how much cash money I should initially bring with me? I have ~350 in almost all tens, fives, and ones right now. I have an account that refunds ATM fees so it's not like I will never be able to get more cash. It's tough because 359 isn't that much money really but it IS a big ass was when it's in such small bills.

Maybe a few small bills and make sure they are in great shape. But 100s usually work better. You don't want a thick stack of cash poking out of your pocket. And I am serious about the condition of the money, I have had some money refused because it was not in great shape.

Bring enough to cover you in case you have to replace your ATM card. Have heard stories about people getting their ATM card eaten at a machine or stolen.

Make copies of your valuable docs and cards (passport, etc.) and keep it separate from the originals.

Guys don't mind helping, they just want to know you tried. And plenty of people always say they look, but you never really know how much effort they put into it. Hope that is understandable.

Have a good trip.

What just happened to the OP and anyone else who hasn't been to Ecuador, Peru or Argentina specifically is that their eyes just glazed over and they said in their brains "yeah yeah ok cool got it." Sorry that's not going to cut it. samsamsam said it twice an I am still certain it was not heard.

Go to your bank and get NEW bills to take to Ecuador. 95% of circulated money in the US will not be accepted there. The tiniest 1mm rip, folds, writing, stains, anything, and IT WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED ANYWHERE.

And you will not be able to argue it or change the bills or use the bills ANYWHERE.

As far as the amounts don't overthink it... Just get some nice new 20s and go.

Post: #21

del

Post: #22

(02-21-2017 08:36 PM)QuitoBandito Wrote:  Samsamsam, I can't tell if you're screwing with me or not. I know you are correct about the good quality of the bills, but most of what I have read has said not to bring large bills because it will be difficult to get change anywhere.

You are spending too much time reading and not enough time making your bag lighter.

Post: #23

(02-21-2017 08:36 PM)QuitoBandito Wrote:  Samsamsam, I can't tell if you're screwing with me or not. I know you are correct about the good quality of the bills, but most of what I have read has said not to bring large bills because it will be difficult to get change anywhere.

It can be difficult to even use a $20 unless you're at a larger supermarket. A $100 bill is going to cost you a day of walking from bank to bank begging them to help you break it.

I was hanging out with an English girl that flew through ATL on her way down, and she got $200 from the airport ATM. It dispensed 2 hundreds. She didn't have a bank account in Cuenca, so the banks wouldn't help her. They don't want large bills because counterfeiting is a big issue in Ecuador. It helps the bank none whatsoever to take a hundred and give change to someone they don't know at the risk of being fucked out of $100. It took her an entire day of her vacation begging at bank after bank before she finally got change from the UK Consulate.

Don't take $100s. Most smaller shops and convenience stores and even some larger restaurants won't have change for a $20, especially if you're their first lunch customer. They'll open the goddamn restaurant with a completely empty cash till as if they can't anticipate that someone might not have exact change to pay for lunch. They'll ring you up and the cash drawer will be completely empty.

If you need to spend a $20 and the shop says they don't have that much change (this will happen daily), then just say ok and leave your beer and smokes on the counter and begin to leave. The shop owner still wants to make that sale, so they'll often times stop you and try to find change. They'll send little Juanito running up and down the street looking for another shop to get the change. Juanito isn't stealing your $20; he'll come back with the change eventually.

A lot of times their ATM's will give you 10s but not always. A good plan to get used to is to spend a $20 every chance you get, like at the large supermarket Kroger-type places. Even if you don't need the change right that second, break a $20 anyhow.

And if you've ever wondered what happens to all the US $1 coins... they're in Ecuador. They know you're just off the plane if you're still spending $1 bills.

Post: #24

Get a Schwab checking account and use ATMs.

Carrying large sums of cash is for criminals and poseurs. Better to have easy access to your dough and to risk nothing in case you get robbed or burglarized.

Post: #25

Not trying to screw with the guy. Regardless of the denomination just make sure they are in good shape.

While I agree on ATMs. Have enough cash to ride out some issue with it and need a replacement card. Or at least a backup Atm card even if it charges fees. Unless you have friends willing to wire western union you need to be a little prepared.