When people think about Ecuador, the first thing that comes to mind is Galapagos. Maybe then they remember the high-altitude capital city, Quito.
And then they’re probably stumped!
But we recommend you check out Baños, or Baños de Agua Santa (baths of holy water), to use its full name.
Baños, a couple hours drive from Quito, sits in the foothills of the Tungurahua volcano. The volcanic activity means hot water is in abundance and there are several thermal baths available for you to enjoy.
Most people whizz through Selcuk in a day or two, taking in the wonders of the ruins of Ephesus and a whirl round the other sites and monuments in the town. With a driver it is possible to see the main sites in one day. However, I recommend taking your time, chill out for at least three days. There are a few day trips further afield which will keep you occupied for four or five days with Selcuk as your base.
Selcuk itself is a lovely rural Turkish town. The people are among the friendliest and most helpful in all of Turkey.
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Most tourists to Ecuador spend just one night in Quito, a stopover on their way to see the Galápagos Islands. This is a mistake. Quito has plenty to offer (not to mention day tours outside of the city) and you’d be wise to book several days to explore its highlights. Quito’s historic centre (along with Krakow) was the first world cultural heritage site declared by UNESCO — and they knew what they were talking about.
With Kota Kinabalu to conquer, Sabah might hold the crown for nature in Borneo, but there are plenty of outdoor activities in Sarawak. I recommend that you spend at least a week in the south of Sarawak, using Kuching as a base.