Hey Dan, thanks for your comment and thoughts! I'm happy I could surprise you!;-)
You are right, it is absolutely different if you are a long term traveler, as we also were for a year, or if you just have to adjust a certain time frame for the travels.
Ecuador is a trip we do together and and yes, because life is not always that easy, we just have 3 weeks for South America this time. But still, I think it's a good amount of time to spend in Ecuador to see some nice places and do some trekkings and also get the chance to relax a bit.
We booked the tickets quite in advance this time, as it seems that prices are increasing in June and July, as it is a very popular travel time. Like this we don't need to worry anymore about increasing prices and we can already look forward for the trip.
Our plan for Ecuador looks like we take a bus from Guayaquil to Quito, and then move slowly south to Loja and back to Guayaquil.
But we'll see..;)
Anyway, enjoy your last days in Ecuador and enjoy Peru - it's an amazing country!
--Li--