Download Glovo app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.glovo
Set your location to Quito, click on shop, click on Guimsa store, scroll down to peluches.
They don't have one like that but make do. Also they can shop around for you and likely find something similar. I've used the app for food and they've been great with that.
Go out man. Cuenca has one of the biggest young foreing communities. Last time I was there I saw a bunch of american/european looking guys hanging out at parks, local bars and hangouts.
Also keep an eye for outdoor concerts. I think there was one a few weeks earlier. They're usually organized by the city council so they're free, if not the cost is cheap anyway... prob $5 - $20
Hopefully the links will give an idea where to start. I can't be your friend bro I live in Quito but if you visit hit me up.
If you'll be in Quito, maybe take a bus to Ambato. There's a lot to do near there in Banos http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g312857-Activities-Banos_Tungurahua_Province.html (click on the Activities tab)
Also, it's not cheap, but I tell everyone to stay at Huella Verde. It's a magical Lodge in the middle of the Rainforest http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g789221-d1760466-Reviews-Huella_Verde_Rainforest_Lodge-Puyo_Pastaza_Province.html
Baños is great, but four days could be cut back to two and the other two could be used for Mindo, another ecotourism spot like Baños depending on travel time... I have been to both and they offer similar activities but I especially loved Mindo! I stayed at Caskaffesu, a beautiful quiet hostel located in the main city. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g609138-d673467-Reviews-CasKaffeSu-Mindo_Pichincha_Province.html
Also, please do NOT stay at the Hostal El Elvita/Evita? In Banos! I went there with friends and had my iPod stolen and it was not guarded by security as promised. My only time experiencing theft and they told the policemen many lies about how they ran the place/ we pointed out the flaws in their story claiming that they would guard the entrance with the open key cabinet. Plenty of other places suggested on lonely planet or tripadvisor!
Banos: hikes, city tours, biking through the mountains, canyoning.
Mindo: water rafting or tubing, canyoning, mariposario (butterfly garden) Hikes and bikes.
In Quito, maybe you should look into a home stay with local young adults that host other travelers. Airbnb is a great site to check out rooms/beds and it supports the local people and cultural immersion moreso than the large companies/fancy hotels unless you're into that. If you want to be near other tourists, stay near La Mariscal. Please, do be careful and never carry around too much cash- just take what you need. As diverse as La Mariscal is, it is very dangerous because it is known to attract tourists.
Have fun. I love Ecuador and try to go back very other year :) I first went 6 years ago! Enjoy the fresh fruit, the beautiful climate, and the rich culture!!!
True. Here's another app that will give you off-line tourist info for Quito. And another for Guayaquil. Can't vouch for them since I haven't tried them.
Speaking of Mashpi, it looks like Mashpi is for sale. Not sure if this link worked, but on my mobile FB it comes up if you search “Pacto”
When I was in Ecuador in 2012 we stayed at a lodge in the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve and had a really great time. The reserve is closer to Lago Agrio (Nueva Loja) than to Coca, though. Still, it is rather easy to reach by bus or plane from Quito.
Since we were backpackers on a budget, we stayed at a rather basic lodge that I unfortunately can't remember the name right now. Nevertheless, accomodation and food was plain but good and the local guides were great. There seem to be more upmarket lodges, too. Although I don't know how crowded/touristy they get. Back then we were only seven tourists overall at the lodge and it really added to the experience. We booked the tour at Baños, but I think it is the same if you book in Quito. Booking from home tends to be more expensive as far as I know.
Maybe one of the locals on the subreddit can add something where and how to book best.
They're in Cuenca. Go to the Inca Bar on the river front. Nothing but N. American expats. The guy who owns the place is from one of the Carolinas or Georgia something. Expat heaven.
Do you have a car? If so, grab a camera and head out to Parque Histórico for a day (or 1/2 day). Malecón 2000 and Malecón del Salado are good choices. Combine Malecón 2000 with Las Peñas for a great stroll and photos - probably a full day.
Many of the workout places will sell you day passes and/or week passes. That is a good way to get in a workout or two.
Keep an eye out for 5k and 10k races in Guayaquil if running is your thing. They are getting to be more frequent.
Dig through TripAdvisor for the most recent updates on day trips. Dolphin watching, fishing, quick bus tours of plantations, and such. Only go with the reputable ones. You can book a number of these online...
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g303845-Activities-Guayaquil_Guayas_Province.html
Oh man this is super useful! I'll definitely will be bringing business to them!
Sadly, while in this particular case it is very much worth it, it isn't that case always. Look at this book, it's a very expensive book (jesus! Hardcover it is almost $300!) that I can't afford, but on Amazon I got at a very affordable $15 (used obviously, I don't mind it though) so I wouldn't rule out Amazon entirely. I mean, you just can't compete with people selling books in bulk at 1 cent (although it's actually $4 because of delivery). Those penny books are pretty sweet!
Still though, wow! Thanks a lot for this link. Like I said, I'm most likely going to use it a lot!
Another thing that I like about this website is that it seems they have book sales. That's awesome!
Edit: oh maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan. According to this page
http://www.bookdepository.com/help/topic/HelpId/3/Which-countries-do-you-deliver-to
They actually don't deliver to Ecuador. That really sucks.
Try having somebody text you, I have gotten text messages while in Peru. I have roaming activated and I could receive text messages and phone calls. Maybe try choosing a different carrier to roam on.
Do you have the Claro app installed? You can check the roaming status there. I know you said roaming was activated but just wondering.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.claroecuador.miclaro
No creo que se necesita VPN, mis familiares en Ecuador utilizan mi cuenta, de igual manera compran cosas en amazon y las envian a mi oficina. Intenta este link https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YD560HA/ Si quieres te ayudo comprando. :)
heh Touche on the Wii U.
I've never really checked about faucets (mine don't seem to have any threading). Pitcher is a good idea, bring filter replacements as well.
I've seen a filter similar to this one sold here http://www.amazon.com/New-Wave-Enviro-Filter-System/dp/B000W9Q0GC/ref=sr_1_25?ie=UTF8&qid=1461693042&sr=8-25&keywords=under+sink+water+filter the guy at the hardware store offer to install it for $30 since it can be installed over the counter it would seem a good solution for temp housing (they market this one add drinking water to a second floor)