We left for our Galapagos Islands cruise a few days early so we could have a little more time to see some of Ecuador. We arrived in Quito on April 14 and spent the night at the Radisson. The next morning we went by taxi to Otavalo where we stayed at the Ali Shungu Hotel (great place). In addition to the Indian market in Otavalo which was only a few blocks from our hotel, we visited several other great sites using a private taxi that was arranged by the hotel. All in all a great prelude to the cruise. After we returned to Quito we joined up with our fellow cruisers at the JW Marriott as part of the 10 day Xpedition cruise package.