3 month visit

Hiya,

I'd recommend Quito for sure, it can be a bit dangerous at times but it's a good base if you like hiking. You can visit a few locals villages too, banos, otavalo are pretty good.

Have a look at this section I have on my blog about Ecuador for some more ideas Living in Ecuador

Hope that helps.

Have fun, and learn some Spanish...

Bazteach

If you want tropical climate you should go to the coast or the rainforest.

On the coast, Guayaquil is a very big city but not very nice and dangerous, then there's some middle size towns like Salinas, Manta, Bahia de Caraquez.... mostly is for people who likes the beach.

On the rainforest is just small towns, not very development but a lot of aventure sports.

Vinny

Hi, I live in Salinas. Weather is dry but warm most the year with some humidity in January due to the rain season. If you like the beach, this a great place.I echo Vinny in that it is a smaller town, maybe less number of restaurants and indoor recreational activities because outdoors is so much enjoyable...the trend has been from the Gov and private sectors to invest heavily in beach tourism so new entertainment venues are opening by the month. So far there is surfing, jet skiing, parasailing, boating, deep fishing, aquarium, zip lining. For restaurants and night life, the best is Montanita, 40 min drive from Salinas. Salinas is more exclusive and quiet most the year but it gets packed in the high season from Mid November to April. The Salinas airport is in the final stages of organization, it is expected to be opened in 2013  , the area is projected to grow further...PM if you have more questions or concerns.