We had an absolutely amazing time in Quito, M...
Galapagos Islands
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Apr 12 - Apr 21, 2023
We had an absolutely amazing time in Quito, Mindo, and the Galapagos!
I was trying to create the best 30th birthday trip to my adventurous, nature-loving fiance and this trip truly delivered. I only wish we both had more time off from work to explore more of the Galapagos Islands. Our local specialist, Linda, was amazing to work with and very responsive to our questions. She even added the nice personal touch of meeting us in Quito. We got to meet so many interesting people on our trip as well, including backpackers/travelers and locals. Our state appointed tour guides in the Galapagos (including Astrid and Nathalie) were all very knowledgeable: you could literally ask them anything!
Highlights of our trip include:
1. Walking tour around Quito
2. The cloud forest in Mindo which included Zipling, hummingbird preserve (so, so many beautiful species), a chocolate making tour, and early morning bird watching (we got to see 4/5 types of toucans and feed hummingbirds from our hands!)
3. Standing along the ECUATOR!!!
4. Swimming/snorkeling with 20+ hammer head sharks and green sea turtles at kicker rock (near San Cristobal)
5. Exploring the giant tortoise reserve on Santa Cruz. (Did you know that because of the introduction of guava to the islands these gentle giants are developing diabetes? It seems these beautiful creatures have a real sweet tooth and that we sadly have caused!)
6. Spying on nesting Blue-Footed Boopies and frigate birds, looking for marine and land iguanas, and watching sea lions surf on north Seymore island.
7. Swimming with fur seals, sea lions, and other marine animals and fish off north Seymore island
8. Exploring a coffee and chocolate farm on Santa Cruz, as well as learning how they produce a local favor adult beverage.
9. Watching penguins swim and albatross sore, as well as learning about the volcanic creation of the islands at San Bartolome island.
As a former backpacker our accommodations were absolutely fantastic and luxurious. The food was also wonder and a key part of the experiences as well.
Verdict: We will definitely be using Kim Kim again and we will be back to the Galapagos!
Hotel Reviews
Beautiful, centrally located hotel.
We absolutely loved this treehouse type of hotel with an amazing view. The only thing we had a problem with a large spider (it is the rainforest). The outdoor jacuzzi was a nice touch!
We loved this centrally located, luxurious hotel where we could hear the sealions. Breakfast on the roof with an amazing view was delightful.
We had a blast at this luxurious hotel, which had amazing breakfast and restaurant for dinner.
Activity Reviews
We loved seeing all the wildlife at North Seymor. So many amazing species to see. Our guide, Nathalie, was amazing.
Danny was an amazing tour guide who showed us so much of his city. We highly recommend him
Astrid was an amazing tour guide! She was so knowledgeable. We really enjoyed the highlands, tortoise reserve, adn laval tunnels despite the extensive downpours
This was an amazing experience to snorkel with hammerhead sharks and sea turtles. This is also a great place to scuba if you are certified.
This was an amazing excursion where we learned a lot about the topography and origin of the islands. The sea-life was also amazing.
We enjoyed Zipling, birdwatching and feeding hummingbirds, and enjoying the chocolate making tour
We really enjoyed the Equator excursion!
Will, it was such a pleasure to help you plan this birthday trip for your fiance! I am very happy for you that you were able to see that much amazing wildlife, especially so many toucans and hammerhead sharks, and that you've enjoyed every single hotel throughout your trip.
Even if you didn't have more days off work this time, I really hope that you can return one day to explore other parts of Ecuador such as the rainforest or the Andes - I am sure that both of you would enjoy it!
I hope to see you again one day, and in the meantime: safe travels!
Linda