A lot to see!
Ecuador
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Feb 27 - Mar 15, 2022
I spent 15 days in Ecuador touring areas around Quito, the Amazon, and the Galapagos islands. I traveled alone with a guide until he dropped me off to go to the Galapagos.
I used Quito as a home base and took a free day, explored the old town and middle of the world museum, Otavalo, and Cotopaxi. I also stayed in Mindo and Banos. They were worth visiting.
In the Amazon, I stayed at the Kuyana lodge and in the Galapagos used Santa Cruz as a home base.
I was pleased with the work Mathias did on my travel plan, his response time, and how he kept in touch nearly daily. He managed to incorporate my special requests of a visit to the rose farm, the Condor Parque, and a horse ride. I had a special interest in those things and thought they were worth the time, although the ride to the Condor Parque was long. The horse ride added a lot to the visit to Cotopaxi as I did not care to climb. The horse guy was terrific. It was my first time on a horse!
I can not say enough good things about Kuyana. The food was terrific and authentic. The grounds and rooms are beautiful. The activities are wonderful and individualized to the traveler.
It was relaxing too! It was the best!
The Galapagos lived up to their reputation. A special thank you to my guide, Julian, from Day 1, and the man who helped me complete the exit steps on the final day! Awesome job, guys!
Ecuador has a lot to see! GO!
Hotel Review
Activity Reviews
Super cool outdoor setting with activities to highlight the effects of the equator! Loved it!
Great experience! Took me 3 tries to get on the horse. The man was very patient. It was my first time. I really enjoyed it and the meal we had at the Park lodge.
This is a great tour with lunch included. One of the most memorable photo ops with the amazing large tortoises! You can get very close. It was wonderful fun even in light drizzle. Bring a jacket, just in case! Mud boots are provided.
This is a long day with a couple of boat transfers and a ride to the dock. It is worth it. The boat is relaxing if you can find the right spot to sit yourself down! It was hosted by a member of the awesome "white shirt Park staff" They are heroes of the Galapagos. I am a non-snorkeler so I was treated to a few minutes on a deserted beach. Heavenly. We also made the stop at Baltra island and took a long walk up to the lighthouse. I needed a little encouragement for the last little way! Thank you sir, that was great! The food on the boat was delicious. A breakfast, lunch, and snack were served. Don't forget the sunscreen! It is much needed on this trip.
This is a little shorter trip out to Seymour island. I had previously gone to Bartolome' island. Another hero of the Galapagos "white shirted Park ranger" led the way to Seymour! It was similar to the other trip, on the same boat even. This time, I knew exactly where to sit! It was another enjoyable day with a trip to an islet and some snorkeling time. I saw some amazing birds nesting. I saw great frigate birds "Man of War" , Magnificent Frigate Birds, and blue-footed boobies. Equipment to snorkel was provided each time including life vests. The food was good. It was fish. They really can do fish well there! No breakfast due to the shorter day, but again a snack was provided. Well worth getting on the boat again! It is well spent time on the boat. Relax and enjoy! Don't forget the sunscreen, really!