Ecuador - expectations exceeded!
Ecuador
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Apr 11 - May 18, 2023
From the first time we communicated until the end of the trip, Tamer was wonderful! He was very helpful and responded fast, even with different time zones, and very solutions oriented when we encountered delays with the visa.
The itinerary he came up with was amazing, my main goal was the Galapagos and Amazon, but he also added other places I didn't think of like Baños, Guamonte, Otavalo and Mindo (my only regret is Mindo would have been more worthwhile as an overnight trip so we could do 5am bird watching rather than just the day trip from Quito that we did), which we really enjoyed as well!
Our guide Sebastian was fantastic, he has so much knowledge to share about his country, it is impressive! We also felt a lot safer with him looking after us.
We got to see so much of Ecuador and came away with such an appreciation for the country, its people, food, and culture. Absolutely a once in a life time experience! I definitely recommend working with Tamer and Sebastian!
Hotel Reviews
Great guides! Stay in a room near the front, because the rooms in the back are noisy being above the engine.
Friendly and helpful staff. Good location in La Floresta near lots of restaurants. Room is a bit dated and does not have heating, but you can ask for a portable heater.
Good location and friendly staff, but the only window in the room faced the hallway. Had to choose to close the window for safety reasons, even if it meant the room was stuffy. Walls were thin, could hear people walking and talking in the hallway.
Enjoyed our stay, lots of character, make sure to attend the welcome cocktails where the manager tells the history of the place and Otavalo locals play lovely music.
We did the 15 day cruise, highly recommended to maximize time in the Galapagos and see a variety of animals and landscapes! The crew and guides are great!
Activity Reviews
Interesting visit to the Ingapirca Ruins!
Great walk to Pailon del Diablo!
Wonderful way to spend our last full day in Ecuador, it was a clear day and we got to see many of the volcanoes around Quito. Lovely views of the city.
15 days in the Galapagos were a dream come true! We got to see so many animals (sea lions, penguins, iguanas hammer head sharks, boobies, alabatross, dolphins, etc.) up close! The guides we had (Erik, Marvi, Fabian, and Juan) are extremely knowledgeable and well organized, and the crew especially Ronnie the cruise manager and Carlos the bartender are so helpful and friendly! Comfortable room and great having a personal balcony to sit and enjoy the view. Some days we could see fish and sharks near the boat!
Comfortable (electricity and airconditioned rooms) way to see the Amazon, interesting visits to local communities.
Great day around Quito, old city, center of the world, and delicious food!
Lovely small town, lucky we got to see toucans during lunch!
