I'm back from the most incredible trip to Ecuador & the Galapagos. We had such a great time and bonded with the other folks on our 14 passenger boat the Samba. I highly recommend the boat and our Galapagos born & raised guide, Juan Manuel Salcedo. He is an incredible guide and conservationist. His knowledge of the islands is unsurpassed, fr such a young man, all of 26 years.
We started in Quito the first couple of days, which included a city tour & day trip to Bellavista Cloud Forest. I don't get hummers where I am, so it was a huge treat to see so many! Then after we finished the cruise, we stayed in the Galapagos town of Puerto Ayora a couple of nights, then went for some relaxation at Papallacta Hot Springs (2 hrs. outside of Quito), then finally a couple of days in the Otavalo area.
Here's a link to my pictures. If there are any questions you'd like to ask, feel free to post and I will try and answer them.
Great photos! I just got back from Ecuador as well, on Monday...although we didn't go to the Galapagos this trip. We also were at Bellavista, Otavalo, and also Termes de Papallacta and I wonder if we crossed paths at any time! Looks like you had plenty of rain at Bellavista, as we did. But it was gorgeous none the less.
We loved Termes and wow those hot pools just outside your door were awesome. We were there last Saturday night!
We are eager to go back and the Galapagos will probably be our next trip. How did you pick the Samba? Was it a 7 day itinerary?
Wonderful trip. I've got to show my husband your pictures. He wants to visit Ecuador.
Kittyhead, we'd love to have some reviews for places to stay, a trip report or notes on traveling to Ecuador. Here's a link to Review are on Slow Travel.
Thank you all for your comments! I absolutely loved Ecuador and highly recommend a trip there! Marta, I'll post a review next week when I have a chance.
Janet, we were at Termes Thursdaynight/Friday morning, so we just missed each other! Bellevista was at the very beginning of our trip. It's a cloud forest so I expected some sort of rain. It wasn't a downpour, but mostly a constant mist.
I ended up picking the Samba because of its itinerary & size. It does have a 7 day itinerary and we went as far west as Fernandina, an island some of the bigger ships don't do. It's a 14 passenger ship, small, clean and comfy (lots of food, hot water (ouch!!) & a/c in the rooms)but not considered luxury. I absolutely recommend it.
Wow, great photos! I really enjoyed all of your albums. Found your descriptions interesting and funny! I have to say that you really had me laughing on your Darwin-Tortoises series!
Ecuador & the Galapagos seems like they are great vacation destinations. I'll have to put them on my ever increasing short must see list.
Thanks so much for sharing our trip photos!
Posts: 689 | Location: California | Registered: 19 September 2004
Your photos and report brought back such good memories of our trip to the Galapagos, Rain Forest and Andes of Ecuador. Some trips are very special and it seems to be the most special are ones that revolve around nature. One of the special things about the Galapagos is that it is a great family trip as kids are totally fascinated.
When we were in Italy last year, KC (KZ) had to bring a picture to school of him straddling the equator line as everyone thought he was making it up.
Marta, if you want more pictures for your husband, click on the link to my website and follow the trail to Ecuador.
