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Ecuador puts new meaning behind the saying, “good things come in small packages.” In terms of flora, fauna and opportunities for adrenaline-packed adventure (think zip lining through cloud forests and swimming alongside sea turtles), South America’s second smallest country runs the gamut. Journey to Quito for a taste of Ecuadorean culture and Incan legend. Then, island hop through the Galápagos, where you’ll move from mangrove swamps to lava flows to sunny shorelines, encountering scores of exotic creatures along the way.
Your Tour Includes
Round-trip airfare & transfers
5 nights in handpicked hotels & 4 nights aboard the M/V Galápagos Legend
Breakfast daily, 4 lunches, 5 three-course dinners with beer or wine (on land)
Private deluxe motor coach
Multilingual Tour Director
Select entrance fees
Why You'll Love It
Quito’s surprising contrasts
One-of-a-kind animal encounters
Swimming with sea turtles
Snorkeling with dolphins & whales
Flightless cormorants & fearless hawks
Live volcanoes & dramatic lava flows
The sunsets, the volcanoes, the ceviche—start envisioning Ecuador
After your flight, arrive late this evening in Quito, where a Go Ahead representative greets you as you clear customs. You’ll then be escorted to your hotel and assisted with check-in.
Stand with one foot in the northern hemisphere and one in the southern
Breakfast, Dinner
Equatorial Line Monument
Embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Quito, taking in views of the Valley of Tumbaco before
passing by the Legislative Palace, Independence Square and El Sagrario Church. Stop to view the 16th-century San Francisco Monastery en route to La Compañia, the city’s baroque church. After your tour, you’ll head out on an excursion to the Equatorial Line Monument, where you can stand with one foot on either side of the equator. Meet your fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.
Mingle with the locals, peruse the crafts, get a feel for Ecuador
Breakfast
Enjoy a free day in Quito or join your group for a full-day optional excursion to the traditional crafts market of Otavalo, stopping at some of the indigenous villages along the way.
Optional Excursions
Otavalo & Hacienda $89* pp
Travel through the town of Guayllabamba en route to Cayambe, where you’ll visit the Quitsato Reloj, a towering sundial. From there, make a stop at Mira Lago for spectacular views of the surrounding volcanoes and the Lake of San Pablo. Afterward, you’ll wind your way through the Andes to Otavalo, a market town known for its knitted and leather goods. After perusing the markets and visiting a local musical instrument factory, settle in for a lunch in a historic colonial-era hacienda. Incredible views of lush gardens, winding trails and the property’s roaming llamas accompany your meal.
Set sail for Ballena Bay for snorkeling and sightings
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, fly to Baltra, where you’ll board
your cruise. After getting settled in your cabin and enjoying lunch on board, you’ll cruise across the narrow channel separating Baltra from Santa Cruz Island. Here, you’ll make a wet landing in Ballena Bay. You can sit back with the iguanas and cormorants on Ballena Bay’s olive-green beaches or grab a snorkel and dive into the Pacific.
Flamingos, cormorants, penguins—this place is a bird-spotter’s dream
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin your exploration of Isabela Island, the
largest in the Galápagos archipelago. You’ll start out on the western side of the island at Punta Moreno, where lava flows and mangrove swamps meet the sea. Sea turtles and flamingoes call Punta Moreno home, and you might catch a glimpse of them before this afternoon’s trip up Isabela’s coast to Elizabeth
Bay, where flightless cormorants hunt for fish and raise their young. A boating excursion will take you close to the shore, where you’ll also spot the rare Galápagos penguin.
Swim with sea turtles and scout out blue-footed boobies
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Set foot on the black sands of Urbina Bay this morning, where you’ll have the opportunity to snorkel with the sea turtles that swim just off shore. Or, stay on land and pay a visit to the giant tortoises that live on the slopes of the nearby Alcedo Volcano. This afternoon, your naturalist guide leads a walking tour near Tagus Cove, where you’ll learn about the geological history of the Galápagos and see the blue-footed boobies that nest here. Your tour of Tagus Cove concludes with a dinghy ride and the option of deep sea snorkeling.
Walk along the iguana-lined shores of Darwin’s youngest island
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
During this morning’s visit to Punta Espinosa, you’ll witness dramatic lava flows and the millennia-long processes by which these lands became the home of marine iguanas, Sally Lightfoot crabs and the fearless Galápagos hawk. This afternoon, a dinghy ride brings you to Vicente Roca Point and the Bolivar Channel. If you haven’t snorkeled yet, now’s the time: the cold waters of the Cromwell Current well up in the Bolivar Channel and attract dolphins and whales to this narrow strait.
All aboard the M/V Galápagos Legend to return to dry land
Breakfast
This morning, return to Baltra and board your flight back to the mainland. Once in Quito, you’re free to spend the evening as you like.
Point your camera at towering Antisana Volcano
Breakfast
Explore Quito on your own today, or opt to join an excursion to Antisana Volcano and the pristine beauty of the Condor Bioreserve. You’ll discover a wealth of flora and fauna living in the shadow of Antisana’s snow-capped peak. Afterward, a Go Ahead representative escorts you to the airport for your overnight flight home. (If you’re joining the tour extension to Peru, you’ll spend the night in Quito.)
Optional Excursions
Antisana Volcano $85* pp
Visit the Antisana Ecological Reserve and marvel at Antisana Volcano, part of the Condor Bioreserve. The sprawling reserve is dedicated to preserving the region’s rare flora and fauna, including the endangered condor—an important symbol in Andean folklore and mythology. Take in sweeping views of rugged peaks, glacial formations, lava flows and pristine plateaus as you make your way through the area’s vast landscapes. After your exploration, sit down for an included lunch at a rustic restaurant serving up authentic local fare.
Pack up your Galápagos memories and fly away home
Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)
Arrive home. Please note: Due to varying flight schedules, some travelers may depart on the morning of Day 10, arriving home later that evening.
Extend Your Stay
Add Peru & Machu Picchu $1,299*
Experience Peru in all its diversity. Wander the colonial cities that display the legacy of Spanish conquistadors, explore the ancient Inca capital of Cuzco and visit the lost city of Machu Picchu.
COLORFUL TAPESTRIES TO MOUNTAIN MAJESTY, SOAK UP THE ANDEAN CULTURE
Breakfast, Dinner
Fly from Quito to Cuzco, the ancient Incan capital. After settling in to your hotel, the rest of the afternoon is yours to spend as you please. In the evening, meet back up with your group for an included Peruvian dinner.
Contrast Cuzco’s colonial architecture and Incan ruins
Breakfast
Cuzco ruins
Join an expert local guide on today’s guided tour of the city, which includes visits to the Convent of Santo Domingo and the elegant Cathedral of Cuzco. Later, you’ll travel to four Incan archaeological sites near Cuzco, including Sacsayhuaman, Cuzco’s most impressive Incan ruins.
Feel the spirit in the Sacred Valley of the Incas
Breakfast, Lunch
Ollantaytambo ruins
En route to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, stop to peruse the colorful stalls of the wide-open Pisac Market, where you’ll find local fare and traditional crafts on display. Afterward, continue to the ancient Ollantayambo ruins to explore the area’s still-standing homes and learn more about the rites and cultural traditions of the Inca.
Climb the ancient temples and green slopes of Machu Picchu
Breakfast, Lunch
Machu Picchu
Uncover the lost city of Machu Picchu, one of the most spectacular archaeological site on the entire South American continent. Step back into the days of the Incan empire as you tour the ruins of the ancient colony and ceremonial center. Later, you’ll return to Cuzco for the night.
Descend into Peru’s captivating seaside capital
Breakfast, Dinner
Fly back to Lima, where you’ll have time to settle in to the capital city before an included dinner.
Explore the collection of colonial churches in Lima’s historic center
Breakfast
Set out on guided tour highlighting both the modern and colonial quarters of Lima. The afternoon is free for exploring or resting in your dayroom before your overnight flight home.
Settle back into life in the Northern Hemisphere
Print This Page
Ecuador puts new meaning behind the saying, “good things come in small packages.” In terms of flora, fauna and opportunities for adrenaline-packed adventure (think zip lining through cloud forests and swimming alongside sea turtles), South America’s second smallest country runs the gamut. Journey to Quito for a taste of Ecuadorean culture and Incan legend. Then, island hop through the Galápagos, where you’ll move from mangrove swamps to lava flows to sunny shorelines, encountering scores of exotic creatures along the way.
Your Tour Includes
Round-trip airfare & transfers
5 nights in handpicked hotels & 4 nights aboard the M/V Galápagos Legend
Breakfast daily, 4 lunches, 5 three-course dinners with beer or wine (on land)
Private deluxe motor coach
Multilingual Tour Director
Select entrance fees
Why You'll Love It
Quito’s surprising contrasts
One-of-a-kind animal encounters
Swimming with sea turtles
Snorkeling with dolphins & whales
Flightless cormorants & fearless hawks
Live volcanoes & dramatic lava flows
The sunsets, the volcanoes, the ceviche—start envisioning Ecuador
After your flight, arrive late this evening in Quito, where a Go Ahead representative greets you as you clear customs. You’ll then be escorted to your hotel and assisted with check-in.
Stand with one foot in the northern hemisphere and one in the southern
Breakfast, Dinner
Equatorial Line Monument
Embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Quito, taking in views of the Valley of Tumbaco before passing by the Legislative Palace, Independence Square and El Sagrario Church. Stop to view the 16th-century San Francisco Monastery en route to La Compañia, the city’s baroque church. After your tour, you’ll head out on an excursion to the Equatorial Line Monument, where you can stand with one foot on either side of the equator. Meet your fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.
Mingle with the locals, peruse the crafts, get a feel for Ecuador
Breakfast
Enjoy a free day in Quito or join your group for a full-day optional excursion to the traditional crafts market of Otavalo, stopping at some of the indigenous villages along the way.
Optional Excursions
Otavalo & Hacienda $89* pp
Travel through the town of Guayllabamba en route to Cayambe, where you’ll visit the Quitsato Reloj, a towering sundial. From there, make a stop at Mira Lago for spectacular views of the surrounding volcanoes and the Lake of San Pablo. Afterward, you’ll wind your way through the Andes to Otavalo, a market town known for its knitted and leather goods. After perusing the markets and visiting a local musical instrument factory, settle in for a lunch in a historic colonial-era hacienda. Incredible views of lush gardens, winding trails and the property’s roaming llamas accompany your meal.
Set sail for Ballena Bay for snorkeling and sightings
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, fly to Baltra, where you’ll board your cruise. After getting settled in your cabin and enjoying lunch on board, you’ll cruise across the narrow channel separating Baltra from Santa Cruz Island. Here, you’ll make a wet landing in Ballena Bay. You can sit back with the iguanas and cormorants on Ballena Bay’s olive-green beaches or grab a snorkel and dive into the Pacific.
Flamingos, cormorants, penguins—this place is a bird-spotter’s dream
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin your exploration of Isabela Island, the
largest in the Galápagos archipelago. You’ll start out on the western side of the island at Punta Moreno, where lava flows and mangrove swamps meet the sea. Sea turtles and flamingoes call Punta Moreno home, and you might catch a glimpse of them before this afternoon’s trip up Isabela’s coast to Elizabeth Bay, where flightless cormorants hunt for fish and raise their young. A boating excursion will take you close to the shore, where you’ll also spot the rare Galápagos penguin.
Swim with sea turtles and scout out blue-footed boobies
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Set foot on the black sands of Urbina Bay this morning, where you’ll have the opportunity to snorkel with the sea turtles that swim just off shore. Or, stay on land and pay a visit to the giant tortoises that live on the slopes of the nearby Alcedo Volcano. This afternoon, your naturalist guide leads a walking tour near Tagus Cove, where you’ll learn about the geological history of the Galápagos and see the blue-footed boobies that nest here. Your tour of Tagus Cove concludes with a dinghy ride and the option of deep sea snorkeling.
Walk along the iguana-lined shores of Darwin’s youngest island
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
During this morning’s visit to Punta Espinosa, you’ll witness dramatic lava flows and the millennia-long processes by which these lands became the home of marine iguanas, Sally Lightfoot crabs and the fearless Galápagos hawk. This afternoon, a dinghy ride brings you to Vicente Roca Point and the Bolivar Channel. If you haven’t snorkeled yet, now’s the time: the cold waters of the Cromwell Current well up in the Bolivar Channel and attract dolphins and whales to this narrow strait.
All aboard the M/V Galápagos Legend to return to dry land
Breakfast
This morning, return to Baltra and board your flight back to the mainland. Once in Quito, you’re free to spend the evening as you like.
Point your camera at towering Antisana Volcano
Breakfast
Explore Quito on your own today, or opt to join an excursion to Antisana Volcano and the pristine beauty of the Condor Bioreserve. You’ll discover a wealth of flora and fauna living in the shadow of Antisana’s snow-capped peak. Afterward, a Go Ahead representative escorts you to the airport for your overnight flight home. (If you’re joining the tour extension to Peru, you’ll spend the night in Quito.)
Optional Excursions
Antisana Volcano $85* pp
Visit the Antisana Ecological Reserve and marvel at Antisana Volcano, part of the Condor Bioreserve. The sprawling reserve is dedicated to preserving the region’s rare flora and fauna, including the endangered condor—an important symbol in Andean folklore and mythology. Take in sweeping views of rugged peaks, glacial formations, lava flows and pristine plateaus as you make your way through the area’s vast landscapes. After your exploration, sit down for an included lunch at a rustic restaurant serving up authentic local fare.
Pack up your Galápagos memories and fly away home
Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)
Arrive home. Please note: Due to varying flight schedules, some travelers may depart on the
morning of Day 10, arriving home later that evening.
Extend Your Stay
Add Peru & Machu Picchu $1,299*
Experience Peru in all its diversity. Wander the colonial cities that display the legacy of Spanish conquistadors, explore the ancient Inca capital of Cuzco and visit the lost city of Machu Picchu.
COLORFUL TAPESTRIES TO MOUNTAIN MAJESTY, SOAK UP THE ANDEAN CULTURE
Breakfast, Dinner
Fly from Quito to Cuzco, the ancient Incan capital. After settling in to your hotel, the rest of the afternoon is yours to spend as you please. In the evening, meet back up with your group for an included Peruvian dinner.
Contrast Cuzco’s colonial architecture and Incan ruins
Breakfast
Cuzco ruins
Join a local guide on today’s guided tour of the city, which includes visits to the Convent of Santo Domingo and the elegant Cathedral of Cuzco. Later, you’ll travel to four Incan archaeological sites near Cuzco, including Sacsayhuaman, Cuzco’s most impressive Incan ruins.
Feel the spirit in the Sacred Valley of the Incas
Breakfast, Lunch
Ollantaytambo ruins
En route to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, stop to peruse the colorful stalls of the wide-open Pisac Market, where you’ll find local fare and traditional crafts on display. Afterward, continue to the ancient Ollantayambo ruins to explore the area’s still-standing homes and learn more about the rites and cultural traditions of the Inca. Afterward, board a train to Aguas Calientes, gateway to Machu Picchu.
Climb the ancient temples and green slopes of Machu Picchu
Breakfast, Lunch
Machu Picchu
Uncover the lost city of Machu Picchu, one of the most spectacular archaeological sites on the entire South American continent. Step back into the days of the Incan empire as you tour the ruins of the ancient colony and ceremonial center. Later, you’ll return to Cuzco for the night.
Descend into Peru’s captivating seaside capital
Breakfast, Dinner
Fly back to Lima, where you’ll have time to settle in to the capital city before an included dinner.
Explore the collection of colonial churches in Lima’s historic center
Breakfast
Set out on a guided tour highlighting both the modern and colonial quarters of Lima. The afternoon is free for exploring or resting in your dayroom before your overnight flight home.
Settle back into life in the Northern Hemisphere
Passport & Visa
In order to enter Ecuador and Peru (on extension), U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport. The expiration date must extend at least six months beyond the date of your return home. No visa is required for U.S. or Canadian citizens. If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
Health
Travelers to Ecuador should be comfortable in high-altitude conditions. Elevation throughout the country varies widely. The altitude of Quito is close to 10,000 feet (Cuzco on extension is 11,000 feet). Travelers (especially those with heart or lung conditions) should consult with their personal health-care providers before undertaking high-altitude travel. The best way to prevent “altitude sickness,” which sometimes results in headaches and nausea, is to make sure that you are well hydrated throughout your stay. In order for you to stay healthy throughout your tour, we recommend the following:
- Drink bottled water. Refrain from drinking tap water, including when brushing teeth.
- Avoid eating fresh fruits and vegetables unless they are cooked or washed in clean water and peeled.
- Bring a small first-aid kit, including antacids, anti-diarrhea medication and any prescription medications.
Transportation / Walking on tour
Round-trip flights arrive in and depart from Quito. The tour also includes a flight to and from the Galápagos Islands and the four-night island cruise aboard either the MV Galapagos Legend or the MV Galapagos Coral. Most destinations on tour are walkable, including Quito, although local buses and taxis are available as well.
About your Galápagos Cruise
Your Galápagos cruise offers the latest in cruise comfort while also providing an intimate and environmentally safe look at the Galápagos Islands. The yacht features an outdoor pool, observation
decks, solarium, library, bar and large restaurant.Choose from a wide variety of activities in your
free time—everything from snorkeling to star gazing. Please note: Due to the ship’s itinerary, the
order of days in Quito before and after the cruise could change.
FAQ's about the Galapagos Cruise Ship(s)
Q: How can I pay my expenses on board?
A:You can either set up an account with your credit card when you arrive on the boat or you can use cash to pay for any on board purchases. All tips must be paid in cash.
Q: Are there phones and Internet access on the ship?
A: No. There is no phones or Internet access on board the ship. You will be able to make calls and/or use the internet on day 4 of the cruise during your visit to Santa Cruz. There are many Internet cafes and phones on this Island.
Q: What is the dress code for dinner on board the ship?
A: The cruise ship is very casual. They only request that you don't wear a swimsuit or a hat to dinner. Otherwise, anything goes!
Q: Are drinks included on the ship?
A: Water, juice (with breakfast), coffee or tea are provided. Soft drinks and alchoholic beverages will be billed to you room.
Q: Is fresh water provided on the ship?
A: Yes. You will be given one refillable water bottle per person when you arrive. There are purified water stations located at several locations on the boat where you can refill your bottle during the duration of your cruise.
Q: Is there a doctor on board the ship?
A: Yes, there is a doctor available 24 hours on the ship.
Q: Is smoking permitted on the ship?
A: Smoking is only permitted on the open sun decks.
Q: What kind of experience do the Galapagos Naturalist Guides have? Are they certified?
A: The guides are the highest level naturalists in Galapagos - some with 25+ years of experience. They must be certified in order to guide a group on the Galapagos.
Q: Are taxes, Galapagos National Park tax and Galapagos immigration cards included in the cost?
A: Yes. Your tour director will provide you with the appropriate documentation when you arrive in the Galapagos.
Clothing & Packing Tips
Light, loose-fitting clothing suitable for exploring the sights is essential for your tour. A sun hat, sunglasses and a sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers are essential for sightseeing. Waterproof shoes or sandals, a bathing suit and insect repellent are essential for your visit to the Galápagos. It’s always a good idea to be prepared for any eventuality—a sports jacket and emergency rainwear are advised. If you plan to visit an elegant restaurant, you will probably feel more comfortable with something more formal to wear. Also, remember that it is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis). On board your Galápagos cruise, the dress code is casual. Shorts, sandals and swimsuits are not allowed in the dining room.
Baggage Allowance
Airlines have varying weight restrictions on luggage. Some airlines may impose additional charges
if you choose to check any baggage. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline’s checked baggage policies. Bear in mind that your luggage will probably weigh more on your return trip due to souvenir shopping. We allow only one suitcase per person. One carry-on bag is also permitted, provided that it does not exceed 45 inches (length + width + height). There may be times when you will have to handle your own bags, and you’ll find that lightweight luggage provides a distinct advantage. Make sure you label your baggage and carry valuables, medication and documents in your carry-on luggage.
Currency
The American dollar is the currency you’ll use in Ecuador, so there’s no need to exchange USD for local currency. On land, you’ll find that ATMS are widely available. During your cruise, any onboard charges can be billed to your credit card. If you’re joining the tour extension to Peru, you’ll also use the Peruvian sol. Better rates of exchange are usually available in Peru, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive. We suggest that you inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans, so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
Cuisine
Food in Ecuador relies heavily on locally grown fruits and vegetables, along with regional seafood
and game. You are likely to find Indian-influenced dishes of potatoes, yucca root, bananas and plantains. Seafood, often grilled, fried or marinated as ceviche, includes bass, trout and catfish. The tropical fruit here is delicious. Sample melons, papayas, passion fruit and tamarinds.
Tipping
On your cruise, tipping your waiter, busboy and cabin steward is customary if you are pleased with the service. Gratuities are generally given at the end of the voyage. We recommend $9 per traveler per day, divided among your cabin steward, waiter and busboy. Tips for bar service, the beauty salon and special services are generally given at the time of service. At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity. We recommend tipping in your tour country’s currency, the equivalent of $3USD/CAD per person per day for your driver and $6USD/CAD to $9USD/CAD per person per day for your Tour Director.
Galapagos and Machu Pichu
generally a wonderful trip. The tour director in Ecuador was the best possible - always looking out for us, making sure we were all there, little treats etc. etc. The lunches in the Haciendas were also great. The Swisshotel was brilliant too.
Galapagos was lovely the boat was fine, the nature guide great. The animals - what can I say?????
Peru - the tour director was good, but following on from our first tour director was a difficult act, to say the least. He was a very different type of personality, but looked after us when we needed it. He came up trumps when our flight from Cusco to Lima was cancelled, and he was able to get us all onto two different flights so although a lot of time was wasted in the airport, we did get to Lima the same day we were meant to. The Eco Inn in Lima was only so-so. It was clean and pretty, but it was very noisy, and they were pretty stingy with water bottles. The redeeming factor in the hotel was the Oxygen bar which was used by several of our people and they found it helpful.
The food throughout the trip was not as good as I had hoped. The best food we had was at the Haciendas, and on the ship.
The most difficult thing about the whole tour was the constant change - packing bags, getting flights, going to another hotel then starting all over again. I think I'm getting past that kind of constant rushing around and changing, changing, changing!!!!!
I hope that helps?
By Dawn | 5/23/2013
Traveled On: 5/6/2013
Number of Past Tours: 3
From: ON
Tour Director: 5 / 5
Tour Value: 4 / 5
Galapagos Islands & Machu Picchu
It was a physically demanding tour ! I enjoyed The Galapagos Islands tour which included daily hiking and snorkeling, very tight schedules. The cruiseship staffs service were commendable, especially our Naturalist - Rafarel ! Our Tour director, Roberto, was very thorough and knowledgeable. He did a great job in arranging everything.
The Machu Picchu tour was good; however, we could use more detailed and clearer information from the Tour director, Saul.
I would recommend this tour to anyone who loves nature and physically demanding activities.
By Angela | 5/22/2013
Traveled On: 5/6/2013
Number of Past Tours: 5
From: ON
Tour Director: 4 / 5
Tour Value: 4 / 5
A Real Gem
We thoroughly enjoyed the trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos islands. We saw enough of the Ecuadorian life as possible in very few days. We met several expats and had interesting exchanges with them. We experienced some of the chaotic life in Quito as well as life in smaller towns and villages. The local food was interesting and the different restaurants taught us some more.
Fabricio was absolutely great, we thank him again for everything he did for us. We hope to come back someday and and use his services.
By Shmuel | 3/31/2013
Traveled On: 3/11/2013
Number of Past Tours: 2
From: MD
Tour Director: 5 / 5
Tour Value: 5 / 5
Galapagos trip
Would have liked more time exploring the old city of Quito and less time devoted to shopping. Would skip Otovalo trip because Quito has a similar market and the trip involved a long bus ride.
The Galapogos was amazing. Enjoyed the time spent snorkeling. Very accomodating boat crew and knowledgeable nature tour guide. Wonderful experience.
By Mary | 3/22/2013
Traveled On: 2/23/2013
Number of Past Tours: 1
From: MA
Tour Director: 5 / 5
Tour Value: 4 / 5
galopagos interlude
this was a most rewarding journey. altogether a bit too hurried pace . my only source of discontent was an undue emphasis on snorkeling which i feel i was not well prepared for. i do wish some rudimentary instruction would have been helpful and available. other than that i was quite happy with all other aspects.
By Ernest | 3/17/2013
Traveled On: 2/25/2013
Number of Past Tours: 12
From: NY
Tour Director: 5 / 5
Tour Value: 5 / 5
Galapagos
An amazing trip. The Galapagos Legend was comfortable, friendly and above all the crew was concerned about our safety and that of the animals at all times. Well worth the ride!
By Amelia | 3/17/2013
Traveled On: 2/25/2013
Number of Past Tours: 2
From: ME
Tour Director: 5 / 5
Tour Value: 5 / 5
Great adventure
This was a very active trip and I loved it. We could appreciate the beauty of Quito, Otavalo and Antisana. We took an active hike in the Antisana tour and the Otavalo market was an unique experience. Galapagos is beyond you could imagine, lots of animals and beautiful scenery.
By Elsa | 10/27/2012
Traveled On: 10/7/2012
Number of Past Tours: 7
From: NM
Tour Director: 5 / 5
Tour Value: 5 / 5
Ecuador and Peru 2012
This tour was stated to be physically challenging at #4, which I found it to be. I wound up with a fairly nasty cold. This took away some of the pleasure. All in all, however it was a most memerable tour--one of a lifetime. The guides were very helpful every step along the tour, those with Go Ahead and the special/local guides. It would have been ideal to stay in the higher altitudes first and then decend to the Galopagos as a finish to the tour. I was not impressed with what was seen of Quito, Lima and Cuzco. Perhaps the inclusion of art and history museums would have been more to my liking.
By Robert | 10/24/2012
Traveled On: 10/7/2012
Number of Past Tours: 5
From: NY
Tour Director: 1 / 5
Tour Value: 1 / 5
A mixed bag
Although I knew this was a challenging trip it was far more so than I expected. That is why I would not recommend it to my similarily aged friends. You need to be younger and VERY fit.
Disappointed that treks were often over lava. Also snorkling off the zodiacs was not for me. I need a ladder to ascend and descend to the water. Quito and Lima very good. Atovalo great. Machu Pichu superb. Both guides were great and solicitous. Food was good though not outstanding. Several of us got violently ill the last day or on the plane going home. Not sure if food poisoning or a stomach bug. Our guide in Cusco , Abraham, and our guide at Machu Pichu, Percy, were both excellent. One really bad thing was the airport in Quito as we left for Lima, which was utter chaos. We were left there for 6 hours, no place to store our bags. LAN personnel were no help. It was terrible. We kept being shunted from one line to another while other people were assisted and we were left on our own. Although our guide did as she was supposed to she should have been there with us to deal with the problems. Thank God that one of our group was a fluent speaker of Spanish or we might STILL be there like the rider on the MTA in Boston!!
By RPETERSON46 | 8/16/2012
Traveled On: 7/15/2012
Number of Past Tours: 2
From: TX
Tour Director: 5 / 5
Tour Value: 5 / 5
Diverse experiences
Note the nickname below cannot be changed. Also we travelled with our daughter and son-in-law.
This tour was essentially three parts: Ecuador, the Galapagos and Peru.
Our Ecuador guide, Miriam, was very good, and we enjoyed the excursions to the equator, Otavalo and Antisana volcano. The hotel was very nice and our bus driver was very good
The Galapagos days were filled with activities. The ship was quite good, we were happy with our stateroom and the food was abundant. The land treks were well handled and the raft rides to see wildlife were spectacular.
From the original three dozen, 14 of us contined to Peru. At this point there was a problem at the Quito airport. We were led to checkin but found out that they would not do so for 6 hours. Fortunately one of our group was from Costa Rica and helped deal with the situation.
The Peru phase went very well except that many of our group got sick in the last few hours and on flights back to the states. Our gude, Roberto, was quite conscientious and able. The added guide, Abraham, in Cuzco was fantastic. Also at Macchu Pichu we had a very helpful guide. The tours werre spectacular.The hotels in Lima and Cuzco were very nice and the breakfast were quite good.
By BJPETERSON | 8/16/2012
Traveled On: 7/15/2012
Number of Past Tours: 2
From: TX
Tour Director: 5 / 5
Tour Value: 5 / 5
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MAKE AN IMPACT
Get to know some of the conservation areas helping to preserve nature and wildlife in Ecuador.
Galápagos Islands
Galápagos, Ecuador
On the shores of the Galápagos Islands, you’ll find giant tortoises roaming, iguanas sunbathing and Sally
Lightfoot crabs sidling along just as they have for centuries. Consisting of 13 main islands and 3 smaller islets, the “Insulae de los Galopegos” (Islands of the Tortoises) were formed around 8 million years ago, and have spent the majority of their existence in complete isolation. The archipelago is one of the only places on earth without an indigenous population, which is why its ecosystem remains one of the world’s most unique and untainted. The islands and their endemic wildlife gained much of their notoriety from their starring role in
Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species, in which he introduced his evolutionary theory. In 1959, 100 years after Darwin’s work was published, 97.5 percent of the archipelago’s land area was declared a national park. In the same year, the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) was founded. In its early years the CDF initiated the conservation programs now carried out by the National Park Service, such as reproduction, breeding and monitoring initiatives for the islands’ native and endangered species. Today, the national park is committed to educating visitors about the ecology of Ecuador’s only UNESCO World Heritage site by providing
opportunities to explore 70 terrestrial sites and 75 marine sites with more than 320 naturalist guides qualified by the Directorate of the Galápagos National Park.
Antisana Volcano
Napo, Ecuador
Southeast of Ecuador’s capital city, and cut off from any major road connections, sits the smoldering Antisana Volcano. A stratovolcano of the northern Andes, Antisana rises an impressive 5,704 meters into the air, making it one of the highest active volcanoes in the world (but only the fourth highest peak in Ecuador). The volcano is surrounded by the lush landscapes encompassed within the Antisana Ecological Reserve, which is part of the still larger Condor Bioreserve. Named for the country’s Andean condor, the 5.4 million-acre bioreserve works to protect the farms, ranches, indigenous territories, volcanoes, cloud forests, páramos (high altitude grasslands) and rainforests within its bounds. Its major initiatives include strengthening protected areas,
working with landowners to develop conservation-friendly agricultural processes and supporting indigenous
people through their “plan de vida” (plan of life) designed to implement local sustainable practices.
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