We have settled on a company: Lindblad Expeditions which is affiliated with National Geographic. http://www.expeditions.com/Destination44.asp?Destination=294
We are usually budget travelers, but this seems to be one trip where you get what you pay for. Especially as regards the guides. J. and I are EXTREMELY into science and nature and after our experience with a crap guide in the Amazon last year, we don’t want to take chances.
So it’s $$$!!! but the thought of being confined for 8 days in a miserable experience was intolerable! This ship is big enough to not be too seasick-inducing but small enough to allow the group to move quickly.
I’m calling tomorrow to check availability for the cruise we want that leaves on Christmas Day. fingers crossed that they still have a cheap cabin!
UPDATE: Unfortunately, the Lindblad cruise that leaves on Christmas Day was SOLD OUT. But…the one that leaves on Jan 1 had availability, AND it was 15 percent off!! AND we got $500 off for booking early! We are SO excited! We’re going to go to Quito a few days before to check it out and spend New Year’s. Yay!
