Visit the Galapagos Islands

How I did it: I booked travel through REI Adventures in Seattle and used FF miles to fly to Quito.  Had a day or two in Quito and then flew on TAME Airlines (the Ecuadorian airline that takes you to the islands) out to Baltra in the islands.

In Baltra we met our boat crew and boarded the 66 foot power yacht we lived on for the next 10 days.  We saw 12 islands during that time and got to snorkel in various spots.  A highlight on Isabela Island was riding horses up to a volcanic crater and then hiking down into it.

I would highly recommend a trip to the Galapagos to anyone.  You get to see wildlife in all phases of life - from birth through death.  It's a really eye-opening experience.

Lessons & tips: - The best (in my opinion) way to see the islands is by living on a boat the whole time.  That said, if you suffer from motion sickness then you'll want to bring plenty of scopolamine patches (fortunately I don't get motion sickness, but some folks on the boat did, and they brought some patches with them).

- Bring hiking boots.  Sandals and tennis shoes won't cut it.  A lot of the terrain can be uneven (rocks and coral), and you'll be happy to have sturdy shoes.  If you're a little unsteady on your feet you might also consider bringing a hiking pole with you.

- If you have a choice between an 8 or 10/11 day cruise take the longer one.  Some of the shorter cruises don't stop at Isabela Island (one of the western-most islands) and it'd be a great shame to miss seeing it.

- If you snorkel, bring a wet suit.  The Humboldt current cruises up from Antarctica and keeps the water temperature in the 50s/60s F.  Even a 2mm "shorty" suit is enough.  Without one you'll be pretty chilly.

- If you have extra time after seeing the islands try to get up to Otavalo (about 2 hours north of Quito).  There are a lot of local artisans up there, and some nearby towns and sites that are worth a visit (Mount Cotacachi and the nearby town of Cotacachi are worth your time).  You can often prearrange for a local driver to take you up from Quito, and then drive you around during your stay in Otavalo.  I HIGHLY recommend staying in the Ali Shungu hotel.  It's inexpensive and the owners are extremely kind and provide many jobs for local people.

Resources: REI Adventures.
Ali Shungu Hotel in Otavalo.
La Rabida Hotel in Quito.

Dec 14, 2008, 11:03AM PST | 2 comments | 6 cheers