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Visit the Galapagos Islands


 

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How to visit the Galapagos Islands by dwenger01

"It was fascinating."

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.


3 people found this helpful
 

Dec 14, 11:03AM PST | 2 comments | 3 cheers



More "How I Did It" stories

MrsAlyx

It took me
10 days
It made me

How I did it: I did it through an EF educational tour thing through my middle school in 8th grade a decade ago.  I spent 5 days in the Galapagos, 5 days in Equator and Quito.  It is an absolutely amazing journey! Read how I did it…

Apr 06, 01:30AM PDT | 0 comments | 1 cheer


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    Entries

    sk8erbryan

    Always wanted to do this 6 months ago

    My wife and I wrote a list of all of the places we want to go before we die and Galapagos is actually coming up on the list soon.

    Anyone have details on how the best way to get there? Lonely Planet Guide Book comes out with a new addition this September, so I figured I would wait until that comes out. In my experience they have been really good, but it would help if I heard from someone who have actually been there.

    Please leave comments. I want to know specifically how/what to do after getting to Ecuador. Quito the best place to go to start? Better to get tickets/plan before? or wing when you get down there?

    Dec 28, 07:24PM PST | 0 comments


    honeyortar is reading rilke!

    July 09.... 8 months ago

    My mother, uncle, and I are in the process of planning the trip!!!

    Oct 23, 10:41AM PDT | 0 comments


    John

    Untitled 9 months ago

    Travel is a passion of mine. One day I will see the Galapagos and all their splendor.

    Oct 15, 07:05PM PDT | 1 cheer | 0 comments


    lucyhoward

    Untitled 12 months ago

    its amaaazing. i actually got bit by a sea lion there

    Jul 02, 2008, 03:20AM PDT | 0 comments


    Maya76 is happy;)

    Untitled 12 months ago

    someone asked me a few yrs ago where would I go if I could go anyplace, and this was what came to my mind
    maybe one day I will:)

    Jun 25, 2008, 12:51PM PDT | 0 comments


    onmywayhome

    Untitled 18 months ago

    Do it! I recommend this wonderful adventure. Eat ceviche at the little restaurant on the loading wharf….if you can, try to find some of the amazing tiny tomatoes that grow there. They are about the size of a pencil eraser but pack such an intense flavor. Stay at the Hotel Galapagos. Read “My Father’s Island” by Johanna Angermeyer, the daughter of one of the 5 German brothers who fled Nazi Germany and sailed to the Galapagos of all places! I won’t even start about the wildlife, but it was worth every penny to experience the islands and the people.

    Jan 19, 2008, 06:50PM PST | 1 cheer | 0 comments


    sugarcoateddoll

    My other country.. 21 months ago

    I’m half from Ecuador, and have been there lots of times.. :)
    I have also been on Galapagos island AND IT IS AMAZING. I want to go again when i have the money for it :D It’s one of the worlds most beautiful places.. <33

    Oct 16, 2007, 05:41AM PDT | 0 comments


    shannonlee0303

    Claudia and Sea Turtles :D 1 year ago

    I have a penpal of sorts, e-friend whatever, that lives in Ecuador. We’ve been friends for two years now, and she’s been more of a friend than some of my real friends. Always there for me when I need her, she’s wonderful.
    I’ve always wanted to go to the Islands for the purpose of taking photos. I just would love to meet Clau at the same time, it would be a wonderful trip!

    Jul 18, 2007, 12:18PM PDT | 0 comments


    mullet4tennis

    beautiful 2 years ago

    it’s one of the most beautiful places on earth. beyond language. beyond compare.

    Jun 07, 2007, 10:41AM PDT | 0 comments


    fullamef is reorganizing this list because need to get back on track

    kind of 2 years ago

    i haven’t physically been to the galapagos islands. i have watched numerous documentaries, seen many photos, and read, and read, and read. i feel it is much more responsible to have visted the galapagos this way than it would be for me to set foot on them.

    Apr 20, 2007, 04:31PM PDT | 1 cheer | 0 comments


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