Ecuador Adventure and Sport Tours 2024/2025

“My trip to Machu Picchu was with one group and the Galapagos Islands was with another because of an error by the tour company's booking agent. The locations were wonderful and difficult at the same time. Altitude was hard to adjust to. Although I had difficult times on the trip, the locations were wonderful.”

“I am usually an independent (non-group) traveler, however, there is no way I could have managed the logistics of the island hopping and activities to have the same trip experience. Pepo and Paolo were great guides (and human beings). Loved the activities, but would have preferred a slightly longer trip with more time on Santa Cruz for the beach and San Cristobal. I chose the snorkelling option to the Tunnels and then paid to also see the volcano walk separately. They were both amazing, so I would have preferred them both to be included in the trip (which probably would extend the Isabela stay by a day). In general, the mix of activities was good. Food and lodgings were good. The food quality and choices met my expectations. The hotel quality matched the available quality of hotels on the different islands, so I was happy with them. We stayed on the beaches, so the early morning beach walks were some of my favourite quieter moments of the trip. I stayed one full day extra in Quito and needed the time for the rapid COVID test results to get back, but the process itself was easy. Finally, the end of the trip was anticlimactic, but I understand the logistical reasons for it. One option would have been to have the whole group including our main guides fly to Guayaquil, but I would have missed the time in downtown Quito. Some of this was just screwed up because of COVID testing logistics and will be resolved in the post COVID era.”

“We researched options for visiting Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands on the same trip and found that the trip by this tour company offered a great combination, allowing plenty of time in both locations and with good itineries. We appreciated the small size of the party (15) and the knowledgable and helpful local guides. The Vieja Cuba Hotel in Quito was quirky and lovely, with friendly staff, but I wouldn't have chosen the hotels in Cusco or Agua Calientes - they were a little too 'budget'. The crew of the Cachalote were fantastic, anticipating every need and providing a faultless service. The tiny cabin space was something of a challenge, with only a couple of small shelves for storage and the bunks are definitely not for the claustrophobic, but that's the price you pay for the privilege of sailing in a small boat.”