For a traveler on a budget this is ideal. A week in the Ecuadoran highlands, exploring volcanoes, cloud forest and local communities followed by a week in The Galápagos.
Our land based island tour gave us freedom of movement within the itinerary, allowed for personal exploration, choices of restaurants and shopping opportunities. We met giant tortoises, some wandering freely, others in breeding centres. We walked to the top of the caldera of the Sierra Negra volcano on Isabella. There were snorkelling trips with colourful fishes and a walk round North Seymour Island where frigate birds were displaying and baby boobies were fledging. Yellow land iguanas, black sea iguanas and SallyLightfoot crabs were plentiful too.
Back on the main islands, sea lions were snoozing on the pavements by the harbour, pelicans and lava herons were catching tidbits from the local fishermen cleaning their catch.
It was wonderful!
We saw all the wildlife on the Galapagos list for October, except the flightless cormorant. If you are a specialist looking for differences between species on different islands, then cruising may be better. However for the non- biologists this trip ticked all the boxes. It was 😊 GREAT👍
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Quito, Guayaquil, Sierra Negra
Quito, Guayaquil, Sierra Negra, Isla Santa Cruz, Santa Fe Island, Tortuga Bay, Otavalo, Laguna Cuicocha, Mindo, Cotopaxi National Park, Galapagos Islands, Puerto Villamil
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This was a holiday of a life time, and was beyond all our expectations. The whole expedition was superbly organised and all the expedition staff were so enthusiastic, knowledgable and helpful, making sure that everyone had the best experience possible.
This was definitely adventure travel with an emphasis on education. It felt like we were there for much longer than we were because each day was packed with wonderful activities. This was my 2nd G Adventures tour and appreciated the upgrades to the National Geographic version. While all of my memories are my favorite, what stands out most was the Amazon experience, the Potato Park venue, the "hidden oasis hotel" in Urubamba, and seeing Machu Picchu after the climb up the stairs. Also - the guides at each destination were also very knowledgeable and outgoing. Loved the whole trip.
I have no regrets in taking this trip and if I could turn back time I would do exactly the same again. You already imagine this is the trip of a lifetime and for me it was.
Few destinations rival the Galapagos for up-close encounters with wildlife and this eight-day adventure cruise focuses on all the stars of the show. This boat trip is free of detours, overnight stopovers and passengers joining or leaving throughout, so you can stay on the ship and focus on the wildlife, landscapes and experiences. Venture to remote parts of the archipelago – the west coast of Isla Isabela and Isla Fernandina – to see all the best these islands have to offer. Snorkel with sea lions and reef sharks off Isla Santa Cruz and Isla Bartolome, spy frigatebirds, boobies and pelicans soaring above North Seymour and stroll among land iguanas and flightless cormorants on volcanic Punta Espinosa.
Our Peru adventure was truly magical in so many ways. We met a great bunch of fellow travellers, enjoyed the local history, culture and cuisines, and fulfilled a long held ambition to trek the classic route to Machu Picchu.
Our party of four loved our itinerary, guide and boat. The days were filled with excursions, snorkeling and great food and lectures. We highly recommend the Solaris C excursion!
I got what I came for. It was physically challenging for me on the big hike to Mount Fitzroy (that walk was rated 4/5, but could be a 5/5 in my view): however, there is no gain without some pain! Overall, it was a memorable experience.
