Simply the best trip I have ever been on. I did not want to come home! The leader made everything happen with no hitches - and encouragement for a slightly trepidatious snorkeller! As for the Galapagos - Wow! I think that that the trip, being landbased, allowed us to experience so much more, meet more locals and eat local food and just soak up the atmosphere - on the beaches or in the bar!!
If you are reading this then the answer is YES! Yes you should go to the Galapagos islands, it is even more special and magical than you could ever imagine. For me it was a dream come true and the best experience of my life so far. I would 100% recommend this trip and Exodus, so much so that I have already started saving to do it all over again!
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Ship Cabin, Hotel
Age Range
12-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Quito, Guayaquil, San Cristobal
Quito, Guayaquil, San Cristobal Island, Sante Fe, Isla Santa Cruz, Isabela Island, Isla Santiago, Baltra Island, Genovesa Island, Santa Cruz, Floreana Island, Espanola Island
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.
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!
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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Visiting the Galapagos Islands had been at the top of my wish list for as long as I can remember and this trip was everything I'd dreamt of. Every day brought special, close-up encounters with magnificent animals - male frigatebirds displaying their bright red chests, sea lions stretched out on the beach nursing their young pups or cheekily hitching a ride on the back of our boat and pairs of blue-footed boobies engaged in a courtship dance. The Archipel 1 is modern, spotlessly clean, spacious and comfortable with a friendly, hard-working and efficient crew. The food is excellent in quality, quantity and variety. The boat has the capacity for 16 guests, which enables everyone to get to know one another.
This eight-day southwestern tour aboard the catamaran Archipel I gives an extensive overview of the Galapagos by combining the circumnavigation of Isabela Island with excursions in the southernmost points of the archipelago. It also gives the chance to snorkel with sea lions in the Loberia and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station in Santa Cruz.
Hotels were good and except for the one in Cusco, they were very well located. Itinerary was great. I was met with friendly guides and drivers at each stage. City tours were excellent.
Our leader in Peru, Nilton, was excellent , as was Roberto, our leader in Ecuador
My only regret, was an aspect of our visit to Machu Piccu, it was somewhat rigid, in that it was restricted to the lower levels of the monument. I, and several other members of the group would very much like to have climbed to the top level , in order to gain more of an overview of the site
Embark on a 23-day adventure through Peru, Ecuador, and the Galapagos Islands, where diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and unique wildlife await.
Begin in Peru with Lima’s vibrant markets, culinary experiences, and a walk through its colonial and modern districts. Journey to Lake Titicaca, exploring ancient cultures on Taquile and Uros Islands. In Cusco, visit iconic Inca sites and discover the Sacred Valley, leading to the legendary Machu Picchu.
Then, venture into the Amazon at Puerto Maldonado, exploring the rainforest and its exotic wildlife from a secluded jungle lodge. Next, wander through Quito, Ecuador’s colonial heart, and taste its famous chocolate.
In the Galapagos, encounter giant tortoises, snorkel among sea lions, and trek volcanic trails on Isabela Island. Finally, unwind in Guayaquil, enjoying coastal sights and vibrant local life.
Prepare to be captivated by the wonders of South America—an adventure of a lifetime awaits!
See the itinerary section below for more details.
Cusco, Machu Picchu, Quito, Lima, Puerto Maldonado, Puno, Galapagos Islands, Guayaquil, Amazon Peru, Sandoval Lake, Puerto Quito, Puerto Ayora, Isabela Island, Taquile Island, Sacred Valley
Experience the diverse beauty of Ecuador on a remarkable journey. Start your adventure with a smooth airport transfer to your hotel. Explore Otavalo's bustling market, marvel at the serene Cuicocha Lagoon, and immerse yourself in the craftsmanship of Cotacachi.
Discover the heart of Quito on a city tour and venture to the breathtaking Cotopaxi National Park and Quilotoa Lagoon. Relax in the "Baños de Agua Santa" and encounter unique wildlife in the Chimborazo Fauna Production Reserve.
Dive into the local culture at the Puruha Community, explore the vibrant Guamote Market, and witness the mystical Ozogoche—a journey through history at the Cañari Culture and Ruins of Ingapirca. Uncover Cuenca's charm on a city tour, visit Gualaceo and Chordeleg, and explore El Cajas National Park and a Cacao Farm. In Guayaquil, take in the city's highlights, then conclude your adventure with a transfer out from the airport to round off your Ecuadorian exploration.
See the itinerary section for more details.
With lumbering giant tortoises, playful sea lions and an aviary of swooping, squawking, soaring bird life, the Galapagos Islands is wildlife-watching heaven. For this five-day trip, it’s all aboard the Solaris, a first-class motor yacht, to cruise around the archipelago in the company of an expert naturalist. Along the way, we stop at a string of biologically diverse islands, including Genovesa, Santa Fe and San Cristóbal, with the chance to get out and explore on foot and by snorkelling. Expect moments worthy of a nature documentary and plenty of photo opportunities.
