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An excellent trip on a comfortable boat with a good crew and good food. We saw all of the expected wildlife, and snorkelling with sea lions and turtles amongst the fish was a particular highlight.
The boat is not operated by Explore, so on my trip there were other nationalities who had booked through other operators, but it was a good mix. On the afternoon of the first day at the hotel I received a WhatsApp from the cruise operator providing details of the airport transfer (handled by the hotel in my case) and of their representative who met me at the airport to provide my printed boarding pass and Transit Control Card. They also helped with the additional baggage check required before bag drop. The message also includes the flight details if you want to complete the bio-security form at https://declaracion.abgalapagos.gob.ec/ before arriving at the airport.
After snorkelling the crew will rinse all your gear and then hang wetsuits to dry (I think it was 80 USD to rent a wetsuit on board for the six days, but masks, snorkels and fins were free). There are lines with clothes pegs on the top deck to dry your swimwear.
Remember to take USD cash for tipping the crew and guide at the end of the trip. Two envelopes were left in my cabin for this, but the amount suggested at 15 USD per day for the guide and 25 USD per day for the crew of 11 was about double that in the trip notes.
Adventure
Tour Type
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, Galapagos Islands, Isla I
Quito, Galapagos Islands, Isla Isabela, Moreno Point, Isla Fernandina, Isla Santiago, Rábida Island
I had booked to go on a group tour but ended up being the only person travelling. I wondered if this would be a problem.. but it was brilliant. I had my own guide, transport and could decide what to do when I wanted. The trip itself was amazing, 5 different areas and all just as good as the next. Lovely accommodation, especially in Arenal, great food, fantastic wildlife and the most beautiful country.
My guide was so nice, kind, respectful, amazing knowledge of the country and all the wildlife. The additional trips were really good and where necessary I just tagged on with other people so it was never a problem. The tour was full on, some early starts and at times not for the faint of heart, but for me it was perfect. I loved every single second of this trip. Thank you so much.
Wildlife
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
The tour was amazing, the colors of the mountain are incredible, and plus a good guide the expirience was amazing. the food and the transportation also very good.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
I did the Rainbow Mountain tour with Edgar and it was amazing! He is a great guide with a lot of information to share and super nice! The tour starts early which is great, because you will reach the mountains before all the others do and it was an amazing experience! The food we got was also really good. Thank you.
Natural landmarks sightseeing
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Longing for a trekking adventure in Peru beyond the classic Inca Trail? The "Salkantay Trek & Machu Picchu" offers a thrilling four-day journey through the Andes, ideal for families and adventurous travelers eager to explore off the beaten path. Traverse a dramatic landscape, from snowcapped peaks to lush forests and vibrant highland villages, all en route to the legendary citadel of Machu Picchu.
Highlights include crossing the formidable Salkantay Pass (4,650m), marveling at the tranquil beauty of Humantay Lake (4,200m), and visiting significant Inca sites. This trekking trip is designed for those who seek variety—each day brings new scenery, wildlife, and cultural encounters.
The unique selling point lies in its rich tapestry of landscapes and authentic village life, offering a more secluded, nature-immersed alternative to the traditional route. Accommodation, transport, meals, and expert guidance are all provided, making this tour package a seamless way to experience Peru’s wild beauty and ancient wonders.
This is an absolutely incredible tour -- our guide Jason was both very informative and very helpful. He explained the history of the Arenal volcano to us, we took a short hike a small part of the way up the mountain, and then went back down to look at wildlife in the rainforest. We saw spider monkeys, which Jason said are a pretty rare sight, and then a red curacao just walked out onto the trail in front of us! It was an incredible feeling to just be seeing all these animals spontaneously on a nature hike.
Speaking of hikes, it is important to be aware that this tour is somewhat physically demanding. There are no extreme parts, just some strenuous walking over very uneven ground, but I think the tour description could do a better job of emphasizing the challenge. At the same time, the tour is extremely convenient in terms of picking you up and dropping you off at your desired location, whether a hotel, hot springs, or somewhere else. Overall, I strongly recommend the Arenal Volcano trip to anyone who is into volcanoes and wildlife and plans to visit the Arenal area.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
