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!!
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!
Really enjoyed the variety of things to see and do.
Galapagos Islands were amazing and pleased to see that they are trying hard to protect the local environment and native animals and educate the next generation.
Loved the giant tortoises and the way local rangers are protecting them from extinction from hand rearing eggs to releasing them when they are older.
Blue footed Boobies were a highlight of mine to see, only wish I had seen the red footed boobies as well.
The visit to the rose farm was an eye opener as I hadn't realised that Ecuador was such a productive place for roses and exportation, the employees all looked happy and relaxed.
Interesting visit to Condor sanctuary and the way they are rehabilitating injured birds and introducing them into the countryside.
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
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.
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.
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.