PERU TRIP ADVISORS: THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

Last summer, as part of our constant capacitation in the destinations we offer to our customers, we travelled to the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador.

We took different ways so we could experience as much as possible and share experiences later.

While Maria Isabel and Susana took a 4 days land based program at the Finch Bay hotel, me (Marita) and our former coworker and good friend Tatiana took a 5 days cruise on board of the Isabela Yacht.

Finch Bay Hotel:

Garden View room at Finch Bay Hotel at Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island

Maria Isabel and Susana explore Santa Cruz Island plus other nearby islands taking daily full day excursions on board of the Sea Lion Yacht. Every day, early in the morning they started a new adventure that took them to paradisiac beaches to the top of dormant volcanoes.

Maria Isabel absolutely loved to snorkel on the ocean, swimming close to sea lions and looking at star fishes sea turtles!

Susana enjoyed a lot the delicious meals served on board and at the hotel and hiking at the islands.

They both agreed that a land based experience is suitable for people that suffer sea sickness because it’s always reassuring to return to firm land every afternoon to overnight in a hotel instead of continue shaking on board of the yacht while sleeping.

Susana and Maria Isabel at Galapagos Islands

Isabela Yacht:

The Isabela Yacht

I chose the 5 days cruise on this wonderful and exclusive yacht. I’ve been in other cruises before so I know that the sea sickness wouldn’t be a trouble for me.

At first, I felt 5 days was too much but I didn’t expected I will fall in love with those islands that seems to be lifeless but that are full of life everywhere (land and ocean). At the end of the 5^th day it was hard to say good bye and return to the mainland.

Every morning the landing was in a different island, a new place to be discovered by my eyes and my camera! I must confess that neither Tatiana nor me are nature lovers and we don’t enjoy hiking too much but we felt really conformable with every excursion, even with the ones that involve hiking.

I realized a visit to Galapagos is suitable for all ages. There were kinds on board that had the trip of their life as well as older people that manage really well to walk around the islands.

Marita and Tatiana posing with other passengers at Genovesa Island

Besides, for the lazy ones (like us sometimes), there was the option to take boat tours on board of the glass bottom boat which was fun! We were able to see sharks, all kind of fishes, start fishes, turtles, etc. from the comfort of our boat instead of snorkel (we don’t know how to swim!!!!)

Life on board is not like on those huge cruises at the Caribbean, however, having a quiet time after the tiring excursions is just perfect.

The yacht counts with an open Jacuzzi at the sun deck where is possible to relax and with only 48 passengers on board, you are most likely to find it available only for you by the time you want to spend some time there.

The food was fantastic with different buffet’s themes every day and the lectures every evening were good and informative.

We all conclude that Galapagos is a wonderful destination, not only for nature lovers! And we are very much looking forward to go back again for a longer stay!

If you are looking to visit Peru and Ecuador, see our suggested Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands program here:

http://www.peru-tripadvisors.com/suggestedtours.html

Contact us, fill the form with your request or chat with us if we are available!

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