All of our local guides and experts were extremely knowledgeable, helpful, and quick to respond with help and recommendations. In our relatively short trip, we felt like all of our major interests were planned out and we didn't feel like we missed out on anything at all.
Plenty of snorkeling, hiking, and sight-seeing, with just enough downtime to check out the towns and local digs. We don't normally travel with so much hand holding, but for the Galapagos where so much is protected and must... read more
All of our local guides and experts were extremely knowledgeable, helpful, and quick to respond with help and recommendations. In our relatively short trip, we felt like all of our major interests were planned out and we didn't feel like we missed out on anything at all.
Plenty of snorkeling, hiking, and sight-seeing, with just enough downtime to check out the towns and local digs. We don't normally travel with so much hand holding, but for the Galapagos where so much is protected and must be visited with a National Guide anyway, this process and itinerary were perfect!
The lodgings selected for us were also right up our alley--quaint and boutique with a local touch, while still providing respite and privacy.
We had one morning with miscommunicated tour times, but it was not a big deal and it just meant we had more time for breakfast!
Hotel Reviews
Hotel Galapagos Suites
Puerto Ayora
Photos don't do this place justice, honestly! The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with lovely balconies equipped with hammocks. Run by a mother/daughter dream team, we felt so welcomed and comfortable every night we stayed!
Location
A close walk to local restaurants and shops while still off the main road enough to be quiet.
La Casita de la Playa
Puerto Villamil
Incredible location and very helpful staff.
Activity Reviews
Hiking Sierra Negra Volcano
Galapagos Islands
We were nervous in the morning that the overcast and misty weather would keep us from seeing the caldera, but it was actually a blessing in disguise to keep us covered and cool from the sun on the first half of the trip. By the time we were out and back from Chico, we had a wonderfully clear view and made it home without too much sunburn. Easy hike, but long with the amount of stopping and sight seeing along the way.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transfer Baltra Airport - Puerto Ayora with visit to the highlands of Santa Cruz
Galapagos Islands
Our guide, Astrid, was incredible. So knowledgeable and insightful--she made all the difference to our experience of what was already fantastic sight seeing.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Kayaking & Snorkeling at Las Tintoreras
Galapagos Islands
Best snorkeling of the trip in my opinion. Wide, open cove with very clear waters that don't get too sandy or crowded. You're able to see a lot of sea life without too much hard work or feeling rushed by the group.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Our tour didn't actually include kayaking, which is fine in retrospect as it was the last day of our trip and I probably would have been more tired!
Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station
Puerto Ayora
I would have liked a bit more time here, but our guide, Astrid, was extremely knowledgeable and it was so great to see the babies.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Excursion to an uninhabited island
Galapagos Islands
A full day on the boat! A fairly large group, but accommodations were adequate (and lunch was so good!) and we got a bit of everything--light hiking on North Seymour with plenty of wildlife sightings, snorkeling in clear coastal waters, and beach time to relax and swim.
Quality of Experience
Would have been nice to see the boat's sails in its full glory, but not a big deal! A pretty big group, which means more chances that people are late/slow/affecting the overall experience. Really not a deal breaker at all, but we ended up preferring some of the smaller group activities. I just wish we saw more flamingos!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Snorkel at Los Túneles
Galapagos Islands
Great guide who shared photos and videos after (love that!), but really a crowded location that made it hard to see all of the wildlife. Felt a little rushed. Everyone in the group seemed to have very different levels of swim skill, so it was really hard to stay focused on a given area for sea life spotting.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Isabel Pérez