Viaggi alle Isole Galapagos in autunno

Il nostro tour( mio e di mia moglie)dell'Ecuador continentale e delle isole Galapagos è stato nel complesso bello e interessante ma purtrppo funestato dalle lotte sociali interne con scioperi che hanno comportato la chiusura di molte strade.Questo ci ha costretto a lunghi giri in auto e alla rinuncia di siti programmati cone Otavalo e Ingapirca.Bisogna riconoscere che l'agenzia locale ha cercato di alleviare questi disagi come meglio ha potuto. Un nostro caloroso ringraziamento va alla nostra guida/autista Enrique che ci ha accompagnato durante il viaggio continentale con competenza professionale e anche abilità di guida in strade di non facile percorrenza. Le isole Galapagos sono state una sorpresa per la loro meravigliosa natura ancora ben conservata dall'uomo. Brave le guide e anche gli autisti locali.

Posto fantastico, ti ritrovi a contatto con la natura catapultato in una nuova dimensione. perfetta l'organizzazione, i transfer, escursioni, ottimo .

Ecuador is a wonderful country that deserves to be visited for its beauty, excellent food, and the variety of experiences: Andes, Amazon, Galápagos. But what impressed us the most was the kindness and helpfulness of the people: a warm and sincere welcome. Before Departure The agency was accommodating in modifying the quote several times. However, after confirmation, the tickets for internal flights arrived late, only after repeated follow-ups. Arrival We had to contact the agency ourselves to confirm the transfer: quick response, but a welcome message would have been appreciated. Hotel Ikala: perfect, friendly staff, highly recommended. Amazon The trip to the lodge is very long: 2 hours by plane, 3.5 hours by car, and 1.5–2 hours by boat (unclear information). The lodge is nice in the common areas, but the rooms were below expectations for a 4-star property (no mosquito nets, a frog coming out of the toilet). No choice on the menu, staff was friendly but minimal. Promised activities were carried out, but the experience was not satisfying: no caimans or snakes, only lots of birds. Easy walks on tourist trails, explanations about medicinal trees were interesting but not very engaging. Memorable moments: sunsets on the lagoon, pink dolphins, little monkeys. Four days are too many, three would be better. Quito Two days in the capital: the first with our fantastic driver Hernan, who took us to the cable car and recommended the Festival of Lights (beautiful). The second day with a private guide (Guillermo) and Hernan: historic center, El Panecillo, churches and typical lunch, plus a stop at a chocolate shop. Issue: the program included the Mitad del Mundo Museum, but the guide didn't know, and later the agency asked for an extra $90 (reduced to $80). Too much, considering we did it on our own by taxi for $30. Disappointing handling of the mistake. Galápagos San Cristóbal Flight from Quito (Hernan always amazing). Upon arrival, hotel change not communicated, but solved. Hotel Opuntia: a bit old but great location. Local contact Ximena: always attentive. The island is paradise: sea lions, frigates, iguanas. Excursion to León Dormido was perfect: boat, snorkeling, and top crew! Isabela Nice island but not very developed. Hotel Gran Tortuga was not a 3 star (old rooms, felt like a private home). Snorkeling and lava tunnels were interesting but weather was unfavorable. 16 km volcano trek was beautiful but with a huge group (40 people). After the hike, a swim at Concha de Perla. Then an early departure for Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz Warm welcome from Ximena. Hotel Lava House clean and neat (but faulty shower). Afternoon boat trip: disappointing snorkeling (bad weather). Next morning, visit to giant tortoises: fantastic, we were alone! Rain prevented the visit to Los Gemelos (done on the way back). Darwin Center visited on our own. Excursion to an uninhabited island: we wanted a specific one but Ximena asked $20 extra per person (unfair). We ended up at Santa Fe: poorly organized, uninterested guides, lost 45 minutes because the crew was fishing! And in the end, no uninhabited island, but Tortuga Bay (reachable on foot). Big disappointment. Conclusions We did almost everything as planned, but there were shortcomings and little attention to detail: some accommodations below standard, disorganized activities, and lack of customer care. Agencies should better clarify included services and understand travelers' needs. Very little English spoken, except for Guillermo. Advice for other travelers: • Amazon: max 3 days. • Galápagos: base yourself in San Cristóbal and take day tours. That said, long live Ecuador! An extraordinary country.