I planning a trip for a small group to Ecuador and the Galapagos in July 2001. Trying to make plans now - how do I call the shot based on the current unrest? Any insight would be reassuring.

-- <BR>Don't know --- my sister & her husband were hoping to go there in May, but now find themselves grappling with same dilemma. <BR> <BR>In today's Dallas Morning News travel section, I saw a brief piece talking about the recent oil spill. They also said the Ecuadorean govt hs joined forces with int'l cleanup team to control the damage. For up-to-date info on the spill & cleanup, check the Darwin Foundation's Web site, www.galapagos.org --- <BR> <BR>As for the human turmoil (I know the fisherman there were VERY upset), it's tough to say.

Just returned yesterday from the Galapagos, an adventure trip of a lifetime. We were a group of seven women, tour was organized in the US by Carlson Wagonlit, and we were gone for 10 days. Traveled from Chicago-Miami-Quito, for 2 nights in Quito. Full day in Quito for touring via Metropolitan Tour company. Shopped a bit, went to the Equator Monument, then that evening to an Ecuadorian Folklore 2-hour show. Next day to the plane to Baltra and a 7 day cruise around the islands on the Eclipse. About 2 excursions to islands per day, via panga (small zodiac boat) and naturalist. Lots of walking, wonderful wildlife, tremendous. <BR><BR>Didn't notice any unrest, and the oil spill is not visable to us. However, the long term effects are not known yet, it will settle to the bottom and affect the life there, which in turn effects other life in the sea, etc. Did hear about the fishermen, but didn't affect our 7 days.<BR><BR>The ship Eclipse was fabulous, takes about 45 passengers, you have to sign up a long time in advance. Worth every bit of traveling time.<BR>

Can't say enough good words for the Ecuadorian crew of the Eclipse, the food, and the entire experience. This is not NOT NOT a luxury cruise like you would take to the Caribbean. Dress is informal to more informal, you get wet on the panga rides, there are wet landings where you are over the side of the boat into the water up to your ankles or thighs, there are dry landings, there is a LOT of walking. Not a trip for ANYONE out of shape or who can't walk on rocks, boulders, etc.<BR><BR>We walked at least 2 hours in the morning and 2 in the afternoon, with snorkeling or beach time thrown in there several days. It was so hot! But our ship is air conditioned, so some relief there.<BR><BR>Not being a luxury tour was just fine for me. We were eco-tourists, the naturalists taught us about lava, the wildlife and plants, everything. Briefings at 7 p.m. each evening about what we saw during the day, and what to expect the next day. Absolutely great trip. <BR><BR>Email me with specific questions, anyone. I took 15 rolls of film and shot them all. Can't get enough sea lion and boobie pictures.<BR><BR>Donna

Hi! I just returned from one and half weeks in Ecuador. It was perhaps the best vacation in my life! It was safe as could be, no problems or threats at all. I stayed 3 nights at a rainforest lodge, Tinalandia, just 2 hours outside Quito, fascinating driving time. It is a wonderful lodge, with beautiful scenery, birds, butterflies, very romantic and exotic. The food was wonderful - I long for it now from home! The lodging was rustic with beautiful views - hummingbirds and exotic flowers right outside our windows! We hired a naturalist who explained to us many interesting things about the birds and rainforest. It was wonderful! We saw frogs that were half the size of my pinky nail, and numerous colorful butterflies and birds - it was truly a Garden of Eden. The people who ran it were so nice too, they picked us up at the airport so we did not have to worry about anything. The rates vary, depending on what you want to do. And they have horseback riding, even for beginners, golfing, and white water rafting. Check it out - I am happy because part of the proceeds of our payment go towards purchasing more rainforest. We also stopped in Guayaquil and had a city tour. It was crowded, but safe. You can do well shopping. It is sad that there is much poverty, but I felt so good helping out such nice people who made my trip so enjoyable and the country is so beautiful. Please e-mail me if you have any questions.