Just returned from two days in Quito and a 8 day/7 night (Feb. 7-12, 2005) journey on the Yate Fragata in the Galapagos.

Willing to share ideas or answer questions.It was the trip of a lifetime!!!

I agree with you .
It is a trip of a lifetime.

I am sure you had a terrific time.

Percy

Details! I would like details! What did you like, dislike, with whom did you book, how much, how long, what was the weather, what would you do differently, give us the scoop . . . please.

I'm interested in going next Jan and am just beginning to plan . . . I need all the help I can get.

Thanks in advance,
Sandy (in Denton)

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E-mail Address(es):
[email protected]

Sandy:
Here is the e-mail address to a fellow called Martin Slater.

He operate a tour company in Quito called Sangay Tours.

He booked my complete trip about 18 months ago , including 4 full days of touring about Quito.

I was on the Luxury Yacht called the Isabella 2.

It was a terrific "boat" with excellent guides.
Martin usually knows when the good deals come up and he can let you know.

I first met him over the Internet via a friend who was also going to the Galapagos a few months later than when I went.

I admit I was a bit hesitant at first to book with a tour company in Quito..but I can assure you that Martin handled everything absolutely perfect.

I got a good deal from him , and when I went to my local Travel Agent and told her about this price I was given by a Tour Company in Quito..she said to me:

"Percy, take it, there is no way I can match that price."

When you e-mail Martin, please mention my name..we have become friends and he knows me rather well as we stay in touch via e-mails.

Just say to him , "Percy said you would look after me 100% !!

I can help you with many questions but I will let Tiger0198 answer them as his memories are fresh!!!

Percy

Tigger0198: We're going in June (Celebrity's X-pedition). Did you snorkel? How cold was the water? What kinds of sea life did you encounter? I agree with Sandy b..........details, details, details, please.

Yes I snorkled almost every day --and twice one day. Water temps nice and did not use a wet suit. Saw the common fish plus lots of star fish and sea urchins. Swam with a sea turtle ( one foot away),white tipped shark about 40 inches long, rays, and a penguin sitting on a rock about a yard away. Glad the penguin was stationery as I understand they swim very fast. I brought my own gear but the Fragata carries enough for all the passengers.

And Percy I am a female age almost 59. I had California Native book the entire trip including two days of touring in Quito, the Dann Carlton Hotel (very nice with internet access), plus all transfers from Metopolitan Tours. I would advise planning some days to see the country which is more than just the Galapagos Islands.

Thanks for the info . . . and Percy, I have already contacted Martin and I did tell him that Percy (from Edmonton) and Peg (from Ohio) recommended him. We have already sent emails back and forth and he is very quick to reply. I'm pretty sure I'll book with him if I decide to book ahead.

I'm just asking for details so I can be sure to pick out the right ship, the right time, and get info to maximize my trip.

Thanks,
Sandy (in Denton)

Good Luck on your trip Sandy.

Peg is now working in Washington DC.

I agree with Tiger0198 , if you go,you really want to see some of Quito and the area...

There are many nice sites in Quito and area ,like the Otavalo market, and Mita del Mundo ...the Equator line area.

Plus you should also see old Quito.

Have a good time

Percy

Thanks Percy, I spent 2 weeks in Ecuador in '97, studied Spanish in Quito, visited Otovalo and a trip to the Amazonia (Rio Napo) . . . this will just give me a chance to go back!

Sandy (in Denton)

We just got back from Costa Rica and I am already thinking about a trip next winter to Ecuador and the Galapagos. How kid friendly would the trip be for a family of 5 (kids will be 11,9 and 7). I would hope to fly into Quito then do a four day Galapagos cruise before heading back for a few days in the Amazon. Any thoughts apprecitated! What shots would you recommend for Ecuador?

sandy

Well,I did not kniw you were there in 1997.

This will be like "old home week" when you go back again, and since you can speak Spanish so much the better.

dinoroguru:

Hmmm. I really do not know about children.
I did not see any there when I was there, but I am sure there are Yachts that take children of all ages.

The youngest person on our Yacht was a 14 year old from England wit her mother.

Also , it would be helpful for you to know many of the Islands and what is on each Island as not all the yachts to to all the Islands.

If you have some favourite Islands that you want to see because of the birds or animals or geopgraphy, then sort of make sure that the yacht you will be on has these islands included.

I was there is late August and this was bird hatching time...how great this was!!!

sandy-b:

The weather is always nice.

It was 86 F when we landed itmealtra, then a 10 minute bus ride and a 10 -15 minute boat ride and you are across the water to the main Island of Santa Cruz.

If I had to do it again, I would not change a thing, that is how good I felt my trip was.

Of course I would pick as many different Islands as I could BUT...

I would not go again , because I do not want to spoil my timeless memories of the Galapagos.

There is only once in lifetime that any place can make a first impression on
you !!!

Good night sandy-b
Percy

oops!!!

That should be ,it was 86F when we landed on the Island of Baltra..the only island the plane lands on

Then it was on to the Island of Santa Cruz...it is from here that you board your yacht

Percy

Dineroguru - I'm about to leave for 3 weeks in Ecuador, traveling with an 11 and 14 year old. We're going on a 7 day cruise on the Archipel plus spending time in Guayaquil, Cuenca and Puerto Ayora. I'll post a trip report when I get back.
Regarding shots - we went to our local health department's "travellers clinic" and got our recommended shots there - really depends on what areas in Ecuador you're going to.
Just a heads up for people. Looks like the Baltra airport is going to be closed April 16-June16 so all Galapagos flights will have to go to San Cristobal and all boats will be leaving from there. This'll change a lot of intineraries and if people are planning to hang out in Puerto Ayora for a few days before or after a trip (which we're doing) I don't think they'd be able to during that time.
Also - I booked the cruise through Galacruises Expeditions (Richard helped me) and thought they were great.
Gratefulness to all the helpful people in this site!