Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands July 2007
We flew into Quito and stayed at the Hilton for two nights. We took the Grayline City tour-6 hours-well worth the $$. The following day,we hired a guide at the concierge desk and went to the highlands and Otavalo . The guide, Fernando was excellent and very reasonably priced ($120.00 for 10 hours). I wasn't that impressed with Otavalo and was heartbroken at all the malnourished stray dogs. In retrospect, We would have gone to Cotopaxi volcano. The following day, we met our Lindblad Expedition Tour and flew to the Galapagos. What a beautiful place and Lindblad Expeditions was incredible. There was something to do for everyone and the naturalists were so knowledgeable. We had kids,teens,parents,grandparents and great aunts(80 years old). There were activities for all levels. Snorkling for the adventureous or glass bottom boat viewing for the non snorklers. Hiking for the active ones, short walks for the less active. Thanks to all fodorites who posted and gave me advise. It's much appreciated.

Was the glass bottom boat carried on the big boat? How often was it used?

Glad you had a good trip to a magical destination.

The different activities for different levels comes up ever so often and it appears Lindblad accommodates everybody very well.

Your account of you pre-trip activities is also informative.

Thanks for posting.

Glad to hear you had a nice time in Quito.

You know many people get a bit disappointed with Otavalo.
They advertise their large Market there but it is not really that great.

A nicer one is on the way to Cotopaxi at the town of Saquisili...this very huge market in one very Thursday, and if you want to see people dressed right out of National Geographic( little old ladies with Fedora hats etc)..then this is the place.

Cotopaxi is cold and windy almost anytime you go there...so if you were not dressed extra warm....you might not have had a good time....who likes touring and freezing.

Glad you also like the Galapagos, believe it or not but some people have
gone to the galapagos and did not like it there......hmm wonder what their expectations were !!

Thanks for the nice report and comments
Percy

The glass bottom boat is carried on the Polaris -the boat where you sleep, eat and hang out. If you check www.expeditions.com , there is info and pictures.. It is not a huge cruise ship however you will not lack anything. The food is fresh and tasty. There are also kayaks,wet suits, and snorkel gear that are available to use. The glass bottom boat was hoisted into the water almost every dayThere are no huge "Cruise Ships" in the Galapagos. This is a first class operation and is very well run.

Percy,
You answered my post in July before I went on my trip--Thanks Again.

Thanks for the glass bottom boat info.