JLC86

Hi everyone,

I am planning a trip to the Galapagos in May, likely paired with a jaunt to Peru/Machu Picchu (3 weeks total).

Any advice on...

1) Best places to find cruise/boat options?
2) Length of time (torn between a 5 day or 8 day)?
3) tineraries - we are interested in snorkeling, light hiking, wildlife (particularly tortoises!). I'd like it to be somewhat educational, with a naturalist if possible.
4) Is pairing this with time in Peru realistic or should I focus on one only? I would fly into one country and out the other vs. backtracking.

Figuring out where to start is a bit overwhelming!

Thanks very much!

JLC86

I'll also add that we'd prefer a smaller boat with fewer people, in case that is helpful.

sdtravels

I would also like to read the answers. Planning a similar trip.

galax

These would be my suggestions:
1) use a galapagos specialist since this destination is not a one size fits all type of experience. there are many variables to take into consideration such as activity level, months, susceptibility to motion sickness, and more
2) if you want to view the most variety in one visit, use a boat. if you are active, consider combining a shorter itinerary on a boat with a stay on one of the islands to be able to do to other types of wildlife excursions as well. particular island of interest is isabela
3) many of the itineraries would allow you do these preferences but if snorkeling is a big plus, choose an itinerary with floreana island
4) if you are traveling from far as most do, Peru is in the same vicinity. since you have 3 weeks, i would suggest you visit Peru first then end in the Galapagos. you can do both destinations and realistically even include an amazon visit , and i would suggest the Peruvian side.

Thanks

crosscheck

Hi JLC,

You'll love your trip, one of the world's greatest destinations. May is a great time to go. We went in June and the sea was super calm. I think it's fine to add MP, but I would recommend 7 days in the Galapagos if you can swing it financially. With the new restricted itineraries, it's the only way you'll ensure seeing everything, and it will be way more relaxing.

We wanted a larger boat and used this site to check availability - gets you directly in touch with the owners or reps of each boat who will also book internal flights (ours was an agency in San Diego, the U.S. rep for our boat):

http://www.galapagoscruiselinks.com/

And here is a site that describes every boat - I used this for research but not for booking the trip:

http://www.discovergalapagos.com/Int...s_Cruise_Ships

Buen viaje!!

JLC86

Thanks everyone! We have narrowed it down and will just do Ecuador and the Galapagos, rather than adding in Peru.

Any experiences with the Guatanamera, Floreana or Eden boats? We are slowly narrowing our list down.

Thanks again!

Pattito

Hi I was in Galapagos in January it was a really good experience, we took a tour for 8 days 7 nights, 2 nights in Quito and 5 nights on the ship, the travel agency sent me the information about Guantanamera, Eden and they looked very good but ask for other options, the agency that usually help us sent rates for the first class yacht, turist supirior yacht and turist yacht then you can chose the best option according the days and price.

I visited the following Islands: Santa Cruz, Rabida, Seymour, Bartolome, Genovesa and San Cristobal. If you want I can send you my itinerary to have an idea.