The Magical Galapagos Archipelago (via Guayaquil)
​(Tour Report April /May 2016)

The Galapagos Archipelago - THE "Once in a Lifetime" Destination!  
​The name "Galapagos" conjures up a wide mix of emotions, so when we decided to visit for ourselves in 2016, we were thinking of "exotic animals", Darwin, which nation "owns" the archipelago, how costly would it be, etc?  Then as we started to study the concept in more detail, other questions became obvious - like WHEN to visit, WHAT to see, "island-hopping" or "live-aboard" cruising, size of vessel, HOW LONG to go for, etc, etc!  This report aims to give potential visitors a feel for what WE considered, what program we finally designed for ourselves, and tips for future travellers if they decide to visit - hopefully via Unique Destinations in the near future!   
Galapagos Access:   The first issue was where was it exactly, and how to get there?  Some are surprised to learn that it is a region of Ecuador, and there are NO direct international flights to the Galapagos.  These only go from the capital, Quito, and from the coastal city of Guayaquil.   The vast majority of visitors enter by air, as access by (cargo) ship is very limited taking typically 3 days.  As inbound flights only operate in the AM and return in the PM, taking about 2.5hrs each way, visitors must arrive in Ecuador at least one day before, and may need another day after their visit to the Galapagos to connect with home-bound flights.  Most inbound flights* land on Isla Baltra, just off Santa Cruz Island, but some flights also use Puerto Baquerizo Moreno Airport, on San Cristobal Island.   The choice of airport will be advised by the tour operators, as driven by the location of hotels or ports used for cruises.  In addition, most visitors** must buy a Transit Control Card (US$ 20) and pay the Galapagos Entry Fee (US$100) valid for 21 days.   (* Approx US$ 3-500/pers/rtn flt;  **Reductions for children under 12 (50%) and the Andean/Mercosur community) 
​Galapagos -What to see/When to go?   WHEN to go, WHERE, and for HOW LONG, will also be impacted by time available for the vacation, and budget.  Bearing in mind the considerable cost it takes to reach Ecuador, both in time and money, we urge visitors to make the most of their time here and extend it to the maximum.  We visited for 10 days, taking a longer all-inclusive cruise for 8 days/7 nights, then spent the last two nights in a nice hotel just lazing!   We could have skipped the hotel stop, but it was a different experience!  Shorter cruises are also on offer (eg 5- and 4 days), but they really do limit exposure to the fauna, unique almost to each island!  The WHERE and WHEN is then easy to determine, driven by the ​Annual Breeding Calendar* for the islands, and the fauna YOU wish to see, amongst which are paramount the "Big 15".  We went in late April/early May, optimum for us to view enchanting glimpses of the mating dance of the Waved Albatross, to see courting Frigate-birds with their striking red inflated throats, and some marine life otherwise not readily seen at other times of the year. (* On request, from Unique Destinations)
​Galapagos - type of holiday?  Today, a wide range of tour vacations can be enjoyed on the islands, such as "island hopping" from one hotel to another on a different island to view other species.  This may also be preferred by those affected by sea motion, or are accompanied by smaller children.   Other guests select the many "live-aboard" cruise options, ranging from high-end luxury/5*, through first-class/4* and mid-range/3*, to budget cruises.   ALL will generally visit the same sites with certified guides, but the numbers of guests aboard the vessels, included amenities, and quality of cuisine and berths, will vary from class to class.  We opted for a first-class cruise aboard a spacious catamaran hosting just 12 guests, as shown in photos opposite.  The package was inclusive of all meals, soft drinks, guides and use of snorkel gear (less wetsuits).  Alcoholic beverages and use of kayaks, etc, are normally extra.  Live-aboard diving cruises are also available in limited numbers for keen scuba divers.


​Galapagos - The Tour Experience:  For us the tour experience was fabulous, surpassing any impression one can obtain from books or a video.  The incredible variety of species plus their (almost) complete disregard for visiting humans is a delight to experience for oneself.  To sit quietly surrounded by huge numbers of lumbering "pre-historic" iguanas, or watching a flock of startling red-footed boobies scrambling impossibly high in some bushes, or observing the alluring dance of the courting Albatross (CLICK on video above/opposite), and to swim alongside playful fur-seal pups, are "out of this world" experiences!  We felt truly humbled and simultaneously elated.  The Galapagos tour authorities have also done so much to limit the impact of over-tourism, by regulating tours and cruises with a strict regime of control.  Rather than limit a visitor's experience, this ensures that site visits are done in small groups, usually without other groups being present at the same time in each site! 
This is truly GREEN tourism, good for visitors and GREAT for the birds & beasts!  
Add on Tours:  Having spent time and money to reach the Galapagos, visitors should ADD to their Galapagos experience by also visiting Ecuador's other delights, be it Spanish colonial history in the "Old Towns" of Quito or Cuenca, or observing unique flora and fauna in Ecuador's other 9 eco-systems, including high Andes volcanoes and Amazonia!  In Guayaquil, we visited the charming "old town" barrio of Las Peñas, with its colourful 19th century houses, old church, fort and lighthouse (Faro)  on Cerro Santa Ana hill.   And strolled along the new waterfront, Malecón 2000, with its many gardens, statues of local heroes, museums, fountains, cafes and more.  Other options include full day tours to nearby Isla de la Plata, the so-called "mini-Galapagos", or to the mangrove forests and a cocoa farm when visiting the Churute Manglares National Park.  Finally, don't miss the display in the orchid garden at Guayaquil Airport!
For sure, we will NEVER forget this holiday, and will strive to visit again!​