How can I possibly do justice to such a wonderful trip without repeating superlatives time and time again. The Galapagos Islands have always been very much at the top of my bucket list, ever since hearing about it in School. So when we got the chance to go there we took it immediately. Initially though we decided to explore Ecuador for the first week.

Quito actually became quite familiar to us as we stayed there for 4 nights in between excursions to the Cloud Forest and the Amazon. We were very fortunate to stay in the wonderful Casa Gangotena which is situated right in the middle of the old part of the town, so very easy to walk to the wonderful churches and also the lively area of La Rhonda. The hotel has been totally and carefully refurbished to keep the grand traditional style of a by gone era, the rooms are spacious and beautifully decorated. The staff wonderfully attentive and the beautifully presented food, especially the high tea which is included in the price of the room, quite delicious.

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Lonely Planet have put together a great article on the top 10 volcanic experiences in Ecuador. At number 1 they list Quito a city which is ideally situated for exploring the highlights of Ecuador, the city is currently located by an active volcano. Taking the tram up to 4000 meters you can be sure to spot some fascinating views.

Number 2 – Cotopaxi

Located in the Andes, the Cotopaxi volcano rises to a height of 19,347 feet above sea level. The Cotopaxi, which means “neck of the moon”, is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. With the last recorded eruption occurring as far back as 1904 the mountains are now very popular with climbers. Climbing the mountain takes about 6-7 hours and an incredible view can be enjoyed for those who manage to get to the top.

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Hola everyone..

Some updates…

* Peru: Good news for Machu Picchu, the train service will start operations again on the 1st April. Hurray!!

* Ecuador: We have some excellent Galapagos Island cruise offers for this year, which is saving clients up to £750 per person. We only have certain dates available so it really is first come 1st served.

This year & 2011 are going to be big years for the Galapagos Islands as a huge change is due to be implemented from January 2012. The Galapagos National Park has issued a notice to all Galapagos operators informing that, as of January 1st, 2012 all Galapagos vessels must operate with 15-day/14-night itineraries, which can be cut into two 7-night itineraries or as two 6-day/5 night and one 5-day/4-night itinerary. The purpose of this measure is to re-arrange all itineraries in an orderly way, to control the number of persons visiting a determined visitor site at a given time. So basically a boat will only be able to visit a particular visitor site / island once every 2 weeks rather than every week as they currently do.
I urge anyone that is thinking of visiting the Galapagos Islands to do so sooner rather than later. 2011 rates are going to be higher than 2010, by approx 10% & discounts are not likely.

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Worldwide Holidays is now taking bookings for special family cruises to the Galapagos departing in July. A 50% discount for children aged 6-18 now makes this adventure holiday of a lifetime more affordable. With the children’s Galapagos discount extended to include older children up to the age of 18, this makes for the perfect trip for families with older children too.

On these special Galapagos family tours, age-appropriate activities are scheduled for both teens and younger children. You will be snorkelling in a real sea aquarium and swim with playful sea lions and giant sea turtles. You will enjoy exciting Galapagos treks with experts while strolling by incredible and unique animals only found in the islands. And what better surroundings to learn about the evolution of the species while participating in the Young Pirates workshops led by specialist naturalist guides?

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La Pinta is the newest boat to cruise the Galapagos Islands, with its arrival in March 2008. It is now the top boat sailing the waters, with wonderful guides & excellent accommodation. To celebrate the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin, there are now a number of special offers for a cruise on La Pinta or one of its sister yachts that sail around the Galapagos Islands.

Our recent ‘blog’ reported the excellent news about the Galapagos Islands, Lonesome George – a tortoise thought of for decades of being the last member of a virtually extinct species, possibly becoming a father – further news has been released regarding the finding of yet more eggs!

Park Wardens at Galapagos National Park have now found a second patch of eight eggs. These eggs are undergoing their incubation period at the Charles Darwin Research Station where conservationists explained…… “most eggs are incubated at a slightly warmer temperature to produce a higher rate of female off-spring (tortoises lack the gender gene and temperature determines length of incubation, which determines gender). This is critical to ensure a faster recovery of the population, currently with a single member – George. The females that have shared George’s home for many years now, belong to the closest species to the Pinta Tortoise”.

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Great news from the Galapagos Islands – their oldest living resident, George the Tortoise is about to become a father! We recently received this press release from the Galapagos National Park.

“The world’s most famous tortoise, and the living symbol of the Galapagos National Park, has taken an important step into saving it’s species from imminent extinction.

A last member of its kind, a male tortoise was found alone on his home island Pinta in the early seventies. Soon brought to the safety of the Charles Darwin Research Station, and named Jorge, or George in English, by the park wardens that took care of him. The word soon spread that Lonesome George was a living extinction unless a female was found for him to reproduce.

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I was all set for my return trip to Ecuador & to have a wonderful cruise in the Galapagos Islands in February. But unfortunately I had some bad news the day after I arrived in Quito I had to fly back to UK.

The exciting news is that in 2 weeks time I am going back to Ecuador & will also have a really special treat as I am having a 8 day / 7 night cruise on the newest boat sailing around the Galapagos Islands – the Yacht la Pinta www.yachtlapinta.com
I cannot wait!!. As it is always a good idea to arrive in Ecuador at least 2 days before the cruise I have time to visit the hot springs @ Papallacta & visit the hotel there. As if my trip was not already perfect I am also having a night @ the Finch Bay Hotel in Galapagos before my cruise starts..

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February 2008 – the launch of “La Pinta” the newest yacht in the Galapagos Islands. What an honor to be on the launch of this lovely, luxurious ship as it left Guayaquil. La Pinta started service in the Galapagos in April of this year offering plush, luxury cabins, with all mod cons including ipods – which proved to be the perfect respite after a long day exploring! This yacht operates only on a 7 day cruise but I really would not want to get off any sooner!

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The Land of Contrasts

My last visit to this remarkable country, Ecuador was in May, I decided to concentrate on exploring more of the mainland and uncovering some of this country’s undiscovered secrets.

The highlight of my visit was undoubtedly the markets, which can only be described as an explosion of colour. I can honestly say Ecuador’s flower markets are home to the most amazing roses I have ever seen.

During my visit I was continually impressed with the standard of accommodation available, ranging from large hotel chains through to the smaller locally owned operations ensuring that every visitor is catered for. My personal favourite was the small but ever so charming Hacienda called San Augustin del Callo, boasting incredible views of Cotopaxi Volcano and consisting of just eight rooms; the attention to detail is outstanding as each room is hand-painted with it’s own unique wall mural.

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