Galapagos Islands - Ever been?

[killer_carlson]

When I was in Quito the english translation of a menu item was "Ebola Soup".

That was the high point.

[Kybosh]

I did Ecuador basically one year ago today. New Years Eve was a crazy time in the country and seemed like the biggest celebration of the year (and everything on the coast was totally booked everywhere). Didn't go to the Galapagos because it was stupid expensive at that time of year, so we basically spent half the trip trekking around the Andes (very very scenic) and then the last half surfing on the coast (mostly Montanita but also did a few days in Puerto Lopez and saw the poor man's Galapagos Isla De La Plata). I enjoyed my time in both Quito and Guayaquil as far as cities are concerned...

[Amethyst]

I've got it narrowed down to a couple. The top contender right now is a cruise, featuring San Cristobal, Punta Pitt, Kicker Rock, Santiago Island, Puerto Ayora, Chinese Hat/Black Turtle Cove, Cerro Dragon/Isla Daphne, Islas Plaza / Sante Fe Island.

The other option is to replace the second half with Rabida Island, Floreana, and Punta Suarez. The description for that one focuses more on guided walks than wildlife.

It might end up coming down to better pricing / timing.

[Amethyst]

Galapagos Islands are booked. There are some optional tours around Quito, that I am considering before the islands. If anyone has been to any of these places, please let me know what you thought of them (basically great idea or don't waste your time).

-half day Quito city tour
-Mindo cloud forest
-Otavalo Market
-Papallacta Hot Springs

[Johnny199r]

Originally Posted by Amethyst

Galapagos Islands are booked. There are some optional tours around Quito, that I am considering before the islands. If anyone has been to any of these places, please let me know what you thought of them (basically great idea or don't waste your time).

-half day Quito city tour
-Mindo cloud forest
-Otavalo Market
-Papallacta Hot Springs

Papallacta Hot Springs - don't waste your time, very boring and small
Otavalo Market - great idea, and I hate shopping! Was very cool
Mindo cloud forest - I didn't go there as I thought it sounded boring
Half day Quito city tour- depends what the itinerary is...

Again, I'd highly recommend taking the tram up from the city to the mountains and spending 1/2 a day or full day there. It was unbelievable.