What an amazing Tour. This truly was a wonderful holiday, made even more memorable by our Tour Manager, Patrick Twomey and the local guides. Patrick is truly a great TM and has an amazing knowledge of South America. One could not wish for a better TM for this inaugural tour. There were 15 of us - 14 female and one male.
We had a long wait at Bogota Airport since the onward flight to Quito was delayed. On arrival in Quito, Patrick took us on a short orientation tour of Quito followed by lunch. We took taxis back to the hotel. Cost of each taxi was only $3-4. Unfortunately a lot of us either suffered from a virus or altitude sickness - it was hard to tell as the symptoms for both are very similar. I had a 24 hour virus, which meant I had to miss the colourful fresh fruit and vegetables market and the historical tour of Quito on Day 3. I think 3 of us decided not to go and a couple of ladies had to be brought back to the hotel as they started feeling ill.
We were given holdalls to use for our one night stay in Mindo and for Galapagos, which made life a lot easier! On the way to Mindo cloud forest on day 4, we first stopped to see the hummingbirds followed by a visit to the butterfly garden. We did not visit the orchid park as apparently most of them were not in bloom. It was raining when we visited the working chocolate farm. It was interesting to find out how chocolate was made from the cocoa beans and the best bit was tasting the chocolate and we were also given a slice of gooey chocolate brownie made from their own chocolate at the end. It was really delicious. In the evening we went to Lago Mindo to 'hunt' for the frogs. It was raining a bit and we only saw 2-3 frogs. The next day we had a chance to walk through the cloud forest before leaving for Quito. On the way we posed for a photo on the Equator Line. Mauro, our local guide briefed us on Galapagos on the way to Quito.
On day 6 we flew to Santa Cruz Island. All luggage is checked so best not to lock the holdalls. It is very safe and nothing went missing. On arrival we had a short boat journey to the pier where the coach was waiting to take us to the ranch where we first had lunch and then went in search of giant tortoises. We were not disappointed and saw several. In the evening transport was provided for those wishing to go to Peurto Ayora for dinner or just look around. It was easy to walk there and back. I did not want any dinner and walked there with Lesley. We first visited the harbour to see the sea lions who had already occupied the benches! We then strolled around the town before walking back to the hotel.
On day 7 we transferred by boat to Isabela Island. The journey, which was around 2 hours was very pleasant. We first visited the tortoise breeding centre followed by a visit to the wetland where we were lucky to see the pink flamingos and pintail ducks. After lunch, those of us who had booked the optional excursion went to Tintoreras. First we had a short hike where we saw marine iguanas, sea turtles, sharks, rays and then it was time to snorkel. Unfortunately for me, it was a disaster! The first hurdle for me was jumping in the water from the boat. I think my mask was loose and water kept getting in so I was in a bit of a panic and gave up. Patrick did his best to guide me, but without success! I am pleased to report that I did master snorkelling from the beach before we went to Kickers Rock on day 11.
On day 8 we hiked up the Sierra Negra volcano to see the massive calder. We were very lucky with the weather. It remained cloudy all the way up and down. It would have been a 'torture' if the sun was out! On day 9 some of us had a morning of leisure whilst some went snorkelling to Los Tuneles. Apparently this optional excursion did not only involve snorkelling - there was a hike as well. Perhaps description needs to be changed as maybe some of us who did not go would have done so. There were some who came on the optional excursion to Tintoreras and did not snorkel. Those who did not go on the optional excursion walked up to the harbour where we saw penguins, pelicans, sea lions and swimming iguanas. It was very relaxing to watch the wild life.
First thing on Day 10 we visited the Charles Darwin Research Station where we saw the preserved body of Lonesome George. We also saw different species of giant tortoises. On the way to the restaurant where we were having lunch, we saw a gathering of pelicans and one lone heron who were waiting to be fed with fish heads! A couple of women were gutting the fish and feeding the heads to the waiting birds. It was amusing to watch this spectacle. After lunch we travelled by boat to San Cristobal - the island of sea lions. They were everywhere! Day 11 was a cruise along the coast before heading to Kicker Rock. First stop was at a beach where a couple of us had a go at snorkelling. It was a lovely sandy beach and I personally enjoyed learning how to snorkel. Lunch was served once we were back on the boat. After lunch it was snorkelling at Kickers Rock - some of us not doing the snorkelling stayed on the boat.
We had a free morning on Day 12 before flying back to Quito. A few of us went for a walk with Patrick. We wanted to go to Frigatebird Hill but ended up on a beach! It was a pleasant walk and we saw black marine iguanas basking in the sun on the beach. We had flight delays, both from San Cristobal to Guayaquil and from Guayaquil to Quito. From Guayaquil the delay was 6 hours. Patrick was able to arrange for a coach and a local guide in Guayaquil and we were lucky to have a walking tour of Guayaquil (an added bonus). We had dinner before heading back to the airport for our delayed flight. We did not get to the hotel in Quito till 3.00 a.m. on Saturday morning (Day 13). Despite this, apart from one person, we all departed at 09:30 for Otavalo. The market was interesting full of colourful textiles, pottery, silver jewellery etc. After visiting the market we had lunch in a local restaurant. After lunch we visited several shops selling leather items and some of us picked up bargains! In the evening we had a farewell dinner of tapas.
On day 14, before heading to the airport for our flights back home, Patrick had kindly arranged for us to take the cable car up to Pichincha. We walked up to the viewing point where we had lovely views of Quito and the amazing thing was that there were swings right on top. Some were brave enough to swing, whilst I was a bit timid and just sat on one! We spent quite some time before taking the cable car back to the bottom and heading to the airport. After checking in, we all went across the airport to the food hall to have some lunch.
Unfortunately our flight from Bogota to LHR was delayed by 2 hours.
Food was delicious, especially the soups and the portions were big. Most hotels had fresh fruit juice available at Breakfast. Breakfast in Mindo was served and not a buffet. All hotels were good apart from Miconia in San Cristobal. It was dreary and tired looking at first glance - we had arrived late evening but on the next day it did not look so bad!
I have done a brief review and may have missed certain things, which hopefully one of my fellow travellers will be able to add.
This truly was an amazing trip and for me personally it was a dream come true.
Best wishes
Jaya
