Planning for the Galapagos

Blue Footed Boobie

Planning for the Galapagos was probably the most challenging (and expensive) trip I have ever put together, but that is to be expected when visiting such a remote area of the globe. After interviewing several tour operators and travel agents from the Galapagos, we decided to book with Jacky from Happy Gringo. Unlike one of the agents I worked with, she did not push a single boat and gave me lots of choices (certain agents like to push the Samba). She was able to book a balcony cabin on the Natural Paradise for just pennies more than bunk beds on the Samba (a much more rustic vessel). The package included two nights at the JW Marriot in downtown Quito and flights to/from the Galapagos islands. I'll be writing up a final review of Happy Gringo at completion of the trip. Jacky has made some errors in that have been a bit frustrating, but I will wait to write up final report after trip is completed. I will say this, with every mistake that Jacky made she worked very hard to fix it and was always very positive and upbeat.

Why the Galapagos? The Galapagos Islands are a UNESCO World heritage sight offering incredible biodiversity and maintaining the highest environmental and conservation standards in order to maintain the unique qualities. As an archipelago of volcanic islands in the easter pacific located along the Equator and approximately 600 miles west of Ecuador, South America, the islands are remote. The Galapagos Islands are most famous for giant turtles and large number of endemic species, both studied by Charles Darwin. In fact, it is here that Darwin's Theory of Evolution was born.

Quito, Ecuador: The flight is only about 8 hours, with a layover in Atlanta so we decided to forgo lay-flat business class seats in exchange for Premium Comfort (a bit like a lazy-boy recliner). Saved a bit of cash to splurge on the yacht :). Our flight will take through Atlanta to Quito, Ecuador where we will spend several days doing big city stuff. Quito sits on a volcanic ridge over 9,000 ft elevation and is one of the highest capital cities in the World with a rich cultural history dating back to 4000BC.

Santa Cruz Island: After spending some days exploring Quito, we fly 600 miles in a small jet to land on the Island of Balta in the Galapagos Islands. We will make our way to the island of Santa Cruz to spend 7 nights in the town of Puerta Ayoya at this quirky little bed and breakfast just off the main square. From here we will visit the famous Charles Darwin Research Center and walk among the giant tortoises in the highlands.

The Yacht: From Puerta Ayoya we will make our way back to Balta to board the modern luxury yacht "Natural Paradise." The Natural Paradise will house 16 passengers, a private chef, a captain, and two naturalists. We elected to splurge on a balcony cabin which are very unique in this part of the world. Heck, who am I kidding? Being able to book a luxury yacht sailing to one of the most remote places on Earth is a something very unique that I never really dreamed possible.

Natural Paradise Luxury Yacht

Dining open air

Yep, there's a bar :)

San Cristobal Island: After spending a action packed 8 days aboard the Natural Paradise with 2-3 landings each day, we will settle into a sleepy seaside village on the island of San Cristobal for our final week. Here we have several day trips planned (one to swim with hammerhead sharks at kicker rock!) but have also left ample time just be. To reflect. To wonder. To allow the experience of being in a place that so few people will ever have the chance to visit permeate my very soul.