beachbunny
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 26, 2000
- Messages
- 1,274
We had a great time! I'm soooo tired. Before I rest, I'd like to thank Chris (yes, the same Chris who does Quest for the West), Eduardo, and the ghost for their hard work. We'll definitely be doing Quest with Chris...
We saw blue footed ****ies (you know what I'm talking about - the DIS edited this out) and frigate birds nesting, Galapagos tortoise, and swam with green sea turtles, sea lions, and penguins. We saw the snow capped peaks of the tallest mountains in Ecuador from the ground and from the air.
I'll write a trip report later, but if you're departing soon, here are some tips:
You are dressing for two different climates - the highlands and the ocean. The interior of Ecuador is quite cool - bring a heavier fleece for the evenings. Shorts are perfect for the ocean - even at meal time. You'll need one pair of long pants in Galapagos for the tortoise visit. ABD will give you duffels so you can leave your cold weather clothes behind in Quito.
Bring a bar of soap and a wash cloth - you'll thank me.
You don't need both an umbrella and a light rain jacket - it didn't even rain while we were there.
We only used our mosquito repellant twice - at Peguche Falls (didn't really need it) and at the Tortoise place (for fire ants but didn't need it).
Bring lots of sun screen!
Pace yourself in Galapagos. There is so much to do - usually two visits and a swim every day. We skipped the final deep water swim because it looked rough and we weren't interested in swimming with '"only" fish and sharks - we had already swam with sea lions, etc. We were kinda glad we didn't because there were a bunch of jelly fish and one child got stung.
We brought our own snorkel/mask and used it (I didn't want to share spit with strangers) - we used the wet suits and fins provided - ABD pays for all gear rental.
I brought way too much cash. In addition to the ABD guide tips, I used less than $500 and I am a big time shopper. Only two real places to shop, Otavalo Market and the last stop in Galapagos.
At Otavalo Market, bargain, bargain, bargain - I only spent around $75 but got a bunch of woven table runners, lots of alpaca scarves, hand painted wooden frames, and more - only bring small bills for Otavalo Market.
At the last stop in Galapagos, t-shirts are $11 a piece. Also, have a tree tomato smoothie or glass of fresh squeezed orange juice at Casa Blanca.
If you want to purchase Ecuadorian chocolate which is absolutely fabulous, wait until you hit the duty free stores at the airport. They sell the same stuff as the JW Marriott gift shop at half the price.
Finally, I would not have even come close to $500 had it not been for the jewelry store at the Marriott. They sell jewelry by the same artist as on the ship but with a bigger selection. I got a pair of Blue Footed ****ie (same word as above - edited by the DIS) earrings in sterling silver with turquoise inlay for $40 and a 18K gold blue footed ****ie charm for $160.
Repeat after me, "LAAVA LEEZARDS!"
Let me know if you have any question.
We saw blue footed ****ies (you know what I'm talking about - the DIS edited this out) and frigate birds nesting, Galapagos tortoise, and swam with green sea turtles, sea lions, and penguins. We saw the snow capped peaks of the tallest mountains in Ecuador from the ground and from the air.
I'll write a trip report later, but if you're departing soon, here are some tips:
You are dressing for two different climates - the highlands and the ocean. The interior of Ecuador is quite cool - bring a heavier fleece for the evenings. Shorts are perfect for the ocean - even at meal time. You'll need one pair of long pants in Galapagos for the tortoise visit. ABD will give you duffels so you can leave your cold weather clothes behind in Quito.
Bring a bar of soap and a wash cloth - you'll thank me.
You don't need both an umbrella and a light rain jacket - it didn't even rain while we were there.
We only used our mosquito repellant twice - at Peguche Falls (didn't really need it) and at the Tortoise place (for fire ants but didn't need it).
Bring lots of sun screen!
Pace yourself in Galapagos. There is so much to do - usually two visits and a swim every day. We skipped the final deep water swim because it looked rough and we weren't interested in swimming with '"only" fish and sharks - we had already swam with sea lions, etc. We were kinda glad we didn't because there were a bunch of jelly fish and one child got stung.
We brought our own snorkel/mask and used it (I didn't want to share spit with strangers) - we used the wet suits and fins provided - ABD pays for all gear rental.
I brought way too much cash. In addition to the ABD guide tips, I used less than $500 and I am a big time shopper. Only two real places to shop, Otavalo Market and the last stop in Galapagos.
At Otavalo Market, bargain, bargain, bargain - I only spent around $75 but got a bunch of woven table runners, lots of alpaca scarves, hand painted wooden frames, and more - only bring small bills for Otavalo Market.
At the last stop in Galapagos, t-shirts are $11 a piece. Also, have a tree tomato smoothie or glass of fresh squeezed orange juice at Casa Blanca.
If you want to purchase Ecuadorian chocolate which is absolutely fabulous, wait until you hit the duty free stores at the airport. They sell the same stuff as the JW Marriott gift shop at half the price.
Finally, I would not have even come close to $500 had it not been for the jewelry store at the Marriott. They sell jewelry by the same artist as on the ship but with a bigger selection. I got a pair of Blue Footed ****ie (same word as above - edited by the DIS) earrings in sterling silver with turquoise inlay for $40 and a 18K gold blue footed ****ie charm for $160.
Repeat after me, "LAAVA LEEZARDS!"
Let me know if you have any question.
