Holiday review by Sarah Hext
Name: SarahDate of trip: 10/09/2014
Number of people: 1
Country: EcuadorOverall level of Satisfaction
Tribes Overall: "The Galapagos are amazing and I will return one day to see more of the islands as well as visit more of Ecuador. "
Tribes Service: "Paul was very helpful with advising where to go and in arranging all of the necessary transfers. "
Guides: "All guides were excellent and very knowledgeable. All transfers worked like clockwork. "
Social & Environmental Responsibility: "Excellent"
Accommodation
Great location for seeing the old town and very attentive staff. Comfortable large rooms. The selection at breakfast was less than in other hotels, but it was more than sufficient. There is a small restaurant in the hotel which was always quiet, but the meal I ate there was delicious.
The accommodation is basic as you would expect but spacious and with some nice touches such as coffee making facilities. I am glad I took warm clothes as it did get cold at night - an electric heater was provided which did allow the edge to be taken off before bed, but I did need my fleece too. The food served at each meal-time was very good and the guides were knowledgeable on each of the walks. Lots of people visited the lodge for a day-trip, but I would recommend staying at least one night as the best (and most colourful) birdlife was seen each morning prior to breakfast.
I cannot fault anything with Archipel I - fantastic itinerary, superb crew, wonderful (and plentiful) food, excellent guide. Cabins were fairly small but with adequate space for luggage, clothing etc. and the only time we spent in the cabin was to sleep and shower. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending this boat for anyone visiting the Galapagos and would very happily get on the next flight to Baltra to sail on her again!
I wouldn't typically stay in a business class hotel on such a trip, but the location of the Hampton Inn was excellent - on the main street in Guayaquil and close to the central sights. Very spacious and comfortable room and with an excellent breakfast.
Our Memories
"Swimming with sea-lions (lots of them!) in the Galapagos"
"Seeing toucans as well as various other interesting birds in the Cloud forest in Ecuador"
customer rating
5/5 from 70 reviews
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facts and information
Time: GMT -5 hours
Flight time: There is an international airport at Quito and at Guayaquil. KLM and Iberia have routes via Europe to both cities. The flying time is about 14 hours. It is also possible to fly via America.
Language: Spanish is Ecuador's official language.
Visas: Not required for British travellers. Other nationalities should obtain advice from their embassy.
Health: There are no compulsory vaccinations, except yellow fever if visiting the rainforest. Malaria prophylactics are also recommended in the rainforest.
