Holiday review by Sarah

Name: Sarah

Date of trip: 10/09/2014

Number of people: 2

Swimming with sea-lions (lots of them!) in the Galapagos

  • Courtyard balconies at Casona de la Ronda, Quito, Ecuador © Casona de la Ronda

    Courtyard balconies at Casona de la Ronda, Quito, Ecuador

  • Bellavista Cloud Forest Lodge

     

  • Bellavista view

     

  • Bellavista is a good birding destination

     

  • Accommodation at Bellavista

     

  • Archipel I – exterior view © ATC

     

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Seeing toucans as well as various other interesting birds in the Cloud forest in Ecuador

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.


The places you stayed

Courtyard balconies at Casona de la Ronda, Quito, Ecuador © Casona de la Ronda

La Casona de la Ronda

Quito

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.


Bellavista Cloud Forest Lodge

Bellavista Cloud Forest Lodge

Ecuador

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.


Archipel I

Archipel I

Galapagos Islands

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!