Holiday review by Pat and Alan Staniforth
Name: Pat and Alan Staniforth
Date of trip: 27/02/2016
Number of people: 2
Highlights Highlands - Climbing the towers of Quito Basilica, watching the Tungarahua volcano eruption from our bedroom window!, Quilotoa crater and surrounding scenery, sighting of condor at Cotopaxi, identification of bird species by our very knowledgeable guide. Galapagos - Watching a turtle returning to the sea after nesting on the beach (thank you, guides, for getting us up early!), blue footed boobies 'dancing', snorkelling at Champion island. Napo river - Seeing monkeys in the trees, two crested owls and fresh water dolphins (both black and pink). Loved the observation tower (saw several rare birds while there). Quite an experience wading through a jungle swamp with water over the tops of our wellies!
-
© Casona de la Ronda
-
© PCook
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Tribes Overall:
Thoroughly enjoyable holiday (one or two irritations on the Galapagos cruise) - yes, it lived up to expectations.
Tribes Service:
Yes, positive experience and consultant very helpful.
Guides:
All very good, extremely knowledgeable, excellent driver from Quito to Guayaquil, great to have the continuity of the same guide (Raul) for all transfers.
Social & Environmental Responsibility:
Yes, it contributed to the local economy and yes, the emphasis on wildlife and conservation was very apparent. It certainly helped us to appreciate that tourism can be beneficial to both the wildlife and local communities.
The places you stayed
© Casona de la Ronda
La Casona de la Ronda
Quito
Very attractive interior, particularly like the painted walls and vertical garden, had a pleasant quiet room, good breakfast and helpful staff.
© PCook
Hacienda Santa Ana
Cotopaxi
Lovely place, great lounge with open fire, good meal, helpful staff, impressive views.
Hacienda Manteles
Ecuador
'Presidential' suite!! Enjoyed the big bed and the jacuzzi and the view from the huge window - watched the active volcano! Good meals.
MY Letty
Galapagos Islands
Actually the Flamingo, on its last trip. Chose the wrong room - on the Booby deck - over the engine and cramped on one side of the bed under the angled roof.
First class meals (too much food!) and service, excellent crew, very pleasant and helpful.
