Holiday review by Mr. Ryan Cordon
Name: Mr. Ryan Cordon
Date of trip: 16/01/2019
Number of people: 2
Tren Crucero was superb. The trip itself, and the knowledgeable guides (Marcelo & Daniella), could not have been bettered.
Tribes Overall:
Wonderful & varied trip. The Tren Crucero in particular was a fantastic experience.
Tribes Service:
Holiday mostly went to plan, with a few changes to Galapagos boat trip destinations & the Tren Crucero journey was slightly different to advertised.
Guides:
One guide, who met us at Baltra, held a board for "Batchelors x 2". He would not accept that this was for us (the Cordons) & ignored us. Eventually he realised we were his clients, but treated us in a surly and unprofessional manner for the rest of the day (including fleecing us for a $10 bus fare included in our transfer). Not a very nice experience. All the other guides we met were excellent.
Social & Environmental Responsibility:
Local people on the Galapagos seemed to be well aware of the fragility of their unique environment & responsibility towards it. Perhaps we can learn a bit from their attitude.
The places you stayed
La Casona de la Ronda
Ecuador
Well appointed, but we didn't spend enough time there to make a valid judgment.
IsaMar Hotel
Galapagos Islands
The owner (Juan) was always eager to help. Puerto Villamil was a bit of a 'dead end' town, but the IsaMar had a fine beach-front location.
Hacienda La Cienega
Ecuador
Somewhat run down, despite the obvious 17th/18th/19th Century charm. The food was poor & the waiting staff mostly elderly & very disorganised. Room was cold with inappropriate (small) electrical heaters. A bit like "Fawlty Towers".
