Hi Sue... We went to Ecuador and Galapagos as part of the World Arc 4 years ago. We had a great time in Ecuador, renting a car and heading up in the Andes to Cuenca. Wonderful journey starting off from the coast, through paddy fields of rice and then getting higher and higher in the Andes the scenery changes to a spectacular version of the Lake District but with Llamas. Cuenca itself is a lovely old city high up in the Andes. We also went to some Inca ruins ( the name of which escapes me at the moment ) Wonderful trip.

Then we went to the Galapagos which was one of the big disappointments of our trip. Yes some of the scenery and wildlife was great but we felt we missed out because we couldn't use our own boat to get around. Only way to travel between the islands was on the organised day trips which entailed several hours travelling on tatty, uncomfortable, local motor boats and then only getting a relatively short time ashore.

People who did 5 day liveaboard trips enjoyed it more but most people felt the Galapagos hadn't lived up to their expectations. I think this is because of course we all had our own boats there and we just knew our experience would have been better if we'd been allowed to use them to get around.

Mike

http://sailingjeannius.blogspot.com


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