I have wanted to visit the Galapagos Islands about as long as I can remember. Studying them in geography class they always held a certain almost mystical allure for me. Later, when I read Origin of the Species and studied Biology, my interest increased, although relegated to life’s back burner.
When I first decided to visit Ecuador, I knew beyond certainty that I would visit these islands located 600 miles off the Ecuadorian coast. While staying in Quito, I researched boat tours, land tours and last minute deals. Visiting the Galapagos is not inexpensive and many travelers skip them. This was not an option for me! I finally booked an eight day boat tour on the Floreana, a 47 foot motor yacht that carries 14 passengers and a crew of five plus a Class 2 bilingual naturalist named Victor. I further decided to stay an extra six days on Santa Cruz Island and arrange day trips from there to some of the other islands I would miss on the boat tour.
My flight landed at Basra, a small flat island where the US Army set up a base and airstrip during WWII to protect the Panama Canal from a Japanese attack that never came. After the war, it reverted to Ecuador. After arriving, I took the free bus to the channel, then a ferry across to Santa Cruz Island, and finally a shared a cab for the 45 minute ride to Hotel Santa Cruz where I check in for the night.
An afternoon visit to the Charles Darwin Research Center gave me a chance to see giant tortoises along with land iguanas being bred for release back into the wild.
Checking out a young adult female Giant Tortoise
Galapagos Land Iguana
At this point, I am still having a hard time believing that I am actually here. Even in the Charles Darwin Research Center, it is such an alien world. I walk 20 minutes back to town and grab some dinner. I retire early, tomorrow is going to be a busy day!
Author’s note: I am currently staying on a farm near Cotopaxi in the Ecuadorian Andes. There is no Internet at all. I took a 45 minute bus trip into the nearest town to write this post. Until I get to Peru, my subsequent posts will be sporadic.
I am still on the fence in regards to the Galapagos. Not because I don’t want to, but because of the cost, but your post definitely is inspiring me to go!!!! I’m thinking it should be a YES!
Alisha recently posted..Hiking Laguna Quilatoa
Better to regret the things we did… I hope to get to the Galapagos in late August.
Dave recently posted..Across Argentina- 35 Days in 1-000 Photos
I love that quote of Mark Twain’s. Defiitely go!!
Yes, Alisha, go!!! I have about six more Galapagos stories to post (at least) once I get some bandwidth.
I didn’t make the trip when I was in Ecuador, but now I wish I had.
The Travel Chica recently posted..5 Signs It Is Time to Check Out of Your Hostel
Yes, I had to go. Now, if can only get enough WiFi to write about the rest of the trip!
Going to the Galapagos is a lifelong dream of mine. I was in Ecuador for three months last year, but I didn’t have the money to head out there. Have fun 🙂
Jasmine recently posted..13 Paraguay Facts You Should Know Before Backpacking South America
Thanks Jasmine. Mine too and I wasn’t disappointed.