Situated in the Pacific Ocean 600 miles off the coast of South America, the Galápagos Islands proved to be a unique environment that doesn’t exist anywhere else in the world. Situated on the equator and at the confluence of three major ocean currents, the islands are inhabited by a strange assortment of wildlife, thus one of the major reasons to visit. We all know about Darwin and his theory of evolution and that the islands were the inspiration for his work. The same species evolved differently based on the island on which they lived. Our daughter and her two sons recently visited and called it “Amazing.”
Blue-footed boobie with her chick. (Photos provided)
They flew from the US to Quito, Ecuador’s capital, to begin a guided tour. Caution: South America is experiencing a major increase in crime and tourists are highly targeted. A Del Webber winters there and says he is considering NOT returning due to the crime increase. You have to be extra cautious. DO not hold your cell phone in your hand, do not wear expensive jewelry, and do not wander off shopping alone. Tour groups that stay together are the safest route if you plan on visiting. OK, on to the good news.
They had a wonderful time and have memories that will last a lifetime. They arrived in Quito and checked into the Wyndham Quito Airport hotel. The following day they moved to the La Mirage Garden Hotel & Spa, a lush oasis with peacocks strolling across the area. There they were treated to Ecuadorian music and dance.
Next, they moved to the Hacienda Zuleta Luxuriate, an idyllic 17th-century hotel on a 4,000-acre working farm and living museum owned by a former Ecuadorian president and his family. As you can see, they moved several times so pack accordingly. From there they took a trail ride on home-bred Zuletano horses. There are options for the ride. You can visit waterfalls, or Caranqui ‘tola’ pyramids dating from before the Inca Conquest. For something different, you can experience Zuleta from the eyes of a condor as the route takes you up Santa Rosa Hill behind the main house. Half-day or full-day rides are available. Afterward, they were given a tasty treat: roast guinea pig. Yes, your pet is considered a delicacy in the country. While they said it did taste good, it did contain a lot of tiny bones.
One unique event was when they straddled the equator with one leg in the northern and one in the southern hemisphere. They were also surprised at the temperature. Most of the time, even at sea level, they were in 60-degree weather. But that changes in our winter season, when the temperature rises into the 80s, so make any plans with this in mind.
The following day, they loaded onto a plane and headed westward to the primary island of Santa Cruz, and checked into the Royal Palm Hotel Galápagos. It’s unique in that its grounds include lava tubes and natural lava tunnels. There is also access to a few giant tortoises and if you’re still awake, stargazing through telescopes. The crisp, clear air offers spectacular views of the heavens.
The Galapagos Islands straddle the equator. Here marks the center.
There are 127 islands in the archipelago, all of volcanic origin and mostly uninhabited. Upon arriving, they were greeted by a menagerie of animals: blue-footed boobies, land iguanas, colonies of seals, and marine iguanas. They were told to stay at least six feet away from all the animals as they are protected. The Galapose is a World Heritage site. Doubt the animals would hurt you so it’s more to protect them. There were a number of situations where you might want to go up close to feed or photograph them, but no, stay back.
They finally got to the island with the giant tortoises sanctuary and they are large. At the island center, there is a shell from one and you can climb inside, if inclined. Our 19-year-old, 6-foot, 185-pound grandson easily backed into the shell and then, mimicked the turtle, walking on all 4’s across the room. We watched the video of his experience and laughed. He stated he was surprised at how light in weight the shell was!
As they walked on the beach, they encountered an abandoned baby seal. Yes, they were inclined to help but were told not to interfere. Its mother might be around and could attack you.
One thing they noticed was the vast variety of plant life. Seeds have been blown in from across the world and the islands offer a variety of landscapes for both the plants and animals. Some are desert with cacti, others more bountiful, with local flowering plants. The islands are volcanic and still active in some areas, so don’t be surprised if the ground begins to shake a little while you’re there.
The last stop was the Golden Bay Galápagos resort situated in a privileged location on the Playa de Oro (Golden Beach) of San Cristobal Island. Directly on the Pacific, you’ll see sea lions, blue-footed boobies, and other animal citizens of Galápagos.
Another adventure they experienced was swimming with the sharks. Reef sharks congregate just offshore in the shallows. You can snorkel in the waters around them and observe them. There have NOT been any incidents with the sharks in the last 20 years so they felt safe. Just use caution while observing. If you want to stay dry, there are boat tours and you might even see a whale shark, the largest mammal in the world. Also, Hammerhead sharks migrate to the area for mating with schools in the hundred’s but you may have to get into deeper water to observe them.
So, ready to travel? Plan accordingly, pack lightly, and enjoy the adventure.
