Quito – Cotopaxi

Everything was perfectly organized, from the preparatory information to the realization of the trip. Pick-up and transfers went smoothly.

At Quitos ‘Wantara Garden Suites’ we enjoyed a very nice stay.

The Hop-on-hop-off bus tour gave us a nice overview of the city. I focused my tour on an extensive walk around the old town.

The literal highlight was the hike up to the hut on the Cotopaxi. The selected route was less steep but also rather strenuous and demanded quite a bit of willpower from me due to the thinning air. Our guide Adrian carefully instructed us. Accordingly, everyone should keep their own pace and not try to ‘keep up’. Everyone made it. On our way back we went a different, steeper route and no one proclaimed that we should have taken it on the way up too.

Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t too great, there was quite a bit of fog and we had some rain and hail.

Back at the parking lot we were visited by an Andean fox but in the fog we mostly saw its outline.

During my stay in Quito, Yannik ensured that I had all the required information and a sustaining breakfast.

Throughout my entire trip, he inquired in regard to my well-being and my impressions.

Ecuador rainforest river cruise

After a smooth transfer to the MY ANAKONDA. The vessel (details: https://anakondaamazoncruises.com/cruises/anakonda-amazon-cruise/) offers a ‘Standard Suite’ that is more than just a ‘touch of luxury’.

Previous heavy rains had left the river heavily saturated with sediment. If they collect in places and firm up, they can form sandbanks that aren’t visible from above water. Once, this vessel got stuck on one such sandbank.

With the help of the boat’s propellers to loosen the sand and a strong motorized canoe, the ANAKONDA quickly came free. The boat is built with the least amount of draft, which allows it to sustain this grounding with no damage.

The first night we experienced our first touch with the rainforest during a night walk under the guidance of an amazing guide who brought us up close to frogs, a variety of insects, a tarantula and a porcupine – up in a tree.

Without our guide on our day tours we would have never spotted anything through the thick bush of the jungle. Every so often he pointed out different bird and monkey kinds to us, which he expertly explained.

Spotting the pink dolphin was one of the highlights. They were so quick that it wasn’t possible for me to take a picture. I did take a mental picture and will keep it in my memory.

The care and support of the crew were outstanding and deserve the highest recognition.

I was sorry to see that on a vessel with a capacity for 40 passengers, only 5 guests were on board. My hope for the future is more guests on board the ANAKONDA.

Galapagos cruise

Checking in for the flight to Baltra went smoothly and without problems thanks to the extensive advice beforehand. During the flight unsuspicious forms were handed out in which one confirms to not bring prohibited food to the islands and acknowledge that in offence you will receive a 650$ fine. You then hand all documents in upon entry – best to fill out everything on the plane.

Upon arrival at the Hotel in Puerto Ayora Mrs Karin Kügele greeted me and explained the upcoming itinerary. She also brought me to the port.

Visiting the tortoise breeding centre is a must. On my way back I came across the first Iguanas that casually crossed the shore road.

The AIDA MARIA vessel was furnished accordingly and the meals were exquisite. The attention and wholeheartedness of the crew deserve the highest recognition.

The animal kingdom is truly unique, birds and iguanas vary from island to island, when snorkelling penguins and sea lions were scurrying about, colourful fish, and even a Galapagos shark and seahorses came into view. Astonishing, the grazing marine iguanas, I bumped into one on its way up. A cormorant bit my hand … maybe it confused it with something to eat. It didn’t hurt, just felt odd.

Jairo our guide described every animal extensively.

From the boat, you could spot dolphins in the distance. Some big sharks circled behind the stern at the last night.

To summarise: an incredible tour.

Translated by Galapagos PRO