Galapagos Island Trips

Accommodations Review

The hotels in Quito and Cuenca were very nice - particularly the one in Cuenca, which like many hotels there is a converted home of some wealthy resident. The accommodations on La Pinta were roomier than I had expected, with a large bed, big window and a bathroom with excellent water pressure and plentiful hot water. The boat, with 41 tourists on board, was just the right size.

Meals Review

The meals we had on our own on the mainland were good, particularly the breakfasts in Quito. On the boat, we enjoyed the meals very much, though breakfast and lunch buffets were clearly the highlight and the sit-down dinners were less impressive. We also had salmon our first night on the boat that could have been fresher. However, the lunches more than made up for the minor glitches.

Crew & Guides Review

All of our guides/naturalists on La Pinta were good. They were very knowledgeable, friendly and enthusiastic. In Quito, we had a good guide, notwithstanding she had a limited palette of locations to work with. Our guide in Cuenca was excellent too. All guides and naturalists were very proficient in English, though when we were off the boat, we tried speaking Spanish as often as we could.

The arrangements were perfect. Not a glitch in the entire nearly two weeks. I was so pleased that drivers and guides were always there when they were supposed to be there and made us feel like we were in good hands.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

Andrew was great. That's why I'm planning a trip to Peru through him. Information was provided in a very clear and relatively concise manner. We kept the trip instructions close at hand, particularly when on the mainland. The only thing I did on my own without instructions to prepare for the trip was to visit the Mayo Clinic's travel clinic, where they made sure certain vaccinations were up to date and prescribed Diamox for altitude sickness in case I had an issue, as well as something for stomach upset (which was really not an issue).

I am just very happy to have found AdventureSmith. The agency and agent, Andrew, were recommended by friends of ours who were on the same boat as we were some years ago. I am looking forward to working with Andrew and AdventureSmith again when my younger daughter and I travel to Machu Picchu. I have already mentioned AdventureSmith to several people.

Traveler Advice

Just that they should do their homework to get the most out of the trip, bring the proper clothes (we traveled very light but were just fine), and check in with a doctor to make sure you don't spend days dealing with altitude sickness or have some other issue (after visiting the doctor, we bought DEET mosquito repellent which was not necessary all that often, but we are glad we did). I took Diamox and my wife (who did not take any meds) had just one day on arrival in Quito when she had a splitting headache, but then we both hiked for a couple hours at nearly 13,000 feet and we were both fine. I will definitely make sure my daughter and I have Diamox before we land in Cusco.

Accommodations Review

We loved the Mountain Lodges Salkantay Hike. The Salkantay Mountain Lodges were fantastic, only one thing would really help would be some form of drying room or oil heaters to dry wet clothing.

Meals Review

I was hoping to take some weight off, but that wasn't going to happen with 3 course meals everywhere we went.  The meals were amazing and having a 3 course lunch made for us up in the mountains was awesome. 

Crew & Guides Review

Peter and Desirae Guides at the Galapagos were wonderfully knowledgeable and friendly people, we really liked them we just found that they lectured for too long, 1km walks taking 3 hours with most of it being lectures.  Just a little too much information.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

Very impressed with Andrew's expertise and co-ordination of our trip, I changed my mind on what we wanted to do on numerous occasions and he effortlessly (well that is how he made it seem to me) gave me new itineraries, with prices and times etc. The Galapagos wildlife was my original destination and since we were going to be in the area and its a long way to come from Australia we tacked Machu Picchu on and are very glad we did. Thank you, Andrew.

Traveler Advice

- Make sure to take insect repellent and if you have issues with bites, some antihistamines.

- Possibly go to Cusco and couple of days early to acclimatise and make sure you read the dosage of the altitude medication properly. 

- Take aspirin as pain reliever in high altitudes because it thins the blood. 

- No need to take shampoo, conditioner or body wash as all the lodges and the ships provide it.

Accommodations Review

Guayaquil is a good stop over place and the hotel we stayed at was nice...Oro Verde - but I don't think I would spend more than one night there. All of our hotels were excellent. I would suggest staying two nights at least in Quito because you need a rest day.

Meals Review

The meals on board the Santa Cruz, our Galapagos ship, were especially good. Everything was so fresh with healthy options.

Crew & Guides Review

The whole experience on the Santa Cruz was amazing. Dennis our naturalist was fabulous and the crew was so much fun and helpful. On the ship we were with a great group and enjoyed everyone.  

Transportation Review

Everyone was always on time - if not early. We are spoiled forever with boarding passes etc all done for us!

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

Aaron's planning was so good. All of my questions and concerns were answered so efficiently and in a timely manner. He did the best job. I have and will keep recommending him to others taking trips and will be back for our next adventure.

Traveler Advice

Just to make sure you have a few nights at least in the major cities so you are not always just flying in and out...we needed some "down" time but did find it nice on the Santa Cruz where all of our luggage was in one place for a while!