View from the Inside: Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands

By Alessio Basone, Product Manager, who recently travelled to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.

"I recently returned from, what can only be described as a trip of a lifetime to the Galapagos Islands. I feel extremely fortunate to have been able to visit these fascinating islands and view the unique animals that make it their home.

My first encounter with wildlife was when I visited one of the hotels on Santa Cruz Island, only to find a sea lion having a nap on one of the sun loungers in the pool area! Whilst the locals treated this as the norm, I was taken aback but pleasantly surprised to see how well the animals coexisted with the invading humans. Of course the majority of the islands are uninhabited and this is where you can spot some of the more fascinating wildlife on offer – Blue-footed Boobies, Frigate birds, Marine Iguanas and Giant Tortoises, just to name a few.

The best way to visit the islands is by embarking on a cruise as it allows for a more comprehensive visit and avoids the long small-boat transfers which are necessary when staying in hotels. The Galapagos Explorer II vessel is rated as one of the best and this is evident as soon as you step on board – all cabins are outside suites and are spacious and very comfortable, there are plenty of public areas both inside and out to relax and the food and service is first class.

A visit to the Galapagos wouldn’t be complete without exploring mainland Ecuador, which equally has a lot to offer. From the impressive colonial city of Quito, with its well-preserved historic centre, to the stunning landscapes of the Andes and the lakes and volcanoes scattered to the north. Perhaps the highlight for many, as it was for me, is an expedition into the Amazon, where you are greeted by an abundance of flora and fauna, much unique to this magnificent part of the world.

Getting to Sacha Lodge was an experience in itself as I set off from Quito on a 45-minute flight, crossing the Andes and Amazon, to Coca, followed by a scenic 2 ½ hour motor-boat ride down the Napo River before taking a short gentle hike and canoe ride to the lodge. The lodge is situated within a 5,000-acre private ecological reserve so you can detach yourself from the outside world, perfect for those in search of a true Amazon experience. I highly recommend the suspension bridge canopy walk!"

View more photos from Alessio's trip >

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