Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > SOUTH AMERICA
galapagos - best choice galapagos - best choice
Register FAQ Calendar Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
SOUTH AMERICA Topics specific to South America only.
Photo by Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 5 May 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: germany
Posts: 104
galapagos - best choice
hallo out there,

in august we would like to visit the galapagos islands (2 days santa cruz + 5 day cruise) - on a rather tight budget...
maybe anybody has some suggestions: flight from where (quito, guayaquil) and with which company, better to buy a package or not, which companies offer the best value cruises, place to stay on santa cruz...

as always - any information would be fine

good luck to anyone
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 5 May 2005
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Taupo, New Zealand
Posts: 194
It's cheaper to fly from Guayaquil than Quito (the plane leaves from Quito and stops at Guayaquil, anyway). There is only one airline and the price is fixed for tourists at a level depending on whether you visit in high or low season. Take lots of cash and negotiate a cruise when you get there - mainland agencies simply do not know which boats have space, and are much more expensive. South American Explorers in Quito has hundreds of trip reports to help you get a shortlist of cruises. A small boat with around 12-20 passengers is best. Don't go on a huge boat or a luxury cruise because it won't be as much fun. Make sure you get good snorkeling gear & an underwater camera because the snorkelling is even better than the diving, and free!

Have fun,
JC
__________________
James Courtier
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 9 May 2005
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Guildford, UK
Posts: 269
Hi there,

Cheapest option was as James suggested to fly from Guayaquil. I would not book a cruise in advance unless you are really pushed for time. I saved $100 by not booking on the mainland and went on a boat called the Enterprise if I remember rightly (cost me $550 for 6 days). This was a boat that had something of a dodgy reputation because the owners did not get on with the travel agents. Many would not even bother telling customers about it.

The result was a pretty good trip - boat and crew were ok and the route was the same as all the others. The islands are fantastic whatever boat you take it would seem. My only criticism was the lack of attention to detail offered on the boat - the wildlife chart was for the north Atlantic! The boat was fairly big - 25 people in good size cabins. Take a good supply of alcohol and snacks though!

Can find some more specific info if you need it.

Cheers.

Matt
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes
Linear Mode Linear Mode

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 21:50.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top