Hi all,
I'm just wondering if others who have experience could give me some advice. I'll be in Ecuador for three weeks (first 3 weeks in March). I'm really wanting to visit the Galapagos, but am wondering if I should try and book my trip now, or wait until we're in Quito. (I'm traveling with my Spanish speaking sister). It seems like it might be better to wait, but I'm just worried about securing the flight, finding a (relatively!) affordable boat to travel on, etc. Anyone have advice? Thanks in advance!!!
Liz
Reply to this March shouldn't be peak season (August and Christmas are) - there are loads of travel operators in Quito - I think you will be fine finding a flight and a tour round the islands if you want to do that.
But - you only have three weeks and so if for some reason last minute bookings are scarce your options are a little more limited.
So my advice is: check out the tours and flights in advance now - if you get a good price offer - take it - if they are all well above the going rate - and you are prepared to risk it - wait until Quito.
My return flight to Quito was $400 - and my tour of the islands which I thoroughly enjoyed was $900 for 4 nights. Prices will be higher now - 13 months ago - and oil prices have risen - but should give a rough indication of what you get for your money.
Reply to this You can actually find very cheap deals in Quito, there are literally dozens of tour operators in the Mariscal area - if you shop around you should get a good deal. My flights from Guayaquil were $300 and that was in June 2007 (officially counted as 'high season' and I only booked less than a month in advance) so you can always fly from there to cut costs. Generally, it's relatively easy to find a cheap deal - I did an 8 day cruise on a catamaran for $1200 including the flights. The tour I booked mine through said they had one couple turn up and say they wanted to go as soon as possible and they flew later that day so it shouldn't be a problem even if you are there only for three weeks - just shop around and as your sister speaks Spanish make sure she checks everything is included etc. Boats vary drastically but catamarans are a lot cheaper than the cruise ships and you get to visit some of the smaller islands that the large tours don't. Just make sure you get everything in writing so they can't downgrade your boat at the last minute! (Again, having a Spanish speaker will help you!) Galapagos are definitely worth doing, have fun!
Galapagos!!!!! Reply to this 
