Hello! My husband and I are planning to go to the Galápagos Islands in December/January and possibly Panama afterwards. Thinking a week Galapagos rest Panama. Does anyone have advice on best way to travel to Galápagos and where to stay and tours and experiences there? I realize it’s quite pricey so probably not a cruise, maybe boat trips most days. We love snorkeling a lot and of course wildlife
Id a week long enough? I’m researching but any help from experience would be greatly appreciated!

My dream trip! Have fun!

We did a 7 day cruise on a boat that held 12 passengers. It is the best way to see the islands. Otherwise so much of your time is spent going from and returning to base.

Seems it's been a while since we went... Pics from 2012
https://www.flickr.com/.../drago.../albums/72157629840909769
FLICKR.COM
Galapagos 2012

Brian....... beautiful pictures

Christine Addison Federici thanks. Its a lovely place. The smaller boat was a bit prone to wave action so not as good if you are prone to motion sickness, but easier to get closer to the islands than some of the larger, more luxurious boats.

Brian thanks for sharing your photos they are amazing!!!!!

Elaine I have stuff from mainland Ecuador, too but you were specifically asking about Galapagos.

Brian we are also thinking now of spending some time on mainland and taking an Amazon and cloud forest tour.

Elaine we spent a couple of
days in the cloud forest near Mindo. So many hummers!!!

Elaine Mainland: https://www.flickr.com/gp/dragonspeed/U4o8XDBfS3
FLICKR.COM
Ecuador 2012

Brian wow those birds though
beautiful shots! I’m going to have U.K. upgrade my camera

Elaine the best camera for pictures is the camera that you have with you!
Many people buy expensive/large cameras and lenses and then don’t take them out for fear of loss or theft or “too heavy”. Go with what you feel will be comfortable and allow you to get the pics you want.

Brian really great pics

Jayne Thanks! I'm an amateur photographer. It's my way of sharing the beauty of what I see with others..

I went with Active Adventures years ago and we island hopped and did not waste alot of time on boats comparatively speaking. They were conscious of supporting local hotels etc and avoiding corporations where they do exist(although only a little they avoided them which I liked). The guide we had was beyond fantastic and the group was small (12 people)

It‘s been a very long time since i‘ve been. In fact Lonesome George was still with us. We cruised on a small Catamaran for 10 days and it was amazing. On the 10 day you can get to the farther islands. The snorkelling was 1st rate with sharks, turtles, penguins, seals. At that time they did offer many great deals on last minute cruises so you could watch for that. We had booked ours way ahead but if we had booked in Quito we could have saved a bundle. Have a great trip! Which part of Panama?

Vern Blaxston we would like to do a bit of Panama City. San Blas, then rent a car and drive around like we did in Costa Rica. Boca Del Torres for sure too.

The Galopagos Islands are incredible. I was there almost 20 years ago. Whatever you do avoid a sailboat called The Bronzewing.

Flying from mainland Ecuador is the fastest and easiest. You can book overnight cruises once your there for a much better price if there is availability. 1 week would be ample time there. I don't know if you have your heart set on Panama but I've been to both countries and I would highly recommend staying and spending some time in Ecuador it's an amazing country one of my favorites and I've been to 37 countries

Joe we loved Ecuador! We self-organized local drivers etc and had a wonderful time. So much interesting culture!

Joe Cuenca is on the "place that might be nice to retire to, for 5 years or so" list, for us.

Joe was it safe there? The government has advisories for violent crime and kidnapping but so do parts of Mexico

G adventures live aboard! We did it combined with Peru and we’re really impressed

We did it for a week and wish we did longer. There are lots of restrictions so going with a group is easiest I think.
Our boat was perfect. Not too small (bumpy night cruising, water can be rough) and not huge (too far out for the transports to and from the islands)
Panama was amazing! Loved it!

1 week islands with G adventures on a 12 passenger boat. Restricted timed access to islands so easiest to go with a group like that. Then 10 days based in Quito doing day trips. We hired a guide with a 4x4 and saw some amazing things.

Laura so two weeks you felt wasn’t too long. It looks like there is a lot to see there but most things I’m reading people go for 5 days to a week. We love to see as much as possible when we make the effort to go somewhere.

Elaine Not too long. I believe the boat charters are different now too. We were able to go to north and south islands on one trip. Not sure that is the case now. You might want to look at the boat tours to make sure they cover where u want to go?

Elaine from Quito, animal market was interesting. Also there is a hummingbird sanctuary near Quito. Used to be run by Canadians. Think u can stay overnight there but we just did a day trip. Up in the cloud forest. Stunning!

Laura there are a lot of advisors for going there at the moment. We loved Costa Rica because we felt very safe. Did tiger do tours there or self travel?

We booked with
Galapagos Alternative for our 10 day land-based trip to 3 islands with day tours. It was great, so I recommended it to my son and his family and they also booked a tour.

You can't beat a small liveaboard
I recommend the Samba. Bookable thru CNH Tours. On land, we stayed and La K-leta Boutique Guesthouse in Puerto Ayora and it was wonderful, 10

We booked a boat after we got to Puerto Ayora. 4 days 3 nights is long enough - negotiate the price. We took a ferry and spent two nights at one other island.

I did a live-a-board cruise after doing 4 days on land. Book on the Anahi catamaran!!! They have great deals through their website. Crew was amazing!!!!
Transfer to the Galapagos is done through the airport in Quito!!!

I was in GAL for 9 days last February, and did / booked everything on my own. It was far too short a time, wish I had stayed minimum two weeks. I wish I had spent less time on Santa Cruz, and more on Isabella. I also enjoyed San Cristobal.
I just booked my ferries and excursions once there. Although some of excursions were sold out a few days in advance. The agencies in the islands also sell cruise/tour packages. I also spent time on continental Ecuador, and there were several travel agencies in Quito offering packages/cruises to GAL. I think they may have included flights, can't remember
I wish I had spent more time researching to see if a cruise would have been a better value, as they include several daily excursions, including to islands that were quite expensive to get to on a day trip.
Having said all that...I was there when travel was still in the 're-opening' phase, and I think I was told they were at ~ 30% of the normal tourist numbers. I'm sure it's quite a diff situation now, 11 months later.

Jackie what did you do in Ecuador and did you find it was safe? I’ve seen that there is a lot of violent crime and kidnappings on Government website. But so is Mexico

Elaine I spent a few days each in Banos, Quilotoa, and Quito. I did NOT feel safe in Quito after dark, but the other two absolutely. And I really enjoyed those other two. I ran out of time for a trip to the Amazon, which I regret.
In Quito, I would return to my hostal by uber after dinner, so around 8pm. One evening I decided to stay in the main square in the old quarter, as I had noticed during the day it was full of police. So I just sat in the square and people watched. I was fine. Keep in mind I'm also a solo traveller, so not quite as safe as a pair.

Jackie ok thx. I don’t like going to places where I feel unsafe so I’ll do more research

Elaine I felt fine during the day, but was always aware of my surroundings.

Elaine hey just one suggestion in case you don't know, dont ever say you are alone to strangers. Always mention someone is waiting for you at the hotel for example your husband or boyfriend or father.. or that you are meeting in a couple of hrs. I mean just in case people casually ask you while you are shopping or having lunch/dinner...

Galapagos Travels was a company we used for a tour of the outer islands. This company is a home grown local company. The tour was beyond excellent! Not cheap but worth every cent. The rest of our trip was on a mid range budget. We spent an extra week on the two main islands. I wish we could have stayed longer. Travelled through Ecuador for another month. Used mid range priced busses and sometimes van transfers. Travel was easy in the country. Loved Ecuador. We tried to stay away from areas that were visited by big spending tourists.

Susan did you feel safe in Ecuador?

Elaine yes, I did feel safe travelling solo there and with my husband. Of course though, one always had to be smart about safety. I know a few people who got things stolen out of their bags on busses, and hotel rms that broken into but no physical harm to people. I always ere on the safety side of things when possible.

We tried to do it cheap and stayed on the islands and caught a boat each day for excursions. Honestly, we wasted so much time waiting for boats and much less time actually enjoying the wonders of the Galapagos. In hindsight, I would wait and spend the extra money to do it right. There is a lot to see and hard to get to all the highlights when you wait for boats all day and the boat rides to each area are also very long. By the end I was disappointed and annoyed.

Sasha thank you for that. That’s what I am hearing a lot of. We really want to do a lot of snorkeling and see the birds/wildlife so maybe a cruise is the way to go then.

It's a long way to go (and expensive to even do it cheaply) so best do it right. However, I'm still happy I got to experience it. Have the best time with your travels!

Sasha thank you!

We traveled with G Adventures several years ago to the Galapagos. They were outstanding and a Canadian company too!

I did it freestyle, just going to the airport in Quito early, jumping on a flight - seats available - finding a hotel, and booking my own tours from there (swimming with sharks, tortoise refuge, volcano, etc). Such an awesome experience with the best ceviche ever and some salsa dancing too.

Last Christmas we spent a week on Isabella Island and it was amazing. There are a lot of local hotels that are inexpensive, and we hired a local to give us a tour of the island and drive us around. There are many tour companies, so booking when you get there is possible. We spent one night on Santa Cruz, but it was too busy for our liking; we never got to San Cristobal. I wouldn’t fit Panama into the same trip, but would concentrate on Mainland Ecuador as there is so much to see.

I went in 2018 with my 78 yr old mother. We flew to Quito - spent a few days there ( hired a car to tour us around) and we felt very safe and did an excursion to Otavalo that was wonderful
Then we flew to Galápagos and booked all our own tours, a few high end and a few lower end. We were on the islands 9 days and saw and did everything we wanted. It was absolutely fantastic and one of my favourite all time travel experiences.
Be mindful that the ocean weather can be very choppy depending on the time of year. ( seasickness) and distances between islands can be farther than you expect. Also Some islands only allow visitors once per week. So for the distance and cost, pre plan what you want to do and see - you might need 8 or 9 days. Bring a good snorkel and rent fins.
Enjoy!!

Oh and I’ve been to Panama and Boca del Torres - and I would recommend Galápagos and Equador over trying to fit in Panama

Xerez thank you! My husband thinks Panama might be too similar to Costa Rica where we spent a month in 2019. I’m just worried about safety in Ecuador as I’ve read some scary things.

Elaine yes similar
Costa Rica has much nicer wildlife sighting and road trip options in my opinion. Also it rains a LOT in Boca del Torres. And the insects (biting midges) were awful
We got eaten alive there. Worse even than the Amazon - but it could have been due to the season (March)

Xerez yes I read about the kitties flies being a big issue. Thanks for the information
What did you do in Ecuador? I’m just reading that it’s not very safe

Elaine We only spent a few days there
in and near Quito. One day spent sightseeing around the city - we visited old town, viewed a few basilicas etc. Note we were not out much past dark and we did not feel unsafe during these activities.
We then hired a driver for another day and went up to Otavalo in the mountains, and the fabulous market there and to “Middle of the world” city (the actual equator) and went to a local sipping chocolate restaurant and a few other stops our driver recommended. We negotiated a daily price with our driver. You can do all of this by bus, but I was traveling with an elder, so we opted for the convenience of a private car. Our driver was absolutely lovely and we had a great day with him. Otavalo is about 2 hrs from Quito and Equator about 45 mins.

Hi! I went for a month in 2019. Solo trip
I did day trips from all 3 islands San Cristobal, Santa Criz and Isabella. Very easy! I took the flight from YVR via Mexico City to Quito on Aero Mexico and then flew to Galapagos. It so easy to get around and u can easily do it on your own.

I am working with this company https://www.2by2holidays.co.uk/#gsc.tab=0 for Quito, Costa Rica Highlights + Galapagos Cruise

Vivian thank you! We did a month in Costa Rica on our own and rented an SUV and absolutely loved it!!!!

Elaine - I think this company will organize any place you are looking to include.

I just returned from a December trip to Ecuador & the Galapagos. I did the a 10nday cruise of the Islands on a 12 passenger boat through Intrepid Travel. Absolutely first class all the way!! Often snorkeling and hiking different locations on the same day so we got to see ALOT! I would highly recommend it.
Quito was ok. I was told by everyone I came across to keep my bag close and in front and not to be out at night. I did not have any problems but the caution was definitely there.
I really enjoyed the southern part of the country - the area around Porto Viejo, although I did have hosts that toured me around. It did feel safer there. I think the government websites caution against visiting the border areas near Peru & Columbia.

Beth thanks for the info!!!

The best things about taking a catamaran trip..... 1. unpack once and get set for the best week of your life! 2. all meals included 3. The boat moves from cove to cove/island to island after lunch and every evening. 4. the cat that we were on had the most wonderful locally raised highly university educated that we could ever have hoped for - a walking encylopedia! 5. You will go places that most people will never see with a land tour (not allowed in many places without a qualified guide) 6. We had guided walks/hikes 2x's daily and also snorkeling, paddle boarding or just swimming 2 x's daily. 7. We weren't on a high end luxury boat but couldn't have asked more from the crew. All in all? FABULOUS. I should add we also had a wonderful experience at the Cuyabeno Lodge in the Amazon in Ecuador the first week of January prior to the Galapagos. PM if you want more info.

Kim I will definitely pm you

Kim Pm'd you too!

Kim that was a fabulous trip!

We just went to the Galapagos in December! I highly recommend a cruise. You can find some last minute deals. We searched online and booked a cruise 5 days before sailing and paid 50% of the original price. Boat trips are limited to what part of the islands you can visit. On the cruise, we got to explore the west side of Isabela Island which is where we got to see penguins and we went on 7 snorkel trips on an 8 day cruise. The yacht navigates to your next destination overnight so you're ready to explore the next morning. A couple people we spoke to flew to Puerto Ayora and booked last minute cruises there as well - you'll need a flexible schedule to do this. We went with Anahi cruise and it was a great experience - 16 cabins each with their own insuite bathroom and cleaned 3 times a day, 3 full meals/day, overall great experience. Good luck!

Siew thank you!

Flying through from Ecuador is really your only option especially for a short visit. If you can squeeze in an extra couple of days, a 8 or 10 day small boat cruise is the best. Look for a boat size of 16 people and you won't be dissapointed. Lots of good options on-line, and prices do vary considerably.

My advice is to spend at least a few days in mainland Ecuador. The Galapagos are amazing but so is mainland Ecuador! I did land based Galapagos but if I did it again I think I would book a cruise (and spend even more time exploring Ecuador).

If you have the time go to Puerto Ayora and book your trip there. That's what I did for a significant price reduction - people cancel due to unforseeable circumstances or sometimes the boats are not fully booked ... if you're on the spot this gives you pricing power. You also have the option to view the boat before purchasing your trip. Tourist brochures and online photos don't tell the whole story. Remember - you're going to be at sea for a few days and want to be sure it's all going to pan out well for you. It did for me ... an unforgettable experience if done right.

Following

Tania I thought I would tag you, just in case there's info you could use.

Nicolett thank you!

Elaine The best way to explore Galapagos is on a week long cruise, with marine biologists and all-in service. It’s a once in a lifetime experience and cruising to different islands every day is the best way to explore. I was on a luxury yacht with Abercrombie & Kent, but the best way to book if looking for a deal is to fly to Quito or Guayaquil and book directly there. There will be plenty of boats available that are not fully booked and local agencies are willing to sell tours at 50% off. Just book your flights to Santa Cruz in advance to get a deal. Also, I was a solo female traveller in Quito, went partying with some friends and walked around town the next day on my own, all fine, didn’t feel unsafe. But, be aware of your surroundings and only take cabs from hotels, don’t just flag any on the street. I hope this helps, enjoy! It’s gonna be amazing!

Zen thank you!!! Very helpful

We did Peru first but then flew back to Lima. Then to Quito, 1 week cruise in Galapagos. A couple days in Quito then back to Lima.

Susan who plans your fabulous trips?

Debbie me.

You do an amazing job. So time consuming.

Debbie yes very time consuming.

Susan worth it!!!

Thankyou Deb

Best value for money is G Adventures to Galapagos. Marine tours on small vessels or land tours by speedboat but do the cruise if you can afford it. You waste too much time on land and get a way better experience on water.

Lots of expats in Boquete Panama

I went to Galápagos a few years ago. AMAZING!Before I went, I inquired about one of the seven day cruises, but thought it was a little steep. Then I read that you could simply travel there, then go to all the travel agents, which are literally located one beside the other beside the other. Go in and tell them that you want a cruise, that you have a flexible schedule, for example, anytime in the next three days, and that you want a deal. And that you’re shopping around The 5700 US trip I was looking at ended up costing me 2000 US!

We did a week on the Amazon that was wonderful.