Travel to the Peace Asylum and then on to Isabella
In the morning, we had a good country breakfast at the same restaurant as the night before with good fresh butter, yogurt, cereal, fruits and eggs.
Afterward, we climbed aboard our Chevato to make the trip to the Peace Asylum. Qwan told us that these open vehicles were named after female goats because they could go anywhere and because of their lurching movement. The trail to the Peace Asylum was up hill and steep. We passed the scenic island graveyard with the beautiful above ground crypts and crosses - no one is like the other. Along the way there were men mending fences for cows in the hot sun and we mused at what their lives were like in such remote conditions.
Once at the Peace Asylum, we hiked to the caves that were occupied by pirates. One was outfitted with a chimney for a stove. The caves allowed the pirates to see far and wide.
Qwan showed us some crosses on the rocks that indicated someone had died there. He said that one represented the dentist's death and that Dora fed the vegetarian doctor a spoiled chicken that killed him, but she ate the same chicken and lived! So, it was a plot by Dora to do away with him.
We saw the giant tortoises within the Peace Asylum. They are gathered within a stone fence and their eggs cannot hatch in this environment. They are not indigenous to the island and they will eventually die off. They were brought to Floreana as a gift to one of the early settlers who arrived on the island pregnant. When her child was born, the baby tortoises were brought as gifts.
We were soon off on our boat trip to Isabella that took about 2 hours. We saw Blue Footed Boobies on our way.
Once at Isabella, we had lunch. We stayed at a beautiful lodge right on the ocean. The beach was pristine and the water blue. It was a nice romp in the waves!
After lunch, we visited the marine iguana breeding ground in Tortuga Bay. On this lava crusted island, you can barely walk without disturbing these animals - they are so ugly; they are cute. Red crabs dot the rocks.
I spoke with at least a half dozen other travel companies, looking for a Galapagos cruise that fit our schedule and budget. Some companies could manage one or the other, but Erin was the only one who could do both. She found us the perfect cruise, at a fantastic price! And she has been quick and patient with responses to my many questions. So far, Adventure Life has been a fantastic company to work with!
Sandi T
2 weeks ago
Erin was patient, thorough, responsive, knowledgeable.
Karen Bukolt
3 weeks ago
Erin was responsive, knowledgeable, helpful, and ran through a few different choices with us. She got us a fabulous price on a trip, and made everything easy to do. And QUICK!!
Tina
1 month ago
From the initial meeting and planning process with our trip planner Jess, through to the finalizing of our itinerary, trip details and questions, I was very impressed with the professionalism, thoroughness, organization and attention to details. I would highly recommend Adventure Life to anyone looking to plan a unique travelling experience, knowing that the expertise and experience provided will result in a seamless trip of a lifetime.
Lynn Farquharson
1 month ago
Excellent suggestions I line with my desires on a Galapagos very last minute cruise.
Swift and professional guidance and assistance in booking the trip. Helped me realising a substantial saving.