Today is Isabela day. We start out on a small bouncy bus and ride for about 45 minutes. Even if we see nothing else, the day is already interesting - just seeing what the inner parts of the island look like. We have a local guide (I had no idea before we got here that there was any such thing as a 'local' from the islands!) who showed us around an area that had been a radar station during WWII and also a prison island for the mainland. A key site is the 'wall of tears' - sounds like the guards were at least as bad as the prisoners. I guess alot of countries have bad histories. We see wild tortoises (I've now learned that they're not turtles) and remnants of a concrete basketball court. There is no fresh water on the island - how much we take for granted! We also go to Villamil - a small town with a beautiful beach. It's a bit surreal as the residents who are out in the middle of the ocean and living a life so different from everyone on every ship that comes by, seem oddly unaffected by all the strange visitors who wander around their town. Harry gets a large beer and I a soda and the total is only $2.50! (Oh yeah - I have forgotten to mention that the official currency is U.S. dollars. Yet another thing I had no idea about - how can one country use another's money as its official currency?!) In the afternoon we hike to the Sierra Negro volcano caldron. It is a long hot walk - but it's always nice to be outside and the view is worth the wait. As we head back to the ship, the seas are pretty rough and I focus on the inside of the panga and not the swells around us . I am determined not to be nervous about anything on this trip . The crew is extremely safety conscious - so they also instill confidence. Not surprisingly we are back in the Pinta in short order. The sea stays rough and I get my first experience in being seasick. It's not too bad - but I can only eat a few bites at dinner. Normally I would not mind and God knows I don't need anywhere near as much food as we get on the ship, but it seems a shame to miss out on even one fantastic meal. The dining room is noticably empty as many are affected - even our guides - so I don't feel like too much of a wimp. Even though I don't feel too great tonight - it's another great day!
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.