After motoring all night to reach Santa Cruz, we disembark early. The town of Puerto Ayora is alive with movement and sound. After a few days without seeing much human development, Puerto Ayora is a whole different ballgame. Vicky takes us to a tortoise reserve in the highlands, where we see 7 different giant tortoises. They don't seem happy to see us and hide their heads in their shells when we come near. We also explore the lava tubes nearby and go to see Los Gemelos, two identical craters that formed at the same time on either side of the road. It reminds me of the wonders of the natural world, a common occurrence when in the Galapagos! After lunch in Puerto Ayora, we head out to the Charles Darwin Research Station. It is HOT HOT HOT in Puerto Ayora and I should have brought a hat or more sunscreen for the 15 minute walk from town to the research station. At the station, we see Lonesome George and many other tortoises. Vicky tells us the difference between the species and how each species is from a different island. We also see some of the largest iguanas ever! After the afternoon's activities, we are free to explore on our own. We do some shopping and meet the rest of the group downtown later for dinner and drinks right on the water.
Adventure Life has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
APtravelwell
1 day ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
1 day ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
2 days ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.
Anne Petty
3 days ago
Follow up was effective any questions were answered in a timely manner