Quito, the capital of Ecuador, lies on the slopes of the Andes’ mighty Pichincha volcano in the Guayllabamba river basin. The city’s Old Town is its main attraction - one of the most well preserved in Latin America and the first-ever UNESCO heritage site. Wander among ancient, colourful streets; pop into glorious historic churches; or spend an afternoon browsing the vibrant Mercado (markets) and learning about the unique, traditional Ecuadorian Sierra culture. Other bucket list items in Quito include a visit to the impressive Casa Museo Guayasamín; the Museo de la Presidencia which provides insight into Ecuador’s history; and a climb up the iconic towers of the Basilica. Numerous gorgeous public parks and a thriving and exciting culinary scene complete the package.
San Cristóbal stands as the eastern gateway to the Galapagos archipelago, offering a unique blend of natural wonders and significant cultural experiences. For seasoned travelers with a passion for wildlife, the island presents an array of opportunities to connect with nature in its most unspoiled form.
Diving into the underwater adventures through snorkeling or exploring the diverse landscapes on foot, you'll discover the rich biodiversity that the Galapagos is renowned for. After these excursions, the island offers a chance to engage with its cultural side. The Galapaguera Tortoise Reserve is a key attraction, providing an insightful look into the conservation efforts for these iconic creatures.
The Interpretation Center is an invaluable resource, offering background information that enhances your understanding of the islands and their ecological importance. It's a place where the story of the Galapagos unfolds, adding depth to your visit.
On the north-western side, Puerto Grande offers a peaceful retreat. This protected cove, with its white sandy beach, is perfect for a tranquil swim, a leisurely walk, or capturing the picturesque views. San Cristóbal is more than just a destination; it's a comprehensive experience that combines the thrill of discovery with the serenity of nature, ideal for those who appreciate the subtleties of their travel destinations.
Resting in the western part of the Galapagos archipelago, Isabela Island is larger than all of the rest of the islands combined. Comprising six volcanoes, the island is about 120 km long and covers 4,585 square kilometres. Travellers who make the effort to this visit this remote location will be richly rewarded with a profusion of fascinating wildlife including large numbers of flamingos, typically spotted at the lagoon in town or along the boardwalk to the impressive Giant Tortoise Breeding Center. Don’t miss Concha de Perla, a natural pool which is ideal for snorkelling and interacting with sea lions; Las Tintoreras, a lagoon where white tip sharks come to rest; and Los Tuneles, where you'll find an abundance of turtles, rays, and fish swimming in the canals and pools.
The island of Santa Cruz (Indefatigable) is home to Puerto Ayora, the largest and most developed town in the Galapagos. While many visitors use this island as merely a springboard for the more remote surrounding islands, those who dig a little deeper will discover that this island has plenty to offer. With numerous visitor sites, easily accessible beaches and remote highlands in the interior, Santa Cruz makes an excellent base for adventurous activities. The most popular attractions is undoubtedly the Charles Darwin Station which offers an impressive turtle breeding area and interesting information about the conservation of the unique biosphere of the Galapagos. Don’t miss the opportunity to swim or snorkel at one of the island’s magnificent beaches where you will find white sand and turquoise waters as well as an abundance of fascinating wildlife including: pelicans, blue-footed boobies and marine iguanas.
As previously described
