Ecuador: Quito’s Basilica
We head off to tour the city on a lovely sunny Sunday morning.Our first stop is a scenic overlook that gives us a view of one of the more exclusive areas of Quito. However, the Read More …
Leaving the Galapagos
At breakfast Pepito happily escorts us to our regular table, but Mark and Kathy arrive late and Nico and Monique (who don’t have any activities scheduled until later) sleep in. It is a sad and Read More …
The Galapagos: Afternoon at Darwin Bay
Back on board the Galapagos Explorer we find our rooms made up and our beach towels neatly formed into a crab and a snake. (Yesterday it was a pair of sea lions.) We have time Read More …
The Galapagos: Morning on Genovesa Island
One of the most spectacular islands in the archipelago, Genovesa is known as “the island of birds.” Disembark at El Barranco and walk on lava-covered terrain observing the many bird species and the fragrant Palo Read More …
The Galapagos: Afternoon on Santa Cruz Island
After lunch, arrive in Santa Cruz Island where you’ll visit the fascinating Darwin Station and learn about the research conducted on the island. The station is a breeding and rearing center where tortoises of different Read More …
The Galapagos: Morning on Espanola Island
Upon landing at Suarez Point on Espanola Island, learn about lava terrain while crossing inactive lava fields. Aside from the sea lion colonies, this is a great site for bird watching. You may encounter a Read More …
Aboard the Galapagos Explorer
We are sailing on the MV Galapagos Explorer II and have been told several times how lucky we are to be on such a beautiful ship. I have purposely reined in my expectations. Whatever we Read More …
Ecuador: North of Quito
On today’s excursion to the Ecuadorian countryside, visit the small town of Calderon where miniature bread figurines are made. Descend into spectacular Guayllabamba Gorge before arriving at Otavalo, a sprawling Indian market. Here, you’ll find Read More …
Peru: Pisac in the Sacred Valley
It is already late in the afternoon when we arrive in Pisac. I am hoping we are going to spend some time at the ruins here, which are supposed to be amazing, but we are Read More …
Peru: Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley
Part of our journey retraces our route of the other day, but I am glad to have another chance to again take in the the Urumbamba Valley’s rather stark beauty. Although the landscape seems remote Read More …