Galapagos & Amazon (Archipel I)

Customer Reviews

• A

  Neil Wallis

  · June 24th, 2013
  A fantastic two and half weeks. The organisation of all the guides was superb, excellent food through out the holiday and the wildlife sightseeing in both the Amazonian rainforest and on and around the Galapagos Islands was sensational.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?The mini-bus having to stop and then squeeze past a giant tortoise on the track road on our first tour on Santa Cruz.Snorkelling with sea lions swimming close by, and having to "make way" for a large turtle as it ascended to the surface for air, I was floating directly above the turtle looking down while it was feeding.Walking past sea lions basking on beaches, and laying down beside them (not too near!!) to have the customary tourist photograph taken.Diving off the Cachalote yacht into the Pacific Ocean.What did you think of your group leader?All the leaders were superb.  Juan (Galapagos islands) was very good and attentive to detail and very informative about the wild life.  Jairo (Napa Wildlife Lodge) was also very good, friendly and outgoing, helpful and knowledgeble.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Take waterproof camera for snorkelling.  Take more cash than you think you might need, especially if you wish to tip the guides, boat crew and other leaders through out the hoilday.  Used ATM once to withdraw additional dollars without any problem, took the precuation of using an ATM within a building (e.g. inside The Raddisson Hotel).Pack lightly and with luggage that can be folded for the yacht cruise.  Storage space is limited, the Exodus holdalls are superb for this job and you can pack these in a larger bag so you can split luggage and leave some in the hotel in Quito. Is there anything else you would like to add?If you love wildlife, this is a fantastic holiday to take.
  Show more
  Trip date: June 2013
• A

  Katherine Criswick

  · April 28th, 2013
  A holiday of contrasts
  Trip date: April 2013
• A

  Michael Hawkins

  · April 19th, 2013
  We found this trip to be well planned with a full and interesting itinerary. we particularly enjoyed the activities from the cruise section of the holiday. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?The various snorkelling activities - each swim was a completely different experience with regard to the variety of marine life seen. The varied wildlife on each Galapagos Island - close encounters cannot be avoided as wildlife at times is almost underfoot.What did you think of your group leader?Within the tour are two separate parts - each part we were allocated a guide, in particular we found Juan, our Galapagos guide really enthusiastic and knowledgeable.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Ensure you take/consider - anti bug spray for rainforest- ear plugs to reduce engine noise whilst sleeping on boat- we found hiring a wet suit on board the boat was necessary in order to snorkel for extended periods - take a spare bag so that you can leave luggage in Quito and travel lighter to Amazon and Galapagos- be vigilant with personal security when out and about in QuitoIs there anything else you would like to add?To enable you to get the most out of your time, be prepared for early starts and pretty full schedules.
  Show more
  Trip date: April 2013
• A

  Ina Robinson

  · January 3rd, 2013
  A fantastic holiday, well organized.We had a major problem on the last day and the local Agent was brillient.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?The trip to the rain forest was majical from the moment we set foot on the moterised canoe - but seeing the Napo Centre from under our rain ponchoes was amaizing . The atmosaphire, accommodation and people at the Centre were all inspirational.What did you think of your group leader?Group leader in the Rain Forest was so enthustatic it was infectious, nothing was too much for her and she was always on the look out for us, made sure everyone saw what she saw!! The Leader in the Galapados was good but lacked the enthusiam.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?GoIt is not as warm as you might expect in the GalapagosThe trip to the Cloud Forest was worth going on.Take a safety belt for money especially in Quito.Is there anything else you would like to add?Great Holiday but pity about the 11 flights we seem to have spent a lot of time at  Guayaquil airport!!                             Don't take Tavellers Cheques - NO ONE acceps them.The market in Quito is great especially if you enjoy bargening.- get most of your presents to take home there.
  Show more
  Trip date: January 2013
• A

  Mark Barnes

  · December 10th, 2012
  A very full holiday that combined the museums and architecture of colonial Quito with an extraordinary variety of wildlife and habitat.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?watching the giant otters in the Anangu creek, and snorkelling in the 'turtle garden' at Fernandina Island.What did you think of your group leader?All good.  The leader in Napo (the Amazon basin) was outstanding. The leader in Quito was a mine of interesting local chat on political and social subjects.  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?The schedule is focussed on the Amazon basin and the Galapagos, but Quito itself is also a treat.  It has a charming colonial old town, some wonderfully over-decorated baroque churches, as well as some good museums (the Museo Casa del Alabado is not the most famous, but should not be overlooked).  The local guide organised a morning tour of Quito, which was good, but is very brief.  Bear in mind that Quito is high (>2,800 m, and >4,000 m at the top of the cable car), so take it easy and allow a day or two extra.   Get up early to visit; the best weather seems to last no more than the morning. Rain and thunderstorms punctuated every afternoon.  It is also worth considering the optional excursion to the cloud forest, if only for the variety of humming birds, although there is much more to be seen -  provided it is not too cloudy.  This is normally a day tour, and slightly unsatisfactory as it is a 2.5 h drive each way, and one arrives too late for the best of the weather and the bird-spotting.  One couple solved this by arranging to spend the night there in the interval between the Napo valley and the Galapagos.  A number of us thought that Exodus is missing a trick by not offering this as an extra.
  Show more
  Trip date: December 2012
• A

  Nicola Josephs

  · November 10th, 2012
  This is a truly memorable trip. The Amazon and Galapagos so very different but both providing opportunities to see a variety of wildlife and at a proximity you never believed possible.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Snorkelling with sealions and hammerhead sharks!What did you think of your group leader?It's worth noting for exodus veterans, that there is no group leader. Whilst someone meets you at Quito and you have guides in the Amazon and the Galapagos, these guides are simply responsible for that component of the trip. In that respect it doesn't feel like an Exodus trip. Our guide Lena in the Amazon was outstanding but Sylvia on the Catchalote was rude and unhelpful.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?People said time and time again to take it easy in Quito but really do! My friends and I (all fit and healthy) all struggled with the altitude.It's not included in the trip, but when in Quito take the opportunity to visit the cloud forest. Another opportunity to see a different part of the place and more and different wildlife.When asking Exodus staff before leaving whether there was room for full luggage on the Catchalote, I was assured that there was. There is...but only just. The rooms are tiny (which isn't a problem when there as you spend so little time in your cabin) but if possible enable yourself to take only what you need.Be careful in Quito - a member of our group had her bag slashed on a bus. Is there anything else you would like to add?It might be expensive but it's worth it
  Show more
  Trip date: November 2012
• A

  Hugh Nolan

  · June 1st, 2012
  An excellent trip to two different environments (plus Quito), seeing lots of wildlife and visiting wild places, new experiences (snorkelling and being at the highest altitude that I've been to). The itineraries at Napo and in the Galapagos Islands are busy but there's also time to relax and just enjoy the sights and sounds.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Getting comfortable with snorkelling which gave me the opportunity to snorkel with penguins, a white tipped shark, turtles and a multitude of fish. Hearing howler monkeys in the rainforest (we got to see them too on  the canoe trips), seeing the colourful birds at the clay lick. Seeing a large pod of dolphins hunting just before sunset, seeing whale sharks right next to our boat and seeing just how unconcerned the Galapagos wildlife is about the presence of humans. Taking the cable car in Quito up to 4100m and not having any major problems with the altitude, which opened up a number of trip destinations for me.What did you think of your group leader?Estoban (Quito), Patti (Napo), Juan (Galapagos Islands) were all excellent, well organised and enthusiastic.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Take it easy the first few days in Quito, it can take a while to get used to the altitude, I felt lightheaded on a couple of occasions but nothing that some slow deep breathes couldn't fix.Take plenty of $1 and $5 bills for taxis and small purchases as getting change might be a problem with higher denomination notes.Use plenty of sun block when snorkelling, especially on your legs.Our flights back from Napo and the Galapagos Islands all ran to time so there was plenty of time to go on some of the optional excursions, allow for this in your budget.The cabins on the Cachalote are quite small so try and avoid taking huge bags/cases, you can always leave items in storage at the hotel in Quito. You can also get laundry done at Napo and at the hotel in Quito.Take more camera memory than you think you'll need, you wouldn't want to run out! It's also worth taking a second camera in case anything happens to the first one.Is there anything else you would like to add?A lot of early mornings but you can always catch up on sleep when you get home!
  Show more
  Trip date: June 2012
• A

  Linda Farrant

  · December 12th, 2011
  A holiday of 2 different locations both equal in enjoyment. Napo lodge in the Amazon was a stunning location on the edge of a lagoon deep inside the rainforest run under true eco friendly community ideas. The array of birds & mammals seen was exceptional with loads of information from the excellent naturalist guide. But not to be beaten, the Cachalote, crew & guide Efrain showed us the amazing prolific & unique wildlife of the Galapagos with a full programme of island landings, snorkelling & forays along the coast in the dinghy. Even knowing beforehand how unperturbed the wildlife & birds are supposed to be did not prepare us for the reality of it. This really is a 'close encounters' trip.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Snorkelling with sea lions coming over to investigate & 'play' with these strangely inflexible wetsuited humans. With penguins cormorants & sea turtles all swimming past completely unconcerned.A feeding frienzy all around the dinghy with Pelicans & Blue footed Boobies dive bombing into the shoals of fish & Noddy's waiting for the small fry to spill out of the Pelicans pouch, all unconcerned with our presence. What did you think of your group leader?As there is no overall leader for this trip, I would consider the guides in the 2 locations to be the leaders & both were excellentDo you have any advice for potential travellers?Go!Is there anything else you would like to add?The trip notes should make it clearer that providing flights are on time there is time to have 2 separate full days of optional activities in the Quito area as well as 2 half days. So time for Cotopaxi, cloud forest, Equator, City tour & cable car. Who wants to sit in a hotel room!!
  Show more
  Trip date: December 2011
• A

  David Young

  · August 18th, 2011
  When booking a trip to the Galapagos one immediately thinks of Charles Darwin's adventures and the shift in thinking they caused. How could such a trip to these isles ever compare to such grand impressions of them. Is it even remotely possible to see what Darwin saw or even begin to imagine what he felt as he walked on the islands? The answer is yes, if you book with Exodus!What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?On our final full day we were travelling between Isabella and Santiago. The trip had already been far more than I had wished for. We had seen the many changing faces of the islands and several of their charismatic inhabitants such as the inquisitive sea-lions, ancient tortoises, slovenly marine iguanas and the downright ridiculous blue footed boobies. The islands had decided however they would throw us yet another surprise. As our boat the Cachalote broke the waves, rocking back and forth in the now familiar rhythm, a cry was heard from our guide Darwin - "dolphins!". As the sight I had seen so many times in nature documentaries of dorsal fins breaking the waves became more and more numerous, the excitement grew. Suddenly one of the pod broke the waves and revealed itself to the boat load of gasping tourists. They then began to ride the bow wave of the boat occasionally leaning sideways and eying the smiling faces almost falling over the sides of the boat trying to capture a glimpse. Fully lost in the moment and mesmerized by the sight of the creatures it took a while for Darwin's comment to actually register, "OK, so we can try and swim with them if your grab your stuff". As the words sunk in I left the side of the boat and ran to grab my snorkel, mask and flippers. Within what seemed like a few seconds about half of our group were aboard the small panga boats and gliding along the surface of the ocean surrounded by our new friends now riding the much less impressive bow wave of the panga. We slowed and the cry of ‘GO’ was heard from Darwin. I let go of the side of the boat and rolled backwards, met with the usual sight of a mass of bubbles which cleared quickly to reveal the far more unusual sight of 4 dolphins staring straight at me. Three of them slowly swam into the blue whilst one, holding what seemed to be some sort of starfish or sea sponge in its mouth came closer as if to show me its prize. After exchanging eye contact for what seemed like an eternity it turned too and swam into the blue. Our group then slowly swam after the dolphins who occasionally turned, swam past us and then away again as if almost expressing surprise in our clear inability to swim with any sort of gracefulness. Eventually the pod, which in total must have consisted of between 20-30 individuals, began to disappear into the distance. We then climbed back aboard the pangas and once the engine was running and we were again surrounded by dolphins. Again we dived in, exchanging glances and momentarily forgetting the endlessness of the blue beneath us. This routine was repeated about 5 times until we were truly exhausted and had taken on a good few pints of sea water. We returned to the Cachalote. As we began once again to sail, the pod resumed riding the bow wave and glancing at us for another 5 minutes or so as if to wave us off. Then one by one they returned to the expanse of ocean to which they are so perfectly suited and I was left with one of the most moving experiences of my life. What did you think of your group leader?Our guide Darwin thankfully made a great first impression which was fully justified. As soon as we arrived on the Galapagos we were met by a smiling, enthusiastic and welcoming face. Throughout the trip he taught us much about the islands often derived from personal experiences and impossible to gain from the Internet, books or documentaries. It felt a very personalised tour. Darwin quickly realised the aspects of the islands that interested our group the most and talked more about these. This kind of treatment is what separates a great guide from a good guide. It was clear that he was as enthusiastic about the wildlife as we were and he seemed to love seeing our enjoyment of the islands as well. Darwin certainty had his work cut out living up to his name but it is a challenge he most certainly rose to and the trip would not have been half as enjoyable were it not for his knowledge and guidance throughout. Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Personally on the jungle portion of the trip I did not find long trousers necessary. The paths are well cut and maintained and the amount of actual trekking is minimal. I suppose insect numbers and weather conditions vary and it is certainty worth packing them but I found it much more comfortable to trek in shorts. Washing services are available in the jungle and Quito and easy enough to perform yourself on the boat so don't fill up your case with endless clothes. Bird/wildlife guides are a great idea to take. I have never been a twitcher but recording my sightings in the Galapagos gave me great enjoyment and I was thrilled with my final count of 176 species. The only other piece of advice I would offer is don't forget your camera charger and after-sun. Although if you do I am sure you can borrow from the group if they are as obliging as mine was. Is there anything else you would like to add?Only that it was the trip of a lifetime. That is for now anyway but as I enjoyed it so much I am already researching other Exodus trips such as the Antarctic!
  Show more
  Trip date: August 2011
• A

  Georgia Scrivens

  · May 20th, 2011
  A wonderful and well organised trip which exceeded all my expectations. The Napo accomodation was in the most amazing setting, and the bungalows were beautiful. The Cachalote scooner for the Galapagos cruise was just perfect. With just 16 people, it is easy to get to know your fellow travellers, and all the crew made your 8 days feel extra special.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?There were so many highlights, it's hard to pick out the ones to put here. The peacefull atmosphere of the Napo reserve, and the frog chorus that you fell asleep to every night. The amazing views across the jungle canopy from the observation tower were wonderfull. Seeing the Giant Otters was very special.The Galapagos Islands were stunning, each with their own character. To be able to view the wildlife so closely, was a real experiance. Snorkelling with Green Pacific Sea Turtles, Sea lions, Penguins and Cormorants were all amazing, and seeing the Blue Footed Boobies doing their courtship dance was also very special.What did you think of your group leader?All the Tour Guides were great. Stefan in Quito, Robby in Nappo and Juan in Galapagos were so knowledgeable and had such enthusiam. They looked after you very well.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Don't just think about doing this trip, just do it! An amazing experiance awaits. High deet insect repellant required in Napo, and high factor sunscreen for Galapagos as the sun is so strong. Definately worth doing the cable car ride in Quito, the views are amazing from up the mountain. The Equator museum is also nice to do if you have a few hours to spare. Very informative and good fun.On a feminine note, if any lady travellers have long hair like me, take some leave in conditioner to save you hair turning to straw like mine! You can only use the bio-degradeable shampoo they provide, but you will find that all the sun and sea water will soon take it's toll! Also, if you have any nice white, or pale coloured clothes, I would advise against pegging them out on the metal ropes at the back of the boat, and many of us got rust stains on our washing!Is there anything else you would like to add?At both sites, you were looked after so well. The meals were also fantastic, and I really don't know how the chef on Cachalote managed to cook such a huge amount of food from such a small kitchen! The 2 vegetarians on the boat were always well looked after too.
  Show more
  Trip date: May 2011