Galapagos Islands? Amazonian Jungle? Andean Mountain trekking & climbing? Scroll down the page for an introduction to some of the trips we can arrange. If it`s not here just ask!!
Galapagos Islands Guide
This guide was compiled by The Secret Garden based on our own personal experience and on the comments & suggestions made by our guests.
There are basically 3 different ways to visit Galapagos 1. On your own with no cruise, 2. Taking a chance to save $$$ with a last minute cruise or 3. The security of pre-booking a good cruise. No matter which option you choose, you will always need to pay airfare ($360 to $407, depending on season) plus National Park entry ($100) & Immigration control card ($10) there are no options for avoiding either of these costs
1. Go it alone
It is quite simple to fly to Baltra (the main airport) and catch a bus to Puerta Ayora (PA - the main town). Accommodation and food in PA cost approx 50% more than in Quito ie it is still quite cheap. You can then arrange day trips (including excellent scuba diving) from PA to see a good range of wildlife even in town there are big marine iguanas walking down the main street and sea lions playing in the harbour. We recommend also doing what we did take a small fishing boat transfer to Isabela Island (approx $35 each way easily arranged in PA, you`ll just need to book it a few days in advance). The journey is fun and Isabela is beautiful South Pacific style white sand beaches, hammocks under the palm trees and lots of friendly wildlife plus very few tourists. On Isabela we recommend just turning up at Hotel Ballena Azul our friend Dora is a wonderful (and very helpful) host, fluent in at least 3 or 4 languages.
2. Take a chance with a last minute deal
Last minute deals can be arranged either in Quito or in Galapagos. In Quito we recommend True Colours Travel (see contact details below) and then visiting the various other tour agencies in Quito to compare. In Galapagos there are normally cruise operators waiting at the airport with boats leaving that afternoon. This gives you a chance to actually inspect the boat and leave the same day. Last minute deals can also be arranged in Puerta Ayora, expect to spend around 3 to 6 days finding a boat and/or waiting til it leaves. Last minute deals are generally not available during December/January or June to September. Even at other times the better boats tend to be booked in advance see option 3.
3. The security of a good pre booked cruise
The Galapagos Islands really is a “Once in a lifetime experience, plus it costs most of $500 just to get there, and therefore many people choose the security of booking a good cruise in advance.. This is usually done through an agency it is very rare that you can save money by booking direct with a boat the boats rely on the agencies for most of their business and therefore will not try to undercut them on price. Worldwide there are perhaps thousands of travel agencies that will sell you a Galapagos cruise. You will usually save money by booking with an Ecuadorian agency, even if you are booking from overseas.
The Secret Garden Hostal and CarpeDM Adventures have formed a new partnership aimed at providing its guests a fully-integrated offering. Ranging from: Galapagos, Jungle, Climbing, Cloudforest, Highlands, Rafting, Cycling, Daytours, National Flight Bookings, The Secret Garden Hostal in Cotapaxi and much more. Our purpose is to provide the convenience factor by offering you the best of Ecuador just steps away from your room. CarpeDM Adventures prices are competitive, our programs cater to varying budgets and we pride ourselves with dealing with only the most reputable tour operators in Ecuador. CarpeDM Adventures also feel it's important to give back to the local community. A percentage of monthly profits, will go back to local non-profit organizations. Visit CarpeDM Adventures downstairs next to the Secret Garden Spanish School or from overseas check out www.carpedm.ca
Jungle Experience
The base hut is a traditional style cabaña - built, owned and operated by the indigenous family who have inhabited the area for hundreds (thousands?) of years. Nestled in beautiful tropical jungle, about a 40 minute walk from the nearest road, the cabaña offers basic comforts such as mattresses, mosquito nets and toilets whilst enjoying the tranquility of no electricity, no noisy motor boats going up and down the river, and a maximum of 8 guests staying at any one time. As well as enjoying activities in and around the cabaña, our trips are perhaps the only ones to offer the chance to trek deeper into the jungle and camp rough – no huts, no beds – nothing but a hammock and a mosquito net between you and nature. Enjoy the sounds of the night with the security of local guides who keep watch to make sure monkeys do not steal your stash of chocolate bars!!
Activities around the cabaña include learning about, collecting and cooking traditional “jungle food, traditional natural medicines, jungle survival techniques, fishing in a nearby river, making jewellery from seeds etc etc, as well as just relaxing in a beautiful natural environment with the friendly local guides. Most of our trips also incorporate a one day canoe ride down the Rio Napo to visit a local animal refuge/release centre and enjoy a swim in the river. Whether staying in the cabaña or trekking into the forest, there will always be plenty of local guides who teach you all about their lifestyle in the forest, handle all the cooking etc, and generally make sure you have nothing but wonderful memories of these people and their lands.
Trips cost around $150 for 4 days and 3 nights including all accommodation, food, local transport and plenty of local guides to ensure everything goes smoothly. We organize these trips directly with the local indigenous community – no travel agents, intermediaries ensures lower prices for you and a fair income for the local community.
Trekking & Mountain Climbing
Our customised Land Rover Defender knows no limits and loves to get off the beaten track to explore some of the most spectacular mountain regions in the world. With 25 peaks over 5,000 metres, Ecuador offers something from everyone. We organize everything from day trips to nearby mountains, multiple day camping/trekking trips and overnight technical climbing with experienced mountain guides. Most trips can be arranged once you get here, but just drop us an email at hola@secretgardenquito.com if you`d like more information.
