by Ecuador BlogLast updated:: 4:00 AM ET, Fri February 10, 2017 Traveling is so stressful, yet many people decide to do it constantly because the balance at the end of every trip is, most of the time, positive and rewarding. But, one of the ways that travelers tackle the uncertainty is asking and researching before every travel.
As a travel specialist, I´ve heard many questions. Some are very funny, some are so strange, and many make us think twice our answer. We already know the importance to advise well and correctly our travelers.
That´s why we at Latin Trails want to share with you some of the common questions that we received from people around the globe when they want to come to Galapagos Islands.
We hope to help you answer the questions of your customers. Because there are many questions, we split them into three posts.
These are the first group of questions:
1. From where can I fly to Galapagos?
You can flight to Galapagos either from Quito and from Guayaquil. The incoming flight has early departure hours from 6:00 up to past midday. On the returning flight, the average is between 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. You can fly with Avianca, TAME or Latam.
2. Cruising or Land Tour? Which one is better?
It depends on traveler needs and interest. Cruising is better for those travelers wanting to optimized their time in Galapagos by visiting as much as they can, also willing to experience cruising along the archipelago, even though the navigation most of the time is at night. You can check our previous post about the 12 Facts of Cruising the Galapagos Islands. On the other hand, the Island Hopping option can fit the budget and schedule of travelers, as well as be 100% customized to their needs. Here are 7 facts about Galapagos Island Hopping.
3. Which type of vessel is better? Big or small yachts?
The vessels in Galapagos are from 8 passengers to 90. Each one has their pros and cons, yet I believe that the experience of cruising could be enhanced onboard small yachts. The highlight of this type of cruises is that the service is more personal, paying attention to detail. Here are 12 reasons to visit Galapagos in exclusive small yachts.
4. What local food should I try in Galapagos Island?
The Galapagos Island is famous for its lobster, and if you are traveling after mid-June you will be able to try it. The restriction of consumption, commercialization, and fishing of this crustacean is between January 16th to June 16th for this 2017. If you´re able, you can eat it grilled, or with special sauces like the coconut sauce called "Encocado". Additional to lobster, you can try the local fish species called "Brujo" (Sorcerer), or a wide range of seafood and shellfish. Many of them are very fresh and prepared after your request, grilled, with garlic, spicy, or with coconut. If you want to know more about the culinary options in Galapagos, check out this post of the Best cuisine for foodies if you travel to Galapagos.
[READMORE] READ MORE Latin Trails Offers Cruise Options to Galapagos Island for LGBTQ Community [/READMORE]
5. Can I see endemic and rare animal species resting and walking everywhere in town?
Yes, you definitely can see them. One of the highlights of the Galapagos Islands and their biodiversity is that animally is not afraid of humans. They are the owner of the enchanted island, so it is very common to see a sea lion resting or sleeping in one of the benches at the harbor in Puerto Ayora, or a marine iguana crossing the harbor. If you are going to visit Puerto Ayora, don´t forget to visit the fish market, where you can see the pelicans trying to steal their dinner.
6. Can I touch them?
Unfortunately, you can´t touch animals, chasing or feed them. The rules are very strict, and if you are caught doing that, you will be punished by the National Park Government. Following these rules, help the animals to continue its normal process of evolution without being affected by the human.
7. Is there wifi available everywhere in Puerto Ayora and/or onboard the vessel?
The internet connection on the islands is very slow. Even though many places do their best to offer WIFI, the truth is that most of the time the service shutdown, or doesn´t support high-speed navigation or apps. Nonetheless, you will be able to receive a WhatsApp, or send an email, nor watching a YouTube video.
8. Why do I have to leave so early the boat when its anchored in Puerto Ayora?
The airport that serves Santa Cruz Island, is in Baltra, which is a small island close to Santa Cruz. To be able to reach the airport, we have to cross the Itabaca Channel in a small boat that takes approximately 10 minutes. However, from the channel to Puerto Ayora is approximately 45 minutes by car. These hours may vary if the hour is close to the flights, so the traffic increase and the services may suffer delays. Thus, if the returning flight is at 10:00 am, people should be at the airport at least at 8:30 am, but to be able to be at that hour passenger should be leaving the boat at 6:00 am approx.
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