Glynis & Pete go to Peru, Ecuador and the Galapagos

We woke up in the Wyndham at Guayaquil, which was lovely and luxurious.  We had managed to sort out a late checkout, so we had a great breakfast from the very extensive buffet and then went out for another walk, this time to climb the hill behind the hotel, all the way to the lighthouse.  Because of the interesting mix of regenerated waterfront and difficult areas not yet regenerated, there were dozens of guards of one sort and another showing us the way.  It was hazy but the views were great. We came down and managed to visit both the church and the firefighters’ museum which we had missed the previous week. Later we went out again for lunch, finding some decent hamburgers at one of the restaurants along the waterfront, before returning to the hotel for our late checkout. Our guide was back and took us to the airport, where we made the most of the lounge before boarding our flight back to Peru.  We were met at Lima by the same poor girl we had loaded u...

Today was our last day on the Galapagos.  We set off at 6am for our last wet landing on Santa Cruz Island.  It was a beautiful white beach with turquoise sea.  On the beach were the remains of WW2 American barges sunk when they left and a sea lion.  We walked further along the beach, spotting a turtle in the sea and came to a small lake inland from the beach and there were around 10 flamingos standing in the lake.  Most took flight soon after we arrived, but three stayed. Then it was back to the boat for our last breakfast and soon our luggage was being taken across the channel to Baltra Island, followed by us on our very last panga ride.  We took the public bus to the airport and checked in for our flights leaving just a few of the backpackers behind.  Luckily for us there was a VIP lounge and we were able to sit on comfortable seats for a while until the flight was called. And 2 hours later we were in the hubbub of Guayaquil traffic....

Today began with a walk at Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island.  The walk was very dramatic as we crossed a massive lava flow which was not there in the 1700s, but had appeared by the time Darwin’s expedition mapped the area. It had lots of lava bridges over semi-collapsed tunnels and only cacti grew and lava lizards chased locusts.  In and at the back of the black lava field were red cones from previous eruptions which had been surrounded by the new lava. We moved a very short distance and our afternoon walk was on Bartolome Island and we climbed to the top to get what is regarded as the best view in the Galapagos. The effort involved just after midday was worth it.  It was 327 steps to the top. Later in the afternoon, Glynis went with the snorkelling group and drove the rib again.  She had a very interesting chat with the driver, who is second in command of the Seaman II and will be the captain next week when the current captain goes on leave.  They w...

Today dawned overcast but as soon as we went ashore on Rabida island, it started to warm up.  It was a wet landing and from the beach, we climbed quite high for some fabulous views.  The island has red sand and is unlike anywhere else we have been. The snorkelers went off late morning and then after lunch we moved back to Santiago Island, ending at Chinese Hat, which is a volcanic cone reminiscent of the Pizza Hut logo.  Again there was snorkelling, but it was very windy and not appealing despite the beautiful turquoise lagoon. The walk was another wet landing, this time on a beautiful white sandy beach with turquoise water and sea lions tending their new pups. We walked over lava past Christmas bushes which turn from green to red in the dry season to a beautiful point with fabulous ocean views. We set off again as soon as we were back on board and headed to a small island with an asymmetric crater.   Our treat was flamingos swimming in the crater...

We thought it was going to be less rough after the equator and it was while we had dinner, but then the captain speeded up and we were soon pitching about.  We decided on a hasty retreat up stairs to our cabin and spent the early part of the night being pitched around. Fortunately we arrived at Santiago Island in the early hours and then managed to get a good night’s sleep. We were up early for a panga ride at Playa Espumilla/Bucanero.  It started with the usual trip along the coast looking at rock formations and birds, but very soon we saw a school of dolphins a little way out and followed them for quite some time as they played around the Pangas. Needless to say no-one got a photo of two dolphins jumping out of the water together. Then we went back to looking at the rocks and birds before going back to the boat and then kayaking across the bay. After lunch on the upper deck, we moved to Puerto Egos where we did our second wet landing and went for a walk along th...

Today after a good night’s sleep, we started early with a tour of the northern part of Fernandina Island, Espinoza Point.  It was a dry landing onto lava flows.  We saw lots of black iguanas, most of which hadn’t read the rule book and kept walking past us within the 2 metres we are supposed to leave between us and the wildlife.  Then it was on to see lots of Galapagos sea lions.  The young ones were basking in the sun or learning to play and swim in the pools amongst the lava flows.  As we walked further, we saw turtles pulled out onto a beach, plus a smaller reddish one of a different species. After moving to Punta Vicente Roca on Isabela Island, Glynis had a go at snorkelling for the first time, having not felt up to it previously.  She gave up quite quickly with a fin that wouldn’t stay in place, but her compensation was to be allowed to drive one of the RIBs.  She got in for a swim later in amongst masses of turtles, at least one of wh...