Galapagos: In Darwin's Footsteps: Ecuador

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

Average Review Rating: from 13 reviews.

Clive Parsons

GALAPAGOS: IN DARWIN'S FOOTSTEPS

Written January 2013
The holiday was everything we expected - and more! Really good balance of activities and islands visited. Excellent group leader who worked well with the whole group.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The proximity, variety and abundance of the wildlife was staggering, both on land and in the sea. Swimming with sharks and turtles, spotting different Darwin's finches, watching the display of frigate birds cleaning themselves in fresh water and watching sea lions cavort with snorkelers were all amazing. Sitting next to sulphur mines where new deposits were still being created was unbelievable.
What did you think of your group leader?
Fabian was extraordinary. He managed the group very well, keeping us on track, encouraging us to try things, but allowing us to decline. He was able to judge the abilities and interests of the different members of the group and was flexible in the way that he subsequently met our needs. His enthusiasm was infectious throughout the trip - even when the clouds were down for almost all of the 3 day trek! He proved knowledgeable and worked exceptionally well with the locals, making sure that everything was as it should be. He was patient and had a great sense of humour. We would highly recommend Fabian as a group leader without hesitation or reservation. He contributed enormously to the success of the trip.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
We found having our own snorkelling gear very handy and would probably take a shortie wetsuit if repeating the experience. We can not emphasise enough the thrill of all of the snorkelling opportunities - even as a virtual non-swimmer. An underwater camera is well worth the investment to capture sharks and rays etc. Decent binoculars proved very useful, as did an SLR with a powerful zoom. We took suitcases and just used the Exodus bag for the 3 day trek - where antiseptic hand wipes were invaluable.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
We felt before booking that staying in accomodation on the islands would provide more opportunities to explore and this proved to be the case. We were well fed with simple and tasty food - usually needing significant exercise to burn of the quantity! There just seemed to be something on this trip for everybody! The local tour contact was also very helpful and supportive.
Sue Jackson

GALAPAGOS: IN DARWIN'S FOOTSTEPS

Written November 2012
A wonderful trip that came up to all my expectations. I chose this trip as I wanted to be land based and it gives you more time for exploration in places that sea based trips will not visit.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Swimming with sea lions and other creatures, walking to the fumaroles on Volcan Azul and generally getting so close to the wildlife
What did you think of your group leader?
Fabian was a very conscientious, dedicated and informed leader with a fantastic sense of humour.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Do take some sea sickness pills even though Fabian did not recommend them as they can make you drowsy. Some of our group wished they had taken them. Previous reports recommended wet suits for November, but we didn't find the sea that cold, though perhaps it can vary from year to year.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
If you don't like basic camping often in wet or damp conditions this trip is not for you, but if you can put up with it the 2 days walking round the volcano were fantastic and worth a bit of discomfort.
Richard South

GALAPAGOS: IN DARWIN'S FOOTSTEPS

Written November 2012
The trip had much to live upto-I'd wanted to visit the Galapagos since first learning of Darwin's time spent there.The trip more than fulfilled hopes.When we booked I hadn't realised that we would be there at about the same time of year as Darwin's visit had been back in 1835!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Many highlights!Mostly related to wildlife but also scenery & geology.Perhaps watching a blue footed booby dive all of one metre away from me.Perhaps snorkelling with a turtle-but then what about the sea lions?Perhaps observing frigate birds washing in fresh water & then shaking themselves dry in mid-air.Maybe seeing the sunrise after camping on the volcano rim- but then what about the giant rays leaping clean out of the ocean and somersaulting?
What did you think of your group leader?
Our leader was excellent-very helpful,patient & a good sense of humour.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Although the Galapagos sit astride the equator,the surrounding ocean can be cool as a result of the Humbolt current flowing north from the Antarctic.So consider taking a wetsuit-though these can be hired locally.It was also cool enough camping on Sierra Negra 1490m to be glad of warm sweaters & anoraks.
donna harrop

GALAPAGOS: IN DARWIN'S FOOTSTEPS

Written August 2012
This trip is an experience of a life time !
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Sitting on a bench to check the view then realising there is a sea lion under your seat. Swimming and a sea lion comes over to play with you. Bobbing in the clear blue sea and you realise a turtle is just in front of you as a frigate bird flies overhead and the pelicans sit and watch. Its unbelievable but true and thats just the beginning !
What did you think of your group leader?
Our group leader Fabian was great. He was very helpful, genuinely cared and a mind full of knowledge. Just what we needed !
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
If you can, take a wetsuit, the sea temperature changes and can sometimes be very cold. Hiring one is not always practical. You can cope without one but it would just make it better.
Jonathan James

GALAPAGOS: IN DARWIN'S FOOTSTEPS

Written May 2012
Amazing wildlife on land and sea, fascinating islands, pristine beaches, interesting walking – the Galapagos has it all!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
So many wonderful experiences to choose from! Swimming with sealion pups off San Cristobal, watching the antics of the sealions at Santa Cruz fish market, relaxing at a beach bar in Isabella, the ‘lunar landscape’ of the lava fields on Volcano Chico, the luxury day trip to Bartolome Island, and for 'adenaline junkies' exploring the bell and clock towers of Quito’s gothic Basilica is not to be missed!
What did you think of your group leader?
Fabian was fantastic. He made sure we got the most out of every aspect of the trip. His enthusiasm for everything Ecuadorian is infectious.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Having a pair of flippers really assists your snorkelling. I am not a particularly strong swimmer and borrowing a short pair of flippers revolutionised my meagre swimming abilities.

There is potential for rain up in the highlands of all the islands. It was amazing how it could be beautiful on the coast and yet 'tipping it down' only a mile or two inland! Come prepared for the wet - light water/wind proof jacket is essential. It is too hot to walk in waterproof trousers and so a pair of gaiters proved invaluable for preventing water entering your boots!

It is worth spending time exploring Quito - I think it is an underrated city. I had an enjoyable couple days exploring the city before the group arrived - they missed a connection in the USA on the group flight and arrived a day late. It proved far better to book the direct flight from Amsterdam with KLM which has great connections from many UK regional airports.
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Is there anything else you would like to add?
This holiday is the way to experience all that the Galapagos Islands have to offer and I can unreservedly recommend following "In Darwin's Footsteps".
Keith Shaw

GALAPAGOS: IN DARWIN'S FOOTSTEPS

Written November 2011
This trip gets to the real heart of the Galapagos and is awesome if you enjoy wildlife (mammals reptiles and birds), diverse environment, snorkelling and trekking.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Snorkelling off kicker rock, swimming with sealions and turtles, seeing all the tortoises, penguins, rays, iguanas close up and hammerhead sharks were superb but I think the frigate birds males dispalying on their nests took the prime position. The trek was totally different and felt very pioneering, especially sleeping next to a live volcano!
What did you think of your group leader?
Our leader Pablo was superb from all aspects. He was knowledgeable and passionate about his country, able to communicate effectively but not overload us. Pablo ensured we got the most out of our trip and really cared about us.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
This trip is not for the fainthearted. It is great value for money as there are many early starts, you need to be flexible and accept that if you are in the only hotel on a small island it will not be 5* accommodation but 5* experience and views. The food was very healthy withh locally sourced seafood, steak and chicken along with loads of fruit. There are long and fast speedboat trips between islands, up to 3hrs but you get used to them as there is no other option because there are no airports on some islands. If you go before December you really need a full wetsuit and they are pretty cheap from Osprey as hiring did not seem to be simple. Keep some space for Inca type gifts from the markets.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The only downside was the Iberia Airlines which were not too bad on the way out with a direct flight from Madrid although the headphones did not work on a lot of peoples sets and the system kept breaking down. On the way back the flight was changed to an indirect flight via Guayaquil which is the opposite direction, we then had to get off the aircraft for an hour, the plane was then delayed for an hour. On the final leg from Madrid to Heathrow there was no seating plan (even though our tickets said we had seats) and we had to get on early to get our seats (although we only found that out as we boarded), the only food and drink available one had to pay for. Do not fly Iberia they have been taken over by BA.
FRANCES RITCHIE

GALAPAGOS: IN DARWIN'S FOOTSTEPS

Written March 2011
If you CAN do this trip.....DO IT! It was everything it promised to be....and more!There was a lot of time for snorkelling.....MOST enjoyable! March is a wonderful month to go if you enjoy the sun....although it is the rainy season we had very little rain and PLENTY of sun! A very FULL-ON holiday....NOT a chill-out one....so, if you want to put your feet up, don't chose this trip!.....but, why would you want to put your feet up when there is SO much to see and experience?!
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
There was such a lovely feeling of "basic" around! The hotels....on the Islands...were wonderfully rustic with no pretention BUT excellent care was offered everywhere!
I, for one, lost track of what day it was....how FABULOUS! Someone else was looking after my food requirements (and they did that beautifully!) my well-being, my travel arrangements, my safety etc etc....all I needed to do was ENJOY MYSELF!
The trip was EXCELLENTLY put together with daily variation....and HEAPS of snorkelling in the most amazing waters! Some calm....some not so calm but there was always the knowledge that our Group Leader was ever-vigilant with regard to our safety!
What did you think of your group leader?
FABIAN was, in my opinion THE BEST! He was professional, knowlegeable, well informed, humerous, connected with the group very quickly and we could not have been in safer hands! This last point is particularly relevant as he had to deal with our group having to be evacuated to higher ground as a result of the Tsunami in Japan! This he did in a calm and organised manner.......an event that was NOT in our/his Trip Notes!
WELL DONE Exodus for employing THIS Leader!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
ENJOY! It is all over way too quickly!
On a more serious note I would say that this IS a FULL-ON 100 mile an hour holiday...so, don't chose it if you want to put your feet up or sit for a few hours in the sun/shade reading etc!
Take the equipment as the guidelines outlined.....I was lacking in the suitable SANDAL department!
The trip, as advertised in Exodus brochure, UNDER-SELLS the holiday....it could take a brochure all of it's own and still not allow one to conjure up the gloriousness of THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS...Exodus style!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I think I have said it all above! It was EVERYTHING it promised to be....and some!
We were cared for beautifully on some of the most exquisite Islands one can (usually) only dream of!
At times I pinched myself to remind me that it was ME who was experiencing ALL this nature and beauty
NOT David Attenbourgh!