Travel Blog: Ecuador 2009 Part 2
30th March South America by Tony Deis on Mar 30, 2009
The 11 mile hike on Sierra Negro on Isabela Island was 7 hours of incredible scenery: the second largest crater in the world with its last eruption in 2005. We hiked over fields of new and old lava, awed at the earthly moonscape. The next day was about watching wildlife, starting with flamingos feeding and marine iguanas constantly crossing the road. We ended up at the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center and a close-up look at their many species of tortoises. We got the inside scoop of how they collect, incubate and hatch the eggs and even saw 2 pairs of these 400 pound animals breeding. After a walk on the beach, it was back for another snorkeling trip. In the bay we watched frigate-birds at a fishing boat battling for tuna scraps with the sea lions. Here we saw the only penguins in the Northern Hemisphere, the galapagos penguin. Our snorkel started in the mangroves and moved to swimming through two meter wide volcanic tubes teeming with marine life. We even observed one more penguin above and below the water. After our snorkel we hiked a trail through volcanic formations, ending up on a beach with sea lions and their pups. As with their entire trip, their lack of fear was stunning, allowing us to remain respectfully among them. Another new day and a another gorgeous island. A two hour boat ride brought us to Santa Cruz, the most populated land in the Galapagos. After checking into the Hotel Castro, we went to see giant tortoises in the wild. We then hiked to Tortuga Bay, the epitome of a perfect beach. It was swimming in paradise. We kayaked with sea turtles, sharks and eagle rays in the clear water below us. Dinner that night was fresh tuna and shrimp, with a few mojitos and pina coladas for good measure. The next day, after a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station and some island shopping, we boated to the island of Santa Fe for our last snorkel. This was my secret spot: schools of tropical fish in the crystal-clear water and as always, sea lions swimming with us. The most spectacular of all, blue-footed boobies dived for the very fish we came to observe. As I watched them dip deep under water, one eventually popped up a foot from my face. Coming soon my Andean Cloud Forest Adventure... Come see Africa with Nicole This is where Nicole helped found and run the lion research camp. Nicole is the biologist, adventurer and guide who knows all the ins and outs of Botswana, one of the must incredible places you could ever visit in Africa. Check out Botswana June 2009 Write Comment
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camille jude Jun 16, 2010 6:12 PM
Very interesting and inspiring adventure you've had on your travel to Ecuador. I've been a trainer in a wilderness programs and we do also those things like the boat ride, walking to the beach and bonfire. I know the feeling and the excitement that it gives. We had many things to share to most teens and that are some activities we share for their therapy. |
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bath mate Dec 19, 2009 5:14 AM
it really very good. I love it ! I like it ! thanks :)- . Bathmate |
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Jesse Dec 16, 2009 10:14 PM
When we plan to go for a trip, it is always wise to collect enough information about the spot which we are planning to visit. It helps to enjoy your trip. There are so many websites available on the internet with best travel advise. |
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james Dec 03, 2009 10:17 PM
Cool article. I agree with ella, i found an amazing website that gives information regarding destination information, safety and cultural safety tips, advice for women travellers, business safety tips and vacation safety tips . |
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ella davis Dec 03, 2009 10:05 PM
Interesting travel article. Travel to a new destination has to be pre-planed and safety tips to such location can be found in some of the versatile websites. |
