Galapagos Boobies

We are planning a trip to the Galapagos in the fall to check out the boobies and other birds and wildlife. The Galapagos Legend looks like a nice ship. We were planning on spending an extra night in Quito to sightsee. I would love any input from fellow LTH'rs who've been there, including restaurants or other places to see in Ecuador.

Best Topic Title Ever.

Just one night in Ecuador? Or one night in Quito, and then see more of Ecuador? Because there is a vast amount of very cool stuff to do in Ecuador, from Andes to Amazon, but if you just have the one day, tour Quito Coloniale -- the old, Spanish-built part of the city (but watch your wallet -- fair number of pickpockets in the area).

"Street food," you definitely want to try llapingachos -- potato and cheese patties that are practically the national food stuff.

It has been a couple of years since I've been there, so before I start to look for my notebook to find out the restaurant I enjoyed in Quito (I spent a lot more time outside Quito than in, hence only one rec in town), to see if other recommendations pour in. But my primary recommendation would be to stay longer in Ecuador.

I always thought that Chili controlled those islands. i suppose you could still leave from Equador though

I would definatley give Quito more time if you have it. Quito is a fascinating city both history and culture wise once you start digging in to it. If you are only going to give it one day I would suggest that you hire a car and driver.
I spent a month in Ecuador in '92. The Quitenos I met were very proud of their city and took me to places that I never would have found on my own.

The Galapagos are by far one of the most unique places on this planet, truly a once in a life time trip. My one bit of advice for anyone considering a Galapagos trip would be to do it on the SMALLEST boat you can find. Keep in mind that all of the islands you are visiting have virtually no facilities, docks etc. and you will be going ashore in small boats landing on beaches more often than not packed with lounging sea lions. The Galapagos Legend looks like 300' of mighty fine ship but the thought of queing up with 100 other cruise passengers to go ashore and visit the wildlife sounds like a bit much (at least to me). I'm surprised that the Ecuadorian government is allowing ships that size in.

I was with a group of 5 and we chartered a 40' local boat out of Puerto Ayora. The charter included a Capt., cook, crewman and the required naturalist from the Darwin Institute. Being on a small boat allowed us to pretty much set our own schedule. We were able to catch our own fish and lobster. The highlight of being on a small boat for me was the opportunity to get up every morning, jump off of the back of the boat with a mask and snorkel and play "tag" with the sea lions.

An unforgettable experience anyway you do it !!

We are heading to Ecuador this summer, desperately seeking street food - not too much in the Galapagos, I imagine, except raw turtles, puffins, and boobies. Calvin Trillin has a chapter in his book, Feeding a Yen, entitled "Desperately Seeking Ceviche" (Chapter Five) about his search for ceviche and guinea pig in Ecuador and Peru. It is his usual clever writing.

davecamaro1994 wrote:I always thought that Chili controlled those islands. i suppose you could still leave from Equador though

Easter Island is part of Chile, Galapagos are Ecuador.

We are spending 2 nights in Quito and will have 1 full day of sightseeing before the Galapagos. When we return, we are taking an overnight trip to Otavalo. It's supposed to be a large market and a beautiful drive.