When last we talked I had just finished a fantastic tour of southern Africa – South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and (accidentally) Zambia. It was the tour of a lifetime. But did you really think I’d be content to stop there? Ha!
After putting a toe in the water of the African continent, I decided it was time that I hit another continent so this time I’ve chosen South America. I’ve stopped briefly in Venezuela on a cruise, and visited Costa Rica and Belize in Central America but this time I’m headed for Ecuador and Peru!
I’m doing back to back tours with my favourite small group adventures group, G Adventures. I’ve previously travelled with them to Costa Rica, Turkey and the Balkans.
The first tour is 19 days on a “Journeys” Tour which are tours G Adventures has developed in conjunction with National Geographic and which includes some pretty special activities. Here is the description from G which says it much better than I could.
“Experience some of South America’s incredible sites on a 16-day adventure that brings together the awe-inspiring landscapes of Ecuador and the vivid cultures of Peru. Explore the Amazon rainforest and sleep under its living, orchestral canopy during two days at our jungle lodge; follow in the footsteps of the Incas at iconic Machu Picchu; and feel at home among the people of the Sacred Valley. From the cacophony of the Amazon to the silent beauty of the Andes, echoes of this experience will resound long after the trip is over.”
The tour starts in Quito, Ecuador and I’ll spend 3 nights there, acclimating to the elevation before the tour starts. It’s at near 10,000 feet above sea level. Then we take off and tour some really interesting looking spots in Ecuador, including a couple of nights at a lodge in the Amazon jungle. Then we fly to Lima, Peru and on to the Sacred Valley for some interesting experiences before heading by train to Machu Picchu. No, I’m not doing the hike.
Then it’s back to Lima for my flight back to Quito to join up with the second tour in the Galapagos. For 9 nights, home will be the 20 passenger Montserrat, although we’ll only have 13 passengers on board. During that time we’ll visit the Central, South and East Islands of this amazing part of the world.
Again, in G Adventures words:
“There’s simply no better place to appreciate the magic of this precious little blue planet of ours than the Galápagos Islands. Join us aboard the roomy Monserrat for a mind-expanding cruising adventure through the archipelago’s central, southern and eastern islands. Hike the dramatic black lava flows of volcanic Bartolomé Island, snorkel with sea lions and other aquatic beasts, go for a hike on Española or opt to laze about on her white-sand beaches instead. With a pair of naturalist guides on hand to answer your questions, you’ll come home with a perspective you simply can’t put a price tag on.”
This adventure is not without its challenges. I’ve already mentioned the altitude. For much of the 19 days we’ll be at high altitude so I’ve got pills that may help to mitigate the undesirable effects and I have booked 2 extra nights in Quito before my tour starts to help adjust before doing anything strenuous. In addition, I’ll also have to deal with potential seasickness. I am a good sailor and I’ve picked a time that is supposed to be more calm than some, so I hope I make out OK. And the third is the usual one, packing for all sorts of different climates. I’ll be going from the cool highlands of Ecuador and Peru to the hot and damp jungle and the warm marine weather of the Galapagos where I expect to spend most of my time in the water. I’ve bought a new suitcase that is soft sided carry-on size and hope to take only it and a backpack on this trip. No more 50 pound bags for me.
But of course, part of the adventure and fun of travel is overcoming the challenges and having those stories to tell. With only 55 days before my adventure the anticipation is building and that’s helping me get through days like today………..
Lois' Adventures 