QUITO.
Quito is the capital city of Ecuador. It is positioned as one of the most elevated cities at 2,850 m (9,350 ft) and touted as one of the best South American demonstrations of Spanish Baroque architecture. It's a very dense and busy city.
BALTRA ISLAND --> PUERTO AYORA.
Should you chose to venture to the Galapagos on your own, you will likely be routed through Seymour Airport (GPS) located on Baltra Island. From here there is a ferry that will transport you to Santa Cruz. Puerto Ayora, at the southern tip, served as the central urban point. El Trapiche Ecologico Galapagos is a bike ride away from town and an excellent walk-through of the process of local agriculture and coffee.
ISABELA ISLAND.
Isabela is the largest of the Galápagos. The island is highly volcanic and inhabited by unique species of iguana and tortoise. Given the vastness, this island appeared to be far less commercialized than the others which invited a sense that, as tourists, we were the only wildlife. Fittingly, we were left undisturbed. This island was my personal favorite of those we visited. There were volcano's, choco-bananas, and nearby islands which were notable havens for sea turtles, penguins, blue footed boobies. A guide is required for most visits.
(SIERRA NEGRA VOLCÁN)
(PUERTO VILAMIL)
(CONCHA DE LA PERLA)
SAN CRISTÓBAL ISLAND.
San Cristóbal, also known as Chatham Island, serves as the central municipality of the Galapagos. It is the home to the Governor of the islands which appeared to be largely related to part to the fact that it is the easternmost of the islands. As a straight shipping route from Guayaquil to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno ("the capital of paradise"), it is considered somewhat of a hub. There are a glut of sea lions and remarkable hikes.
(PLAYA BAQUERIZO)
(EL PROGRESSO)
SANTA CRUZ ISLAND.
BANÕS DE AUGUA SANTA.
We returned to the continent by way of Quito where we caught a cab, and bus, immediately upon arrival. We arrived in Banõs, near the edge of the Amazon rainforest, the same evening.
(PALION DEL DIABLO)
QUITO (RETURN TO).
Ecuador is a beautiful country. These photos only touch the surface of some of the things to see if you chose to visit.
