My husband & I returned this month from 2 weeks in Ecuador, including 4 days in the Galapagos Islands. We traveled with Gate I travel agency. We were hesitant because the price for our tour seemed exceptionally reasonable, especially since it included the Galapagos Islands which are quite expensive. However, this was one time that we got a real value. We had a wonderful guide in Quito and she stayed with us as we traveled down through the Andes on the Highway of the Volcanoes. She seemed to know everything, history, agriculture, anthropology. We ended with 4 wonderful days at Finch Bay Resort in the Galapagos from which we sailed out each day to a different island. The trip was wonderful from beginning to end and we will travel with Gate1 again.

We were in an 8 day cruise with the Sulidae boat and I have to say we had an excellent time there. The crew was outstanding and the guide, Raul, was so nice, knowledgable and very active, having the group all the time busy with loads of activities. Very recomendable to everyone visiting the Galapagos in a low budget. At the end of the day, the Islands and wildlife is the same for all the boats, this is out there, and most of times what makes the difference is a good guide and a well organized trip. This is exactly what we had.

In April we returned from our trip to Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands. We had the most incredible time in the Galapagos. We traveled on a small chartered boat The Athala for four glorious nights. The ship was beautiful and the food delicious. We had a room with a private balcony. The crew was so attentive. Every time you left your room they went into it to freshen it up. It alwys looked so clean and kept. Each island we went to was noted for its own animal species. Swimming with the sea lions, watching the albatross arrive, watching the frigates and blue-footed boobies begin their courtships, watching the sea lions nurse their young were some of the highlights of our trip. If you love nature and ecology this is the place to be. By the way, the water was warm enough to swim without a wetsuit or shortie. We live in Arizona and we keep our pool at 90 degrees. We hate cold water. So take our word for it. In April the Galapagos waters are the warmest. After four wonderful nights of pampering on the Athala we we transferred to the Royal Palm Hotel on Santa Cruz for three nights. This is an incredible place.

All reviews rave about the destination, and they are right. This is a review for the new Yacht La Pinta, which we used for our May 9-16, 2008 trip. The ship and crew were beyond our expectations and we are so glad we picked them. We were nervous because the ship was new, and the itinerary didn't quite visit all the islands we'd hoped for, but every stop was a treasure and the ship's windows in the cabins, the food, and the most excellent of service from every single member/level of the crew, and the incredible work and personality of our expedition/naturalist leader made this one of the best trips I've ever had.