Rochelle C – Wheatley, Ontario | Ecuador & Galapagos | January 2019

Hi Jen, Can’t thank you enough for everything you did to make the Ecuador & Galapagos experience a truly ‘Trip of a Lifetime’ for me, Ross & Renee. Every single base was covered, from having us met at our transfer points and our wonderful guide Gabriella and  the accommodating driver in Quito, to the surprise welcome gift awaiting me in the Patio Andaluz Hotel room. The trip was everything you said it would be and more. We were never left wondering about any aspect of the experience as everything ran smoothly due to your excellent foresight and supervision. Kudos on your photographic skills as shown on the welcome- back-home card of the ‘Iguana Honeymoon Couple’. We couldn’t have done it so well without your efforts.

Hi Jen, To echo and add to what Mom has said – through your hard work and attention to detail, the trip was magical, seamless, and truly an experience of a lifetime.  It was so helpful to have guidance at every stage to get us through airports and to and from hotels and airports with no worry.  As Mom said, Gabriela was a wonderful guide, showing and telling us about how special Ecuador is, and keeping us on track to make the most of our experiences.  The Live Like a Local tour helped us get some unique perspective about Quito, and learn about unique skills and services. We were very pleased with Patio Andaluz.  The staff were wonderful, very helpful.  The location was perfect.  The Isabela 2 and the staff were amazing.  Interestingly, the ship was only about 1/2 full (and we learned that another ship was about the same), so it made for small groups and lots of attention, and they offered lots of flexibility to meet people’s needs.  The excursions to the islands were fantastic; each island so different from others.  We really felt that we got a great cross-section of the islands.  The guides were very attentive to show us all the unique wildlife and flora.  It was great how the operators have things worked out with the Parks, so that in each location we were the only group, and we had lots of time to savour the environment – no rush, ever.  The move to Finch Bay was effortless. The rooms that we had in Patio Andaluz and Finch Bay were marvellous, location-wise (and for the view and balcony at Finch Bay).  The cabins on Isabela 2 worked out so well.  The amenities in each location were great.  I think Mom used the hot tub on the Isabela 2, and we all loved winding down at the pool at Finch Bay.  It was a perfect touch to end our vacation on land at Finch Bay, such a wonderful resort.  Ross and I did explore Las Grietas and Puerto Ayora, while Mom relaxed by the pool. The food was simply awesome everywhere, from Patio Andaluz, our special lunch at Casa Gangotena, through Isabela 2 and Finch Bay.  We felt very spoiled.  I think I achieved my goal of having local fruit and fish/seafood every day. The trip exceeded all our expectations, thanks to all your work, Jen.

Renee C  – Edmonton, AB