Cassy G.
Best of the best!
Our family, consisting of a 2 year old all the way up to an 86 year old, just returned from our very favorite family trip ever: Quito and a northern itinerary cruise to the Galápagos aboard the Isabela II. We are very well-traveled and even the toddler has stamps of all kinds in her passport, so that statement isn’t to be taken lightly. Our Quito guide, Cristina, was truly a gem. She was fun and engaging with my children, and gentle and patient with my elderly grandparents. Cristina went above and beyond helping us to experience her beautiful country, teaching us all along the way, and even had my mother’s purse repaired when the strap broke at the beginning of our trip! Our driver, Jaime, was perfect. He drove with care, yet always got us places on time, and was so helpful and friendly. They were always there when they said they’d arrive, and guided us through their culture seamlessly, even amidst all the extra covid measures. I can’t say enough good things about the Galápagos. The islands were beyond our wildest imaginations, and our ship was beautiful. The food was delicious, and they were very accommodating for the children and their tastes. The naturalists, Lola, Mari, Antonio and another whose name escapes me right now, were all delightful and ever so patient with my budding 7 year old naturalist, who peppered them with questions and spouted his knowledge at every turn, but was met with kindness and hearts who genuinely love to teach and guide the next generation. They were also incredible with my grandparents, whose limited mobility (it’s not limited so much here at home, but on a rocking ship with wet landings and such...) would’ve otherwise prevented them from experiencing much, but with the care and assistance of the guides and the boat staff, they were able to participate. The animals and birds we saw were breathtaking and it is impossible to describe how amazing the whole thing was. I’d often find myself choking back tears because it was so beautiful to be up close with God’s creatures in their natural habitat. Also, if you’re a snorkel lover, this was the way to go. I snorkeled twice a day and was in heaven. I appreciated how Andean Discovery coordinated everything and planned for every eventuality. We never had to worry about them leaving something out or forgetting something. Oh, and a word about the hotels! The Swissotel Quito was lovely and we enjoyed our nights there. Breakfast was delightful. Also, the EB Hotel...I can’t say enough! We are admittedly hotel snobs, and that hotel was the nicest, most accommodating and most peaceful hotel we have ever stayed at in all our years. The rooms were fantastic, the food amazing, the staff beyond kind and generous (my grandmother complimented the flower display and at dinner the manager gave her a bouquet of all the kinds in the hotel because she wasn’t sure specifically which one she admired so she gave her some of each...you’d never get that in the states!) and the grounds were lush and gorgeous. We all wanted to stay in Ecuador, and we know it was all the hard work of the Andean Discovery staff, their guides, and the wonderful Isabela II staff that made our trip so enjoyable. Thank you!!