We recommend traveling to the Galapagos Islands and Machu Picchu any time from March through December. The most popular months to travel for both destinations is April and May, and trips sell out very far in advance. June, July, & August are the second most popular time to visit both. March, September, October, November, and December […]
Detour is a member of Travelers Against Plastic, (TAP, https://www.travelersagainstplastic.org). Single use plastic is a problem everywhere in the world, but it is an especially large problem in major tourism destinations in developing countries, where waste disposal is limited and recycling is virtually nonexistent. We strongly discourage the use of disposable water bottles, even if offered […]
The Galapagos Islands are hailed for endemic wildlife seemingly unaware and uninterested in us humans looking on. Equally as fascinating and quintessential to any Galapagos trip is learning about the geology and the island’s creation. Let’s rephrase that. Ongoing creation. Right now the islands are alive! With volcano activity on both Fernandina (La Cumbre […]
Awesome snorkeling is enjoyed throughout the Galápagos Islands but these snorkeling spots will blow your fins off!
The Galapagos is a trip of a lifetime, but you want to make sure that you have the right budget for the type of trip you want to do. How much should you budget for a Naturalist Cruise? Luxury Class boats are very high end. They have spacious cabins with larger king or queen beds, […]
There is never a bad time to visit the Galapagos! The weather varies little at the equator and most of the wildlife does not migrate. The “High Season” and “Low Season” in the Galapagos mostly corresponds with holidays. The Christmas, New Year’s, and Easter Holiday are the busiest times in the Galapagos, and it can be […]
You’ve paid for Galapagos trip and booked your hotel in mainland Ecuador, but there are a few more costs you’ll need to plan on paying once in Ecuador for your Galapagos trip. Below you will find a list of typical extra costs for any Galapagos trip. Keep in mind that your trip may differ a […]
There are four classes of boats in the Galapagos Islands: Luxury Class First Class Tourist Superior Class Tourist or Economy Class These classes vary by price, amenities on board, level of comfort, size of the cabins, and sometimes even by the quality of naturalist guide and itinerary. On Luxury Class, First Class, and Tourist Superior […]
Daydreaming about your trip to the Galapagos? Here are some of our favorite videos about the amazing wildlife of the Galapagos. Waved Albatross are large, beautiful birds who mate for life and have endearing interactions with each other. Nearly every waved albatross in the world nests on Española Island in the Galapagos. They are on […]
Do you set high expectations for your next travel experience? You should, of course, but if you’re anything like me you’re looking to one-up with an adventure that does more than live up to past experiences. You crave a new experience, one that takes you on a “life changing” or “mind-blowing” adventure. Ideally, both.
If you’re like me, it’s the night before you fly to Ecuador, and you’re wasting precious sleeping hours agonizing over what to pack for your trip to the Galápagos Islands and what to leave at home. If you’re like my co-worker Katie, you are super organized and have everything laid out and ready to go […]
Planning your international and domestic flights for a Galapagos trip can seem complicated initially, but they’re actually quite simple to arrange. Detour’s tips and suggestions below will help you plan exactly the flights you need without the headache.
Ecuadorians really know how to party, and New Year’s Eve is no exception. If you’re in Ecuador for this super fun holiday, you’re going to experience many of the same traditions (like kissing at midnight), and a lot of very traditions you’ve probably never seen before. We’re here to fill you in on everything you […]
If you’re worried if it’s a good idea to bring your kids to the rainforest, I understand that concern because I used to have the same reservations myself. But after sending lots of families to some of the most remote lodges in the Amazon, I realized that kids actually dig the rainforest even more than […]
South America, the home of the world’s largest rainforest, is second to none when it comes to the diversity and intricate beauty of its wildlife. The continent has it all – from glaciers to deserts, from white-sandy beaches to pristine forests, and from hot volcanoes, high up in the sky, to the cold and quiet […]
The Physical Demand Traveling to the Galapagos Islands cannot really be considered a vacation per se. A vacation typically implies a book on the beach or a leisurely brunch. If you want rest, pick another destination – the Galapagos is all about active adventure. There’s simply too much to see and do around here. Hiking up volcanoes, mountain […]
The Galapagos Islands (or Archipelago de Colon) make up a Province of Ecuador. They are located 600 miles (1000 kilometers) directly west of the Ecuadorian coast on the Equator. They were formed from underwater volcanoes, with the oldest islands in the southeastern section of the archipelago. The nineteen islands vary widely in flora, fauna, size, and landscape.
To visit Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, a passport is required but most North American and European citizens do not need a visa in advance. Visit the Embassy of Ecuador for entry requirements if are not from the US or Canada. Additionally, if you are a US citizen and you would like more information on visas […]
The US dollar is the official currency of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. The Ecuadorian government adopted the dollar as its national currency in 2000.
There are no vaccinations required to visit the Galapagos Islands. If you are planning to spend more time in Ecuador, especially in the rain forest or Amazon area, vaccinations and immunizations are strongly recommended. However, health recommendations and required vaccinations change frequently, so we recommend that you consult your health provider several weeks before your […]
A cruise is the classic way to explore the Galapagos Islands. For good reason. You’re able to reach more islands, explore more terrain, and see more wildlife. Many visitor sites are only available to cruises, so a cruise is the only way to visit them. By visiting many different island you also have a chance […]
When you’re excited about an upcoming trip, what do you do? Do you make all your friends jealous by talking about it non-stop? Do you check your passport expiration date for the millionth time? Or do you write poems?? World traveler Glenn Nelson was so excited about his upcoming trip to the Galapagos Islands that he […]
After months of delays Quito, Ecuador’s, new Mariscal Sucre airport in the northeast suburb of Tababela, 37 km from the northern part of Quito, will finally open on Wednesday, February 20th at 9 am. February 19th the “old airport,” which is within the city of Quito, will close down at 7 pm. The new airport […]
So you have a bit of time in Quito, but what to do? The most obvious choices for those who have a day to kick around Quito is either to have a city tour or get outside the city to see Otovalo. But what if you’re looking for a few thrills or just want to […]
Galapagos Multisport Adventures can provide amazing active Galapagos experiences. Do you want to travel to the Galapagos Islands but you’re worried that the trip will be too passive? If so, you sound just like my wife. Unfortunately for her, when she visited the Galapagos Islands in 2004 there weren’t really any good options for a […]
Ecoventura, the owners of the Eric, Letty, and Flamingo I have a new video about their Galapagos cruises. Check it out below. If you haven’t been to the Galapagos, you need to go!
We’ve got a cool new trip, the Galapagos and Cotopaxi Multisport, from one of our great Ecuador providers Tropic, Journeys in Nature. This new trip combines a Galapagos Multisport Adventure with a great exploration of Quito and mainland Ecuador in a very active multisport trip that includes hiking, biking, horseback riding, zip-lining, kayaking, snorkeling, and wildlife […]
The Galapagos Islands are one of the world’s top family travel destinations, and a family cruise is a great way to experience the amazing archipelago. The weather is pleasant, the activities are not so strenuous or difficult that they can’t be enjoyed by multiple age groups at once, and the wildlife viewing is out of […]
More on my Mom’s (Helen Findley) Visit to the Huaorani, straight from her. My 79 year old mother visited the Huaorani Ecolodge in Ecuador’s Amazon Basin with her friend Phyllis in November, 2012. Here is Helen’s story about it: I have just had one of the most exciting and wonderful experiences of my life—a visit […]