When is the Best Time to Go to the Galapagos Islands and Machu Picchu?

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 […]

Travelers Against Plastic

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 […]

Sierra Negra Volcano Eruption – June 2018

  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 […]

How Much Should I Budget For A Trip To The Galapagos?

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, […]

When Is The Best Time To Go To The Galapagos Islands?

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 […]

Extra Costs for a Galapagos Trip

on the Ocean Spray Galapagos Cruise

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 […]

What is the Difference Between the Classes of Boats in the Galapagos Islands?

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 […]

Best Videos About Galapagos Wildlife

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 […]

Are You an Adventure Snob? The Huaorani Can Cure You!

Huaorani Ecolodge

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.

How to Pack For the Galápagos Islands

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 […]

Celebrating New Year’s in Ecuador

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 […]

A 10-Year Old’s View of the Huaorani Ecolodge and the Ecuadorian Rainforest

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 […]

The 7 Most Amazing Animal Encounters In South America

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 […]

How to Prepare Your Body and Mind for the Galapagos

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 […]

Where are the Galapagos Islands?

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.

Do I need a visa to go to Ecuador and the Galapagos?

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 […]

What vaccinations do I need to visit the Galapagos Islands and Ecuador?

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 […]

Which Islands Should My Galapagos Cruise Visit?

Blue Footed Boobie Feet

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 […]

Galapagos Poems

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 […]

Quito Ecuador’s New Airport Finally Opening February 20, 2013

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 […]

Galapagos Multisport Adventures Are Perfect For The Active Traveler

Snorkeling at Kicker Rock, San Cristobal, Galapagos Islands

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 […]

New Galapagos Cruise Video From Ecoventura

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!

New Trip: Galapagos and Cotopaxi Multisport Adventure

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 […]

Family Galapagos Cruises on the Eric, Letty, Flamingo I

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 […]

My Mom Loves the Huoarani Ecolodge, and So Will You!

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 […]