After traveling to Botswana alone, I knew I could go anywhere solo. I flew to Quito, one of the highest cities in the world, and began with a three day excursion into the Andes with a private guide. The three day trip cost $300, including hotels and transportation. I rode a horse near Cayambe, an active volcano, the third highest peak in Ecuador and the highest point in the world where the equator passes through.
Nearby you can straddle the equator at the Mitad del Mundo.
There is a beautiful hike to Cascada de Peguche, not too far from Otavalo. The waterfall is considered sacred and is now used for baptisms.
Shopping in Otavalo is a fun cultural experience where you can mingle with indigenous people selling colorful handicrafts. After returning to Quito, I joined the group going to the Galapagos I had chosen GAP Adventures because they did not charge a single supplement. I believe the company is now called G Adventures and you can find something similar to what I did although prices have risen from the roughly $1000 I paid.
The Galapagos are fascinating. You can swim with sea lions and penguins. Iguanas, pretty sally lightfoot crabs and so many different types of birds (my favorite is the blue footed booby) were everywhere, and the magnificent male frigate, puffed up and ready to mate.
A visit to the Galapagos would not be complete without stopping at Santa Cruz Island to see the Galapagos Giant Tortoise. These tortoises can live over 100 years in the wild and 175 years in captivity. They can survive for a year without food or water. Visiting these islands made me feel like Darwin, a witness to evolution by natural selection.
And you can’t forget about the gorgeous and sometimes unusual landscape. The Galapagos is one the most volcanically active areas in the world. Every island felt different and hosted different animals.
The Galapagos is a special place that is in danger of destruction. If you are able to go to this magnificent place, please use a licensed provider with a commitment to conservation.