Just Back From: Ecuador and Galápagos with Maggie

Travel Expert Maggie Wilson reports on her trip to Ecuador and the Galápagos, from discovering Quito's cuisine to snorkelling with sea lion pups.

How did you get there?
I flew from London to Quito with KLM via Amsterdam. From Quito, it was a two-hour drive to Otavalo, which is famous for its indigenous market.

How long were you there for?
Two weeks.

Where in Ecuador did you go?
I went to the same places most of our customers go to - Otavalo market, Mindo cloud forest, Quito and, of course, the Galápagos Islands. I did the Galápagos' eastern itinerary on my particular trip. Cruise ships are now restricted to one side of the islands at a time to allow the other side a break from human visitors.

What was your overall impression of Ecuador?
The people of Ecuador are extremely welcoming, so a visit is truly enjoyable. The country has a very varied landscape even in the small area I explored, and the fact that these destinations are within a two-hour drive of Quito makes them very accessible. It was wonderful to be able to experience different cultural sites and biodiverse regions within such a short amount of time.

Have you been before? If so, any notable differences?
I visited Ecuador seven years ago, and overall, the country still feels much the same. However, it was the low season when I went so it had an even more peaceful atmosphere.

Which was your favourite…?

Place: South Plaza Island, Galápagos - the landscape was so striking with so much wildlife, especially sea lions and iguanas.

Hotel: Bellavista Cloud Forest Lodge offered a peaceful escape with delicious food, comfortable rooms and breathtaking views.

Excursion: The food tour of Quito gave me the chance to sample a wide variety of local dishes. Everything was delicious and unlike anything I'd tried before.

What were your most memorable moments?

Swimming with young sea lions: this was an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime moment in the Galápagos. These playful creatures were curiously circling me as if inviting me into whatever game they were playing.

Ecuadorian food: exploring the local cuisine of Ecuador was a great experience. One of the highlights was taking part in a traditional cooking class in Quito, where I learnt how to prepare Ecuadorian ceviche.

The landscape of South Plaza: this Galápagos island left a lasting impression, especially during this time of year when the normally green sesuvium transforms into a vibrant red. The striking contrast between the rich red hues of the vegetation and the deep blue of the surrounding ocean was truly memorable.

What tips do you have for travellers who want to visit the same destinations?
Bring layers, as it was not as warm as I expected. The Galápagos really took me by surprise - during September/October it is more overcast and you are pretty exposed when walking on the islands as there isn’t much vegetation. On that note, make sure to have a hat for the sunnier days.

The HX Santa Cruz II is an ideal ship for those interested in environmental science but who also want a range of activities such as SUP, kayaking, snorkelling and walking, all from the comfort of a larger boat. While the Galápagos can be an action-packed trip if you do everything, all the activities are optional, and there are gentler options like zodiac rides or short walks.

Is there anything indispensable to pack or prepare for?
Sunscreen – Ecuador is named after its position on the equator, which means the sun is extremely harsh.

Long, light trousers for some Galápagos Islands since some areas had flies, which were a little annoying.

Shoes that you can use for wet landings and then walk in (hiking sandals), since this means you are not changing shoes on arrival.

A dry bag is useful if you plan on snorkelling, as it means you can bring a few bits onto the zodiac without the risk of them getting wet.

Any local snacks, dishes or drinks that should be sampled?
Potato soup (locro de papa), tamales, empanadas (beef, chicken or cheese) and of course Ecuadorian ceviche (a cold seafood soup with lime and onion).

Any restaurant or bar recommendations?
Sinners microbrewery in the historical centre of Quito is a lovely spot for a delicious cerveza.

Sum up your trip in a sentence.
A wonderful adventure learning about the culture and biodiversity Ecuador and the Galápagos to offer.

• Browse Journey Latin America's range of Galápagos holidays, from cruises to land-based tours, group tours to tailormade.