Guayaquil, Ecuador

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Guayaquil - Gateway Port for the Galapagos

Flights - getting to Ecuador

Guayaquil is Ecuador's largest city and main Pacific seaport for the whole country. The Simon Bolivar International Airport in Guayaquil (GYE) is only 10 minutes taxi drive from the city centre.

There are direct flights from all major UK Airports. As you may be flying into one country and out of another on these voyages we recommend you get quotes and advice from a flight broker for best prices.

If you plan to travel before or after your voyage please check length of stay and tourist visa requirements very carefully.

Gateway to the Galapagos

Guayaquil is the base for most Galapagos visitors. The Galapagos Islands are one of the most incredible places on earth. Starkly beautiful they lie on the Equator some 600 miles west of Ecuador. Having only recently risen from the ocean floor, there is evidence of their marine volcanic origin everywhere. If you remember the evocative scenes from the film "Master & Commander: The Far Side of the World" with swimming iguanas, flightless cormorants, sea lions and huge turtles, then how can you resist sampling both the adrenalin of chasing other tall ships accross the blue horizon, and a chance to combine it with a visit the Galapagos whilst you are in Ecuador.

Typical Costs of a Galapagos 'Add on Adventure'

If you love being on the ocean and the Galapagos is on your hit list of places to see, then why not combine an 8 day ocean tall ships race as crew on the magnificant three masted sailing ship at a very reasonable 600 euros, combined with a tour of the Galapagos at the end of your sailing voyage. Although the South American Tall Ships Fleet will sail past the Galapagos and you are sure to see some of the unique ocean seabirds en route, you will not be able to explore the islands as the number of licenced boat operators allowed to visit the islands is strictly controlled.

However at the end of your Peru to Ecuador voyage on Bark Europa ( or before you join the ship for the start of the 11 day tall ships race leg from Guayaquil to Panama) you could plan a visit to the birthplace of Darwins Theory of Evolution.

Booking straight through an Ecuadorian travel agent for a  4 day wildlife boat trip to the islands is typically 1000 US dollars, but there are plenty of specialist tours with wildlife guides by UK wildlife and adventure companies.

Other Possible Adventure & Wildlife Excursions

Cerro Blanco Forest Reserve - with its impressive variety of birds.

Manglares Churute Ecological Reserve where you can take a canoe trip into the mangroves and see dolphins, water birds.

 Accommodation in Guayaquil

Try and avoid accommadation 'downtown' as not particularly safe at night. Try hotels in districts "La Garzota", "Sauces" or "Alborada".

A quick browse through an upt lonely planet guide in a bookshop should give you some e mail addresses.

Climate

You will be arriving in May - just into the dry season where the climate is warm and pleasant.