Galapagos Week 2!
A Quick Summary
We took a very nauseating ferry from Puerto Ayora to Puerto Villamil, which is on Isabela Island. Isabela Island is a lot quieter and less touristy. It has really nice beaches and activities so we spent the week exploring the island and enjoying the beach!
Afterwards, David and I flew back to Quito on the mainland. We unfortunately both managed to get sick again so we have been resting up in Quito for the rest of the week.
Just Galapagos
Highs and Lows
Los Tuneles tour:
One day, we took a boat to tour the lava tunnels on one side of the island. The tour started with getting to walk on top of the tunnels, and check out some of the penguins and the famous blue footed boobies that were on the tunnels.
After we were done exploring on land, we grabbed snorkels and got to swim around through the lava tunnels! The guide had an underwater camera so he was able to capture some of the sea life we got to see. I'll let the photos speak for themselves.
Sierra Negra hike:
We wanted to go hike to one of the volcanoes on the island, but unfortunately you need to go with a tour group. Our group had almost 30 people in it, and there were multiple groups there (probably over 100 people). Since there were so many people, the tour guides were pretty strict about not stopping too often, staying on the path, etc. It was a little frustrating at times, but the views and the rocks were still really cool.
Los Trillizos cave:
Cam and I spent a day exploring a cave after seeing this promotional sign, since we both love strong emotions.
The cave tour was completely the opposite experience of the hike. Our tour guide was just some local who had bought the property and then discovered the cave, so he deciced to set up a rope ladder to take people there. The tour group was just me, Cam, and the guide.
First, we got on all our gear and then set out walking towards the cave.
The decent into the cave was a little scary, since it was just on this guy's homemade rope ladder and we couldn't see the bottom.
Once we got in the cave, it was super cool to explore around. We got to see some quartz crystals and the remains of a very unlucky cow.
Finally, we climbed out and headed back. The guide could tell that Cam and I were super excited about it even with our broken Spanish, and jokingly told us that he was 55 and we could buy the property off him in a few years. We laughed about it, but honestly, I think Cam and I could run a pretty good cave tourism business, and Isabela Island was really amazing...
Inter-island flight:
After the nauseating ferry ride over to Isabela Island, David and I decided to splurge and take a plane back to Santa Cruz. It was a tiny 10-seater propeller plane, which was the first time I've flown in anything like that. It was a great way to see the island from above, avoid sea sickness, and a fun last activity before we flew from Santa Cruz back to the mainland.
A Little Update
David and I flew back to the mainland to head to northern Ecuador. There, we will be volunteering with the Onzole River Project for the last bit of our trip. We left Cam behind on the beach in Galapagos since he will be spending a bit more time there!
I don't think we will have cell service while we are volunteering, so don't panic if you don't hear from me or if the weekly blog is slightly delayed.
Extra Photos
Other than the few big tours that we did, we just spent our time relaxing, snorkeling, and exploring. The island had stunning beaches which were always empty for some reason (maybe everyone was doing the volcano hike?). There were too many things to write about, so hopefully the photos can tell some of the stories.
Beach sunset
Cool bird at the beach
Bike ride with David
No petting the turtles :(
Nice island lookout
Reading and relaxing
Flamingos
The sea lion that wouldn't let me pass to go snorkelling
Snorkelling spot (I made it past the sea lion by jumping over the railing)
The wall of tears
It’s been an amazing journey travelling “with you” these past few months! We love the exotic birds and animals and sea creatures of Galapagos. Also the ‘wall of tears’ is interesting. - will have to look that up. Look forward to the final part of your trip. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos! Love the giant tortoises and the sea lion that wouldn't move. Have a great time at the mission, I assume the don't panic if you don't hear from me was for me...so I won't. 😅
ReplyDeleteGreat seahorse video and sea life pics! What an experience going down into the cave! Hope you enjoy your volunteering!
ReplyDeleteJaryd! Your adventures continue to amaze me!! Your decent into the cave made me nervous just reading about it and seeing the pictures. Wow! Your Mom would've been freaking out!!!! But super cool. The snorkelling through the lava tunnels looked awesome! Enjoy your next adventure!
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