 |
| Every time you say to yourself "No more pictures of cute sea lions" you run across a sight like this! Check out his nose. |
Tomorrow at this time we'll be packing up to start the journey back. Thankfully there are no ferry rides involved! We have a flight from San Cristobal to Guayaquil, Ecuador, a seven hour or so layover and then a flight to Miami. We've enjoyed visiting three very unique and different places. We did find in talking to people along the way that many of them had combined two or three of these destinations in their travels as well. In no particular order here are some things that we've learned, observed or figured out as we've bounced around (ferry boat reference) down here.
- It seems as if South America is a good use of points and miles.
- We have been either in the Central or Rocky Mountain time zones at all three locations which makes for easier traveling. This has allowed us to keep the same schedule we have when we're in Florida. Early to bed, early to rise.
- We have used two of the major South American airlines. LATAM (One World Alliance) and Avianca (Star Alliance). No issues with either one but we did like Avianca better. The interiors of the planes were brighter, there was inflight entertainment, drinks and snacks were included. On LATAM you had to pay for everything other than water.
- The cost of food, snacks, etc. at all three were very similar to US prices.
- The food is very good! All local restaurants. Yesterday we had empanadas for lunch, 3 for $5. Last night we enjoyed a good meal at a small place called Giuseppe's (Shrimp Gyro and Calzone). The hotels have all included breakfast so it's been easy to eat for around $20 per person per day.
 |
| Empanadas at a local restaurant suggested by the hotel staff. 3 for $5 plus a coke or tea for $1.50. Tax and Tip included |
We loved the food kiosks in Santa Cruz (the first Galapagos Island we visited). They're a "must do".
Items such as straws, "to go cups", plastic grocery bags, etc. cannot be found in the Galapagos Islands. This really reduces the amount of trash and litter.
Ecuador actually uses the US dollar as it's currency. It started in 2000 after a financial crisis saw the value of their currency (Sucre) drop by 70%. Ecuadorians were putting all their money into US holdings so they just transitioned over. It's nice not to have to worry about exchange rates. If you're wondering where all those Susan B. Anthony One Dollar coins ended up.........we found them!
There are a few things that take a little getting used to:
There was no air conditioning in the Amazon lodges. A couple of nights it was a little hot and slightly humid. The last night we were there we were under a blanket.
There was no hot water in the Amazon lodges. As someone who likes long, hot showers this took a little getting used to!
It is recommended that you do not drink the tap water in either Peru or Ecuador. Not a big deal, bottled water is supplied by all the properties and can be purchased cheaply. The biggest challenge with this one is brushing your teeth and remembering not to clean your toothbrush or rinse using tap water. Old habits are hard to break so it does take a contentious effort. We were 100% compliant on this one.
Used toilet paper is not discarded into the toilet (plumbing). It is placed in a small trash can (with a lid) that is conveniently located by the toilet. I guess you could say it's kinda like an adult diaper pail. Again, old habits are hard to break. We were pretty close to 100% compliant, which is probably way more information than you wanted. At the Quito Airport (a really, really nice airport) there was a sign that said it was ok to put your toilet paper in the toilet. I was so thrilled that after depositing my toilet paper as instructed, I went and got the camera and took a picture of the sign!
 |
| A sign that was very much appreciated! |
There were so many special moments and memories created on this trip. Thanks to those who are reading this for following along as the Traveling Idiots made their way across Peru and Ecuador!
 |
La Loberia-About a forty minute walk from the hotel
|
 |
A little relaxing after a hard swim
Still my favorite bathroom sign of all time..................Ngawha Springs, New Zealand, Nov.13, 2016
|
