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Travel Tag: Four Seasons Carmelo, Uruguay

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| The Experience |

A hop, skip and a jump from the bustling metropolis of Buenos Aires, Argentina, lives a resort so tucked away and tranquil, making me wonder what I’m doing on the busy side of the Rio de la Plata. Separated by one of the widest rivers in the world, the countries of Argentina and Uruguay are only mere miles from one another, able to give a friendly wave on a clear day. Indeed, a river runs through it, but with a one hour hydrofoil ferry ride and one hour transport by car, the surroundings change immensely from beeping horns and crowds to farming villages and simplicity. Ahhh to be free at long last. Perfect for families or couples itching for a city escape, this 1 part beach, 1 part forest, and 1 part winery resort will have guests coming back for more.

The city of Carmelo incorporates colonial charm, authentic stillness and countryside beauty, making it an ideal spot to sit back, relax and enjoy copious amounts of wine. With a privileged location on the river amidst grassy plains and rollings hills, a microclimate conducive to grape growing presents itself. Its fame goes beyond that of the Tannat grape, however. In addition, various world class options are on offer to entertain tourists including the game of golf and the game of Kings, known otherwise as Polo. Spending time outdoors here is imperative, but tucked inside the bungalows of Four Seasons Carmelo claims relaxation station.

| The Suite |

There’s no place like home, especially upon checking into a 1,300 sq ft bi-level luxury suite complete with oversized soaking tub, four poster bed, patio and vineyard view for a few glorious, pampered days. On the first level to greet me in all their delicious glory were the local delicacies of alfajor treats, consisting of dulce de leche sandwiched between two soft, buttery cookies. In other words, a healthy afternoon snack (click here for recipe).

Upstairs materialized luxuries only 5 star hotels can produce, which leads me to my Christmas list, if anybody was wondering. I would like the signature Four Seasons mattress, please and thank you. The brand knows their sleep, and if you’re going to spend 1/3 of your life in bed, you might as well make it worthwhile. And I digress.

If you follow my blog and/or Instagram, you probably know my obsession with bathtubs as well. Double the pleasure, double the fun at Four Seasons Carmelo from bed to bath (and beyond). As you can tell, it’s the focal point of the room, big enough for a party of 5 even. So, I did the unthinkable. I ate dinner in here one night because, well, why not? Room service presented itself, and why not take it in surrounding opulence? In fear that I’m making myself sound a bit sluggish with talk of food, sleep, and eating in tubs, ’tis now time for some outdoor adventure talk!

| The Pool |

The main attraction at Four Seasons Carmelo is not the tub, the pastries or signature sleep bed. It’s the oversized outdoor swimming pool with a dramatic double cascade. Remember, this is a luxury resort, and luxury resorts know luxury pools, and how to make their guests stay as long as possible. Bribes of mouth watering Uruguayan cuisine, cold glasses of Tannat, sun shades and sun hats and whatever else might be on your wish-list are taken care of in an instant. The service is unmatched as is the overwhelming sensation from a dip in the cold, refreshing pool for a reprieve from the hot Uruguayan sun. The view of the hotel’s nursery vineyard beyond isn’t too bad either.

| The Spa |

Going into my Royal Aromatherapy massage at the Four Seasons Carmelo spa, I figured it was going to be just like any other relaxing activity, if you can count laying on a heated massage table above Egyptian cotton sheets and being rubbed on for an hour an “activity.” Counts in my book.

My masseuse, Edda, was the sweetest Uruguayan woman who asked me to pick out a scent (mint) and lay face down. She massaged from my back to my neck, and I finally began to understand the term “deep tissue.” Almost having to tell Edda to lighten up on the pressure, she was the professional and knew what she was doing, so I kept the pain to myself. After the 50 minutes came and went, she told me she’d never felt knots around shoulders, neck and scalp like she had mine. Now, I’m fully aware this is nothing to brag about, but apparently the stress and anxiety of travel is getting to me. I’d like to officially add “spa treatments” to my Christmas list. Thanks y’all, and thanks Edda, for fixing me, if only for a few days.

| Activities |

Where to even begin? The dichotomy of the surrounding area of Carmelo presents miles and miles and both land and water, making the space an outdoor enthusiasts’ playground. Water sports include fishing, canoeing and event sunset cruising. Sweat it out on a bike or the tennis courts near the property. Personally, I think the real fun begins on a horse.

Few symbols are as emblematic in Uruguay as the gaucho, or horsemen who roamed the South American pampas way back when. To keep the spirit alive in modern day, Four Seasons Carmelo’s equestrian fields and gaucho Marcelo Pozo immerses visitors into the landscape full of greenery, pines and eucalyptus. Marcelo and I rode into the marshes together, conversing in Spanish about the area, the 70 horses on property but mostly, I kept pestering him into letting us gallop. Not entirely sure what to do but trying to act like it, I held on tight as we rode into the woods, going off path and getting lost in the enjoyment of fresh air at the graceful rhythm of my heavenly horseback.

Now, I’m not a golfer, but I’ll tell you that Carmelo Golf Club makes me want to be. Made of 667 acres of green grass, lakes, wetlands and native trees, I had the best time winding around the 18-hole, par-72 course in my golf cart. I’ll be sure to work on my game before teeing off again on one of the most challenging courses south of the equator. That, or I’ll opt for the Polo lesson on offer next time. I guess I could add golf clubs to the Christmas list. Golf lessons, too.

Perhaps one of my favorite facilities on property was Four Seasons Carmelo’s own yoga studio. Built on the shores of the Rio de la Plata gives the beautiful structure an even more beautiful view. Most studios I’ve been in included only sweaty fellow participants, void of any outside perspective, apart from a few small windows. But this, this made me want to adorn yoga clothes at all hours and bask in the playfulness of poses inside and outside on the sand. And that’s exactly what I did. #yogaeverydamnday

| Flavors of Carmelo |

Lucky for me, my visit to Four Seasons Carmelo overlapped with the hotel’s ‘Gourmet Weekend,’ a celebration of Argentine and Uruguayan cuisines and wines. It’s like they knew I was coming as these are a few of my favorite things. Executive Chef Lucas Curcio Pérez of the hotel restaurant Pura stood out to me for a number of reasons, most notably because of his young age. Much like you don’t judge a book by its cover, don’t judge a cook by how many years he’s spent cooking. The guy can make a mean dish. His inspiration comes from the sophistication of the international cuisine with the simplicity of seasonal products. He adds a personal touch, making sure to guide the team in his kitchen daily and accompany them on garden outings for local items. Where do many of these local items come from, you ask? I’m just getting to the good part.

Only 10 minutes from Four Seasons Carmelo is a place even more tranquil with the freshest ingredients, you’d think they came straight from farm to table, and you’d be right. Inspired by an old convenient store setup, Finca Narbona incorporates a dairy farm, restaurant, vineyard and winery – more food + wine, yay! My thighs were really loving me this trip. Part wine sanctuary and part foodie haven with organic and gluten free foods, I was quickly inebriated and stuffed, which wasn’t a bad position to be in. I’d like to thank the sweet cows for their milk that started the entire chain reaction, turning cheese into a delectable brie that inevitably ended up in my stomach. Nothing tastes better than being home grown and homemade.

As for this addition to the Christmas list, you may send a Four Seasons Gift Card, perfect for any occasion! Read: Food.

| How to Get There |

Had enough of the tango, steak and Malbec in Argentina? The easiest way to get in would be to take the 1 hour Buquebus ferry ride from Buenos Aires in Puerto Madero to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Colonia, Uruguay, where hotel staff will meet and transport you the 1 hour car ride to Four Seasons Carmelo.

| Friendly Four Seasons Faces |

I want to give a special thank you to the friendly faces that made me feel especially at home over the weekend. Thank you to Felicitas on site, Max and Mariana at the front desk, Chef Pérez at Pura, Matias at the pool and Edda at the spa for an unforgettable experience, and to all those working behind the scenes. I hope to see you again sometime soon at the Four Seasons Carmelo!

Rates start at $450/night.

Follow the Four Seasons Carmelo on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

View more photos from my stay at FSCarmelo & afternoon at Finca Narbona below!

Travel Tag: Cartagena’s Tcherassi Hotel + Spa

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| The Experience |

Behind unassuming doors in Cartagena’s Old Town near the Caribbean shore lives an enchanting paradise of old-world architecture and contemporary chic furnishings. Upon entry through massive brass doors, a white marble entry hall greets guests along with a vertical garden made up of 3,000 plants and inviting pool nearby. Miami-based fashion designer Silvia Tcherassi is responsible for this dreamworld and took her talents from South Beach to Cartagena by remodeling this seven bedroom mansion with over 250 years of history in its walls. The strong link between fashion and travel lives on in Tcherassi’s rich fabrics, creating a holiday haven as chic and cutting-edge as her clothing.

| The Room |

Forget the bags, shoes and jewels. The seven oversized guest rooms at Tcherassi Hotel + Spa are dripping in luxury and oozing with their own style, each one named after the fashion icon’s fabrics used in her collections. I lucked out with ‘Ziberline,’ a 625 sq sf balcony suite facing the colonial streets of colorful Cartagena, a posh place to sit with a Colombian coffee and people watch until the caffeine hits and you feel an urge to go shopping…or perhaps that’s just me.

Dramatic 30 ft ceilings lead your eye upwards to see the fine detail in which you’re surrounded – restored brick walls, crystal chandeliers and gold detailing. If the glittered in gold duvet doesn’t catch your eye next, it would be the open-style bathroom with luxurious tub. My obsession with soaking tubs runs deep, so it’s no shocker I made a mini-photo shoot in here. I do believe you could spend an entire morning in the lap of bathroom luxury moving between the tub and rain shower and back again. It’s a hard life at Tcherassi Hotel + Spa.

The design of each room is done so that the expansive closets are behind the beds, hidden in their own private section. There aren’t any jutting closets in the corners or eye-sore obstructions many hotels only wish they could cover up. An added bonus: hanging in each closet is yet another fine detail Mrs. Tcherassi seamlessly integrated into her hotel – private label ‘his and hers’ bathrobes that I would have purchased had I remembered upon check-out. Guess I’ll have to go back…hate that.

| VERA Restaurant |

A taste of Italy can be found within the old colonial walls of Tcherassi as the 40-seat VERA restaurant and lounge tempts guests to indulge in fine cuisine such as Risotto Pescatore and Pollo al Peppe. Dare I say even more impressive than Chef Daniel Castaño’s dishes is the decor and atmosphere in which guests dine. A combination of influences come together with Italian cuisine, Australian imported floors and wooden beams from rescued Colombian trees. The space seamlessly flows into the outdoor lounge where flowing water curtains and dramatic archways make for a perfect framework under the stars.

| Amenities: Pool + Spa |

If I’m being honest, I tried utilizing the rooftop pool, but the rain during my visit made it a wee bit difficult. In any case, the menacing clouds overhead made for great pictures while the 360 degree view of the city and Caribbean sea made me not want to leave, even when the nimbostratus above released its anger. With more space for relaxation and rejuvenation, the full-service spa below makes for a great indoor retreat, especially if you go for the Deluxe Colombian Coffee treatment: An energizing body wrap from an exquisite blend of coffee which pacifies the senses and firms the body. When in Colombia…

| Logistics |

Tcherassi Hotel + Spa is count ’em: 2 miles away from Cartagena’s Rafael Nuñez International Airport (CTG). You can’t even finish a Beyonce song in that amount of time. Shocking. All guest rooms and public areas are equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi.

For a detailed itinerary of what to do in Cartagena, visit my 48 Hours in Cartagena post.

Rates range from $295 – $895 per night.

See more photos from my stay at Tcherassi Hotel + Spa below!

Tricks of the Trade: Blogging as a Full-Time Career

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At least once a day I’m met with the words, “You have my dream job! How do I get it?” and the answer is no cookie-cutter response. It takes hard work, dedication, guts, confidence and a unique, untraditional lifestyle. I guess you could say I took the road Les traveled. But with all of these great questions come some excuses of why the individuals on the other end of the emails can’t make their dreams a reality, and they’re right. Pets make it harder to leave. Mortgages do too. For everyone reading, however, there are ways to travel part-time, or even full-time if you can manage it. Study abroad, teach English overseas, become a tour guide or find seasonal work as a nanny, ski instructor, or something of the like.

What exactly is my job?

I’m a luxury-adventure travel blogger. I’m paid to visit various destinations and share them with the masses. This is my dream job because I love experiencing new cultures, new cuisines, different views and viewpoints. I enjoy discovering the big things just as much as the small things, photographing them and then writing about them.

To me, this career path is very rewarding because I see it as a form of education, allowing readers the sense of wonder and awe and notion that they can, in fact, do the same thing and replicate my trips, as some have already done.

Traveling expands your thinking, contacts, memories, and livelihood. If people didn’t allow the grass to grow under their feet and got out more, the world just might be a better place. It’s a great way to avoid misunderstandings, war and suffering. It’s simply a matter of not having a preconceived idea of what something or someone is, but rather going to see what something or someone is.

Passion for a Passport

For the wanderlusts and adventure seekers out there, it’s absolutely possible to live out your dreams and dream jobs. I think if you want something bad enough, you’ll make it happen. My unique path of how I got where I am today doesn’t necessarily need to be someone else’s same path.

I don’t have a dog, a mortgage, kids or anything holding me back from going where I want to go. When I previously explained that I’m now a full-time travel blogger, I told the tale of how I grew up with a large adoration for travel. It’s always been a fundamental part of my being, and it will always remain a constant. I think that’s one of the most important factors: Passion. Throughout the long flights, the airport delays, the never-ending drives and the mind-boggling inefficiencies along the way, frustrations absolutely arise, but the passion always outweighs them. When I’m not on a plane, I crave being on a plane. When I’m going on night 7 in my own bed, I can’t sleep due to the thoughts that fill my mind of places I want to discover.

Travel Blogging Advice

For those of you asking how, simply start! Whether it’s a side project blog to begin with or a full fledged career path, the first step must be taken. My very first post for The Road Les Traveled talked about how hard it is to start something. So go on. Start it. Work hard. Learn from your mistakes. And evolve.

I created my own blog, which took a lot of work, research and patience. My background in communications with a B.A. in Journalism (and B.S. in Psychology) has definitely been an aiding factor. Luckily, I was able to broaden my skills while working as a marketing manger for a luxury hospitality company for a year in Buenos Aires, learning the ins and outs of how to maintain a website. This gave me the tools I needed to break out on my own. It was a risky move, but I had the confidence, tools and wits about me to follow through. Point blank period: Not everyone can have a career where they are paid to travel and write about their experiences, just like not everyone can be a financial analyst, doctor, teacher, etc. There is a give and take aspect here. I have far fewer physical assets than many friends back home, but such is life.

They have stuff, I have experiences.

Money & Partners

I’m very fortunate to partner with hotels, airlines, tourism boards and brands in order to fund my travels. Additionally, in some cases my relationships and agreements with these brands go beyond my actual stay. I have experience advising brands on social media marketing and online content strategy. I also serve as a freelance journalist on travel and adventure related subjects. I’m sure it looks glamorous on the outside, but I budget and save just like most people do. I have my priorities in check.

There exists a large difference between a vacation and long-term travel. Vacations are often times seen as a celebration, a time when you can throw the 6 letter word ‘budget’ to the wind and splurge on flights, hotels and meals. Perhaps you’ve ‘earned it’ and if so, more power to you! Long-term travel is more of a lifestyle. It requires budgeting, conservative spending habits and planning ahead. It’s a balance just like it would be in my home country, except I’m living overseas, and the 9-5 Monday-Friday doesn’t exist. It’s a full-time (weekends too!) job that takes strategic consideration and determination.

Family Matters

When I was growing up, I’ll never forget my dad always telling me how important it was to find something that I loved getting up for every day. I’ve watched him for the past 26 years have a drive unlike any other human being I’ve ever met. In 26 years of work, he hasn’t missed a single day. I wonder how many people can say that? In my case, growing up with a superman of a role model is right up their with passion. Like I said, everyone’s path is different.

To Summarize:

I have a long-term love affair with travel and discovery.

I expanded my marketing skills by taking a job overseas. Win-win.

I took the plunge, threw any judgement from others out the window, and started a blog.

I partner with brands, hotels, airlines and tourism boards that cut costs.

I live in Buenos Aires where the cost of living is incredibly low. It’s also a great hub from which to travel to different areas of the continent.

I budget just like most do.

I’ve learned important lessons from a loving, hard-working family.

Priorities, priorities, priorities.

Vacation Deprived? Try Exotic Ecuador

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The capital city of Quito is considered the gateway to the Galapagos, so it’s no surprise that this colonial city has seen some foot traffic. If you’re just passing through, however, shame on you. Nestled amid snowcapped Andean peaks with volcano vistas for days and greenery galore, this lively historic city is intoxicating to say the very least. I found it very clean, secure and with more history than the History Channel could broadcast, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is a finalist to be named as a new 7 Wonder City of the World.

| Highlights of Quito |

If you’re in town on a Sunday, explore the cobblestoned streets of the historic center as they’re closed to traffic from 8am to 2pm. I was blown away by how bike friendly the city was, with designated streets for only bikers. Oh how so many cyclists in the U.S. would kill for this emphasis in their cities. You know, Ecuador is known for their big expat population. Just sayin.

Basílica del Voto Nacional is Ecuador’s largest Gothic cathedral, adorned with gargoyles inspired by the country’s iguanas, pumas and Galapagos tortoises. Plaza de la Independencia, Quito’s main square, is close by with the city’s 16th Century Metropolitan Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, the Archbishop’s Place and City Hall. If you couldn’t already tell the Catholic religion is near and dear to the local’s hearts, it’s even more evident when walking another block to find the city’s most antique Catholic cathedral, San Francisco Church. Perhaps the most impressive place of worship to visitors is La Compañía Church where everything that glitters is gold, literally.

Once you’ve taken in as many cathedrals as you can stand, check out the pre-Colombian art at Museum Casa de Alabado or take a taxi up to the hill of El Panecillo. Here, you can pay a visit to the 148 ft. tall silver winged Virgin statue made of aluminum, modeled after Bernardo de Lagarda’s La Virgen de Quito sculpture from the San Francisco Church. You can see the entire city of Quito on a clear day.

Zazu Restaurant with it’s local, fresh ingredients isn’t to be missed, and the same can be said about Theatrum Restaurant and Wine Bar, a fine place for dinner with its Mediterranean cuisine and Latin twist. Plaza Foch is where the young and the restless gather for a fun night out, and keep in mind most bars close by 3am.

| Where To Stay |

The historic district is the place to be, although I’ve heard talk of the new side of town to be something to see as well. Here are my recommendations:

  • La Casona de la Ronda: Situated on the pedestrian street of La Ronda, you couldn’t ask for a better location. With 14 beautifully traditional rooms, the hotel’s the furniture is hand-carved with traditional handicraft pillows. The staff is warm and welcoming, walking guests to taxis, making dinner reservations when necessary, and offering any comforts of home when asked. I adored my stay here and would highly recommend it for guests in need of a low-key, trust worthy hotel.

  • Hotel Patio Andaluz: 32 elegant rooms with antique-style furniture located only feet from Plaza de la Independencia.
  • Hotel Plaza Grande:  Located directly in Plaza de la Independencia with 15 suites taking you back to Spanish colonial times.
  • Hotel Casa Gangotena: Restored historic mansion overlooking Plaza San Francisco with 31 rooms of painted tin ceilings, antique furniture and marble bathrooms. Go hungry as it’s a culinary treasure!

Note that Quito sits at 9,350 ft high and those susceptible to altitude sickness should stick to coca water – it does miracles for headaches. Also, cheap taxis are recommended for getting around, especially at night. Indulge in the chocolate, coffee and ice cream shops that are offered all over the city – delicious!

| Day Trips from Quito |

Mindo Cloud Forest: This tranquil rainforest is about 2 hours from Quito. With so much nature to see, this trip is for the avid bird-watcher at heart as it’s home to over 450 different species. Other activities include hiking, visiting orchid farms and butterfly farms, going on a chocolate making tour, drinking artisan beers, seeing the waterfall sanctuary or tubing the Mindo River.

Otavalo Market: This is where handicrafts come to thrive. About 2 hours from Quito exists the town of Otavalo and where Plaza de los Ponchos is a rainbow of textiles. The biggest day to find unique leathers, blankets, wall hangings, handbags, table runners, and bright alpaca-wool sweaters is undoubtedly Saturdays, although it’s buzzing every other day of the week as well.

Cotopaxi: About 45 minutes away from Quito, this is a hiker’s day-trip dream as this National Park is home to one of the world’s highest active volcanoes at 19,347 ft high, competing with only two other volcanoes for the title. I think it’s obvious you should be in good physical condition to hike this thing, and of course, beware of altitude and the many pains it brings.

Papallacta: Time to relieve your body of the soreness it received when hiking Cotopaxi or drinking too much in the Mindo forest. Less than 2 hours from Quito, Papallacta boasts the country’s most plush and picturesque hot springs with mineral-rich baths that are believed to possess healing powers that the locals swear by.

Baños: Saving the best for last, my favorite day trip from Quito involved venturing two and a half hours via car to a place whose name translates to “baths,” as the city is home to various hot springs. First, I’d recommend allowing your inner 7-year-old to come out and Swing at the End of the World, also known as La Casa del Arbol in Spanish. Being an adventurers’ playground, there are many outdoor activities in Baños such as hiking to waterfalls (namely Pailon de diablo), zipping down ziplines, bungee jumping, white water rafting, paragliding and biking. With so much awesomeness, this destination deserves some more time, but if you’re pressed for it, anything is possible.

Travel Ecuador with LAN Airlines

Travel within Ecuador and get 15% off all flights! Purchase tickets before December 31st, 2014. Gotta love this Destination of the Month.

Beginner’s Guide: Getting to the Galapagos

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| When to go |

Much like the sunshine state of California dreaming, the Galapagos Islands are in-season year round. Ahh, to be in eternal summer! High season for tourism tends to be from mid-December to January and from June to August. Rainy season is from December through May when the seas are calm with temperatures in the 80s, whereas dry season is June through November with rougher seas, but there’s a trade-off: The Humboldt Current brings chilly water and cooler temperatures (in the 70s) attracting legendary marine life like schools of hammerhead sharks. I visited the islands during the first week of November and swam with 7 hammerheads. NBD.

For a month-by-month run down of specifics, click here.

| How To Get There |

The Galapagos Islands are 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, so you’ll first need to arrive in the mainland as flights leave from the capital city of Quito as well as Guayaquil to then make their way to the Galapagos Islands. It’s a good idea to spend a night or two exploring either city before catching a flight to the islands in case of delays or cancellations. If you’re bags don’t make it to mainland Ecuador with you, you’ll obviously need more time. Our bags went missing upon landing in Quito (panic!) but were luckily found a few hours before boarding for the islands.

LAN Airlines has daily flights to and from the islands of Baltra and San Cristobal. Quasar Expeditions will depart out of these two hubs for each voyage, making travel easy. Note that flying times from Quito will be around 3 hours and 1 hour and a half from Guayaquil. Flights will make a pit-stop in Guayaquil to pick up those passengers before heading to the islands.

| Where to Stay |

I recently set sail in search of the islands with Quasar Expeditions, the second longest running Galapagos travel company in the business. With over 28 years of experience, it’s an understatement to say these people are experts in the field. A seven-night stay aboard the classic M/Y Grace yacht offers the ultimate luxury adventure with two Master Suites, two Twin Suites and five Premium Staterooms. Live like royalty on this 18-passenger iconic yacht for a week – the same yacht where Princess Grace Kelly honeymooned.

Quasar’s love for the nature of the Galapagos’ ecosystem inspired them to offer Galapagos eco-tourism almost three decades ago to share and preserve the beauty of this part of the world. They are a permanent supporter of the Charles Darwin Foundation, working to preserve the Galapagos ecosystem and its endangered species through research and scientific knowledge, while supporting a waste-management effort to protect the Islands.

| What to Do |

Live it up while diving, snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, wildlife watching, and photographing your heart out. Put on the wet suit and jump in. Fill up memory card after memory card and lay out on the top tier of the boat. Relax in the hot tub and let the warm sun put you to sleep. Dive with hammerheads and snorkel with sea turtles. Hike to the many volcanoes and come back to watch sea lions at play. Am I selling it yet? See my detailed itinerary + faces of the Galapagos here.

| What to Pack |

  • Light weight/dry fit clothing
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Underwater camera
  • Bathing Suits
  • Sun hats
  • Water shoes
  • Mask and fins if you own them (otherwise, many tours provide them)
  • Motion sickness medication
  • Light jackets for cooler months
  • Rain jacket
  • Tennis shoes or hiking shoes, depending on how hard core you are
  • Backpack for island excursions
  • Bug spray
  • Books – No internet or TV makes for good reading time!

| Other Helpful Tips |

  • A maximum of 20 kg (44 pounds) of luggage is allowed on flights to the Galapagos (excluding your handbag and carry on) or pay $2 per extra kg
  • A Galapagos Entrance fee of $100 in cash and $10 Control Cards are to be paid at the airport or ahead of time with your tour
  • No need for money exchange here as Ecuador’s currency is the US dollar-how convenient
  • Bring small bills for shopping & tipping as many places do not have change
  • Galapagos Islands are on Central Standard Time
  • Average Water Temperatures:
    January – June: 70°F – 80°F (20°C – 26°C)
    July – December: 65°F – 75°F (18°C- 23°C)
  • ATMs and Wi-Fi can be found on San Cristobal and Santa Cruz Islands
  • Electricity is 110V with 2 flat pronged sockets

Galapagos Islands: Itinerary of a Lifetime

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DAY 1: Whaler’s Bay

Once our group flew into Baltra Island, we took the dinghy and made a short crossing to the M/Y Grace. All luggage was kindly handled at the airport by the amazing crew who transferred bags directly to our cabins. As I mentioned previously, this 18-passenger iconic yacht was once the honeymoon location for Princess Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier. Ahhh, swoon.

In the afternoon, we were again transferred via dinghy for our first adventure with SEA LIONS! I’m not usually one for favorites, but these creatures are just too playful not to make it to the top of the list. This introduction basically made everyone salivate at what was to come.

DAY 2: Santa Fe & South Plaza Islands

Our 7am wake up call came early, but I’d get up at the crack of dawn any day for what we witnessed. This was were I saw my first blue footed booby – a Galapagos goal of everyone’s I do believe! The snorkeling here was one of my favorites throughout the entire trip because sea lions were out and ready to play.

South Plaza was where I officially became a bird watcher. I didn’t expect to ever see the day, and I must admit…I’ve always been slightly confused by this “activity.” Who wants to sit around waiting to see birds fly? Well, this is me raising my hand now. I’m especially proud of this beaut I captured in-flight. No big deal.

DAY 3: Tower (Genovesa) Island

Stepping foot on this island, I felt like I was transported to another universe. At first glance it’s barren, colorless and dead. Once you delve deeper, you see it’s a bird paradise. Also known as Bird Island, I was snapping pictures like it was my job (because it is) and loving my new found bird watching hobby. The red footbed boobies were my favorite with their colorful beaks and bright red feet. The frigate birds, however, stole the show by nothing short of attacking us upon leaving. Later, our Naturalist mentioned that the birds were going for neon sunglass croakies, thinking it was food. Noted.

Darwin Bay presented more boobies, sea lions and Sally lightfoot crabs all living harmoniously in and around a beautiful lagoon.

DAY 4: Fernandina Island

The youngest and westernmost island brought us the largest colony of marine iguanas in the world. I know this to be true as they covered a vast majority of the island. It was hard to tell reptile from rock as the coastline came alive with these sea lizards found nowhere else on earth. Wildlife in the Galapagos are a different breed. They are incredibly apathetic towards people and simply are not moved by human presence. It was unreal.

The afternoon brought colorful land iguanas and one of the most amazing sights I’ve ever seen – a giant tortoise in the wild. I could leave the enchanted islands happy…

DAY 5: Isabela Island

On the largest island in the Galapagos lives a perfectly round saltwater crater. Snorkeling near its walls led us to greener pastures as a carpet of algae covered the ocean floor, attracting sea turtles, sea iguanas and penguins!

DAY 6: Santiago (James) Island

Even though this excursion was a glorified beach walk, it was one of the highlights. There exist some misinterpretations about the Galapagos, one being a lot of time is spent on tropical beaches. I hate to be the first to break it to you, but beach time is scarce, as many landings are rocky and jagged, involving sturdy footwear. This excursion presented some sandy shores and required zero footwear, which I appreciated. I’m an Arkansan through and through.

The interaction with the different wildlife was incredibly fun. The top land predator and I got into a staring contest. The Galapagos hawk won. A crane and I hung out near the water. Ghost crabs are known the be some of the fastest animals in the world, but we caught up with them before they could disappear in their burrow beneath the sand.

In the afternoon we were presented with black beaches and crystal-clear grottos formed by old lava. This was a memorable experience because the harmonious environment between the animals was especially evident here. As the sea lions were playing in the grotto, marine iguanas were a mere feet away enjoying the spectacle with sally lightfoot crabs. Be careful where you walk as these animals think of you as one of them, a friend in the making.

DAY 7: Santa Cruz Island

As the majority of the group visited the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Giant Tortoise Reserve, Wade and I opted for scuba diving. Some say the islands are home to the best dive sites on earth, so I wasn’t about to let the opportunity pass me by.

DAY 8: Arrival to San Cristobal Island/Departure for mainland Ecuador

Note that all Quasar Expeditions are from Saturday to Saturday, allowing visits to the most important and remote islands. In an effort to minimize the environmental impact on the Islands, the Galapagos National Park authorities have decided that vessels cannot revisit the same site within 14 days. As a result, Quasar yachts now repeat the same itinerary every two weeks (instead of every week) and the company operates two different 8 day / 7 night voyages with two different yachts, the M/Y Grace and M/V Evolution.

FREE WORLD UNITED

In an effort to help sustain this delicate ecosystem, Quasar has partnered with Free World United, a progressive graphic t-shirt brand that donates a percentage of every sale to worthy causes, to raise funds for the Galapagos Conservancy. For every cause-specific t-shirt you buy, Free World United will donate $10 to the Galapagos Conservancy, in an effort to raise $3,000.

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