I recently had the honour of being selected by G Adventures for a Familiarization (FAM) trip to the Galápagos Islands. Along with 13 other travel advisors from across Canada, I gathered in Quito, Ecuador, for what turned out to be one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life.
A Day in Quito
My flight from Toronto to Quito was smooth, and with one full free day before the group departed, I knew I had to make the most of it. I opted for a private tour that combined two bucket-list experiences: hiking the Cotopaxi Volcano and visiting the Middle of the World.
Hiking Cotopaxi
At 5,897 meters (19,347 feet), Cotopaxi is Ecuador’s second-highest volcano and one of the tallest active volcanoes in the world. Hiking it was no small feat, the altitude hit hard, and the weather made it even harder. The wind gusts were 40 km/h, and there was rain, and even snow. Luckily, I had packed my hat and gloves.
Despite the challenge, it was worth every step. The 30-minute drive from the National Park gate to our trailhead was stunning, with views of wild horses and birds roaming freely against a backdrop of rugged highland scenery.
Fun Facts About Cotopaxi
- The perfect cone shape makes it one of the most beautiful volcanoes in the world
- Glaciers begin around 5,000 meters, even though it sits at the equator
- Its name means “Neck of the Moon”
- It’s both a popular climb for mountaineers and one of the most closely monitored volcanoes in South America
Standing at the Middle of the World
After Cotopaxi, I headed to La Mitad del Mundo, where the equator cuts directly through Ecuador. Standing with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and one in the Southern was a surreal moment.
The monument and museum showcased Ecuador’s culture and history, while the nearby Intiñan Museum offered interactive “equator experiments.” I watched water swirl in opposite directions just feet apart, balanced an egg on a nail, and even tested my balance on the line itself, it’s harder than it looks! With artisan shops, cafés, and local treats, it was the perfect mix of fun, science, and culture. A definite must if you’re in Quito.
Touchdown in the Galápagos
The next morning, our group flew to Baltra Island, the gateway to the Galápagos. Luggage checks were strict, reminders of how seriously the islands protect their delicate ecosystems. We were greeted by our G Adventures CEO, Sandra, who would be with us the entire week.
A short bus ride, a five-minute water taxi across the Itabaca Channel, and a drive through lush scenery brought us to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, where we checked into our private hotel.
Charles Darwin Research Station
Our first stop was the iconic Charles Darwin Research Station, the heart of Galápagos conservation since 1964. Here, we met giant tortoises, learned about the famous Lonesome George, and saw firsthand the important work being done to preserve these islands’ unique biodiversity.
Galápagos Fun Facts
- Giant tortoises can live more than 100 years, one reached 175!
- The Galápagos penguin is the only penguin species north of the equator
- Marine iguanas are the only iguanas that swim in the ocean
- With no native predators, the animals are remarkably unafraid of humans
- Charles Darwin’s 1835 visit shaped his groundbreaking theory of evolution
Island-Hopping Adventures
Floreana Island (Days 3–5)
From Santa Cruz, we travelled by speedboat to Floreana Island, one of the most peaceful places I’ve ever been. Home to only about 200 residents, it offers an authentic look at island life. We stayed in community-run guesthouses and enjoyed meals prepared by local families as part of G Adventures’ Planeterra initiative.
I was lucky to have a beachfront bungalow with a tiki bar next door and breathtaking sunsets over the black-sand beach. We snorkelled at La Lobería, hiked into the Floreana Highlands (where we met a descendant of one of the island’s first families), and joined the quirky post office barrel tradition, leaving and picking up postcards left by fellow travellers. I even grabbed one bound for Belleville, which I’ll hand-deliver soon!
Isabela Island (Days 5–6)
Next up was Isabela Island, reached by a two-hour speedboat ride. After a beachfront lunch, we hiked up Sierra Negra Volcano, with its massive crater and otherworldly views. We even spotted pink flamingos on our way back to town. The day ended with beachside drinks and dancing at the Pink Iguana Bar.
But the real highlight came the next day: snorkelling at Los Túneles, where lava tunnels and mangroves create a marine paradise. We swam with sea turtles, white-tip reef sharks, rays, seahorses, penguins, and blue-footed boobies, all in one spot. Later, another snorkel at Concha de Perla capped off what I can only call the best snorkelling of my life.
Santa Cruz & Farewell (Days 7–8)
We returned to Santa Cruz for beach time at Tortuga Bay, shopping, and a relaxed lunch. That evening, our farewell dinner was a true celebration: lobster, birthday cake, live music, and dancing. The next morning, we flew back to Quito and ended our journey with dinner at a women-run restaurant that supports local employment, a meaningful close to an extraordinary week.
Final Thoughts
The Galápagos is unlike anywhere else on earth. Imagine sea lions napping beside your towel, iguanas sunbathing at your feet, and penguins darting past you in the water. The combination of fearless wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and warm, welcoming people left a lasting mark on me.
I loved it so much that I’m already planning to return with my husband, Francis, this time to experience a liveaboard cruise.
A huge thank you to G Adventures and my fellow travel advisors for making this experience so memorable. If the Galápagos is on your bucket list, don’t wait, it’s closer than you think, and the memories will stay with you forever.
