The Galapagos Islands were formed by several massive underwater equatorial volcanoes that emerged from the sea and connected together to form a chain of islands. This chain is made up of six minor islands and sixteen major islands. In total, the Galapagos contain about 4,897 square miles of dry land, 30,000 regular residents and a collection of animals that can be found no where else on Earth. The largest of the islands is Isabela Island. Here you will find pelicans, Galapagos Penguins, Marine Iguanas, Galapagos Turtles, Darwin Finches, Galapagos Hawks, Sally Lightfoot Crabs and Galapagos Doves. If you are looking for a unique and adventurous honeymoon destination consider the Galapagos.
Touching Down in Quito, Ecuador
Before you can get to the Galapagos, you will first need to set down in a connection port. Quito is the primary entry port for the Galapagos, as it has the largest international airport in the region. Generally you will need to make arrangements to stay over night in Quito on your first day in Ecuador and for the final night of your adventure. Because of this, it is a good idea to pick up at least a few key Spanish phrases to help get you from the airport to your hotel.
Hotels in Quito, Ecuador
Many guidebooks recommend Café Cultura because it is conveniently located, it is inexpensive and because it has a friendly staff. However, I have also read several negative reviews about this hotel. Apparently not all of the rooms in this hotel are well maintained and there are some issues about water pressure in the afternoon. If you are looking for a cheap room this is a practical option, however, since you are on your honeymoon, you may want to spring for a three or four star hotel in Quito like the Rio Amazonas Hotel or the Hilton Colon Quito.
Cruising to the Galapagos
In order to get to the Galapagos you will need to take an early morning connecting flight from Quito to one of the Galapagos Islands that has an airstrip. To make island hopping easier to do, consider booking one of Celebrity Cruises Celebrity Xpedition cruises. These cruises last for seven nights and take you to all the hot spots in the Galapagos Islands. These cruises depart from Isla Baltra and Isla North Seymour.
Day cruises and private charters are also available. You can select from SCUBA tours, sailing expeditions, charter tours and hotel tours.
What to Bring
Because you will be spending part of your honeymoon in the city of Quito and part of your vacation cruising and exploring the Galapagos, it is recommended that you pack two different bags. One bag will contain your city clothes and supplies, and one bag will contain your exploration clothes and supplies. Many hotels that you stay at will store your luggage for you if you plan on returning to the hotel before returning to the U.S. However, you will need to ask your hotel about this before you arrive to make sure this service exists at your hotel.
While you will want to make sure you pack for a variety of weather conditions and activities, you don’t want to over-pack. International travel is a lot different from domestic travel and you will be subject to a lot more inspections and restrictions about luggage and carry-ons. The items you will want to bring on your honeymoon include: sun protection (glasses and lotion), passport, photo identification, credit cards, US cash, money belt, traveler’s checks, snorkel mask, fins, underwater camera, regular camera, two pairs of walking shoes, warm weather clothes, sweatshirt or pullover.
