Galapagos Islands what to do. Paradise on Earth

Travel Ecuador, Part 4

(check the part 1 here)

(check the part 2 here)

(check the part 3 here)

Day 1

Hola, Everyone!

Well, I've been dreaming for this moment for many, many years! And, finally, I'm here!...

But, let's start from the beginning.

I woke up very early that morning, the flight from Quito to Isla Baltra (Galapagos) was at 7.45am. Despite on the early wake up, I wasn't sleepy, went to bed pretty early the day before, when I came from Banos.

For breakfast I had only coffee and some croissant, and that was at the airport already. Yummy coffee, bwt...

The extra fees which has to be paid to get the Islands, for Transit Control Card, 20 USD, I paid online, so I didn't need to say in the to pay that in the airport. The rest, 200 USD, I had to pay upon arriving to the Islands. Yup, Galapagos are not cheep, but definitely worth every penny.

... And, we landed... From 2850m in Quito to the sea level... And I could feel the difference in the air right away! Soo easy to breath! And the air is soo fresh!... The air of the Ocean! Wow, I'm here!... My mind still couldn't believe that my feet was walking on the Galapagos Island!...

Aaaa, I wanted to cry from happiness, the ocean of emotions filled me up...

Well, Baltra Island, here I am

But, before to get out from airport, I needed to pass the custom... And, here I could have some problems... It is prohibited to bring to Galapagos any wood, food, seeds... I had Palo Santo wooden sticks, which I bought in Quito, and coffee..., and honey... yummy local honey and yummy local coffee... And, I just forgot to mention about it in declaration... Well, sometimes I have a really bad memory...

I passed through custom and was heading to pick up my backpack. But, it was already picked up by the officer, which was waiting for me in a special place for the inspection. Truly, I had a feeling, that's gonna happen, because the palo santo and the coffee was smelling so strong, that the officer could smell them even without a dog, which found the tree sticks. I guess, I wasn't the first, who brought Palo Santo here, because the officer, the really nice man, said it's okay, I'm not the first, took the sticks, which I already got from the backpack, and gave me some declaration... Thankfully, no any fine... Coffee and honey was okay, I could keep them... yummy yummy coffee and honey...

I took my backpack and went out from the airport.

Galapagos, Hola!!! I've been waiting for this moment more the half of my life!

And, Let the Joinery Begin!!!

There is a free shuttle bus to the ferry, it's about 5 minutes ride. While riding the bus I could feel the smell of Palo Santo outside. I saw many trees without leaves in the window, while riding the bus, but didn't know what kind of trees that were. Lately my guide told me that was Palo Santo trees.

Okay, just in case, you don't know what Pal Santo is - people use it for rituals, for cleaning the space from negative energy. It has very strong and pleasant smell, and I use it to, at home, or at nature, when I do some spiritual practices. And for me it was very exciting to meet the tree in natural habitation.

Okay, we arrived to the ferry. And, O, what a surprise! The locals were greeting us right from the bus!

Locals! Iguana! Big one! She was walking slowly, posing for the tourists... and right there there was a seal! Sleeping at the deck... also posing... and crabs... not sleeping but eating something from the stones at the sea level... and also posing.

Well, I missed the boat...

Fortunately for me they ride pretty often. And it cost only 1 USD, and it take about couple of minutes to get the other Island, where all tourist were hung out.

And that was Santa Cruz Island.

My destination here was the city Puerto Ayora. I took one more bus, this time it wasn't shuttle. The bus brought me to the city's bus station..., and then, or you can walk to the city center, or to take a taxi. I took a taxi...)

Okay, came to the hotel and..., had to wait about 40min until someone came to the reception. I contacted to my agent, he contacted to the hotel staff and... well, fortunately for me it was the only one unpleasant situation in this trip ))

Well, finally, I checked in... and not wasting any time went to explore the area!

My first stop was Tortuga Bay..., but, unfortunately for me, I had only 40min before closing, the tide were coming... And it was about 3km walk to the bay from the enter... Not much time I had..., but it didn't stop me at least from trying to reach the bay. Nope, after 5 min walking I realized there are too much stops I'm gonna make on the way - so many interesting were on the way! - from huge cactuses to cute little birds and lizards... So, I decided to come back here the next day..., early in the morning... And, it was a very good idea ))

Okay, I turned around and went to explore the city. I was hungry, haven't eaten since morning... coffee and croissant... But, No time to eat! It is time to explore!

The city was cool, clean and was made for the tourists. Ocean from one side of the road, little stores and restaurants on the other side...

And... all of a sudden, I met them! Locals! Two seals, baby and mom were chilling right on a podium on a sidewalk. What a picture!... I forgot about the hunger completely... Seals, right here! Wow!

The baby was feeding, mom was sleeping...

I took couple of videos and pictures and put my cameras away... I spend some time just looking at these animals..., calmness, happiness and joy filled me up. And that was only the beginning...

Well, let's walk farther... Huge cactuses, statues of Charles Darwin were everywhere... And, I was walking on Charles Darwin Ave ))

I notice one more park. Fortunately for me, this time I had time to visit it ))

I passed by Charles Darwin Research Station, kind of museum..., anyway it was closed already, and moved right away to the beach..., to the Ocean!...

And, Locals! Again! But this time it was iguanas..., big iguanas, and there were many of them! Watch your feet! I like to walk barefoot, so in Toronto area, couple of times I almost stepped on a snake... this time I had to watch iguanas... Sleeping iguanas... They were everywhere!

Finally, carefully passing those cute ugly creatures, I got the beach. And... you will not believe... Locals again!... This time - crabs!... already red... And, again, lots of them! Small, big... Some of them were feeding, some running, some just slowly walking... small ones running, big ones - slowly walking... Nature, Mother Nature...

I took couple of pictures and videos..., hid my cameras..., and sit on the sand... The Sun was almost down already..., the place was almost empty... it was soo calm there... The sound of waves..., the tide was closer and closer... I was deeply connected to the place, to the nature, animals, which were around me... I was listening the water, breathing deeply the fresh Ocean's air, playing with the sand by my feet... I was completely present and, at the same time, far far away...

For these couple of hours I've seen soo much already!!!... I was Grateful, I was Blessed to be here, to see, to feel...

Thank You, God, for this wonderful gift, for this dream, for my life, family, friends, these days and moments!!!

I wanted to stay, didn't wanna go... but, the tide was coming and it was dark already... Eh, right now I wish I'd stay longer at that moment!..., the moment which I will remember forever!

I went back to Charles Darwin Ave... The seal was still there, but I'm not sure, was it the same, or a new one decided to sleep on a podium ))

The Full Moon was rising over the Ocean... I guess, that's why I didn't stay longer at that beach... the Moon was calling... And I was beautiful, big and red... Strawberry Full Moon...

And I stuck again... The Moon was beckoning and fascinating me with its beauty, light and mystery... It was soo far away, but at the same time, it beauty was right here... and I could feel it inside my soul...

Fishermen returned from the sea..., they had a really good catch today...

I've started to think about food... Actually, I was very hungry. Started to look for a place where to eat... What can I say... This area has a very big choice... And everything smells soo yummy!... especially, when you are hungry.

I choose the place, which my guide recommended me, close to my motel. And of course I ordered sea food)) Ceviche, fried fish and coconut juice. Ceviche was very yummy, the firs time I tried one when I was in Peru (check the story here).

Fried fish was so so, but the juice... Yummy Yummy! Haven't tried anything before and after, I could really feel the taste of coconut, not sugar. And, all this meal cost me around 40 USD... Not cheep, I can say...

Anyway, I finished my meal and was ready to continue this evening.

By the motel I met a guy, don't remember, from what out conversation has started, but, he told me that me saw a little sharks at the docks. Of course I couldn't miss this opportunity to see and sharks today too )) I asked the direction, it was pretty close, and started my walk towards the Ocean.

My stomach was full, yup it was too much food for me, and I didn't plan to eat anything else tonight..., but... on a horizon, I notice the sign... Ice Cream! Yum! And, of course, I just couldn't miss it! And, I definitely made a right decision! The Ice Cream was so yummy, so delicious! Haven't tried anything like that here, in Canada. Wow!... Ecuador, I'm in love with your ice cream!

Finally I've reached the docks. And, Sharks! Little ones, around 1 meter in length, but there were so many of them! And, seals on a dock, sleeping ))

This time I stayed for a long time there. No where to rush... Just enjoying the moments... Looking at the water, sharks, seals... I was completely there, all other thoughts were far, far away... I wanted to preserve that moments in my memory, in my heart, in my soul... And, even now, after already many month passed by after that day, it is still feels, like it was yesterday...

And that's the Miracle of being present in the moment...

Yummy Ice Cream ))

DAY 2

Hola! And Boinos Dias! (which means Hi and Good morning in Spanish ))

Well, lets the new day begins!

And, again, I woke up early, no time to sleep, adventures were waiting!

Skipping the breakfast, I moved towards Tortuga Bay right away. As I expected, it took a while for me to get to the bay... lots of interesting were on the way. Flora and fauna was soo beautiful and unusual for me that I had to stop pretty often just to look and enjoy the view )) I didn't rush, I was taking my time, fully immersive myself into the Nature... Different kinds of birds were greeting me by they beautiful morning songs..., Little lizards were looking at me with curiosity..., and I was looking at them in the same way...

Finally, I got the bay... Wow... just wow...! Long, long beach with white sand..., almost empty..., only couple of foot prints from very early visitors... The tide was big, it moved away, and cleared all traces from yesterday... the sand was clear and smooth...

At the enter to the bay the was a sign - Do Not Swim, Strong Current... Well, that's unfortunate...

I went to the water, my footprints were the first )) There is something cool to see only my footprints on a smooth sand, or snow... it feels like something pure in it and untouched.., maybe, wild a bit...

The water was warm, I wanted to jump in!... but... the tide really was strong. I could feel, like the ocean pulling me towards itself..., literary... But, it would be a shame if I wouldn't swim here... Well, fortunately for me... Remember the guy, from the last evening, who told me about the sharks... he also told me about a little lagoon at the end of the bay, where I could swim safely. And I mowed towards... somewhere)) The bay has two ends... this time I chose the right one))

On the way to the lagoon I met one more local... A seal was sleeping on the beach. He was alone..., introvert probably..., or a Lone Wolf, like me, far from everyone, in a quiet and calm place, sleeping on the beach... I came a bit closer, but not to close, the guy definitely needed a space... He open his eyes..., aaa, another human..., and continued his sleep...

I continued my walk...

And got the lagoon! Many iguanas were chilling nearby, having some suntan...

The lagoon was small..., and the was a path farther... I decided to check what is going on there first and after come back to the lagoon. It was very good idea. I walked a bit to the other side of the beach, and... Wow... I found Paradise! Almost literary!... (nope, I didn't die). Wow again! Completely empty beach with a smooth, clean, white sand... and very very calm water... Paradise! I put my swimming shirts and jumped to the water! Soo fresh! Just a little bit chilly, just a little bit... and clear! So, this is how Havens looks like! I was free, swimming, playing, enjoying every moment! I was a kid, adult... my dream came true! The dream of the kid came true!...

It definitely was a gift from God, Thank You, Thank You!

I want out of the water, fully recharged... and Grateful...

Thanking this place, this day and God, I moved back to the lagoon.

... Didn't walk long..., another locals met me )) This time it was some birds. Mama and the children. That was interesting to watch them, how kids were playing and how mom was reacting ))

Okay, the lagoon... I made couple of steps and notice a little crab, the size of my finger nail. So cute, I haven't seen so small crab before ))

Okay, lagoon... Finally I got here. Iguanas started to wake up, and one moved towards the water, slowly..., went in and also slowly started to swim...

And it was my turn to swim here. I went in. The water was crystal clear and soo many fish I could see! They were swimming around me, it was fun ))

This time there were people around me, not many. Anyway, I had lots of fun..., and it was time to go back.

Good for me I came here very early. While I was going back, more and more people were coming to the bay. But, this adventure was already over for me..., another were waiting! I got to the motel, took a shower, took my backpack and started to move towards the docks. Soon I had to board to the boat, where I'll spend 3 nights, traveling between the islands.

I have a sea sick, so I took a pill... It was a very bad idea... The pill was very bitter, my tongue became numb. And on the way to the deck was the Ice cream... Yummy ice cream... And of course I couldn't pass it! And this time I was hungry, haven't eaten anything since last night ice cream... But the pill... Aaaa, Tragedy!!! I couldn't feel the taste at all! Zero! Catastrophe! Can you imagine, to eat yummy ice cream and don't feel the taste at all!...

Anyway, it is how it is...

I got to the docks...

Little boat picked me and couple more tourist up. It brought us to a bigger boat.

And, lunch, rich away )) I like it, considering I was very hungry ))

We had some fish and something else. The lunch was very yummy!

Eh, life is good, I was thinking, lying on a chair outside after the lunch.

Other tourists came.

Okay, here I'll skip some part of the day, and move right to the Giant Galapagos Tortoises.

We arrived to El Chato Ranch already afternoon. From Puerto Ayora to the ranch is around 22km, or 35-45min ride by bus or by taxi, and this ranch is the Giant Tortoises Reserve.

And the tortoises really were giant, exactly like I saw them on TV, on Discovery Channel... And they were everywhere there! Walking very slowly, eating grass. Someone was sleeping, someone taking mud bath. And they were free! No one was hunting them this time, no one was keeping them in a cage. Finally... They just were enjoying they life...

I could walk around them, but, still had to keep some distance. My feelings from seeing these giants in they natural habitat..., Wow... calmness... Some of them were more 100 years old... These old giants and me... no words to describe, you just need to be there, to see them by yourself and to feel...

We were walking among these calm animals, following the guide and the path. And the path brought me to a cave. The cave was made by lava, millions years ago..., and the history of it creation was seen in the layers inside the cave. Volcano cave... cool ))

Also at the ranch has a little museum, where you can find empty shells from the tortoises. And you have opportunity to try those shells on... And, of course, I used that opportunity )) It was fun, to be inside the tortoises house ))

Fully satisfied and full of positive emotions, I went back to the city. And, just couldn't pass the ice cream again )) But, this time I didn't had the pill )) I took a double size of the ice cream and just was enjoying it!... Eating very slowly, watching the golden sunset and the Ocean...

The boat came to pick us up...

And the New Day was waiting!...

Hidden beach

Mama Bird

Baby Bird

Tortuga Bay

Cactus

Giant Tortoises of Galapagos

Thanks Everyone for reading)) I still have couple very interesting days in Galapagos, so, if you'd like to read the continue, let me know, leave the comments, I really appreciate it ))

But, so far I'll just leave the links to my videos from the trip:

Day 3

Day 4

Well, okay, it is time for The Jungle!