Today we flew from Quito to the islands and at lunchtime embarked upon the MS Santa Cruz II and moved to a remote part of Santa Cruz Island for our introduction to the area. The Galapagos Islands were formed by volcanic activity around 10 – 3 million years ago. In geological terms they are very […]

Quito’s Equatorial position meant that sunrise was at 5:56 a.m. and a sunset expected at 6:05 p.m. and varies very little over the year. The apparent movement of the sun between the two Tropics mean that shadows are short. The view from the hotel room and the tour bus journey showed the geographical and morphological

The following morning we embarked upon a 5,948 mile journey to Quito. The Great Circle Route to South America crosses the Atlantic so far from land that this is only spotted when reaching the Caribbean. We landed at the World’s highest capital city at 9,350 feet in thick cloud and heavy rain before transferring to

The journey to the Galapagos Islands started with a short hop to Amsterdam, an overnight stay at the airport. We were disappointed that the original main entrance that showed how the airport is below sea level has been replaced with a simple IATA airport code.

The long journey home started with a flight from Arequipa to Lima. Then onwards to Amsterdam where plans were thwarted by a technical fault on the 737 to Manchester which led to us transferring to another plane that had just landed. We arrived in Manchester about 2 hours late after around 16 hours in the

We had a relaxing day, wandered around the local area and ended it in an Indian Restaurant. A hole in the wall essentially, with glorious food cooked by a chef who was originally on a cruise ship. Fantastic!

Our tour started at Carmen Alton, a viewpoint in a former colonial suburb, Yanahuara. The terrace commanded views over the whole city, always with El Misti as a backdrop. At another viewpoint we saw the pre-Inca terraces and irrigation schemes that are still in use. The production of market garden produce was in full swing

Today’s road transfer was to Arequipa. With an 07:10 start and a short drive up the upper reaches of the Colca Canyon we penetrated the depths of this magnificent landscape at first light. It is the equivalent of two Grand Canyons inside one another, similar to a valley-in-valley formation. At the Cruz del Condor observation

Today was a rest day. Although not suffering from altitude sickness it is still taxing operating at these altitudes so slow and steady is the way. Early this morning we walked to the hot springs which are evidence of volcanic activity beneath the ground. It rises at around 80 degrees and each pool was slightly

Today we travelled to the Colca Canyon. An early departure was essential because of extensive road repairs and closures along the route. However, our driver had a cunning plan which was to head out onto the Altiplano on unmade roads, barely wide enough for two vehicles and large dust trails left in the air. The