My Life-Changing Journey Through Ecuador and the Galápagos
By DeeAnn Gray, Travel & Cruise ConsultantUpdated October 2026 · 6 min read
Quick takeaways
- DeeAnn and her daughter travelled from Quito to San Cristóbal and Santa Cruz in the Galápagos, then into the Amazon rainforest.
- Snorkelling at Kicker Rock meant swimming with sea lions, turtles and whitetip, blacktip and hammerhead sharks.
- On Santa Cruz: giant tortoises in the wild, lava tunnels and a cocoa farm tour.
- In the Amazon: an eco-lodge, night hikes, Monkey Village and a ceremony and lunch with locals.
Some journeys change you, and my adventure through Ecuador was exactly that. From the vibrant streets of Quito to the untamed Amazon, the Galápagos Islands were a reminder of how deeply moving, healing, and inspiring travel can be. I am so incredibly lucky to have shared this experience with my wonderful daughter!
Quito: where the journey begins
Our story starts in Quito, Ecuador’s capital nestled high in the Andes. With its colonial charm, lively markets, and mountain views that stretch for miles, Quito was the perfect place to ground ourselves before diving into the wilds of Ecuador.
We explored the historic center, took in panoramic views from El Panecillo, and felt the city’s heartbeat—an energetic mix of tradition, creativity, and culture.
The Galápagos Islands: a living Eden
Then we flew into the Galápagos—first stop, San Cristóbal Island. From the moment we arrived, it felt like stepping into another world. Sea lions lounged casually on beaches and benches. Marine iguanas, crabs, and sea turtles were everywhere, living freely and fearlessly.
Snorkeling the clear, turquoise waters around Kicker Rock was one of the most powerful experiences of my life. We swam with playful sea lions that came right up to us, and shared the water with graceful turtles and vibrant schools of fish, and even multiple species of sharks! Whitetips, blacktips and HAMMERHEADS!
The connection with wildlife in the Galápagos is truly unlike anywhere else.
And let’s talk about the vibe of San Cristóbal town—it was incredible. Laid-back, full of charm, and brimming with warmth. Evenings were spent strolling along the malecón, enjoying fresh food of all genres, refreshing beverages, and just soaking in the magic and the sunsets.
Santa Cruz: more magic, more wildlife
From San Cristóbal, we headed over to Santa Cruz Island, where the adventure continued. We snorkeled with even more marine life—yes, even more sharks!—and explored the vibrant underwater world that makes these islands so iconic.
One of the highlights was visiting a cocoa farm, where we learned about the chocolate-making process and, of course, tasted some of the best chocolate ever. Did you know Ecuador is famous for its fine cocoa beans, loved by some of the best chocolate makers in the world?
We also had the unforgettable opportunity to walk among giant tortoises in their natural habitat—majestic, ancient, and awe-inspiring.
We ventured into lava tunnels, carved by ancient volcanic activity, and marveled at the geological wonder of these islands. The raw, untouched beauty of nature here is truly something to behold.
Advisor tipBring a reef-safe sunscreen and your own snorkel mask if you have one. You’ll be in the water a lot in the Galápagos!
Back to Quito and into the Amazon
After soaking up the sun and sea, we returned to Quito before heading into the heart of the Amazon rainforest—a complete shift in scenery, energy, and depth.
We stayed in a beautiful eco-lodge surrounded by the sounds of the jungle. Night hikes brought the forest to life, with glowing eyes, strange calls, and the rustle of creatures in the dark.
We visited Monkey Village, where curious little faces watched us from the trees, and shared a ceremony and lunch with locals along the river. That experience—connecting with their culture, hearing their stories, and being welcomed into their space—was absolutely life-changing. It grounded everything we’d seen with an emotional and spiritual depth I’ll never forget.
Planning your own Ecuador and Galápagos trip
Dreaming of following in DeeAnn’s footsteps? Here’s what we tell clients who are starting to plan.
- Best time to go: the Galápagos are a year-round destination. December to May brings warmer water, calmer seas and sunny days with the odd shower. June to November is cooler and drier, with rougher seas but lots of marine life.
- Getting there from Canada: there are no nonstop flights, so you’ll connect through a hub like Panama City, Bogotá or a U.S. city to reach Quito or Guayaquil. Flights to the islands land on San Cristóbal or on Baltra, next to Santa Cruz.
- Island hopping or a cruise: DeeAnn stayed on the islands and took day trips, which is great for flexibility and soaking up town life. A small-ship Galápagos cruise reaches more remote islands and spends less time travelling between them.
- How long to stay: plan at least five to seven days in the Galápagos, a couple of nights in Quito, and three or four nights if you’re adding the Amazon.
- Fees and money: visitors pay a Galápagos National Park entrance fee and a transit card fee. Ecuador uses the U.S. dollar, so bring some U.S. cash, especially for the islands.
- Altitude: Quito sits at about 2,850 metres, so take it easy on your first day and drink lots of water.
Advisor tipPack layers for chilly Quito evenings, quick-dry clothes and insect repellent for the Amazon, and check with a travel health clinic about recommended vaccinations before you go.
Ecuador, you have my soul
From the peaks of Quito to the depths of the Amazon and the pristine waters of the Galápagos, Ecuador showed us nature, culture, and connection in the most profound way.
This trip wasn’t just beautiful—it was transformative. I left with a heart full of gratitude, a mind wide open, and a soul completely in awe of what this world still has to offer.
If you’re dreaming of a trip that’s truly once-in-a-lifetime, Ecuador is calling. Let me help you answer.
Because life is short… take the trip.
Dreaming of a trip that’s truly once in a lifetime? Ecuador is calling. Let DeeAnn help you answer.
FAQs
What can you see snorkelling at Kicker Rock?
DeeAnn swam with playful sea lions, turtles, schools of fish and several species of sharks, including whitetips, blacktips and hammerheads.
Which Galápagos islands did DeeAnn visit?
San Cristóbal and Santa Cruz, after starting the trip in Quito.
Can you combine the Galápagos with the Amazon?
Yes. DeeAnn returned to Quito after the Galápagos and then travelled into the Amazon rainforest, staying at an eco-lodge.
Where can you see giant tortoises in the Galápagos?
On Santa Cruz Island, DeeAnn walked among giant tortoises in their natural habitat.
When is the best time to visit the Galápagos?
Any time of year. December to May has warmer water and calmer seas, while June to November is cooler with rougher seas but plenty of marine life.
Should I do a Galápagos cruise or stay on the islands?
Both are great. Staying on the islands, like DeeAnn did, gives you flexibility and time in town, while a small-ship cruise reaches more remote islands. We can help you choose.
