The Final Hours and Travel

Galapagos to Quito and then Home FINAL Thoughts:

With an early luggage out at 0700 followed by breakfast we were soon headed to the Baltra Airport. This process involved a walk to the dock, panga to the Puerto Ayora Dock, board a bus, drive to north side of Santa Cruz, Water Ferry to Baltra, Bus to airport.  Yes it will be a full day of travel. The bus ride to the north side included a quick stop at a very large sink hole. 

After checking in at the airport, we had access to a lounge while  we waited for our flight. The return flight to Quito makes a 35 minute stop in Guayaquil. Then we are off to Quito. Arriving in Quito, we have another 45-60 minute bus ride to the hotel. 

Arriving at the hotel we hurry to start repacking, cleaning up and getting downstairs for our Farewell Dinner. 

During our farewell dinner we reflect on our experiences of the last several days. We enjoy a very nice buffet dinner, music, dancing, white elephant gift exchange, and an enjoyable slide show put together by our guides. 

I would be remiss in not mentioning the excellent work of our Guides. 

Tiffany - She is a stellar example of Disney caring for the guest. She is constantly on the go to make sure all is well, and making it well. She keeps the energy of the group at a high level as we went from day to day. 

Juan - Juan also made sure all went well as the days progressed. He also brought the spirit of the Amazon Alive. His heart in very much into sharing this amazing part of his country. As an ambassador to the Amazon, I dare say one would be hard pressed to find better. 

Anyone traveling with Tiffany and Juan should consider themselves very lucky. 

After dinner we said good by to those traveling home that evening. We then went back to the room and packed our bags for the journey home. We were able to get about 5 hours sleep before the alarm went off. Final packing and off to the airport. 

Our trip home will take all day from Quito to Panama City, Panama, to Houston, to Denver. As we will be arriving late into Denver, we will spend the evening before we drive home. 

Final thoughts on this Adventure By Disney Trip. It was great in many ways, and all went well. The Adventures by Disney Trips are made by the Guides, there is no doubt about this fact.   

Personally, I would have enjoyed more time on the Napo river and the Galapagos. This is my preference as I enjoy the natural world. 

Personally, I could live with a 3 star rated properties for lodging and more local foods. 

I can not see how Disney can charge such a crazy high amount for pre and post stays. Their rates are way above any rate one can find at the various properties registration web site or via an online booking site. 

The time in the Galapagos is brief and staying at one land based property prohibits one form an in-depth exploration of this amazing natural location. From my personal experience I would highly recommend a live aboard where one can experience several islands. 

Should we return to the Amazon we will be traveling on an 8 day trip on the Anakonda no doubts about it. This for me would allow more exploration of the natural world found in this ecosystem. 

I totally endorse Adventures By Disney for the demographic they target. When I plan a trip with Adventure By Disney I know what to expect. Same as when I plan a trip with National Geographic I know what to expect. So depending on what and how I wish to experience a part of the world, this will be the determining factor as to how I travel. 

Now it is time to get the passports sent off for visas for China and Nepal.