Our journey to the Amazon rainforest began with an early morning flight from Quito, Ecuador to the town of Coca. Upon arrival, we were greeted by our guide, Shan Shoe, and a local Sacha Lodge representative. After a short bus ride, we donned ponchos and boarded a boat for a two-hour journey into the jungle, followed by a small canoe ride to reach the lodge. We were warmly welcomed and served lunch, then briefed by the lodge manager about our four-day adventure. Each day was customized by our guide, who planned activities based on our preferences, including morning hikes, canoe trips, and evening excursions to explore the jungle and observe nocturnal creatures. A highlight of our stay was the Sacha Lodge canopy walk, a 1,000-foot long, 250-foot high bridge that allowed us to experience the jungle from above, with stunning views of towering trees. Our accommodation was comfortable, with air conditioning, handcrafted furniture, and a close-to-nature feel. The food was excellent, with a variety of local dishes, including fish, vegetables, and Peruvian beef. We also enjoyed the daily surprise of different meal options and red wine in the evening. During our visit, we experienced the local Amazonian tribe’s culture, trying dishes made from taro root, sweet potatoes, and yams, and sampling grilled bugs that tasted surprisingly like chicken. We also learned about traditional hunting techniques, including how to blow a wooden pipe to shoot arrows. The jungle was alive with vibrant bird species and various monkeys, and the sound of howling monkeys was unforgettable. Our knowledgeable guide, Shan Shoe, who was from a local tribe, shared valuable insights into the region's flora, fauna, and cultural heritage. One of the most memorable experiences was piranha fishing, which Shan Shu arranged for us. Sacha Lodge, with its focus on rainforest preservation and sustainable tourism, stands out as an eco-friendly and culturally immersive destination. The staff was warm, welcoming, and genuinely passionate about their work, making our stay even more enjoyable. We left with great memories and a deeper appreciation for the Amazon rainforest and its unique culture. Thank you

We booked a 7-night cruise aboard the Golden Galapagos Endemic via Ecuador and Galapagos Insiders, and the experience was first class from start to finish. Communication with Diego Andrade at Insiders was seamless, and the experience with the Golden Galapagos team upon arriving in Baltra was excellent. The Endemic is a beautiful vessel, and the crew couldn’t have been better. From the chef team to the cruise director to the naturalist guide, the team was simply amazing. We’ve never felt better treated in 40+ years of traveling the globe.

We had a wonderful 8 day family trip. The crew was excellent especially our guide for shore excursions. The ship was new and the food was very good and plentiful.