First of all, thanks to you, Thomas and the Ecuador team for providing a flawless trip.   We were met and welcomed, stayed at beautiful hotels, were on the “best!!” Boat with the best crew and fellow passengers.  We felt secure and safe knowing that we were being so well taken care of.

My feedback for your information:

Quito: The Plaza Grande was a perfect place to stay.  Charming, warm., well located.  Easy to get around on our own.   (So glad we moved from the Marriott reservations).   We loved wandering and were awed at the Casa Guayasamin.   As an art lover, I was shocked that I did not know of him, and his history and art were amazing.  We were glad not to go to the Middle of the World commercial monument (with all the buses) and caught up with the equator on the way to Otavalo.

Otavalo:   Rose Garden experience was terrific, and beyond my expectations.  As a traveler in Asia in exotic locations with indigenous peoples I was a little disappointed in the Indian Market. Our guide there was terrific, by the way.  We skipped the letter and weaving (have done that enough elsewhere) and the guide took us to the volcanic lake for a hike.  Perfect.  Loved it.   And the hotel: Le Mirage. I felt like a newlywed.  I don’t think we’ve ever stayed in such a gorgeous setting and room. (Including Amans and Four Seasons).   Incredible lodging.  We had a rose covered table, candlesticks in the glass atrium for dinner.   Amazing.

Mashpi:  What can I say.   Rivals Explora in Chile.  Just perfect.  Great accommodations, service, food and fabulous experiences.  We loved it.

Ocean Spray.   Can’t imagine a better boat.   When we say the Lindbad/ Natl Geo groups in Guayaquil we were thrilled not to be part of their large, older group. (We are very young at heart and energy).  Everything was perfect.

Guayaquil:   Hotel was very pretty, but as they cater to the large groups from the big, luxury companies we did not have the intimacy that we had everywhere else.  Room was lovely. Arranged for a driver/guide to show us Guayaquil when we realized we couldn’t maneuver the city on our own.  That worked well… and we saw it all… but it’s not a tourist city, and extra days there are not necessary.

Transportation and PCR testing went very smoothly, and the agency was on top of it all.

Would love to come back with my grandkids- hope the stock market cooperates so that we can do so.

Hope to see you in Peru again!