MANCORA & GALAPAGOS REPEAT

Finally escaped the cold and managed to get towards Peru early morning from La Paz via 7 hours Lima to Talara on the North coast. What I had heard it was 100 Soles from Talara to Mancora, where I was about to meet my friend Julia again and spend a night and beach day. I got in a cheaper shared taxi, but already communicating with the hostel and asking for my friend Julia, who was supposed to arrive by bus, already made me worry. The fishermen had a strike going on and roads were blocked from and to Lima. So the taxi stopped at some point and dropped me off inbetween all the trucks and busses. So trace of Julia, but I got on a tuktuk that brought me to Organos, where I then got on a shared taxi to finally Mancora. Warmth, beach view, music and a cold beer made me feel in the right place again! By sunset Julia arrived, having spent 26 hours in the bus. We enjoyed some cocktails and the sunset.

The beach day was kind of relaxed with breakfast and shopping after. After quality time at the hostel pool a very special souvenir decorated my wrist...a new tattoo.

Our night bus left later than expected at midnight and brought us at around 2am to the border of Ecuador, my third country on the third day. In Guayaquil we arrived at 7.30am. We didn’t bother much about the city since we only had one day and everyone told us it was not special. We simply walked along the boardwalk and did some shopping. Next morning we were leaving for the Galápagos, my second time!!

Coming back to the islands with all its procedure and money involved would just need enough enthusiasm for the ocean and marine wildlife, that is unique in the Galápagos. Investing not only the flight, but also the 100$ entrance fee for the second time was worth each cent. 

This time Julia accompanied me and we flew in to San Cristobal. After checking in again at Hostal Gosen, we rented snorkeling gear and made our way to Tijeretas Bay to swim with sea lions...and of course they were there again.

Before we planned this trip, I got in touch with Yazmany from Guiding Galápagos Tours, with whom I had spent the day in Floreana. He was motivated to help us plan the 4 days in Santa Cruz, so on our second day we took the morning ferry. 

Already being on the boat felt so good...

The first two days we explored places I hadn’t been as well, like snorkeling with swimming iguanas at Playa Estacion close to the Charles Darwin Center or on Tuesday a bit hangovered from the night out walking the 30-40 minute path to Tortuga Bay. One of the most beautiful beaches you reach first, but currents and waves make it too dangerous to swim. Few minutes later we reached the „calm bay“ where the water was perfect for a swim...but for snorkeling honestly too bad visibility.

The evening we or mostly I spent with Yazmany talking, playing pool billard at Bongo Bar or just hanging around in the bar.

Wednesday then Yazmany took us with some other guests to Pinzon snorkeling tour, which I had already been, but first of all knew every time would be different and second he was a great guide! It was proven...we stopped at Santa Fe Beach and took further paths than what I had known and saw sooo many iguanas laying on the rocks together with sea lions and crabs. Also Yazmany explained about the iguanas being endemic to the Galapagos. The came to the islands with a need to adapt to the circumstances, so changed their behavior and habits, therefore are unique to the Galápagos.

Before high tide came over the rocks, we moved to Pinzon Island. Shortly after starting to snorkel, we saw so many more white tip sharks than the first time, rays, a sea lion and a turtle. He took us to two other snorkeling spots, I hadn’t been before where we also saw the blue footed boobies too.

Highlight was our slow cruise back...the captain spotted dolphins far out, then closer and even more until they started jumping in groups behind the boat in the waves, then following our slow cruise at the front right next to the boat. You could see every texture of their body and some even looked up, made some little jumps. This spectacular went on for almost 20 minutes. I had never ever seen something like this, so many dolphins and close by for so long. What an exceptional trip!

Since I can’t get enough of the sea, we had this idea of a discovery dive. It makes you go down to about 10 meters always accompanied by a guide that shows everything with needing a certificate. The dive center Eagle Ray Diving, Yazmany had recommended, offered us last minute 175$. Quite expensive, but I wanted to try my first dive in the Galapagos. Julia was in as well and we spent one more hour in the dive center filling out forms, trying on the diving gear and watching the introduction video. I was super excited since I never thought or planned to go diving ever! 

Yazmany and I had some drinks and chatting before I headed back to the hostel soon for a few hours of sleep, which I needed, 7.10am was meeting time.

Finally Friday morning we left the Galápagos, me the second time. Since the airport on Santa Cruz island is located in the North on a different island, you need to plan ahead. There are public busses, that depart every 20 minutes from the bus terminal outside Puerto Ayora for 5$ until 8.30am, or in our case a taxi for 25$. Both take you to the ferry, that crosses to the island Baltra as soon there are enough passengers. On Baltra island the busses to the airport take you for another 5$ in 5 minutes to the airport. Well organized, but in total 1-1,5 hours time to calculate. 

This time I wasn’t that sad although I could have spent more time of course, but I had even better animal encounter experiences and that was unique.

Having spent way too much money on two visits going on 6 day trips each about 150$ plus food, hostel and souvenirs I was kind of short in budget. But looking back on the memories of each day, so much worth it and a once in a lifetime experience!