An Insider’s Look: The Galapagos and The Amazon River

When Mr. & Mrs. Little contacted local Flagstaff travel advisor, Susan Morley, wanting to go on a trip to experience the Galapagos Islands, she suggested an expedition cruise Lindblad-National Geographic, and recommended combining it with a sailing through the Amazon River – also aboard Linblad.

A Lindblad-National Geographic expedition is arguably the most exhilarating overseas adventure experience a person can have. You will discover the planet’s most remarkable places, accompanied by experts (photographers, guest speakers, naturalists, and more) able to illuminate all you see, and with cool tools (photo gear, kayaks, zodiaks, snorkel gear, and more) to use to explore up close and personally.

Below is an interview with Mr. & Mrs. Little about their trip.

Why did you pick this destination?

Someone told them about the Galapagos, and it was an iconic destination they wanted to add to their list. They loved combining it with the Amazon, and found themselves “pinching themselves” that they were wandering the same island that Darwin once studied, and that they were on the Amazon River!

What was your favorite part of the trip?

For Mr. Little, it was about the wildlife. In the Galapagos, swimming with the playful juvenile sea lions, witnessing the nesting Albatross (a rare site, as they spend 95% of their lives airborne), and standing in awe alongside the giant tortoises. In the Amazon, pink dolphins played around their skiff, and endless array of monkeys flying between the trees, and sloth families were everywhere.

For Mrs. Little, she was wowed by the cultural immersion. They spent time in a local village, visiting a school, learning the way the women dyed and wove natural materials into plates, and observing their way of life. Her favorite was talking with a shaman. A physician herself, it was fascinating to hear about their medical practices, treatments, and more.

What else stood out to you?

Mr. & Mrs. Little were both amazed by the local guides that joined the Amazon portion of the sailing. Living locally in the villages, they were incredibly knowledgeable, helpful, and skilled, and they added to the experience even further by giving lectures in the evenings – to enhance what they had seen during the day.

They were also amazed by the service onboard the ships and the wide array of activities in the destinations.

Who would you recommend this trip to?

Mr. & Mrs. Little said that they would recommend this trip to anyone who is adventurous! You must be somewhat fit to participate in some of the activities, but there was a lot of flexibility for different activity levels or interests. Also great for nature and animal lovers.

Why do you work with a travel advisor, and specifically Susan Morley?

For Sue, nothing is insurmountable, and her attention to detail and knowledge is amazing. She always helps us find the perfect destinations and helps us plan incredible trips!

Where are you headed next?

We loved Lindblad so much we are taking another trip – this time to Alaska. After that is Africa!

Journeys Around the World, your local Flagstaff travel expert, can help book the travel experience of your dreams. Through our industry affiliations and relationships, we also add extra value through upgrades, resort credits, and amenities, reach out to learn more!