GALAPAGOS ISLANDS, QUILOTOA CRATER, QUITO, CUENCA, CAJAS NATIONAL PARK

TLDR: The land of some high-end chocolate and THE FREAKIN’ GALAPAGOS. A small country, Ecuador was easily navigable via bus. My UM Alum friend and I did a 3 day hike to the Quilotoa volcanic crater (hike: Quilotoa Loop) – very fun hostel-to-hostel hike!

More on the Galapagos below!

Galapagos: a beautiful paradise full of different species of birds, fish, turtles, sea lions, sharks, plants, etc. Charles Darwin and his Theory of Natural Selection. I do have to say, it was quite the tropical location. I definitely plan on visiting again for a longer period! Things to note – it is very expensive there, so be sure bring your own sunscreen (rumor has it that a bottle can cost up to $22!) Because it is so touristy, the people that live here are often forgotten.

Facts to consider – of the total Galapagos spend by tourists.

• 64% is spent prior to their arrival to the island (pre-booking tours, tickets, lodging, etc). 100% of this money benefits national/international third-parties
• 30% is spent on cruises. 63% benefits national/international third-parties
• Only 6% are port-based/on-island services. 24% benefits national/international third-parties

Profits from tourism should benefit a local population, given the natural assets and their training to manage the land. Would you consider these a fair distribution to the local population?