Anke and Wim have something to celebrate in 2023: they both turn 50 years old and they are married for 10 years this year. This required a special journey, with extra comfort and attention.
Anke contacted us, and after an initial consultation, our focus turned to a 14-day tour of mainland Ecuador in November. Anke herself was very active in identifying wishes, which made it very nice for us to choose the best accommodations and activities together. Relais & Chateaux hotels Casa Gangotena and Del Parque were not to be missed, in addition to a stay in the cloud forest at Mashpi Lodge and in the Amazon at Sacha Lodge.
In our personal conversation upon return, both travellers were very enthusiastic about the guide, who accompanied the couple during the trip: “enormous knowledge of geology, fauna and flora, history; in a fun and entertaining way without being intrusive and with respect for our privacy. A real added value for our trip!”
Casa Gangotena also received all compliments: “We really enjoyed a wonderful first evening on the roof terrace with a delicious cocktail and snacks.”
Mashpi and Sacha Lodge were also praised: “The lodges were great: Mashpi was especially high-level; also really top culinary. Sasha lodge was fantastic in terms of location and birdwatching; the food was also very nice and good. Very good local guides.”
The journey continued through the Andes Mountains at the authentic hacienda El Porvenir: “The experience in hacienda El Porvenir was particularly enjoyable: beautiful location, very good service, authentic, excellent cuisine and original excursions. Nice that this was also included. We had a very spacious room with a fireplace; it was an original journey ‘back in time’.
On the photo with this blog we see our guests horseback riding in truly excellent weather at the Cotopaxi. We later understood from Anke that her horse was a bit stubborn though, and completely did its own thing.
And finally, Del Parque: “beautifully located in that historic park. Very tasty food in their adjacent restaurant too. Perfect to recover from the hustle and bustle and the long car journeys before the long flight home. We also enjoyed surprisingly tasty Ecuadorian wines and delicious cocktails.”
You might be surprised that Ecuador even has its own wines!
And in conclusion: “Amazed with what Ecuador has to offer; very hospitable and friendly people too, very varied program full of beautiful walks, excursions with beautiful fauna and flora; multitudes of birds.”
Below is the really kind review we received via Trustpilot (translated by Aves Travels from Dutch). Thank you Anke and Wim!
– very personal service, organization and guidance from the airport with private guide and driver from start to finish
– adjustments to the program based on our own interests and wishes are easily implemented, even at the last minute
– tasteful and original hotel choices based on our own wishes and budget after thorough consultation with the tour operator
– clear website with travel overview; extensive documentation with images; extensive written logbook on site with all practical information
– original and exclusive lodges, hotels, restaurants, experiences (hikes, walks,…) away from the classic paths
– extremely highly trained local guide with excellent language, historical, geological and natural knowledge; We have already booked him for other trips
– sufficient private time for quality time as a couple
– Everything was arranged in advance online and by telephone, so that trips to a travel agency in advance were unnecessary (handy because we live in Belgium and the travel organization is in Amsterdam).
– very competitive price/quality ratio (not more expensive than the better group trips we had booked until then, for example with ADA, despite many benefits and extras)
In short, a very successful travel experience for us, the first time alone as a couple and not in a group to a distant destination. It turned out so well that we will only use this formula in the future. Aves travel will certainly welcome us back to their other destinations. We are big fans!
