Hello Julie. As John Hultin and others have said, it really depends on what appeals to you and how much of the Machu Picchu ruins interests you and how much you truly enjoy hiking and exercise. As for my wife & I, we'll pass on the 2nd day ruins excursion and do some other things, walk around, shop, relax and just take in the local scene.

What are folks thinking about the optional second day visit to Machu Picchu? Is there enough to see that warrants the second visit? Is the light that different, crowds less, etc???

I am leaving tonight and everything fit except the wet suit I over weight a good deal of like 10 lbs. In my carry on backpack its a little to have for me. I also bout a cashbag made securely to fit under anywhere and chain itself under a bed or else. very safe. I am over 8 pounds. anyhaving this problem?



a very safe cash and valuable bags

Thanks to all of you on previous trips who have provided helpful responses to our questions!

A significant number of Ecuadorian tour vessels operating in the Galápagos do not meet international safety standards. The Government of Ecuador requires that vessels carrying more than 16 passengers comply with the International Safety Management Code established by the International Maritime Organization. However, the quality of oversight, crewmember proficiency, and other requisites for safe vessel operation may vary substantially. Travelers should inquire about safety features when boarding vessels. Be sure to look for life boats,
one mentioned this to me or anyone on our trip
I just read this on the state department web site. After reading the hazards in Ecuador I am worried Does anyone have any suggestions?

We made this trip last Nov. aboard the Yolita II. I purchased water shoes (from Walmart for about $8!) and they were helpful for wet landings. I also brought small hand towels that I bought at the dollar store so we could dry our feet before putting on our walking shoes (and then discarded them at the end of the week). I didn't think that actual hiking boots were necessary as the high treks were on paths or had boarded steps. If you prefer a face cloth when showering, do bring your own and some plastic zip lock bags. We rented full length wetsuits and had to pay at the end of our week. We did bring our own snorkel and masks (concerns about how they clean the mouthpiece), but this probably wasn't necessary. For our time of year, the wet suits made a difference both for keeping you warmer and definitely for buoyancy, so that you could be out there longer. We also used swim caps - just personal preference as I have a hearing issue and didn't want sea water in my ears and to keep my husband's bald head warmer! Our guide said it was a big help to him because he was able to id us more easily when we were out in the water. On another question - we also had no problems with theft while on the Yolita II even though there are no safes or door locks.
Wide brimmed hats are a must and any clothing other than "parachute material" shirts and shorts will NOT dry even when hung out on the line at the stern of the boat. Bring some clothespins!!
If it's important to anyone, there are no hair dryers on board.

I brought my own wetsuit and felt it was worth the 4 extra lbs in my suitcase for the good fit and condition. I wish I had brought my own fins since the smallest ones that the Galaven supplied wouldn't stay on and I ended up ditching them. Neither my husband or I thought that the hiking poles were worth the extra trouble of lugging them around. We aren't particularly fit, but didn't think the program was a physically challenging as it was billed. Good footwear is the best investment.

RE: wetsuit payments, towels and hiking poles. On our April tour the Galaven Capt. asked for immediate $40 cash payment for wetsuits, which were not in great condition. Also, XL sizes very limited; but no XXL. Same with fins, so my husband (size 12 shoe) wished he'd brought his own, though another guy just snorkeled without them and did fine. The Galaven provided hiking poles & beach towels, but I'd recommend an old small hand towel for wiping sand off feet before putting on shoes, also talcum powder for same and getting into wet suit...though I wonder about its environmental impact? Guides highly recommended Teva shoes, even for hiking, as most were not really hikes but walks around the islands. My husband never used hiking poles; some of us bought one for $10 at Quechar village just before Machu Picchu. They really aren't necessary but do provide more stability going up and down steps or on uneven surfaces. Walmart carries them for about $8, and AAA has lightweight travel towels that dry quickly and also serve as blanket on cold flights. Re: safes; only one hotel provided a safe. We did not have any problems even without them.