This is the 2nd installment of my site inspection report about Ecuador – in advance of the WOW Travel Club adventure scheduled for October 21 – November 1, 2009. It’s a tough job … but somebody’s gotta do it!

Frankly, regarding the Galapagos, I’d wondered what all the fuss was about. Everyone who goes there returns completely captivated. Now I know why!

I stepped on an iguana’s tail. I walked behind a baby boobie stumbling and bumbling along the path. I was within inches of 100-year-old tortoises. None of them flinched. Even the finches didn’t flinch!

It’s weird (and wonderful) to get up close and (almost) personal with creatures who have no fear of humans. They simply don’t flee from us. Although, admittedly, tortoises couldn’t run away if they wanted to!

The all-suite Galapagos Explorer II is a perfect and extremely comfortable vessel for exploring some of the more remote islands in the southeast of the archipelago. Service and food onboard was superb. The naturalist guides were well-versed on soooo many subjects. I was excited to learn that the ship will be completely renovated in September – just in time for our cruise!

I hiked. I snorkeled. I spent time at the Charles Darwin Research facility – where I had some private moments with enormous, centuries-old tortoises. The beaches were simply stunning.

What amazing diversity lies within this tiny country, roughly the size of Colorado. Please take a moment to enjoy the six-minute YouTube video: