Departing Miami

About to board Copa 433 to Panamá City then on to GYE, Guayaquil.
Adios, Miami

With nice views of downtown Miami
InFlight Delight

A delicious "Apple Strudel" for breakfast.. Malicious
Panama Hat..

If I buy a Baseball Style Hat in Panama.. Is it a "Panama Hat".. or do I have to buy one of these?
Panama City..

A short layover for connecting flight to GYE
GYE Arrival

Gateway to Galápagos by air and sea
Welcome To Ecuador

The Land Of Fine Coca. A stop in Guayaquil will give me an opportunity to experience another city here before flying on to the Galápagos in the morning.
The Streets Of Guayaquil

Pretty much deserted on a Sunday afternoon
Simon Bolivar Park

A somewhat secured area from 1895 which honors one of Ecuador's heroes.
A Cable Car..

Interesting to see in a downtown area particularly since I didn't see any riders
The Colors Of Guayaquil

Although I would not have confidence being in some of these buildings during an earthquake, some of their colors do lure me in.
Guayaquil Cathedral

Simply magnificent...
Parque Semanario

Established in 1895 and now sometimes referred to as "Iguana Park".
Guayaquil Cathedral

Architecture of these places are always amazing to me especially when you think of the era in which they were built.
Is The Pope... Ecuadorian

No..
Cafetería La Pepe de Oro

Nice restaurant located inside of Grand Hotel Guayaquil. Cool decor with great service. About $12-15 per meal.
Guatita Criolla

Something I have resisted eating my whole life... Tripe. However, it's a local favorite so why not.
Hotel Oro Verde

I highly recommend for overnight stay. About $84 per night with free Airport Shuttle and great service.
Guayaquil Airport.. GYE

Only about a 20 minute drive from Hotel Oro Verde even with 7am morning traffic.
VIP Movement

Just as our shuttle arrived at the airport a black SUV pulls in front of us and two men with guns and military gear jump out. A momentary.. WTF before I realized VIP movement.
Tourist Control Card

Required for trip to Galápagos. $20 plus pre-boarding baggage scan. Sometimes line can be long.. so allow sufficient time.
Cafe Juan Valdez..

Should be a great place for coffee. Reasonable breakfast prices.
Latam 1411

In less than an hour I will be airborne for the Galápagos and I will be able to put another check mark on my "Bucket List"
Scenic Descent

To Baltra Ferry Terminal
Edgar Our Guide..

Important to know there's no bathrooms beyond our starting point and all garbage must be hauled out