Ecuador may be a tiny country, but its geographical diversity is staggering and changes dramatically from its eastern to western borders.  Its bio-diverse Amazon rainforest is alive with swooping scarlet macaws and spider monkeys bouncing off virgin canopy, while stunning eco-lodges dot the basin floor.  Up in the culturally rich highland area, colourful Indian markets, smoking volcanoes and striking colonial towns are in abundance.  The Andes then slip away to the lush coastal area, a land of mangroves, empty beaches and bounteous tropical plantations.  Far out in the Pacific Ocean lie the submerged Volcanic peaks of the Galapagos Islands; a sanctuary for unique and exotic overland and underwater wildlife, which has developed free from human interference.To visit the Galapagos is to experience one of the world’s greatest wildlife locations.  It is a unique environment, an archipelago right on the equator, 1000km west of the Equadorian coast, where an amazing range of life exists with absolutely no fear of man.  Inhabitants of the islands include the blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, flightless cormorants, sea lions and fur seals, land and marine iguanas and, of course, the giant Galapagos tortoise.  This incredible archipelago is one of the planets most enthralling and sought-after destinations, therefore it is highly recommended you book your cruise or hotel stay early to avoid disappointment.

Essential Activities

·         Search for wildlife along the banks of the Amazon

·         Cruise the Galapagos Islands for the greatest wildlife experience

Barter for crafts at traditional Indian Markets
Ecuador

5 Day Finch Bay Hotel Galapagos Experience - from £635 per person 

Departures: Wednesday from Baltra

If opting for accommodation only you may arrive on any day of the week.

Day 1: Arrive Galapagos – Giant Tortoises

Reserve

On arrival at Baltra Airport you will transfer to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island to visit the Giant Tortoises Reserve and observe tortoises in their natural habitat. Brief stop at the Twin Pit Craters en route to the Finch Bay Hotel where the friendly staff will greet you with a cool refreshing beverage. In the afternoon, enjoy a nap in your hammock or take a dip in the swimming pool.

(Lunch and dinner included)

Day 2: Santa Fe Island

Travel by boat to the beautiful sandy bay on Santa Fe Island, which is often strewn with sea lions. Your guide will walk with you through the opuntia cactus forest where you may be lucky enough to spot endemic iguanas and rice rats. The bay at Santa Fe is an ideal area to snorkel with the sea lions, turtles and a variety of colourful fish. Return to the hotel and relax in the jacuzzi or, if you have the energy, why not explore the nearby shores by kayak?

(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 3: Plaza Island

Today, travel to Plaza Island where the shoreline has one of the densest populations of sea lions in the Galápagos. Take an easy walk along the trail to look for land iguanas, swallow-tailed gulls and brown noddies and enjoy the beautiful view from atop the cliffs.

(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 4: Bartolomé Island

This morning you will discover the scenic Bartolomé Island. The hike to the top is fairly steep along well maintained wooden steps, however the views are spectacular and worth every little bit of effort. Sea lions and penguins can be observed swimming in the vicinity off Pinnacle Rock.

(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 5: Depart the Galápagos

Leave the hotel early in the morning for a visit to Charles Darwin Research Station, home to famous 'Lonesome George' and other giant tortoises. Afterwards, transfer to Baltra Airport for your flight to the mainland.

(Breakfast included)

Prices Include

• 4 night’s accommodation

• Meals as specified and non-alcoholic beverages

• All excursions and airport transfers as detailed

 

Prices Exclude

• Locally paid National Park fee of $100 & pre-paid Tourist Control Card Fee of $10 (subject to change)

• All airfares and airport taxes

Ecuador & The Galapagos Islands

Essential Ecuador -   10 days from £875 (excludes flights)

Highlights include

·         Discover Ecuador’s historical capital Quito

·         View the impressive Mount Chimborazo, Equador’s highest peak

·         Travel the the agnificent Avenue of the Volcanoes

·         Admire the famous Inca ruins of Ingapirca

·         Ride the Chiva Express through remote villages and majestic scenery

·         Travel by rail down ‘The Devils Nose’

·         Enjoy one night in the beautiful city of Cuenca

Spend three nights in the unspoilt wilderness of the Ecuadorian Amazon		  

Ecuador

 

Departures: Mon & Wed (daily departures are available but may alter the order of the itinerary)

Day 1: Arrive Quito

On arrival at Quito Airport you will be met and transferred to your chosen hotel for a two-night stay.

Standard: Dann Carlton Deluxe: Swissôtel Quito

Day 2: Quito City & The Middle of the Earth

This morning explore this fascinating city on a guided tour.  Start with the main square, La Plaza de la Independencia, and marvel at its impressive colonial buildings. Continue through the cobbled streets of the old town and visit the Monastery of San Francisco. Later, drive to the Equatorial Monument and have your photograph taken with one foot in each hemisphere.(Breakfast included)

Day 3: Quito – Riobamba

From Quito you will travel on the Chiva Express (a bus that runs on metal wheels along the train tracks); ride on the roof and enjoy the ever-changing scenery and breathtaking views of the Andes. The Chiva advances along the Avenue of Volcanoes, up and down the slopes of Cotopaxi Volcano and through the fertile Valley of Latacunga. Continue by road to Riobamba, located at the foot of the impressive Mount Chimborazo, Ecuador’s highest peak. Visit a Tagua workshop and see artisans carving jewellery and figurines from the Tagua nut.(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Standard & Deluxe: Local hotel in the Riobamba area

Day 4: The Devil’s Nose - Cuenca

Transfer to the Chiva Express for an exhilarating ride through remote villages and majestic scenery. Short stop at the Indigenous town of Guamote before you reach Alausi where the Chiva will zigzag its way down ‘The Devil’s Nose’ switch backs, one of the most impressive feats of rail engineering in the world. Transfer by road to the famous Inca ruins of Ingapirca. Explore the ruins and enjoy a picnic lunch before continuing to your chosen hotel in Cuenca for dinner and an overnight stay. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Standard: Hotel Santa Lucia Deluxe: Mansion Alcazar

Day 5: Cuenca – Quito

Today enjoy a guided walking tour of the city and discover the beauty and charm for which Cuenca has been recognised as a World Cultural Heritage Site. Visit parks, colonial plazas and religious monuments, and learn about Cuenca’s fascinating history. Lunch will be served at a charming local restaurant. In the afternoon, take a transfer to the airport for your flight (not included) to Quito. (Breakfast and lunch included)

Standard: Dann Carlton Deluxe: Swissôtel Quito

Day 6: Quito – The Amazon

A 40-minute scenic flight (not included) from Quito will take you over the Andes and into the port town Coca. Here you will be met by a guide and transferred to the dock where you board a motorized canoe for a 1.5 hour trip down the River Napo. Short hike through the jungle before boarding a dug-out canoe to be paddled across Pilchicocha Lake to the 5000 acre private, ecological reserve of Sacha Lodge situated deep in the Amazon basin. Your Amazon adventure awaits! (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Standard & Deluxe: Sacha Lodge

Days 7-8: The Amazon, Sacha Lodge

Venture out into the forests escorted by a bilingual naturalist and a native of the region. Marvel at the noises and smells of the dense jungle as your indigenous guide enlightens you as to the ways of the forest and the people that live in it. Likely encounters include monkeys, sloths, caimans and anacondas, any of nearly 600 different species of birds, and even piranhas. You can also explore the canopy from the exclusive Canopy Walkway, climb the Kapok Observation Tower, walk through the Butterfly House and explore the forest at night! (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 9: The Amazon – Quito

Today, depart the tranquillity of the Amazon for your return flight (not included) to Quito. (breakfast included)

Standard: Dann Carlton Deluxe: Swissôtel Quito

Day 10: Depart Quito

Transfer back to the airport for your onward flight.(Breakfast included)

Prices Include

• 9 nights accommodation as shown

• Meals as detailed

• Transfers and tours as specified in the itinerary

• Activities at Sacha Lodge

Prices Exclude

• Airfares and local airport taxes

• Meals and sightseeing not specified

• Drinks, gratuities and items of a personal nature

 
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