Ecuador and the Galapagos

Day 1: Arrive in Quito, city tour

Rendezvous at the group hotel (airport transfers are provided). KE Land Only package services begin with a sightseeing tour of the Old City. In the evening we will take our dinner in one of the city’s many excellent restaurants and get a briefing from our guide on the week ahead. Meals included –Lunch and Dinner (L,D)

Day 2: Visit Zuleta and San Pablo villages

We transfer to Zuleta village, we will spend some time in and around this area where we can gain real insight into the daily life and culture of the Imbayos and Cayambe ,indiginoes’ who farm the slopes of the volcanoes Imbabura, Cayambe and Cusin. The people of this area are principally farmers but also have a reputation throughout Ecuador as skilled craftsfolk particularly for their elaborate and delicate embroidering. The area is highly scenic and we will enjoy some easy walking through the farmland and we will also visit San Pablo village before returning to our hotel in Otavalo. (B, L, D)

Day 3: Drive to Cuicocha, trek around the lake

After breakfast we drive to Cuicocha crater lake, a dormant volcano with water filled caldera. The lake, which is a stunning azure blue, has two islands in the centre – lava domes from its last major eruption. We will make a complete circuit of the lake, taking around 4 - 5 hours. Then we hike through the town and visit a small, gnarled tree that is known locally as 'El Lechero’ which is supposed to have magical healing powers. There are great views of the surrounding countryside, including the pretty lake of Laguna San Pablo. We then return to our hotel in Otavalo. Total Ascent/ Descent: 580 metres (B,L,D)

Day 4: Otavalo Market and transfer to Lasso

The central ‘Poncho Plaza’ is the heart of the market where hundreds of handicraft stalls are set up. Almost every type of craftwork in Ecuador is represented here. Otavalo market is particularly famed for its colourful textiles and there are blankets, ponchos, jumpers, tapestries, hats, and hand bags in bewildering profusion and styles. This is also a very good place to buy locally made musical instruments such as charangos and zampona (pan pipes), or to buy ceramics and pottery. As much a spectacle as the market itself are the people of the area who flock here dressed in their finest. The men wear traditional white pants with dark coloured ponchos and have their hair braided in long pigtails. The women wear white blouses with black sashes and skirts and lots of gold necklaces. The action starts as early as 6.00am and the morning is the time to get that bargain. Having absorbed all the sights and sounds of this famous Andean market, after lunch we leave Otavalo and transfer to Lasso (approximately 3 hours) where we check into the group hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Cotopaxi National Park and refuge

We have a short (30 minute) transfer to the Cotopaxi National Park. Travelling through the Park we reach the lakes at Limpiopungo and from here we climb another switch-back road up the side of Cotopaxi, the second highest mountain in Ecuador, and the World’s highest active volcano. The dirt track leads to a car park high on the mountain below the Jose Rivas refuge at 4800m. / 15,744ft. This alpine hut which is situated just below the level of the glaciated part of the mountain is the starting point for climbers wishing to scale the peak. We take a slow walk up to the hut which at this altitude takes around 45 minutes (it takes about 10 or 15 minutes to return). There are breathtaking views over the surrounding countryside. Depending on the weather and the conditions of the mountain we can walk a little further to reach the glacier before returning to our vehicle and driving the 2 hours to Riobamba, where we check into our hotel. Ascent / descent 300m. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Chimborazo refuge, transfer to Banos

At 6310 metres (20,702 feet), Chimborazo is the highest mountain in Ecuador and, due to the equatorial bulge, its summit has the distinction of being the furthest point from the centre of the Earth. Until the last century it was thought to be the tallest mountain on earth and Edward Whymper made the first recorded ascent under that mistaken belief. Today there is a mountaineers’ refuge named after this great alpinist, located high on the mountain at close to 5000m. / 16,400ft. We drive for 1½ hours on a switchback dirt road up to a parking area below the hut from where we make the short hike of around 45 minutes to the Whymper Refuge. If the weather is good it is also possible to make a return hike of around 2 hours to reach ‘Whymper Point’ for breathtaking views. Returning to our vehicle we descend the mountain and join the Panamerican Highway, to Banos where we check into our hotel. Ascent / Descent: 660m. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Free time in Baños

We have a time today to enjoy the amenities of this picturesque and laid-back town. Situated in the shadow of Tungurahua, an active volcano the town is famous for its thermal pools. Baños is also known as ‘the Gateway to the Amazon’ due to its position, perched on the edge of the Andean plateau and overlooking the jungle. There is much to see and do here. Baños is a very relaxing place just to stroll around or shop, and it is possible to arrange a number of excursions, or to hire bikes and explore the countryside around the town. In the afternoon we return to Quito (approx 4hrs) (B,L,D)

Day 8: Marine life on Isabela

In the morning we transfer to Quito airport for the 3 hour flight to the Galapagos Islands, landing on Baltra. Pelicans greet us as we travel by boat through the Canal de Itabaca to Puerto Ayora. We will have time to visit the lava tunnels, stop for lunch and continue onto the island of Isabela watching the marine birds and wildlife enroute. Before dinner we may be able to swim and snorkel with the tropical fish. Hotel on Isabela. (B, L, D)

Day 9: Our first full day on Isabela

Today we explore Isabela, the largest of the Galapagos Islands with 2 active volcanoes. We transfer to the Sierra Negra volcano for a trek around the crater. We continue our trek to the Chico volcano through lava formations and wild landscapes. 6 to 7 hours trekking. Return to Puerto Villamil. Overnight hotel on Isabela. (B, L, D)

Day 10: Exploring Isabela Island

Our morning starts with a visit to the Walls of Tears (Muro de las Lagrimas) where we can see turtles and learn about the last penal colony that existed on the island. Approx 4 hours walking. In the afternoon we visit Tintoerars Islet where we might see, amongst other species, the White Fin Shark and marine iguanas. After some snorkelling we return to Villamil for dinner. Overnight Hotel Isabela. (B, L, D)

Day 11: Mysterious Floreana

We sail for Floreana this morning (approx 2 hours). We walk for 1 hour to explore the site of the first inhabitants of the Galapagos and then visit the turtles. After lunch at Puerto Velaco Ibarra we sail to Santa Cruz island with a possible stop for some swimming and another chance to observe at close quarters this unique and unforgettable wildlife sanctuary. Dinner and overnight hotel on Santa Cruz. (B L, D)

Day 12: Lonesome George and the Darwin Research Centre

Early in the morning we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Established in 1959 it works closely with the Galapagos National Park Service protecting the Galapagos Islands and Marine Reserve. Along a series of walk ways you will see giant tortoise and discover through interpretive displays what the foundation does to protect and maintain the area as well as educate the visitors. Lonesome George is the last one of a subspecies on Pinta. He was re-located to the safety of the station when it was discovered that the vegetation he ate was almost totally destroyed by feral goats. Attempts have been made to mate Lonesome George for decades and recently a few eggs have been laid and taken into incubation. After we transfer to the Island of Baltra (approx 1 hr by vehicle and 10 mins by boat) for the flight back to Quito. On arrival in Quito we transfer to our hotel for our last night in Ecuador. We have a celebratory meal and a chance to chat through our experiences in Ecuador and the Enchanted Islands. (B,L, D)

Day 13: Depart Ecuador

In the morning there is a single group transfer to Quito Airport where KE Land Only package services end. (B)