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HIGHLIGHTS
A quick look about this trip!
DURATION
17 DAYS
COMFORT
LANGUAGE
RATING
  • Guided Amazon adventure
  • Guided colonial Quito tour
  • Otavalo Valley-cultural centre
  • Famed 'Avenue of Volcanoes'
  • Four-night luxury Galapagos cruise
  • Exciting guided shore excursions
ACTIVITIES ON THIS TRIP
Primary: Sailing, Amazon, Walking Tour
Other: Snorkeling, Waterfalls, Historical Sites, museum, Swimming, Volcanoes, Wildlife, World Heritage Sites, Local Markets, national parks, churches, Local Culture, Walking Tour
$4770USD
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Ecuador & Galapagos 17 Day Tour

Amazonian wonder, unique Galapagos wildlife and the rural and urban charms of Ecuador combine to make this magical journey in South America an adventure that is hard to best.
Amazonian wonder, unique Galapagos wildlife and the rural and urban charms of Ecuador combine to make this magical journey in South America an adventure that is hard to best. Our local naturalist guides regale us with the details of the indigenous flora and fauna as we leisurely drift along the tributaries of the longest river in the world and experience a pristine rainforest gallery whose extreme biodiversity knows no bounds -- the Amazon; truly an untouched wilderness display of nature at its finest. We follow the majestic peaks along the 'Avenue of the Volcanoes' to traditional villages and colonial towns and make our way to the capital, Quito, via the dormant and almost perfectly conical volcano at Chimborazo Reserve. Intricately carved churches, stately cathedrals and picture-perfect plazas are the highlights of our stay in the modern capital city and we'll also have the chance to stand in two hemispheres simultaneously by straddling the equatorial line. Setting sail for the Galapagos Islands, an archipelago made famous as the base of operations for Charles Darwin while he undertook his studies into the nature of evolution, we find a destination like no other. Hundreds upon hundreds of species of unusual, indigenous and specially-adapted plants and animals on land, under sea and in the air have no hesitation in coming in close contact with visitors and it doesn't take long for us to appreciate why Darwin was drawn to this special series of islands.
Day 1: Arrive in Quito
Arrive in Quito and transfer to our hotel. Quito (2788 m / 9,200 feet) is Ecuador's lovely capital city, nestled against Pichincha Volcano high in the Andes.

Overnight in Quito. Meal plan: Dinner, if required.
Day 2: Quito - Amazon
Today we fly to the Ecuadorian Amazon and the Sani Lodge, our preferred accommodation.*

Sani Lodge: We are met by an English speaking, naturalist guide and shuttled from the airport to a waiting motorized boat at the edge of the Napo River, where they will be given a light lunch. The Napo is the largest river in Ecuador and is a major tributary of the Amazon River. We motor comfortably down this river for about 3 hours before arriving to a small stream called Challuayacu where we will transfer to dugout canoes which are paddled into a lake for us, the Challuacocha, and right up to Sani Amazon Lodge a short distance away (about 30 min in the canoes). Between the massive Cuyabeno Reserve and the vast Yasuni National Park is a corridor of untouched rainforest where our lodge is
located.

The lodge consists of thatch-roofed cabanas, each with a modern bathroom and shower (luke-warm water -- refreshing in the jungle heat!). The cabanas are spaciously designed for double occupancy, and have screened in windows to guard against insects while you sleep. Electric lights at the lodge run from ecologically friendly solar energy instead of a noisy generator so the night sounds will be pure and natural. Oil lamps are also provided for those who appreciate that rustic feel.

Please note that groups of fewer than 8 participants will not be accompanied by an Adventures Abroad Tour Leader for this Amazon portion (you will be very capably looked after by Sani Lodge staff & guides).

*This Tour has changed since the printing of our general catalogue which featured an Amazon cruise. This section of the tour is now land-based.

Overnight at Sani Lodge. Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Lodging Sani Lodge
Description Clustered on the shore of a remote black water lagoon are newly constructed private, thatch-roofed cabanas. Each is equipped with single or double beds, electric lights, and modern bathrooms with showers. Powered entirely by solar panels, there is no noisy generator to drown out the magical night sounds of the jungle. The lodge is owned and operated by the local indigenous people.
Day 3: Amazon
You will experience a pristine rainforest gallery that is home to 1,500 species of trees, hundreds of climbing vines, and exotic flowers, as well as 550 species of tropical birds, 13 species of monkeys and 1,000 beautiful butterflies. Guides with extensive knowledge of the Amazon wildlife and biodiversity can give guests the true experience of the Ecuadorian Amazon jungle. All of our jungle adventures will be guided by a bilingual, naturalist, as well as a knowledgeable native guide.

Today we sneak up on birds, amphibians and other Amazon wildlife from a stealthy canoe paddled by an expert native guide and notice the difference in rainforest vegetation which grows along and overtop of the river.

Overnight at Sani Lodge. Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Lodging Sani Lodge
Description Clustered on the shore of a remote black water lagoon are newly constructed private, thatch-roofed cabanas. Each is equipped with single or double beds, electric lights, and modern bathrooms with showers. Powered entirely by solar panels, there is no noisy generator to drown out the magical night sounds of the jungle. The lodge is owned and operated by the local indigenous people.
Day 4: Amazon
Today we enjoy a walk on the Golden Mantled Tamarin Trail. This trail is located on the south side of the Rio Napo and is a great way to appreciate the local variation in distribution and abundance in the Amazon rainforest. On this side of the Napo you will hike into the terra firma forest, and maybe get a chance to see unique ant bird species. Also, you might see 4 species of monkeys, which cannot be found to the north of the Napo including the magnificent monkey for which the trail is named.

Overnight at Sani Lodge. Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Lodging Sani Lodge
Description Clustered on the shore of a remote black water lagoon are newly constructed private, thatch-roofed cabanas. Each is equipped with single or double beds, electric lights, and modern bathrooms with showers. Powered entirely by solar panels, there is no noisy generator to drown out the magical night sounds of the jungle. The lodge is owned and operated by the local indigenous people.
Day 5: Amazon - Quito
Today we fly back to Quito. Balance of the day at leisure. Overnight in Quito. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.
Day 6: Quito - Otavalo Valley - Ibarra
Today we journey north to the Otavalo Valley region.

In early years the Otavalo Valley was filled with farmers who raised crops in fertile lands where they lived. In the 14th century the Inca expansion reached north into the Otavalo area. The Caraquis who inhabited the area resisted the invaders. For 17 long years fierce fighting continued as the defiant Caraquis refused to be subjugated by the Incas. The Spanish arrived a few years after the Incas. They established a Hacienda system of workshops where Otavalenos were forced to work 15 hour days weaving fabrics. Today this weaving tradition forms the basis of a lucrative industry that has allowed the Otavaleno indigenous peoples to join the world economy while retaining their traditional values and skills. During our time in the valley we will have a chance to visit with the local Otavalenos and see them working their craft. We visit a traditional home with adobe walls and visit with the owners who raise guinea pigs, a local delicacy.

Our hosteria is located nearby the colonial town of Ibarra (2121 m / 7,000 feet), known as the "White City" since many of it houses are colonial style, red-tiled and whitewashed.

Overnight in Ibarra. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.
Day 7: Ibarra - Otavalo Market - Avenue of Volcanoes - La Cienega
This morning we visit Otavalo to experience the market. This market is centered around 'Poncho Plaza'. All day long, the whir of cotton candy machines, Andean pipe music, and Quichua, the native tongue derived from the Incan tongue, drift across the square. A blinding maze of coloured textiles spills from the square across the town.

We depart Otavalo to follow in the footsteps of the German scientist, Alexander von Humboldt, and rediscover what in 1802 he called the "Avenue of Volcanoes," a 325 km (202 mi) long valley between the major cordillera ranges. Massive and standing alone, the volcanoes provide brooding, snow-covered contrast to the green equatorial lushness. We see snow-capped summits, mystical brooks and rivers, terraced farmlands, small villages and fascinating cultures.

The area is also home to a number of exceptional haciendas, some of which date back to the 16th century. La Cienega Hacienda is located near the village of Lasso near the foot of Cotopaxi and has been witness to centuries of important events in the history of Ecuador.

Overnight at Hosteria La Cienega. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.
Lodging Hosteria La Cienega
Description "Hosteria La Cienega is a historic hacienda located in the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes. Situated just an hour and a half from Quito, Ecuador on the outskirts of Volcano Cotopaxi and surrounded by the cordillera’s most beautiful snow-capped peaks, the manor has been receiving guests for the last twenty-five years. Rooms are cozy and full of character. Hosteria La Cienega is a historic hacienda located in the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes. Situated just an hour and a half from Quito, Ecuador on the outskirts of Volcano Cotopaxi and surrounded by the cordillera’s most beautiful snow-capped peaks, the manor has been receiving guests for the last twenty-five years. Rooms are cozy and full of character. "
Day 8: La Cienega - Banos
Today we continue our journey to Banos. This small town's elevation gives it an extremely agreeable climate and the surrounding mountainsides are brilliant green against the white summit of the Volcano Tungurahua. En route we have a short walk to view one of the most impressive waterfalls in South America, the Devil's Bowl.

The word Banos means "baths" and, as the name indicates, the highlight is the numerous hot spring baths in the area. Today we have opportunity to visit the hot springs as well as wander the streets and market of this picturesque town. You can also hike into the nearby hillsides, along farmers' donkey trails through fields of corn, passion-fruit, and various other local products. A must-see is the Basilica dedicated to the Virgin of the Holy Water, credited with performing many miracles in the Banos area.

Overnight in Banos. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.
Day 9: Banos - Riobamba
After lunch in Banos we travel through open farmland flowing over the high ridges of the Western Andes. On arrival in Riobamba we will have a walking tour including the cathedral and the restored 1920's era Post Office, with free time for independent wanderings.

Overnight in Riobamba. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.
Day 10: Riobamba - Chimborazo Reserve - Quito
We depart Riobamba and head for Chimborazo Reserve for a scenic drive around the base of this almost perfectly-conical dormant volcano. Chimborazo (6310m / 20,833 ft), the highest summit in Ecuador, is the gem of the reserve along with the neighboring Carihuairazo Volcano. In the Indian language, Chimborazo means "mountain of snow". It is an enormous mass of overwhelming scale. Alexander Von Humboldt made an unsuccessful attempt to climb the mountain in 1802, and believed it to be the highest mountain in the world. This distinction lasted until the discovery of Mt. Everest fifty years later. Chimborazo was finally climbed by Edward Whimper in 1880. The Reserve of Chimborazo was created in October of 1987 to protect the extensive moors, the flora and the fauna of the region.

We will make several photo stops on our drive, and enjoy this starkly beautiful volcanic landscape. We have a chance to see a vicuna, an endangered species. Vicuna are the smallest of the Camelid family standing at just 2ft 8"-3ft 7" at the shoulder. They are extremely refined and delicate to look at, cinnamon in colour with an apron of long white hair on their chest. The vicuna produces one of the finest fibres of any animal in the world. We also visit an interesting indigenous community at the foot of the mountain where they have been successful in creating a responsible travel and tourism industry.

We continue north to Quito.

Overnight in Quito. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.
Day 11: Quito: City Tour
Today we tour old Spanish Colonial Quito, preserved by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. As we enter the streets of Old Quito we step into the past, surrounded by centuries-old architecture. We stop at the commanding Legislative Palace, whose murals record Ecuador's history. We will see Quito's most beautiful religious buildings, including the cathedral, the Independence Plaza, San Francisco Church, and visit one of Quito's most impressive religious buildings, La Compania church, whose ornate facade and solid gold altars make it one of the most famous of South American churches. We visit the famous Panecillo Hill with its towering winged statue of the Virgin of the Apocalypse with views of north and south of Quito and the surrounding mountains.

This afternoon we travel 22 km (14 miles) north of Quito to the Equator line monument, known as the "middle of the world," where you can stand with one foot in the Northern and the other in the Southern Hemisphere. We also visit the excellent on-site ethnographic museum with exhibits pertaining to the many indigenous peoples of Ecuador.

Please Note: Due to logistical reasons, this is a "floating day" that may occur at a different point of our programme.

Overnight in Quito. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.
Day 12: Quito - The Galapagos / Baltra & Bartolome Islands
This morning we fly from Quito to Baltra Island and board our cruise vessel for our exploration of the unique and beautiful Galapagos Islands.*

An archipelago of 12 large and several hundred smaller volcanic islands occupying a 4800 sq km (3,000 sq mile) area about 1000 km (620 miles) west of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands have become one of the world's premier adventure travel destinations. Over the course of your visit, you'll enjoy up-close views of unusual, specially-adapted animals, plants and terrains including sea lions, tortoises, iguanas, land and sea birds, volcanic landscapes, unusual cacti and vegetation. Little has changed about the islands since Charles Darwin's visit in 1835 to "this little world within itself" inspired his first theories of evolution. Nearly the entire archipelago is a natural sanctuary where you'll have thrilling encounters with some of the world's last completely untamed wildlife that has never learned to fear the presence of humans.

We will be navigating the Galapagos on board the M/V Galapagos Legend, a 110-passenger luxury expedition ship totally converted in December 2001. The M/V Galapagos Legend has all-new passenger accommodations with 1800 sq m of social areas and was built with marine certified materials qualifying with Safety of Life at Sea specifications. All cabins are booked in outside 'superior' class with plenty of space for luggage in the wardrobe closet (Junior Suite cabin upgrades available; view cabins on www.gogalapagos.com). Private bathrooms feature hot and cold water, shower, and a hair dryer. Also aboard, a highly trained crew, 24 hour physician, and naturalist multilingual guides. An auditorium for conferences, spacious social areas, dining room, 24 hour coffee bar, swimming pool and sun decks, observation platforms, cocktail bars, long distance calls, fully air-conditioned.

Upon arrival on Baltra Island, you will transfer to the ship, have lunch, and embark immediately for Bartolome Island and a dry landing (passengers step directly from a dinghy to rocks or a dock). Arriving at this island seems as if you were walking on the moon. The volcanic formations on this island include lava bombs, spatter cones, and cinder cones. There is a hike to the summit, aided by wooden steps, from where you will have an impressive view of the islands, including Pinnacle Rock an eroded tuff cone. On your way to the top you have the possibility of admiring a large colony of marine iguanas and lava lizards. Among the flora you may find red mangroves and tequila cacti.

You will have free time for snorkelling and / or swimming from a beautiful sandy beach. Here you can spot Galapagos penguins, marine tortoises (January through March), and docile white-tipped sharks.

Return to ship for passenger welcome and briefing; there is a presentation of the crew. At this time a safety drill is practiced.

Free time on board. After dinner a guide's briefing on next day activities in the auditorium.

* The operators reserve the right to alter or omit any part of an itinerary, and change the order of the places to be visited or move reservation without prior notice due to readjustment of National Park policies, seasonal changes, safety reasons, weather conditions or 'force majeur' which may dictate these changes. These decisions are oriented in terms of passenger safety and in the interest of the islands' conservation. We may also substitute vessels due to scheduled or unscheduled maintenance.

Please Note: Due to adjustment of park policies and landing schedules, this cruise itinerary will change for departures after January 2012. Further details will be added here after 2011 trips have departed; You may visit www.gogalapagos.com for more information in the meantime. Most of our trips will be doing itinerary "D" -- exceptions are P29 & P30 in March and Oct 2012, and tour codes EQ, EP & PQ in October only when the cruise will do itinerary "B."

Overnight Galapagos cruise. Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Lodging MV Galapagos Legend
Description M/V Galapagos Legend, a 110-passenger luxury expedition ship with 1800 sq m of social areas and built with marine certified materials qualifying with Safety of Life at Sea specifications.
Day 13: Galapagos Cruise / Fernandina & Isabela Islands
Buffet Breakfast.

Urbina Bay (Isabela): Isabela is the largest island in the Galapagos. Visitors learn more about the eruption of five volcanoes that flowed together to form this landmass. After a wet landing (passengers alight the tender into knee deep water with the assistance of crew) passengers will go towards the fossil beach and then to the coral area. On the way, depending on the season, it will be possible to observe many endemic species, such as: giant tortoises, land iguanas and flightless cormorants. After the walk we will have time for snorkeling.

Return to ship; the crew will welcome you with canapes followed by lunch.

Fernandina (Espinosa Point): After a dry landing at Espinosa Point, passengers will see the biggest marine iguanas mingling with sally-light foot crabs. They will also enjoy the flightless cormorants nesting sites, the Galapagos penguins, Galapagos hawks, and sea lions. Among the flora and volcanic formations observers will note brachycereus cactus, and two kinds of lava formations "pa-hoe-hoe" lava and "AA". Numerous mangrove beds extend into the sea, depicting a healthy and thriving eco-system.

Return to ship; the crew will welcome you with canapes. Free time on board. Guides briefing on next day activities.

Overnight Galapagos cruise. Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Lodging MV Galapagos Legend
Description M/V Galapagos Legend, a 110-passenger luxury expedition ship with 1800 sq m of social areas and built with marine certified materials qualifying with Safety of Life at Sea specifications.
Day 14: Galapagos Cruise / Santiago Island
Buffet Breakfast

Santiago (Egas Port): After cruising through the Bolivar channel for a possible observation of whales and dolphins, we take a Panga ride and disembark to visit Egas Port on Santiago Island. We go for a medium-length walk in search of land iguanas, orange-yellow in colour with large spines along their backs, as well as Flamingos and Oysterscatchers. Great possibilities for swimming and snorkelling where you can spot hammerhead sharks, white tipped sharks, Galapagos sharks, eels, groupers, and snappers.

Return on board, the crew will welcome you with canapes. Lunch.

Rabida (Jervis): We have a wet landing at the dark red-coloured beach of volcanic origin frequented by sea lions. It is often considered the geographic center of Galapagos because it has the most diversified volcanic rocks of all the Islands. A short trail leads to a saltwater lagoon, where you will occasionally find flamingos. July thru September is a good time of the year to observe how brown pelicans nest in the salty bushes found at the far side of the salty lagoon. Also to be observed are boobies and 9 species of Darwin's finches. Dinghy ride by the reefs and an excellent opportunity for snorkelling.

Return on board, the crew will welcome you with canapes. Free time on board. Guides briefing on next day activities.

Overnight Galapagos cruise. Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Lodging MV Galapagos Legend
Description M/V Galapagos Legend, a 110-passenger luxury expedition ship with 1800 sq m of social areas and built with marine certified materials qualifying with Safety of Life at Sea specifications.
Day 15: Galapagos Cruise / Santa Cruz Island
This morning we have the chance to investigate the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora, staffed with international scientists conducting biological research and conservation projects. Here you can also admire giant tortoises, part of the breeding program. Travellers can also admire the impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest and many land birds. The visit to the station takes around 40 minutes. After this visit, passengers have some free time to walk around town and shop for souvenirs. Lunch.

Santa Cruz (Highlands): You will have an option is to cross the highlands of Santa Cruz. Passengers will visit Cerro Chato. On this visit, you'll be able to observe the famous giant tortoises that gave the name to these islands. Additionally, travellers can walk in dormant lava tubes. Free time on the island.

Return to ship; the crew will welcome you with canapes. Free time on board. Guides briefing on next day activities in the auditorium.

Overnight Galapagos cruise. Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Lodging MV Galapagos Legend
Description M/V Galapagos Legend, a 110-passenger luxury expedition ship with 1800 sq m of social areas and built with marine certified materials qualifying with Safety of Life at Sea specifications.
Day 16: Galapagos / Santa Cruz & Baltra Islands - Quito
We arrive at Las Bachas beach in the north of Santa Cruz Island for a wet landing. Here you will encounter different sea birds, marine iguanas, sea turtles, etc. Passengers will have the opportunity to swim and snorkel from this white sand beach.

Return to the M/V Galapagos Legend, check out* and depart to the airport for our flight to Quito (via a stop in Guayaquil).

*Please Note: As an exception to our general policy regarding the inclusion of tips in our tour pricing, gratuities for the ship's crew are NOT included in tour price. (We have found that trying to pre-pay tips on your behalf is not practical, for a number of reasons). Accordingly, we suggest that you allow approximately USD 50 total per passenger for satisfactory service.

Overnight in Quito. Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 17: Departure
Departure from Quito. 

Buen Viaje! Meal plan: Breakfast.
TRIP INCLUDES
  • Breakfast and dinner daily (hotels and restaurants); all meals in Amazon and isles.
  • All sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary (including Galapagos park entry fee).
  • Gratuities for local guides, drivers, restaurant staff, porters.
  • Airport transfers for land & air customers arriving / departing on tour dates.
TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE
  • Tour Leader gratuity, some lunches, drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), departure taxes, domestic and international air taxes (if applicable).
  • Airport transfers for Land Only customers.
  • Optional trip cancellation insurance.
  • Tips for ship's crew are NOT included (allow USD 50 per person).
  • Our post-reservation trip notes offer further guidance on optional meal costs, shopping, and locally paid departure taxes.
CANCELLATIONS: 20% cancellation fee applied if cancelled 60 days prior to departure. Cancellations within 60 days are 100% non-cancelable

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