Andes, Amazonia & Galapagos Islands

Hiking among volcanoes of the Andes, exploring the Amazonia and having an unforgettable week in the Galapagos Islands, make of this trip the most enjoyable and complete.  You will discover an amazing country with so much to experience of it.

HIGHLIGHTS • The andean volcanoes. • Wonderful rainforest. • The Galapagos with a unique vegetation and fauna. • Diversity of Landscapes and culture.

Itinerary

D 1   Colonial Quito - Otavalo

 

D 2   Otavalo - Cuicocha - Lechero - Otavalo

 

D 3   Zuleta - San Pablo  - Otavalo

 

D 4   Otavalo - Lasso

Today you spend the morning browsing the busy Otavalo market.  Throughout the hiistory of the region there has been trade between regions, but the market now sells almost as many handicrafts as they produce.  Although the market is on everyday the big day is saturday and you find crafts from all over the country. In the afternoon you rejoin the bus to go to Lasso

 

D 5   Cotopaxi - Chugchilan

Today you drive to Cotopaxi national Park where you can enjoy vegetation of different altitudinal ranges from 3200m (10499ft) to 4800m (15748ft), bird wildlife, wild horses, lava flows and the cotopaxi itself.  After driving through the park you reach the car park at 4600m (15092ft) from where you start a trek to the refuge and also to the glaciar.  Depending on the time of the year you might have snow at this level.  The day finish with a visit to Limpiopungo lagoon at the foot of Rumiñahui Volcano.  Time to head off to Chugchilan, 3 hours drive from Cotopaxi.

D 6   Quilotoa - Riobamba

An early rise to go to Quilotoa lake 3900m (12795ft).  A drive through stunning hills, farmed fields, indian communities, furrowed large canyons to get to this volcano. You can walk down to the bottom of the crater and by the water.  In the afternoon you hit off the road again to drive to Riobamba.

D 7   Chimborazo - Baños

After an early rise you head to Mount Chimborazo 6310m (20702ft), the highest mountain in Ecuador, which sits over the entire Valley.  The aim today is to trek on the mountain¨s upper slopes near the refuges.  Amidst the lava fields you may see wild flowers, vicuñas, a variety of birdlife and a variety of volcanic rocks.  You will have magnificent views of the perpetually ice-crowned peak glistening in the sun, and fine panoramas of the distant peak of Tungurahua, Altar and Sangay.  You leave this place to head to Baños,

D 8   Baños - Amazonia

Baños is a pleasant spa town that attracts not only foreigners but ecuadoreans, who are drawn by its balmy climate and curative waters. There is no better way to start your day than rising early for an invigorating soak (optional).  The baths are fed by thermal springs at the base of Tungurahua active volcano, and the brown water (a result of mineral content) is reputedly good for one´s health.  This is time then to head off. A long, downhill grind through the incredibly beautiful and waterfalldraped canyon of the Rio Pastaza brings you to the steamy Puyo and then some more hours later to the lodge in the jungle

D 9   Amazon Lodge

You spend the morning exploring part of the vast Amazonian basin on foot.  Your indigenous guide will explain the extraordinarily biodiversity of the rainforest by pointing the important plants.  With luck you may see some of the jungle bird species (kingfisher, parrots, oropendolas, hoatzin. etc,) though larger mamal are mostly dificult to see.  The activities of the afternoon will be according to the interests of the group, you can either visit the Amazoonico Rehabilitation Centre to see some of the region`s threatened wildlife species including coatimundi, tapir, capybara and several monkey species; visit an indian community,  walk to a waterfall or just bathe in the river. 

D 10   Amazon Lodge - Quito

You set off in the early morning and climbed to the highlands.  A long steep ascend brings you to Baeza and then, Papallacta Pass 4064m (1333ft),  On one of your stops you can bahe in the thermal springs of Papallacta.  After crossing Papallacta Pass you have another steep descent that brings you to Quito. 

D 11   Quito - Santa Cristobal

In the morning flight to Galapagos and transfer to the hotel.  Rest of the morning free.  Lunch.  in the afternoon visit to the Interpretation Centre to have an insight of the origin, evolution and history of the different species of the Archipelago.  Soon after visit to the view point hill, Tijeretas.  Dinner and night at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.

D 12   San Cristobal

A day to explore the high area of San Cristobal and enjoy the beach.  An opportunity to enjoy the Fruit trees that mix with the scent of the tropic and, the view of the old sugar cane and coffee producer. 

After breakfast your will be transferred to the high part of the Island and here you will have a walk  around the first sweet water source of the island (El Junco lake).  Goog possiblities to see migratory birds and those typical of humid zones.  Soon after this a short trek to  Puerto Chino beach to swim or just wander around taking photos. 

Pack lunch and soon after visit to Lobería to observe native fauna of the Island. Dinner and night at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.

D 13   San Cristobal

A complete day of coastal Navigation, sighting aboard the boat .  In the morning you go to Kicker Rock (León Dormido), a beautiful rocky islet of 150 ms located off the west coast of San  Cristóbal, is a nesting place of different species of seabirds.  Lobos Island an excelent place to do snorkeling to observe groups of tropical fish and aquatic fauna.   A stop will be in Manglecito beach to take the pack lunch and relax a bit.   After that, sailing to Velasco ibarra port in Floreana.  Dinner and night here. 

D 14   Floreana & Isabela

In the morning a 2 km trek to a high part of the Island 350ms (1148ft), where the first inhabitants of the Islands settled.  You will hear a bizarre collection of stories and will come to know a little bit more about Asilo de la Paz.  Late in the morning you will continue on the trail that will take you to the tortoises raising centre where you will find some species of the islands.

Lunch in Velasco Ibarra Port

In the afternoon on the way to Isabela you have a stop to snorkel around Champion and Enderby, small barren Islands.  You will see groups of tropical fish and other marine species.  Arrival at Villamil Port in Isabela.  Dinner and night there.

D 15   Volcanic Isabela

Rising early to have breakfast and leave for the visit to Sierra negra Volcano that has the second largest crater in the world.  A day of a long trek to the Crater of this volcano with impressive views from its rim, walking through different vegetation zones and lava flows.  You also see two parasite cones known as Chico Volcano.  Pic nic lunch and in the afternoon visit to Concha de Perla a refresing water bay good for snorkeling and playing with sea lions.

D 16   Isabela & Santa Cruz

Breakfast.  Visit to Tintoreras, a lagoon where white tip sharks come to rest. They can be seen from the trail.  It is  not allowed to go snorkeling in the lagoon but at the beach behind is excellent since you can see eagle rays and sea turtles.  A relaxing morning, lunch and in the afternoon you will be transferred to Santa Cruz.  Navigation takes 2 hours approximately.  Dinner and night in Santa Cruz.

D 17   Santa Cruz – Galapaguera - Tortuga bay

Early breakfast to be transferred after to the high part of the Island to visit the Giant tortoises raising centre.  An exploration of lava tunnels will make you discover more about the formation of the islands, millions of years back.  Pic nic lunch.  In the afternoon, 2 hours hike enjoying the presence of marine iguanas and blue footed boobies as well as, mangroves on the way.  The trail will take you to uno of the most beautiful beaches in the island.

D 18   Santa Cruz - Baltra – Quito

Your last visit will be to Charles Darwin station, Giant tortoises corrrals.  You have the opportunity to meet lonely George and his life.  Transfer to Baltra airport to take the flight to Quito.  Night in Quito

PRICES

	2	3-4	5	6	7-8	9-11	12-15
Price per person (in US$)	4200	3 910	3 740	3 630	3 520	3 300	3 245

Price includes
— Private transport
— 4 stars hotels (economic hotels if you requiered).  Price based in double rooms with private bathrooms.
— meals
— Entrance fees to Cuicocha, Quilotoa, Cotopaxi and Chimborazo
— English speaking guide the whole trip

— Tickets Quito - Galapagos - Quito
Price does not include:
— International flight to Quito
— Airport exit tax $40,70 per person
— Any travel insurance
— Drinks
— Tips for guides and drivers
— Anything not mentioned in the tour
— Entrance fee to Galapagos National Park $100
— Ingala transit card $10

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