11 Nights / 12 Days
The beautiful capital city of Quito, Otavalo Market and a fascinating train journey through the Andes to Cuenca and the marvelous Galapagos Island.
PROGRAM DAY-BY-DAY
DAY
DESCRIPTION
1
Day 1 Quito
Arrive Quito and transfer to your hotel.
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Day 2 Quito
Morning at leisure.
Afternoon scenic tour of Quito, the capital of Ecuador, will take you through its wealth of culture, history and tradition. Ending up at a lookout point with great scenic view.
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Day 3 Otavalo
Full day excursion to Otavalo.This excursion goes north, to the land of the Otavaleños and South America's most famous Indian fair.
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Day 4 Quito – Riobamba
Transfer to the old train station of Quito to start the adventure. The one car "Chiva Express", which resembles a bus that runs of metal wheels along the train tracks, is ready to depart towards the south. As the Chiva Express advances along the ancient railway, the mood aboard makes you adjust to another tempo, and leisurely enjoy the way of traveling of past centuries. One of the highlights of the trip is to "ride the roof" with a panoramic view of the stunning Andean region of Ecuador. The Chiva Express ascends to the station of El Boliche, within the National Recreational Area of the same name, which is covered with pine trees, planted in 1928 as a scientific experiment to prove that foreign conifers could adapt to high-altitude ecosystems. White-tailed deer and many bird species have found an excellent refuge in these forests. Continue the voyage along the "Avenue of the Volcanoes" among magnificent natural scenery, to visit an Indian market. Farm products, wares and handicrafts are displayed everywhere on the plazas and the colorful fruits, vegetables and costumes provide countless opportunities for taking pictures. After lunch, continue toward the impressive mount Chimborazo, and visit the train station of Urbina, the highest point in the Quito & Guayaquil railway. Here is an Indian hut to observe the way of life of the inhabitants of the Andean region, the produce of the Andes and a loom to see the weaving process. There are also llamas and sheep. At the house of the station - which is used for climbers to acclimatize before ascending the Chimborazo- a typical hot drink of cinnamon and firewater (canelazo) is served. There is also a small workshop where tagua nut objects are being hand made. Continue on to Riobamba for a short visit of the city. Dinner and accommodations at the hotel in Riobamba.
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Day 5 Riobamba - Cuenca
After an early breakfast, transfer to the train station to board the Chiva Express for a scenic ride to Alausí. Twist and turn over the Andes, tunneling through rocky impasses, bridging ravines and river gorges. Ride past Cajabamba, Riobamba's original location, now beneath a huge scar on a hillside from the devastating earthquake of 1797. On the shore of Colta Lake is the Church of Balbanera, the oldest in Ecuador, built by the Spanish in 1534 . Arrive to Alausí and prepare to go down the Devil’s Nose switch backs, one of the most impressive feats of rail engineering in the world, and back to Alausí. Disembark in Alausí, and board the motorcar to continue the trip by road along the Andes towards the south. Arrival to Ingapirca for a visit to the Inca Ruins of Ingapirca. Upon arrival at Ingapirca stop at the on-site museum, and admire the stone fortress with several trapezoidal doorways and stone walls perfectly fit together, without mortar, of the Inca construction. There is an elliptical platform, known as the Temple of the Sun used for religious and ceremonial purposes, the barracks, the stone "Inca Face" and the zoomorphic carvings. Box lunch en-route. Continue on to Cuenca to arrive at dusk. Accommodations and all meals at the hotel in Cuenca.
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Day 6 Cuenca
Cuenca is Ecuador’s third largest city; yet it still retains its pleasant provincial air. Its red tiled roofs, cobblestone streets, flowery plazas and museums make it very special. Today guests will enjoy a full day to discover, at a leisurely pace, the beauty and charm for which Cuenca has been recognized as a World Cultural Heritage Site. This is a walking tour in the colonial downtown area of Cuenca, an opportunity to enjoy the warmth and hospitality of its people, the colorful parks and plazas, religious monuments and handcraft shops, plus an explanation of Cuenca's history. Lunch is served at one of the cozy restaurants of the area. In the afternoon, visit a workshop where Panama straw hats of the best quality are made and then drive up to the hill of Turi to admire the city. The last visit is to the Museum of the Central Bank, and its very interesting ethnographic museum featuring lifesize figures of the many different Indian groups that inhabit Ecuador.
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Day 7 Cuenca
Depending on weather conditions, the full day visit today can be either to El Cajas National Park or Gualaceo Valley. At El Cajas the wind and drizzle can make it very cold, but the scenery surrounding the glacial lakes is splendid. Great for those who enjoy walking and hiking, observing flora, fauna and bird life. The excursion to Gualaceo goes through many small towns where different handcrafts are made.
Excursion to Cajas National Park. A jacket and walking shoes are necessary when heading for the area of Cajas, 19 miles (30 Km.) west of Cuenca. Cajas is lake country, a protected 28,800-hectare area starting at 3,000 meters (10,000 feet) above sea level; the region shows remains of intense volcanic activity and glaciation. The highest point is reached on the road at Three Crosses, the water divide of those than go to the Pacific and to the Atlantic. The wind and drizzle can make it very cold, but the scenery surrounding these 230 lakes is splendid, for walking and hiking, for observing flora, fauna and bird life. The vegetation includes small forests of quinua trees, a high protein grain. These dwarf forests are home to many species of birds like hummingbirds and the gray-breasted mountain toucan. The cold lakes of Cajas are full of trout, which is prepared in various ways for lunch. Return to Cuenca in the afternoon and transfer to the airport for the return flight.
The valley of Gualaceo is 22 miles (36 kilometers) from Cuenca, at an elevation of 7,446 feet (2,370 meters) above sea level. The ride starts along the Santa Ana valley and then high in the mountains, through very scenic landscapes, which change at every curb. Stops are made at the small towns of San Bartolome where guitars are hand made and artistically finished and at Sigsig, where the toquilla straw is harvested and prepared to weave into the famous Panama hats. Proceed to Chordeleg, through orchards and sugar cane plantations, a small town with many stores selling jewelry in gold and silver. Chordeleg is also known for its green and yellow pottery. Lunch is at a very pleasant country inn, surrounded by flowering gardens and very close to the Santa Barbara river. After lunch, follow the road along the banks of the river, lined with weeping willows to the village of Gualaceo, famous for its Sunday market which sells mostly produce, animals, household goods and leather shoes. The valley of Gualaceo is famous for the production of peaches and there is a Peach Festival the first week of March. Visit another tiny town, Bulcay, where the weavers produce the finest shawls and scarves using backstrap looms and the technique of ikat, where the threads are tie-dyed to form specific designs before weaving. Return to Cuenca in the afternoon and transfer to the airport for your flight Guayaquil .On arrival transfer to your hotel.
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Day 8 Guayaquil – Galapagos
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Galapagos.
Arrival by plane to Baltra Island and immediate transfer by bus (5 minutes) to the dock to board the MV SANTA CRUZ. Cabin assignment and introductory welcome talk. Later, lunch, and ship’s boat drill.
Cerro Dragón (Dragon Hill) (Santa Cruz Island)
The north shore of Santa Cruz hosts Cerro Dragón (Dragon Hill). A dinghy ride among mangrove-lined islets allows the observation of the dramatic landscape and coastline, an area of amazing past volcanic activity. While exploring the nearby waters, various types of birds can be seen, such as boobies, frigates, pelicans. Quite commonly, the black lava will reveal the presence of marine iguanas. The navigation in shallow turquoise colored water gives the chance to see marine turtles, rays and sharks.
Dry landing and a walk that includes a brackish water lagoon frequented by greater flamingos, common stilts, pintail ducks and a variety of shore / lagoon birds.
Further along the trail, we head to Dragon Hill, which offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western area of the archipelago. This area is a natural nesting site of a fairly large number of land iguanas, which is constantly monitored and assisted by the Charles Darwin Research Station. The arid-zone vegetation can be a rewarding location for birdwatching, where Darwin’s finches, Galápagos mockingbirds, the endemic Galápagos flycatcher, and yellow warblers are regular sightings.
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Day 9 - Galapagos
Bartolomé Island
Disembark at Bartolomé Island (dry landing) for a hike to the summit. Great way to start the day. This is a steep climb aided by a wooden staircase; the view from the top is worth the effort. Panga ride around colossal Pinnacle Rock, time to enjoy the beach (wet landing) and snorkeling. Chance to snorkel next to Galápagos Penguins. There is also the possibility to ride on the glass bottom boat for great views of the underwater world. Lunch on board.
Puerto Egas (Santiago (James) Island)
Afternoon outing at Puerto Egas (wet landing). This is a great location to see particularly shore birds, while land birds can be observed a little more inland. The pitch black shores are great places for watching sea birds and their foraging duties. The trail brings us to a colony of the endemic Galápagos fur-sea lions. At low tide, marine iguanas graze upon emerald green algae beds. Outstanding snorkeling and swimming from the beach before the walk. ECO Moment and briefing before dinner. Weather permitting, stargazing on deck.
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Day 10 - Galapagos
Darwin Bay (Genovesa (Tower) Island)
Before breakfast, early morning entrance into Darwin Bay. Wet landing at a small white-coralline beach for an easy stroll observing hundreds of birds, mainly Great frigate birds, red footed and Nazca (masked) boobies, lava gulls, herons, finches and mockingbirds. Later, the trail leads to an area of sharp lava and uneven terrain, but you may return to the beach or continue observing wildlife within the sandy portions of the walk. Those more adventurous can snorkel along the cliffs while looking for colorful tropical fish, and hopefully some Hammerhead Sharks. Lunch on board.
North Seymour Island
During navigation, spend some time on deck looking for dolphins or possibly whales. This is one of the few uplifted islands in Galápagos. In previous times, this was the ocean's bed. Today's afternoon walk includes a dry landing for a view of the coast and the interior of the island, while exploring colonies of blue footed boobies, Magnificent frigate birds, and swallowtail gulls. The sandy shore teems with Galápagos sea lions and marine iguanas. A shorter walk may be also offered. ECO Moment, Naturalist's briefing, and dinner.
Prince Philip Steps (Genovesa (Tower) Island)
As we explore the coastline of Darwin Bay, the cliffs of this eroded caldera will reveal its past geological power, with features like lava tubes where red-billed tropic birds nest, and some odd ones like cactus next to a tropical ocean. Then, disembark (dry landing) on rocks for a steep climb (90 feet) and then a leveled walk for about a mile to the other side of this small island observing large colonies of Nazca (masked) boobies, frigate birds, storm petrels and the well camouflaged short-eared owl. ECO Moment, Naturalist's briefing and dinner.
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Day 11 - Galapagos
Santa Fé (Barrington) Island
Early morning (pre-breakfast) visit to Santa Fé (Barrington) Island. This island, according to the latest geological studies, shows the islands’ oldest rocks. The small bay on Santa Fe's northern coast provides one of the most picturesque harbors within the archipelago. A large sea lion colony inhabits most of the surrounding landing site. Follow the trail among a very tall forest of opuntia cacti, where large and somewhat pale land iguanas, that are island endemics, can be seen. A variety of finches and the Galápagos mockingbird abound. Back to the ship for breakfast, as we sail to Santa Cruz Island.
Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island)
Mid morning disembarkation (dry landing) to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the rearing in captivity program for the giant tortoises. Impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest and many land birds can be also seen. Then, a stroll along the main street of Puerto Ayora will allow you to see how Galapagueños live in this magical paradise. We believe that our presence should benefit local communities too. Lunch at beautiful Finch Bay Hotel. In the afternoon drive up to the lush highlands, including the Scalesia (an endemic giant daisy tree) forest and the twin pit craters Los Gemelos. The trip to the highlands includes the islands’ most-famous reptile: the giant tortoises in their wild habitat. What a privilege to see an endangered species roving in this lush environment. The vermilion flycatcher will delight all participants with its scarlet feathers against an emerald green forest. Look for the Darwin’s finches of the highlands (most of them from the tree-finch group), particularly the famous Woodpecker Finch. Return aboard the MV SANTA CRUZ for tonight’s ECO Moment, briefing and dinner.
Please note that aside from our regular program, the day spent at Santa Cruz Island offers some multisport activities like sea kayaking, hiking to Tortuga Bay, beach combing at Finch Bay Hotel, scuba diving, as well as other options that can be taken at your own pace. The Expedition Staff will carefully explain what is there to do at this dazzling island. Of course, some of these options are at an additional cost, and must be paid on site.
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Galapagos - Guayaquil
Disembark at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. This small attractive port is the provincial capital of the Galápagos Islands (population 4,000), along a crescent-shaped bay. It was this very same island that Charles Darwin first visited, back in September 1835. Visit the San Cristóbal Interpretation Center, located in a natural setting, where it allows visitors to obtain information that will help them understand more the natural history of the Galápagos, with a great emphasis on human history and conservation. Afterwards, you can stroll through Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, where souvenir shops and Internet cafés welcome world travelers who are willing to catch up with the world, and share the many wonders witnessed, before heading back to the mainland. Transfer to the airport to take the flight back to the continent and land at Guayaquil.
PRICES AND GENERAL INFO (Prices are person in US$)
Airfares We can provide a separate quotation for the applicable airfares in conjunction with this package.
Inclusions:
accommodation in hotel category of your choice – all rooms with private facilities , local service charges & hotel taxes, transfers and tours as specified in the itinerary on a seat in coach basis with local English speaking guides, breakfast daily plus other meals as specified in the itinerary.
Exclusions:
airfares,items of a personal nature, tips and gratuities, airport taxes, excess baggage charges, meals not specified in itinerary.
We can assist you in choosing the right airline to complement your selected holiday package or tour. Safety and comfort are paramount together with consideration for the right price, number of stops, frequent flyer points, cabin space/leg room/seat pitch, flight time , arrival/departure times and class of travel . We carefully select airlines that offer options to suit most budgets , flight frequencies and excellent service . To receive an estimate, please call Toll Free at 0800 5687639 (JOURNEYS) - within NZ only or 64 3 4435036 or send an email to us.
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HIGHLIGHTS OF ECUADOR & GALAPAGOS
ABOUT THE PACKAGE
11 Nights / 12 Days
Prices are per person, per package, in US Dollars. 
