Adventure in Ecuador
Daily
Quito, Otavalo, Quilotoa, Amazon – Cuyabeno, Galapagos islands
WHY CHOOSE THIS TOUR?
- budget version – the best ratio of price / quality
- the best destinations of Ecuador and Galapagos
- unique ecosystems of Galapagos Islands and Amazonia
- you will visit historical capital Quito
TOUR DESCRIPTION
The tour Adventure in Ecuador is a budget version of unforgettable tour to Ecuador and Galapagos Islands, 3 in 1. Thanks to this package you experience the atmosphere of the Amazon jungle, historical capital of Quito and admired Galapagos Islands. Unique fauna and flora and absolutely fearless animals allow you to experience local wildlife from a few centimetres! A varied and very colourful combination of culture, history and wild nature is waiting for you.
Day 1 – Arrival in Quito
After arriving in Ecuador we will take you to a hotel to relax. The rest of the day is at leisure. Night in the hotel.
Day 2 – Quito City Tour (B)
We will take you after breakfast to this magnificent city for an excursion. The tour starts on the city’s central square (Plaza de La Independencia) and a show-around in the Cathedral. Then we continue to the Presidential Palace, Archbishop Cathedral and an old town hall. A bit further well-known La Compaňía de Jesus with its beautifully decorated interior will enchant you. Church and Convent of St. Francis is our next stop. Here you can admire unique frescoes, the atrium and baroque interior. This old “downtown” is the historical centre where there are beautiful works of architecture. Our last visit is to Panecillo, a hill that is a natural lookout having an impressive panoramic view of Quito and the surrounding valleys. Then you continue to the Equator Monument that marks the equinoctial line established by the French Geodesic Mission in the 18th century. Here you will be able to jump from the southern to the northern hemisphere in an instant. Inside, there is an interesting ethnographic museum and you can visit a lot of souvenir shops. Return to the hotel.
Day 3 – Quito – Otavalo (B)
North of Quito, you will find one of South America’s most famous indigenous markets. Otavalo Indians are very prosperous trade’s people, as you will see at this outdoor emporium. While the most colorful market occurs on Saturdays, there are mini-markets each day of the week. While some markets focus on agricultural products, others are famous for their refined crafts like baskets, ponchos, hats, sweaters, tapestries and leatherwork.
Day 4 – Quilotoa (s)
Full day excursion to spectacular laguna known as Quilotoa, located in reservation Ilinizas. You will have chance to hike to the crater. Return to Quito and night transfer by minibus to Lago Agrio follows.
Day 5 – Lago Agrio, Amazonia (L, D)
Morning arrival by minibus to Lago Agrio, in Amazonia. Transport is arranged for you to Cuyabeno Reserve, El Puente (approx. 2 hrs). Then you will board a boat and sail along the Cuyabeno River. Keep your eyes open, you can see many birds, butterflies or you can just listen to monkey sounds. Our destination is Laguna Grande, the biggest lagoon in the reserve, close to where you will be accommodated in Samona Camp (tourist level accomodation), which can be upgraded to higher quality accomodation, please see below for more details.
Day 6 – Cuyabeno Reserve, Amazonia (B, L, D)
Thanks to the cabins, partly open to the outdoors, you can be woken up by the bird´s singing. If you get up early enough you may see dolphins swimming in the lagoon at dawn. After breakfast you set out for a hike in the jungle, accompanied by English and Spanish speaking guides who will show you local plants and animals. You may see various frogs, insects, snakes, tapirs or armadillos. A midday siesta in a hammock follows the lunch, before starting a canoe ride to Igapo. Enjoy the lush green vegetation and its fauna. Return back and dinner.
Day 7 – Cuyabeno Reserve, Amazonia (B, L, D)
You start the day with a hike to the jungle for birds´ observation. You will see many orchids, curative herbs and from the fauna among others capybaras, ocelots and armadillos´ burrows. Another, smaller lake will be visited after lunch. You can go piranha fishing, listen to the sounds of macaws and caciques or try to spot an anaconda sleeping on a tree branch. One more excursion waits for you after dinner: caymans´ red eye spotting.
Day 8 – Lago Agrio – Quito (B)
You will be driven to Lago Agrio after breakfast. The 7 houhr long drive by minibus follows. Overnight in Quito.
Day 9 – Quito – Galapagos (B, L, D)
Flight to Galapagos to Baltra Island where you board the yacht after a short drive to the harbour. Welcome to the Galapagos Islands of volcanic origin! In the morning, we will take the public speedboat from Isabela to Puerto Ayora, where the guide will be waiting for us in order to take a breakfast and check in at the hotel. Immediately, we will begin our visit to the Highlands of Santa Cruz Island. In this place we can enjoy a wonderful visit to see giant turtles in their natural habitat. After lunch in the highlands, we will return to Puerto Ayora and go to the Charles Darwin Research Station. Here we will have the grand opportunity to see Lonesome George, the last Galapagos turtle of its species, and learn about the ongoing efforts to rehabiliate the tortoise populations throughout the Galapagos Islands.
Day 10 – Galapagos (B)
Today we visit Humedales Complex inluding The Giant Tortoise Breeding Center, the famous “Muro de las Lágrimas”, the enormous lava rocks wall built during the times Isabella Island was designated as a penal colony (1946 to 1959) . Additionally, we will visit “Mirador Orchidia” and el “estero de Isabela”.
Day 11 – Galapagos (B, L)
Full day tour to one of the islands (Bartolome, Santa Fe, Plazas or North Seymour). The tour by boat includes lunch. You will have full day to explore the island and enjoy snorkeling.
Day 12 – Galapagos – departure (B)
Transfer to the airport after breakfast, for your flight to Guayaquil. End of our services.
- local airfare as detailed in the program
- all services and transfers detailed in the program
- all meals specified in the program (B: Breakfast L: lunch D: dinner)
- local English speaking guide
- entrances fees and permits
- taxes
- accommodation in motels with private bathroom
- program in Galapagos Islands
- 3 nights accommodation in Samona Lodge – full board in Amazonia, drinking water, excursions and activities as per the program
- permanent English assistance by our Operations Department
- international airfare
- airport tax
- meals and services not detailed in the program
- tips for guides
- personal expenses
- optional excursions
- Galapagos National Park Entrance fee 100 USD
- transfer (INGALA) card 20 USD
- single supplement
- 4* hotel upgrade
- extended stay at Galapagos Islands and Ecuador
- Price per person (2 people in double / twin room).
- The program can be customized according to your requirements.
- The price is subject to availability and actual airfare cost.
