Crossing the Andes from Quito to Coast and Galapagos Islands

Crossing Three Worlds (Amazon, Galapagos, Andes)

Overview and Prices

Quick Info
Price: From USD 4850 (2 Pax) Days: 18 days / 17 nights Location: Andes Highlands, Galapagos Islands, Amazon Jungle
Overview
Your visit to Ecuador may well be the most enchanting trip you´ve ever taken. Although small in area, Ecuador encompasses marvelous and grandiose natural contrasts (Amazon Jungle, Andes Highlands, Pacific Coast and Galapagos Islands), making it a tourist destination that overwhelms the visitor with fascinating experiences and pleasures. Andes Highlands Snow-caped giant active volcanoes, colorful Indian Markets, colonial old haciendas, high-altitude remote “Paramo” Grasslands, the astonishing biodiversity of cloud forests, all represent the wonders of the “Sierra” or Andes High Lands and middle mountains of Ecuador. This mountain spine in between the Pacific coastal lowlands and the Ecuadorian Amazon Jungle is a place one can discover through unused trails that will reveal the magic and beauty of the wildest landscapes. It is a wonder for lovers of White Water Kayaking or Rafting, Rock or High Altitude Volcano Climbing, Mountain Biking, Trekking, Horse-back Riding, for Bird Watchers or in general for nature explorers. Galapagos Islands Literally a living laboratory of evolution, the Galapagos Islands are one of the most spectacular places on Earth. The Islands are peaks of enormous underwater active volcanoes; having never been connected with the South American continent, Galapagos' flora and fauna developed in complete isolation, a fact that in many ways allowed Charles Darwin to form his theory of evolution. The Galapagos are truly a wonder that should not be missed. Where else can you swim with hammerhead sharks, penguins, sea lions and hundreds of tropical reef fish? Bear in mind that, for many divers, this archipelago is the best diving spot! Landscapes are rare and amazing: volcanic early formations, dry and tropical surprising forests and a paradise for bird-watchers. Amazon Jungle Ecuador is blessed with a portion of the most biologically diverse area of the Globe, the pristine area of the Amazon Jungle. Hums and buzzes all day around, giant trees covered by hundreds of lianas and orchids, monkeys, ants, birds, 30-feet anacondas, spiders, pink dolphins and caimans, all form part of the world's largest remaining tropical rainforest. Moreover, the ethnic richness and diversity is equally amazing: 200 distinct indigenous nations, like the Secoya, Cofan, Shuar or Huaorani, all representing the ancient keepers and guardians of the world's biological heritage. A paradise for bird-watching, hiking or just contemplating the exuberant forest.

QUICK ITINERARY

PRICE 2010 (USD)
Pax	Price per Pax	Accommodation
2 Pax	4850	Double Room
3 Pax	4740	Triple Room
4 Pax	4680	Double or Triple Room
Single Supplement: USD 990

◊ PRICE INCLUDES TOURS HIGHLANDS (DAY 1 TO DAY 18)

•    English speaking guide (Along the journeys)
•    Native naturalistic guide (Amazon Jungle, Galapagos Islands)
•    All transfers.
•    Private transportation during the Highlands Tours (Quito - Guayaquil)
•    Flights Guayaquil-Galapagos-Quito,
•    Accommodation based on double rooms at first class hotels and haciendas
      in the country site.
•    Programed excursions
•    Meals according to the itinerary description (B: breakfast, L: Lunch; D:
    Dinner).
•    Pure water to drink all time (Sani Lodge, Amazon Jungle)
•    We supply rubber boots up to size 43 (Sani Lodge, Amazon Jungle)
•    National Park entrance fees (Galapagos and Sani Lodge excluded)

◊ PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

•    Transportation Quito and back to Quito USD 130 round trip or, USD 65 one
      way). Sani book flights
•    Bus tickets USD 20 round trip or, USD 10 one way (optional)
•    Bar bills (pay at the lodge only on cash)
•    Tips for the staff
•    Personal jungle equipment
•    Rubber boots (size 44 upwards)
•   National Park Fees USD 25
•    Entrance fee to the Galapagos National Park ($100 International visitors
     and $6 Ecuadorians)
•    Control Visitor Card ($10)
•    Personal expenses
•    Alcoholic Beverages
•    Gratuities.

Detailed Itinerary

• Day 1:

This first day you arrive in Quito. After the check-in in your hotel and rest a little from your flight, you are going to have a meeting with the tour guide, who is the person that came with you all along the trip. Then you have some free time to get yourself confortable or if you prefer visit touristic places or take a walk around the area.

• Day 2: City Tour in Quito with “Mitad del Mundo” (Middle of the World)

Amazon Jungle Sani Lodge Ecuador Rainforest

After breakfast, We drive into the heart of colonial Quito. This city is home to an array of beautiful cathedrals, elegant old mansions, interesting museums, squares and parks. This outstanding cultural, architectural and artistic heritage led Quito to be declared the first Cultural World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1978

After lunch, you will drive approx. 25 km North of Quito to the Mitad del Mundo where stands the 30 meters tall monument, where is marked the latitude 0º 00’ 00” In this unique place you will have a lot of fun jumping from the northern to southern hemisphere of the planet. This tour includes a visit to the Ethnographic Museum on site. Return Hotel. B/L

• Day 3: Quito - Otavalo Market

Today we drive to the city of Otavalo. After two or three hours we arrive to this small town famous for its indigenous market well known in Ecuador and all over the continent. Here natives from the mountains, descend into the valley to sell their crafts, textiles, musical instruments and goats. We will spend the day bargaining with the locals over fine sweaters, tapestries and woodwork. Then we will visit the city of Cotacachi named city of leather and the crater lake of Cuicocha. At the end of the day we drive back to Quito B

• Day 4: Quito- National Park Cotopaxi.

We drive in south direction from Quito along the Avenue of the Volcanoes. until we arrive to the first National Park in Ecuador, were we will find the highest active volcanoe on earth, the Cotopaxi volcano. In this National Park you will visit a place called “El Pucará del Salitre”, a strategic military fortress from the Inca Empire. It is possible to explore the Andean moorlands all the way up to the snow line (4,800m) where more than 90 species of highland birds dwell.

Also we will go through a flat and high road towards Limpiopungo Lagoon. This is an excellent day of acclimatization with fantastic views were breathtaking pictures of the Cotopaxi, Rumiñahui and Sincholagua Volcanoes can be taken on a clear day. Overnight accommodation in the Hacienda El Tambo or Porvenir. B/L/D

• Day 5: Riobamba City

Early in the morning we will leave for Riobamba, known as the liveliest city in Ecuador's Central Sierra. Once here, we visit Chimborazo volcano, this is the highest mountain amously regarded as the farthest point from Earth's centre with an altitud of 6,310m. If the weather conditions are good we will visit the Chimborazo Refuge Lodge. Then we will visit the city of Guano, a well-known handmade rug and tapestry center, depending on the time we spend in the Chimborazo volcano. B/L

• Day 6: Riobamba City - Ingapirca - Cuenca

Early in the morning we will leave to Alausí and catch the Train or car to the Devil’s Nose. When we arrive we will enjoy a delicious box lunch and then a land trip in south direction to Ingapirca. The best and most well known Inca archeological place in Ecuador.

In the afternoon we still go to the south to Cuenca a beautiful colonial town recently declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. We stay overnight at Hotel Victoria. B/

• Day 7: Cuenca - Guayaquil

This morning you will explore Cuenca's center, wich is the colonial part of the city where you will find churches, many art , craft shops and a flower market. Cuenca is regarded by many as the most charismatic colonial city in the country with something of a European flavour. Encounter the magnificent sunlit domes of the cathedral, the quiet convents, museums and this romantic city.

Making our way to Guayaquil, we drive through the largest Ecuadorian Lake complex known as "El Cajas". You continue by automobile and drive down the Andean Mountains and through the Pacific lowlands to Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city, which is also the financial, commercial and industrial centre of the country. Overnight accommodation in Guayaquil at the Hotel Oro Verde. B/L

• Day 8: Guayaquil - Galapagos Islands

After breakfast we will take you to the airport in Guayaquil, from where you fly to Galapagos.

Baltra Airport. Ferry crossing to Santa Cruz Island (10 min-ride). Arrival at Santa Cruz around 11:30 AM (Depending on your flight schedule). Check-in at Red Mangrove Aventura Lodge.

Begin your Academy Bay Tour at "La Loberia", where you can snorkel with sea lions (optional). 40 min. navigation to "Tortuga Bay". As we enter the white sandy beach, we have a chance to observe different marine species like Sting Rays and baby Reef Sharks in the shallow waters of the Mangrove ecosystems. After swimming on the beach we take a very short hike to the Marine Iguana nesting site. The walk back is through a Prickly Pear forest carpeted in crimson Sesuvium with black lava outcroppings home to more marine iguana colonies. Box Lunch on the beach. Welcome Cocktail. Briefing and Dinner. B/L/D

• Day 9: Santa Cruz - Floreana

Wake-up call at 6:30 AM. Staff will call for your luggage at 7:00 AM for transport to dock.. Breakfast. 8:00 AM departure. To our Tortoise Quest Tour.This tour begins with a trip to "Los Gemelos" (The Twins), two enormous collapsed lava chambers - an awe-inspiring visual reminder of the power of nature. The short, easy hike to each of the twins is teeming with endemic flora and fauna, including the remaining Scalesia Forest draped in Liverwort, large and small tree finches, the adorable Vermillion flycatcher and more. It's a wonderful introduction to the majestic power of the forces of natures and the great biodiversity of the Santa Cruz Highlands. Afterwards, we will visit a 600-acre private reserve where the giant Galapagos tortoises freely roam, graze and sleep. Sometimes, it's a bit muddy here, so before we set out, there is a selection of field boots to choose from, large sizes for men are available. You will be transported through this tropical environment by truck and from there, you walk through fields to mingle with these gentle giants. As prehistoric as these creatures look, wait until you hear what they sound like! After visiting the tortoises, we'll take a 5-minute ride to the entrance of a 450 meter (1350 feet) illuminated lava tunnel. With a ceiling nearly 20 feet high in most places, this is an incredible opportunity to ramble through the remnants of one of the most powerful forces in nature...lava flows. Stalagmites, stalactites, sulfur and mineral colored walls and the rippled form of a floor of lava can all be experienced in this uniquely Galapagos stroll.

Return to Aventura Lodge for Lunch. 2:00 PM departure for Floreana. Sailing time is 1.5 - 2 hours. We will arrive into Floreana at approximately 4PM. First, we will cruise a cove called "Luz del Dia" (Light of Day). There is an abundance of life in this cove. You will most likely see penguins and sea lions on the steep, rocky shore and rays and tropical fish beneath the clear waters. We will continue on to the main dock in Floreana. It's not unusual to have to 'shoo' sea lions sleeping on the steps we need to ascend. On the other side of the dock are black lava rocks typically full of the amazing rich red and turquoise colored Floreana marine iguanas. We will continue on to our Red Mangrove Floreana Lodge for check-in. Briefing and a BBQ Dinner at the Lodge at 7:30 PM. B/L/D

• Day 10: Floreana - Isabela

Wake-up call at 6:30 AM. Staff will call for your luggage at 7:00 AM for transport to dock. Breakfast. 8:00 AM departure in an open-air bus that will transport you up to the highlands of Floreana while your Naturalist Guide begins filling you in on the history of this, the first settled island in the Galapagos. You will walk up to see the Asilo de la Paz (Peace Asylum) where the spring is located, an artisan spring that attracted pirates, whalers and later settlers to Floreana as it was one of the very few year round sources of fresh water in the Galapagos. The Cueva de los Piratas (Pirate's Cave) is quite literally where pirates carved temporary shelter out of soft stone and is also where one of the original settlers, Margret Wittmer, gave birth to a son, Rolf, who is still living. Some have almost jokingly referred to it as the 'Stonehenge' of Floreana due to its interesting shapes. Cerro Pajas (Bird Hill) truly lives up to its name with a multitude of Floreana Finches. It also offers spectacular views of the island and the sea below. We will visit a tortoise reserve where you can watch many of the giant tortoises up close and personal. All the while, your Naturalist Guide will be pointing out the wildlife and filling you in on the colorful history of Floreana's first inhabitants like the Baroness and re-telling the legend of the "Floreana Mystery" which entailed the mysterious deaths of several inhabitants. It has never been solved. Departure at 11:00 AM for Isabela. Sailing time is 1.5 - 2 hours.

MID-DAY: Weather and tides permitted, as we approach Isabela by sea, we will cruise by Isla Tortuga which is chocked full of frigates, blue-footed boobies and other birds that rely on the sea for their food. If you brought binoculars, this is a good time to pull them out. We will arrive into Isabela between 12:30 and 1:00 PM. Arriving in the port is a visual feast with stunning green and turquoise waters so clear, you can see sea turtles, sea lions and penguins as though looking through glass. We will check-in to the Red Mangrove Isabela Lodge and have a hot, wholesome lunch.

Mixed Tour Galapagos Pioneer Journeys

2:30 PM departure to Las Tintoreras and Bay Tour. After lunch, we will board a smaller craft to head out across the port, slowing down to view blue footed boobies and Galapagos penguins sharing the same rocky, sunning space before turning a bend and docking. From there, we take an intriguing walk through a jagged 'AA' lava field, passing abundant colonies of marine iguanas, to see a small canal full of resting white-tipped reef sharks…if the tide is low, they are sometimes a mere 2 feet below the surface. The views from here are something you may carry with you for the rest of your life! The black, treacherous lava field, the emerald green sea, the forest green mangrove and the cloud capped volcanoes of Isla Isabela is the sort of afternoon backdrop you are not likely to ever forget. Once you return to the dock, you can snorkel this warm, shallow bay surrounded by mangrove, for an opportunity to see white-tipped reef sharks, sea lions, penguins and, of course, the mystery of the mangrove below the surface. Don't worry, white-tipped reef sharks are not aggressive, merely fascinating.

We'll have a bit of time to relax and shower before briefing and dinner in the Lodge at 7:00 PM. B/L/D

• Day 11: Isabela

Wake-up call 6:30 AM. Breakfast. Depart for Sierra Negra at 8:00 AM. 4x4 vehicles will drive us up through the transitional zone and into the humid highlands that are the slopes of Volcan Sierra Negra to the point of where vehicles can go no further. Here, we will mount horses to continue our journey. Horses are tame, trail horses, however, there is the option to walk. The trail is quite muddy and it does take a bit longer on foot. After a gorgeous ride / hike, we arrive to the caldera of Sierra Negra, the second largest in the world at 4 miles across. The views are breathtaking! We will relax a bit and have a snack on the edge of the caldera. For the more hardy of the group, the option exists to walk an especially difficult hour further to Volcan Chico, where fumarole activity is abundant and again, the views are spectacular. This is not an easy hike, however, as it is mostly across lava fields on slopes.

After returning from Sierra Negra, we will have a late lunch at the Lodge, around 2:30. We will then have a free afternoon. Most people are ready to catch up on a bit of rest and relaxation at this point in the tour. Many prefer to laze on the beautiful beach or climb on the rocks to take photos of the marine iguanas and blue-footed boobies. If you wish, near the main dock of Isabela is a beautiful walk through the mangrove that leads to an area known as Concha de Perla. In the shallow waters there is a sea turtle 'cleaning station'. It's a great place to snorkel and see these creatures from a few feet away. Briefing and dinner in the Lodge at 7:00 PM. B/L/D

• Day 12: Isabela - Santa Cruz

Wake-up call 6:30 AM. Staff will call for your luggage at 7:00 AM for transport to dock.

Breakfast. 8:00 AM departure for tour. We begin with a drive out of town along the most beautiful, white sand, palm lined beach in the whole of the Galapagos, Long Beach. This travel magazine cover stretches on for 3 kilometers before we hit the National Park and begin with a stop to walk up the stairs for astounding vistas from the top of Cerro Orchilla. As you drive down the road, you will very likely see the largest of the Galapagos marine iguanas sunning by the side of the road and don't be surprised if you have to wait for a Galapagos tortoise to cross the road in front of you. You will visit the "Muro de Las Lagrimas" (Wall of Tears), backbreaking effort carrying jagged volcanic rock distances when constructed by prisoners of a penal colony built there. The path to the Wall of Tears is abundant with lava lizards, the males are larger and striped and the females red-throated. If you visit during breeding season, be careful not to step on or disturb the many nests along this trail. They appear as holes that a gopher might have dug, but in fact are nests. Birds are also incredibly abundant and your Naturalist Guide will assist you with identification. Isabela has more tortoises in the wild than any other island with several sub-species as lava fields created a barrier that limited their mobility to freely roam. On your way back to town, you will visit the Interpretation Center, a breeding center for the giant Galapagos Tortoises and the only place to view the rare, remaining flat backed (so-called 'tabletop' shells) Galapagos tortoises, many of which still bear the scars of volcanic activity from Sierra Negra. At roughly 11:00 AM, we will depart Isabela for Santa Cruz. Sailing time is 1.5 - 2 hours.

We arrive into Puerto Ayora around 12:30 / 1:00 PM. We will check into the Aventura Lodge and have lunch. We depart at 3:00 PM for a guided tour of the fascinating Charles Darwin Research Station. After the Darwin Station, there will be some free time to shop for souvenirs or browse the shops along Charles Darwin Avenue. Dinner is at 7:00 PM at the Aventura Lodge. B/L/D

• Day 13: Santa Cruz - Quito

Wake-up call will and breakfast will depend on your flight departure time.

DEPARTURE: You will need to depart 3 hours before your flight in order to be assured of arriving back at the Baltra Airport the requested 1.5 hours before your flight. We will transport you from the hotel to the airport, accompany you on the ferry over to the airport and assist you the whole way with your baggage. Before entering the 'gate' to depart, you will pass through a line where you need to present the part of your Migratory Control card you have carefully guarded and now have handy for the Immigration officer. Arrival in Quito, transfer the hotel. After a deserved break, you will get to experience the new section of the city in the north with its many restaurants and bar. B/

• Day 14: Quito - Sani Lodge (Community Based)

Early in the morning we begin our journey to deep in the Ecuadorian Amazon.
Upon your arrival at the airport in Coca you will be met by a bilingual guide who will accompany you on your 3 ½ hour journey to the lodge. Sani Lodge is truly a one of a kind eco-lodge, dedicated to ecotourism, environmental conservation, and community life in the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest.
15:30 After arrival at the lodge and welcome snacks and drinks, we will settle down in the rooms
16:30 Introductory canoe ride or forest hike
18:15 Night canoe ride - caiman watching; or night hike – watching spiders, insects and night monkeys (both optional)
19:30   Dinner
20:30   Night canoe ride or night hike.
B/L/D

• Day 15: Sani Lodge

6:00 Breakfast
6:45 We leave for the Chorongo Trail, a 45-minute canoe ride across the lagoon enjoying the morning action (birds, caimans, monkeys, manatees, etc.) from the lagoon we make a 3 – 4-hour hike on the Chorongo Trail including a small snack break. We make a 45-minute return canoe ride
13:00   Lunch
15:00   3-hour hike on the Aguila Trail
18:00   Return to the Lodge
19:00   Dinner
20:00   Caiman watching or night hike (both optional).
B/L/D

• Day 16: Sani Lodge

6:00 Breakfast
6:45 We leave for the 30-m watchtower, a 5-minute canoe ride to the old campsite, a 10-minute walk to the watchtower for bird watching, and listening to the sounds of the famous Howler Monkey
9:00 Departure from watchtower to the Coto Trail. A 45-minute canoe ride and a 1 – 2-hour hike including a snack break
11:15 Pick-up by canoes at the other end of Coto Trail and a 1 – 1 1/2-hour canoe ride back to the Lodge
13:00 Lunch
15:00 Piranha-fishing
19:00 Dinner.
B/L/D

• Day 17: Sani Lodge - Quito

Departure from Sani Lodge watching dawn on the Napo and catching the last glimpses of wildlife. Breakfast on the 3 ½ boat ride back to Coca where, upon arrival, your guide will take you to the airport. Flight back to Quito. B/

• Day 18: Quito

This day is the last day of our services and you will have some free time to take a walk or visit some touristic places and get yourself ready to you next destination

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Sani Lodge