Colorful Ecuador & Enchanting Galapagos
9 day Tour & Deluxe Expedition Cruise
Ecuador
is a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural nation. Fourteen indigenous
nationalities and dozens of settlements conserve their ancestral and
diverse habits, attire, spirituality, native tongues in a cosmic
vision.
DAY 1, MON ARRIVE QUITO
Welcome
to Quito international airport. On arrival clear customs and
immigration then make your way across to arrivals hall where a
representative will be waiting for you. You will be assisted with
your baggage then transferred to the Swissotel for check-in and
overnight.
DAY 2, TUES QUITO CITY TOUR
After breakfast depart for the half day city tour: Colonial Quito, Ecuador’s capital. Marvel
at the city’s ornate churches, cathedrals and baroque
architecture, and experience a long history of local culture in
Quito’s “Old Town. “ Visit San Francisco
Church, dedicated to Quito’s patron saint, and rich in art treasures,
fine woodcarvings and altars of gold leaf. You will also see La
Compañía Church, a Jesuit church with an
elaborate façade, whose glittering interior was created with 7 tons of
gold. Overnight at the Swissotel
(B)
DAY 3, WED OTAVALO MARKET TOUR
After
breakfast at the hotel, we depart Quito early to the
Otavalo
market, the finest and most well known fair in South America. For
centuries, regional markets have played an important role in Indian
life, providing regular gathering places for trade and socializing. In
contract to other markets, the Otavalenos barter in silence. They
wear blue ponchos, white pants and have long braided hair. The
colorful local markets are famous for their fine handicrafts. At the
central plaza and along side streets, you will find weavings,
sweaters, belts, blankets and rugs. Lunch is provided at a lovely
hacienda with a folkloric performance. Also stop at the small towns
of Calderon (bread dough figures), Cotacachi (leather goods), and San
Antonio de Ibarra (wood carvings). We return to Quito late in the
afternoon for overnight at the Swissotel. (B,L)
DAY 4, THURS
QUITO – GUAYAQUIL
GUAYAQUIL– GALAPAGOS
After
breakfast at the hotel checkout and you will are transferred to Quito
airport to board the flight for Baltra, Galapagos.
On
arrrival board the bus to Itabaca canal, cross to the Island of Santa
Cruz and travel to Puerto Ayora, embark on pangs (small boats) that
will take to the your expedition ship. Welcome drinks are served on
embarking the M/V Galapagos Legend.
Visiting
the Galapagos is a very special and unique experience. You can hike
the trails as you admire blue footed boobies, giant tortoises, marine
iguanas, flightless cormorant birds, penguins and other species that
are endemic to this paradise.
The
rich marine life is fascinating for those who like snorkeling - a
wonderful world full of colorful fish, manta rays, sea turtles,
hammer head sharks, whale sharks, and magnificent reefs.
After lunch on board, your naturalists will announce your first excursion to these Enchanted Islands.
Bartolomé
Arriving on this island, you will see volcanic formations including lava
bombs, spatter, and cinder cones. During the hike to the summit, you
will often see large colonies of marine iguanas, lava lizards,
tiquilla, and various cacti. At the summit you you will have an
impressive view of the surrounding islands, including the eroded tuff
cone of Pinnacle Rock.
Afterwards,
a chance to cool off while snorkeling. Here it is possible to see the
Galapagos penguin, sea turtles, and white tipped sharks from a safe
distance.
Overnight
on M/V Galapagos Legend (B,L,D)
DAY 5, FRI GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Urbina Bay (Isabela)
After
a wet landing, enjoy a walk towards the fossil beach and then to the
coral area. On the way and depending of the season it will be
possible to observe many endemic animals such as: giant tortoises,
land iguanas and flightless cormorants.
Fernandina (Espinosa Point)
A chance to see the biggest marine iguanas mingling with sally-light
foot crabs, flightless cormorant 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.
Overnight on M/V Galapagos Legend (B,L,D)
DAY 6, SAT GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Santiago (Egas Port)
Visit the dark sandy beach at Egas Port during a wet landing. Most of the
landscape is tuff-stone layers and lava flows, the surrounding area
is good for spotting and observing hunting herons, great blue herons,
lava herons, oyster catchers, and the yellow crowned night heron.
Observe marine iguanas grazing upon algae beds at low tide, sharing space
with red sally light-foot crabs. There is a colony of fur-seal
swimming in deep pools of cool water called
“grottos”.
In
this beach you can swim and snorkel in search of octopuses, sea
horses, star fish and other sea life.
Rábida (Jervis)
Wet landing at the dark red colored 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 salt water 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 snorkeling.
Overnight on M/V Galapagos Legend (B,L,D)
DAY 7, SUN GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Santa Cruz (Charles Darwin Research Station)
Stop
in at 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 that
are part of the breeding program.
Visit the impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest and many land birds.
Time at leisure to walk around town and shop for souvenirs.
Santa
Cruz (Highlands)
One of the options is to cross the highlands of Santa Cruz to visit Cerro
Chato and observe the famous giant tortoises that gave the name to
these islands.
Additionally, you can literally get into the Galapagos by walking in the dormant lava tubes.
Overnight on M/V Galapagos Legend (B,L,D)
DAY 8, MON
BALTRA, GALAPAGOS – GUAYAQUIL
UAYAQUIL– QUITO
Santa Cruz (Bachas Beach)
Wet
landing at Bachas beach which is located at north of Santa Cruz
Island.
Here
you will encounter different sea birds, marine iguanas, sea turtles,
and have the opportunity to swim at this white sandy beach.
Disembark at the docks (Isle of Baltra), and transfer to the airport for your
flight back to mainland via Guayaquil to Quito.
Overnight at the Swissotel (B)
DAY 9, TUE DEPART QUITO
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to Masical Sucre Airport in Quito to board your flight home.
****END
OF SERVICES****
TOUR
COST: from C$3150 per person
sharing twin
Includes:
- Arrival & departure transfers in Quito
- Four nights accommodation in Quito, including breakfast and hotel tax
- Half day Colonial Quito & full day Otavalo market tour with lunch
- Domestic flights Quito / Galapagos / Quito via Guayaquil
- Accommodation in a superior inside cabin
with private bath & air conditioning on the deluxe expedition
ship 100-passenger M/V GALAPAGOS LEGEND for 4 nights including all
meals, shore excursions and guide services.
- Services of professional English speaking guides and naturalists
- Galapagos National Park entrance fee
Excludes:
- International
departure; Snorkeling equipment & Wet suits; Meals
not mentioned in the itinerary; passport and travel visa fees; medical
or Travel insurance; items of a personal nature, such as beverages,
laundry, telephone calls, gratuities, etc.
Contact
Chris
Boecker
to join this wonderful journey.
Find
out more about Galapagos
GENERAL
INFORMATION - ECUADOR
Ecuador:
A small country of striking geographical and cultural contrasts. It
rises up from the Andean highlands and flows down to the coastal
plains. It crosses the unfarmed jungles and sails over the Galapagos
Islands. Located on the Pacific coast of South America, straddling
the equator, Ecuador is a country of many lands.
Ecuador
appeals to many varied interests including archeological ruins,
colonial cities and architecture, Indigenous markets, handicrafts and
art, mountain trekking, bird watching and train rides through the
Avenue of the Volcanoes. Plus look for National parks and nature
reserves, dynamic seaports, beach resorts, deep sea fishing, scuba
diving, jungle lodges and thermal springs.
Quito
Quito,
colonial Capitol set in the Middle of the World and a UNESCO Cultural
Patrimony of Mankind and World Heritage Site. Surrounded by
snowcapped volcanoes, yet only 14 miles from the Equator line, the
quaint capital of Ecuador boats a spring-like climate all year round.
Located in a huge valley in the Andes Mountains at an altitude of
9,455 feet, visitors can feel the crisp air while enjoying the
city’s
rich colonial architecture, churches, monasteries and museums.
Rich
in history, Quito is the second highest capital city in the world,
founded in 1534 by Spanish Conquistador Sebastian de Benacazar. For
nearly three centuries, the arts and intellectual societies
flourished under Spanish colonial rule until 1809, when Quito
established the first self-governing junta in the colonies. Liberator
Simon Bolivar led the country as part of the Republic of
Greater Colombia until 1830, when the Republic of Ecuador announced
its independence with the adoption of the Constitution signed in
Riobamba.
Otavalo
Otavalo
is an Indian town located in a beautiful mountain region, north of
Quito on the Pan-American Highway. The Indians of this region are
famous for the weaving of textiles, which has a history of 4000 years
and the town boasts of a great market, where you can buy or admire
their work. Main market day is Saturday but in the Plaza del Poncho
are always wares on sale for tourists. The town is surrounded by
beautiful scenery with mountain peaks and lakes. One of the most
impressive lakes is Cuicocha located at 3200m at the foot of
Cotacachi, a 4939 m high volcano, which we visit on this trip.
Documents
A
valid passport and proof of onward transportation is required for
Canadian & U.S. citizens. Others should contact the Ecuadorian
consulate for entry requirements.
Currency and Exchange Rates
The
currency of Ecuador is the Sucre, and major credit cards are accepted
as payment in most hotels, restaurants and shops. Dollars and
traveler's checks may be exchanged at banks and most hotels;
traveler's checks command a slightly lower rate than actual currency.
Tips
and Taxes
As
in most countries, taxes are unavoidable and tips are given on the
basis of the quality of service rendered. It is helpful to carry a
small quantity of US $1 bills for tips and easy change.
Valuables
We
suggest that while touring or shopping leave your passport and the
bulk of your money in the hotel safe; only take with you the money
you intend to spend or exchange at that particular time. It is also
helpful to take a copy of the picture page of your passport to carry
in your wallet because it is sometimes needed to exchange traveler's
checks. This copy can also be useful in the event your passport is
lost or stolen.
Health
No
inoculations are required for travel to Ecuador, and we do not find
health to be a problem as a general rule. Many major hotels in Quito,
Guayaquil and Cuenca have water purification systems and the water is
safe to drink. Please check with your hotel before drinking the tap
water to make sure it is one of them. In other areas, bottled water
is advisable.
Electric
Current
The
electric current is 110 volts AC, 60 cycles AC. Converters are not
necessary.
Time
Difference
The
time in mainland Ecuador is the same as Eastern Standard Time in
North America. Daylight savings time is not observed. Galapagos is
one hour earlier; however, some cruise ships operate on Galapagos
time and some operate on mainland time. Please check the time with
your particular cruise ship to be sure.
Language
Ecuador
has two official languages, Spanish and Quechua. English is spoken in
most hotels, tourist shops and major visitor centers.
Business
Hours
Banks:
9:00am/1:30pm Monday - Friday, Shops: 9:00am/7:00pm Monday –
Saturday
Airports
On
international departures there is an exit tax of $25.00. National
Parks: The Galapagos Islands Park Fee $80.00. Amazon $10.00. San
Cristobal airport $40.
Climate
and Seasons
Highland
Central Valleys - Quito, Cuenca: The weather in this area is
generally spring like most of the year despite the proximity to the
Equator. Air temperatures in these areas are determined primarily by
the altitude of the Andes. The dry season is from May through October
when temperatures will be in the 70's F during the day and 50's F at
night. From December through April, temperatures will be slightly
cooler and expect showers in the afternoons.
The
Coast - Guayaquil, Beach Resorts: The temperature in this
area
averages 83 F year round. The rainy season is December through May
and the dry season is June through November.
The
Jungle - The climate is tropically hot and humid year round
with
an average temperature of 82 F. Expect rain throughout the year
although more rainfall is received from April through August.
The
Galapagos Islands - December through June are the warmest
months
(avg. 80 F), and there is always some chance of rain and accompanying
humidity during this time. The majority of the rain is received from
January through March. July through November brings the "garua"
or misty season and slightly cooler temperatures. Temperatures
average in the 70's by day and slightly cooler in the evening. These
cooler temperatures are brought about by cooler ocean currents so
water temperatures are cooler at this time as well.
Souvenirs
and Such
The
best buys in Ecuador are the wide variety of handicrafts ranging from
woven ponchos, sweaters, rugs and wall hangings to ceramics, wood
carvings, straw and leather items.
Books
You
are retracing some of the trip taken by Charles Darwin aboard the HMS
Beagle. You might enjoy reading one of these suggested accounts of
his trip. "Journal of the HMS Beagle" by Charles Darwin or
"Darwin and the Beagle" by Alan Moorhead.
Imported
Items
Items
not made in Ecuador are often difficult if not impossible to find and
are much more expensive than elsewhere due to taxation. Some of these
commonly needed items include film and camera equipment, insect
repellent, sunscreen, contact lens solutions and binoculars. If you
use these items, bring them from home.
Clothing
Casual
clothes - slacks, jeans, shorts, bathing suits, etc. - are
appropriate for almost all daytime and evenings activities outside of
Quito and Guayaquil with mode of dress determined more by air
temperature than formality. Dress in Quito and Guayaquil is more
formal with jeans or slacks appropriate for day wear and dinner
clothes (jacket and tie for men) appropriate for most evenings out.
Dark colored, lightweight shorts or slacks are advisable for
Galapagos cruises as they show dirt and dust less.
Useful items to include in packing list:
- Lightweight plastic raincoat / umbrella
- Light jacket for cool evenings (all year, higher elevations)
- Small flashlight (jungle excursions)
- Mosquito repellent (jungle excursions, the Galapagos)
- Snorkeling equipment (Galapagos cruises - often available for rent but quantity and quality sometimes limited)
- Sneakers or hiking boots (jungle walks/volcano tours)
- Extra pair of sneakers (Galapagos cruises, jungle excursions - these may get wet and/or muddy)
- Suntan lotion, sunscreen, wide brimmed hat and sunglasses (Galapagos cruises, jungle excursions, fishing trips)
- Warm jacket and heavy socks (Excursions to Cotopaxi Volcano)
- Binoculars, camera, batteries and plenty of film
- Windbreaker or sweatshirt style jacket (Galapagos cruises)
- Small waterproof bag or backpack (Shore excursions in the Galapagos, jungle excursions)
Luggage
For
itineraries that include Galapagos or Jungle excursions as well other
tours in mainland Ecuador, we suggest carrying either two smaller
suitcases or a smaller expandable bag inside your large suitcase.
There is no need for city clothes or heavy sweaters in either the
Galapagos or the jungle, and you can make arrangements to leave the
bulk of your luggage in your Quito or Guayaquil hotel during these
excursions. For tours to the Galapagos, passengers are allowed 30
lbs. (1 suitcase) in addition to a small carry on or backpack.
Contact
Chris
Boecker to join this wonderful journey and for more information.
