Ecuador & The Galapagos

Welcome to Ecuador! Arrival in Quito and transfer to our hotel. Quito (2788 m/9,200 feet) is Ecuador's lovely capital city, nestled against Pichincha Volcano high in the Andes.

Accommondation: Quito

Meal Plan: - / - / D

Today we tour old Spanish Colonial Quito, preserved by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. As we enter the streets of Old Quito we step into the past, surrounded by centuries-old architecture. We stop at the commanding Legislative Palace, whose murals record Ecuador's history. We will see Quito's most beautiful religious buildings, including the cathedral, the Independence Plaza, San Francisco Church, and visit one of Quito's most impressive religious buildings, La Compania church, whose ornate facade and solid gold altars make it one of the most famous of South American churches. We visit the famous Panecillo Hill with its towering, winged statue of the Virgin of the Apocalypse with views of north and south of Quito and the surrounding mountains.

This afternoon we travel 22 km (14 miles) north of Quito to the Equator line monument, known as the "middle of the world," where you can stand with one foot in the Northern and the other in the Southern Hemisphere. We also visit the excellent on-site ethnographic museum with exhibits pertaining to the many indigenous peoples of Ecuador.

Accommondation: Quito

Meal Plan: B / - / D

Today we journey north to the Otavalo Valley region. In early years the Otavalo Valley was filled with farmers who raised crops in fertile lands where they lived. In the 14th century the Inca expansion reached north into the Otavalo area. The Caraquis who inhabited the area resisted the invaders. For 17 long years fierce fighting continued as the defiant Caraquis refused to be subjugated by the Incas. The Spanish arrived a few years after the Incas. They established a Hacienda system of workshops where Otavalenos were forced to work 15-hour days weaving fabrics.

Today this weaving tradition forms the basis of a lucrative industry that has allowed the Otavaleno indigenous peoples to join the world economy while retaining their traditional values and skills. During our time in the valley, we will have a chance to visit with the local Otavalenos and see them working their craft. We visit a traditional home with adobe walls and visit with the owners who raise guinea pigs, a local delicacy. In Otavalo city, we'll have a chance to wander through the colorful handicraft stalls.

Our hosteria is located nearby the colonial town of Ibarra (2121 m/7,000 feet), known as the "White City" since many of it houses are colonial style, red-tiled and whitewashed.

Accommondation: Ibarra

Meal Plan: B / - / D

We depart Otavalo to follow in the footsteps of the German scientist, Alexander von Humboldt, and rediscover what in 1802 he called the "Avenue of Volcanoes," a 325 km (202 mi) long valley between the major cordillera ranges. Massive and standing alone, the volcanoes provide brooding, snow-covered contrast to the green equatorial lushness. We see snow-capped summits, mystical brooks and rivers, terraced farmlands, small villages and fascinating cultures.

We’ll take the Pan-American Highway southwards and take a side road to discover the impressive volcanism, flora, and birdlife that this national park protects. A visit to the Interpretation Center and the Limpiopungo Lake as well as a short easy hike will let us enjoy this natural wonder.

The area is also home to a number of exceptional haciendas, some of which date back to the 16th century. La Cienega Hacienda is located near the village of Lasso near the foot of Cotopaxi and has been witness to centuries of important events in the history of Ecuador.

Accommondation: Lasso

Meal Plan: B / - / D

Today we continue our journey to Baños. On the route we will visit Cotopaxi volcano, where we can have an interesting walk in the Paramo (moorlands), enjoy beautiful views, and learn more about the flora and fauna or the area. We continue our journey, stopping in Pillaro where we will visit a traditional workshop of masks that are used in the Pillaro Devil parade, an important cultural expression of the local indigenous people.

We arrive in Baños, a small town whose elevation gives it an extremely agreeable climate and the surrounding mountainsides are brilliant green against the white summit of the Volcano Tungurahua. The word Baños means "baths" and, as the name indicates, the highlight is the numerous hot spring baths in the area. Today we have opportunity to visit the hot springs as well as wander the streets and market of this picturesque town. You can also hike into the nearby hillsides, along farmers' donkey trails through fields of corn, passionfruit, and various other local products. A must-see is the Basilica dedicated to the Virgin of the Holy Water, credited with performing many miracles in the Baños area.

Accommondation: Baños

Meal Plan: B / - / D

Before departing Baños, we'll have a short walk to view one of the most impressive waterfalls in South America, the Devil's Bowl. At El Manto de la Novia we can experience a cable car ride over the Pastaza River Canyon. After lunch we'll travel through open farmland flowing over the high ridges of the Western Andes to Riobamba.

Accommondation: Riobamba

Meal Plan: B / - / D

The day starts early in the morning with a visit to the famous Chimborazo, the highest snow-capped volcano in the world (6310 m above sea level). Its summit is the closest point to the sun on earth due to its proximity to Ecuador. Riobamba also called as the Sultan of the Andes because it is surrounded by many volcanoes, including Chimborazo. This province has the highest concentration of indigenous population in the country (60% of the national total). Later, we will visit the Balbanera church (the oldest in the country) and continue our way to the historic town of Alausí, with an ancient railway tradition. After this, we will continue to the city of Cuenca.

Accommondation: Cuenca

Meal Plan: B / - / D

Once the site of an Inca settlement, Cuenca today is considered Ecuador's most beautiful city. Its historical connection with Spain is marked by narrow cobblestone streets, quaint parks, and romantic plazas. Charming adobe houses, wrought iron balconies, and religious art treasures capture the spirit of centuries long past.

Cuenca, almost hidden away in a southern valley, was isolated until recent times; it wasn't until 1960 that paved roads were built to Quito and Guayaquil. Today's Cuenca is surrounded by small villages whose citizens create intricately detailed jewelry, beautiful ceramics, and masterfully-designed hand-woven shawls.

This morning we have a leisurely walking tour along the main plaza, Parque Calderon, and enter the old Cathedral, renovated for the visit of Pope John Paul in 1985. We also see the Monastery of El Carmen and visit La Inmaculada Concepcion while strolling the cobbled streets. In the afternoon we visit the Museo del Banco Central, which contains a permanent collection of black and white photos of 19th and early 20th century Cuenca, as well as displays of art and archaeological pieces, and ethnographic dioramas.

We also visit a Panama hat factory. In 1835 Manuel Alfaro, a Spanish entrepreneur, arrived in the port of Guayaquil in the province of Guayas. He settled in nearby Montecristi and quickly realized the economic potential of the toquilla hat, setting up his own chain of production from the straw plantations to circuits of weavers. His hats were soon being exported from the ports of Guayaquil and Manta to Panama, which was quickly becoming an important centre and staging post for international trade and travel. Here Alfaro opened a commercial centre selling his hats, cacao and pearls, thus beginning the association of the Ecuadorian toquilla hat with Panama.

Accommondation: Cuenca

Meal Plan: B / - / D

Today is yours to explore and experience this charming town on your own. This city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been named the best city in which to retire by Travel and Leisure magazine; indeed, these days more than 8,000 US and Canadian citizens make Cuenca their home. (Due to the informal nature of the day, and for a break from the group meal dynamic, we don't include your evening meal today).

Accommondation: Cuenca

Meal Plan: B / - / -

Today we travel by road to Guayaquil via Cajas National Park. The park contains hundreds of clear, cold lakes, streams, and rivers. Weather-permitting (which can be highly changeable at this altitude), the park can provide an excellent opportunity for us to hike the grassland of Paramo Region or visit a forest of polelypsis trees, the highest altitude tree in the world. Recently the park's management introduced llamas and alpacas as part of a breeding program to reintroduce these animals to the southern highlands. Keep your eyes peeled for the many bird species that make the park their home, especially for the silhouette of a soaring (and extremely rare) Andean Condor, which can sometimes be spotted here riding the thermal up-drafts.

We continue to the coast with a stop at a cocoa plantation to learn about its cultivation and the production of Ecuadorian chocolate. Our destination is the main port city of Ecuador, known as a gateway to Pacific beaches and the Galapagos Islands. Stretching along the Guayas River is the waterfront Simón Bolívar promenade, home to La Rotonda monument.

Accommondation: Guayaquil

Meal Plan: B / - / D

Departure from Guayaquil to San Cristobal in a 2-hour flight. Upon arrival, passengers are picked up at the airport by our naturalist guides. An archipelago of 12 large and several hundred smaller volcanic islands occupying a 4800 sq km (3,000 sq mile) area about 1000 km (620 miles) west of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands have become one of the world's premier adventure travel destinations. Over the course of your visit, you'll enjoy up-close views of unusual, speciallyadapted animals, plants and terrains including sea lions, tortoises, iguanas, land and sea birds, volcanic landscapes, unusual cacti and vegetation. Little has changed about the islands since Charles Darwin's visit in 1835 to "this little world within itself" inspired his first theories of evolution. Nearly the entire archipelago is a natural sanctuary where you'll have thrilling encounters with some of the world's last completely untamed wildlife that has never learned to fear the presence of humans.

We will visit the Interpretation Center that take us through the history of the Islands, in their natural, human and conservation contexts. The Natural History Room explains a series of natural circumstances such as the volcanic origin of the islands, their remoteness from the mainland, their marine currents, their special climate, the arrival of different species, their establishment, among others. The Human History Room narrates chronologically the most significant events related to the discovery and colonization of Galapagos

Mann Beach is a white sand beach formed by the fragmentation of shells; the clarity of its waters allows the practice of snorkeling. Due to the proximity to the town center, this place is for recreational use and is also a place where it is possible to enjoy the best sunsets. There are activities such as: Snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, photography.

Accommondation: San Cristobal

Meal Plan: B / BL / D

Tijeretas Hill is located a short distance from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Near this site operated La Predial, which was a fishing company and was present on this island between 1952 and 1960. The hill is frequently visited by frigates, hence its name. Here it is possible to see the magnificent and large frigates on the same hill. This is the perfect place to compare and learn to distinguish them. The activities that are carried out are: Hiking, snorkeling, photography and filming.

The Loberia Beach is only 10 minutes from San Cristobal airport. It is a coral sand beach with sea lions. The Loberia is a piece of coast that has been named for the large number of sea lions that rest on its rocks and sand. Despite being outside the boundaries of the National Park area, due to its great importance, the Park staff is responsible for its maintenance and care. In addition to sea lions, you can observe birds such as the canary maria, frigates and several species of finches. On the rocks, you will find large Galapagos marine iguanas, unique in the world.

Accommondation: San Cristobal

Meal Plan: B / L / D

Early in the morning we will take our speed boat to Santa Cruz Island. Approximately 2 hours depending of ocean condition. Once we arrive we will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, is an opportunity to learn about Galapagos conservation in action. Their work is vitally important in protecting the pristine habitat of the Galapagos National Park. Where we can observe giant tortoises endemic to the island, land iguanas, finches, on the trails, and visit the Van Straelen Interpretation Center, a space to learn about Galapagos sharks, mangroves, marine currents and invasive marine species.

Accommondation: San Cristobal

Meal Plan: B / L / D

Tortuga Bay is among the 25 best beaches in the world. We will make a walk of approximately 45 minutes to the Beach. It is a beach of approximately 2 km in length, white sand formed by fish bones and white coral; considered a sanctuary for iguanas, sea turtles and other species where you can swim and perform activities such as swimming, beach games.

The Highlands & Twin Craters covers the main attractions of the northern part of Santa Cruz Island where we will visit a Rancho/Hacienda, where we can find turtles in their natural state. Later, we will continue to the lava tunnels of volcanic formation, we will walk inland at a distance of approximately 100 m., our guide will give us an explanation about the types of volcanic eruptions that formed the islands.

Accommondation: San Cristobal

Meal Plan: B / L / D

After our breakfast, passengers will be transferred to the airport for their return flight to the mainland. Departure from Quito or Guayaquil.

BUEN VIAJE!

Meal Plan: B / - / -