~CulturalAdventures~ Tours for the Young At Heart

Ecuador Adventure: Galapagos & the Andes Escorted Trip

13 days - $3195 - July 6 - 18, 2012

Download Ecuador Adventure 2012 Itinerary

Cultural Adventures tours offer you the opportunity to learn about a fascinating culture as part of a small group. You’ll enjoy select experiences away from the usual tourist sights during a visit that combines soft adventure with maximum comfort. The in the Galapagos the tour is land-based providing a comfortable hotel each evening after a day of exploring the islands, viewing the incredible animals and birds, sailing, snorkeling and swimming. All our multi-lingual guides are Ecuadorian and have extensive knowledge about the history, culture, flora & fauna of Ecuador. When you take a Cultural Adventures trip, you are supporting local farmers and fishermen, along with other local people who provide information and services.
- Focus on hiking, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and horse back riding
- Designed for travelers who want an active trip combined with an opportunity for independent exploration
- Highlights:
-Hike to Sierra Negra volcano on Isle Isabela

-Snorkeling at Kicker Rock

-Rural hike & horse back riding in the Andes

-Biking along Cuenca’s rivers in the southern Andes

Included: All hotels, flight from mainland Ecuador to the Galapagos, land and sea transportation, tours, bikes, horses, snorkeling and kayaking equipment, airport transfer, escort, guides & 25 meals

International flight to Ecuador and the $100 Galapagos Park fee are not included.

Itinerary:

Day One – Arrive in Guayaquil on your own. You’ll be met at the airport and escorted to our hotel. Grand Hotel

Day Two - Fly to San Cristobal, Galapagos Islands – Our first activity is a seashore expedition to Loberia Beach to view the marine iguanas that blend so well with the black, pitted lava coast. You’ll also observe many sea birds, such as frigates and boobies. And you’ll have your first opportunity to snorkel with the sea lions! Lobster seafood grill dinner with musical program. Casa Blanca (B, L, D)

Day Three- After breakfast, we’ll hike up Frigate Hill to enjoy a magnificent harbor view. Next is a visit to the Interpretation Center to learn about the history, biology, and geology of the islands. After lunch at the harbor, we’ll cruise to Lobos Island and Kicker Rock to enjoy the colonies of sea lions, floating sea turtles and sea birds. You’ll have time to snorkel at Kicker Rock or to relax on the beach. Dinner on your own. Casa Blanca (B, L)

Day Four – This morning we sail to Santa Cruz Island where we’ll visit the highlands to walk through lava tunnels and among giant land tortoises – Lunch will be at a farm in the highlands – The evening is free for you to explore the town of Puerto Ayora. Mainao Inn (B, L)

Day Five – Morning walk along a path through a cactus forest to Tortuga Bay to enjoy a beautiful, white sand beach with iguanas, pelicans, and flamingos. Lunch on own. We’ll take an afternoon harbor tour and explore some of the small inlets to observe the birds and animals close up. Dinner together. Mainao Inn (B, D)

Day Six – A visit to the Charles Darwin Station where research focuses on how to preserve the islands starts the day. Free time and lunch on your own before we board a boat to Isle Isabela. Once you’ve unpacked, we’ll walk along the beautiful fine sandy beach observing Booby’s and other birds fishing for dinner. There’ll also be time for a swim or to snorkel. La Casa de Marita (B, D)

Day Seven – Today we hike and ride horses to Sierra Negra Volcano for a fantastic view of the second largest caldera in the world. We’ll hike for about 6 miles (9 km) on a moderate-gradual uphill trail before enjoying lunch at the top of Volcon Chico. This afternoon we’ll take a dinghy tour to Tintoreras Inlet to see Galapagos penguins, the second smallest in the world, observe white tip sharks, marine iguanas, sea lions and boobies nesting. Dinner will be together at the beach. La Casa de Marita (B, L, D)

Day Eight - Today we return to the mainland of Ecuador. We’ll tour Guayaquil before boarding our flight to Cuenca, a city in the southern highlands of the Andes. You can explore our hacienda before dinner. If there’s a moon, we’ll ride for a while before turning in. Hacienda (B, L, D)

Day Nine – We’ll spend the day horse riding in the Andes following small trails and passing by hidden villages, farming areas and unique landscapes. Hotel Victoria (B, L)

Day Ten – Today we’ll take a fascinating and entertaining rural hike that passes through important historical sites and Chobsi canyon. At the village of Gualaceo, we’ll visit its renowned markets where animals, hand-woven shawls, ponchos and lots of fruits and vegetables are on sale. Hotel Victoria (B, L)

Day Eleven – The morning will be spent bike riding along the rivers of Cuenca. After a typical lunch, we’ll visit a Panama hat factory and explore the charms of Cuenca. Dinner on your own. Hotel Victoria (B, L)

Day Twelve – We leave Cuenca and drive to El Cajas National Park located in the southern Andes where we’ll hike for several hours before eating a trout lunch at the park. Then we’ll continue the drive to Guayaquil enjoying amazing countryside Andean landscapes, You’ll have the evening free to explore Guayaquil or to take an evening flight home. Grand Hotel (B, L)

Day 13 – Home - Fly home or begin optional trip to the Amazon. (B)

This is an active adventure. Participants must be in good health, mobile and able to participate in 2-5 hours of physical activity everyday.

For more information go to www.culturaladventures.info or contact Connie Champlin at 317-908-1220; cchamp@culturaladventures.info.