Ecuador Adventure: Galapagos & the Andes 2013 Escorted Trip

Download Ecuador Adventure 2013 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:

  Sept 13 – Arrive in Guayaquil on your own. You'll be met at the airport and escorted to our hotel. Grand Hotel or
  equivalent

Sept 14 - 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! We'll end the day with a lobster seafood
grill welcome dinner as local musicians play for us. Casa Blanca or equivalent(B, L, D)

Sept 15 – San Cristobal - After breakfast, we'll hike up Frigate Hill to enjoy a magnificent harbor view. You can snorkel
before visiting 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 before we return to town. Casa Blanca or equivalent
(B, L)

Sept 16 – Santa Cruz - 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 or equivalent (B, L)

Sept 17 – Santa Cruz - Morning walk along a path through a cactus forest brings us to Tortuga Bay so we can enjoy a
beautiful, white sand beach with iguanas, pelicans, and flamingos. Swim, snorkel or just relax on the beach. Lunch on your
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 or equivalent (B, D)

Sept 18 – Isla Isabela - 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 sandy beach observing Booby's and other birds fishing for dinner. There'll also be time for a swim or to
snorkel. Hotel Sol or equivalent (B, D)

Sept 19 – Isla Isabela - A hike to Sierra Negra Volcano for a fantastic view of the second largest caldera in the world starts the day. We’ll hike for about 5 miles on a moderate-gradual uphill trail before enjoying lunch at the top. 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. You’ll have a final chance to snorkel before dinner together at the beach. Hotel Sol or equivalent (B, L, D)

 

Sept 20 - Cuenca - Today we return to the mainland of Ecuador and fly from Guayaquil to Cuenca, a city in the southern highlands of the Andes. Tonight we’ll stay at private farm in Totorillas, located in the area known as the mountains of Tarqui. We’ll relax and enjoy a delicious dinner of local specialties prepared just for us. (B, L, D)

 

Sept 21 – Andes Horseback Riding – This morning you can walk around the farm and surrounding countryside as well as take a few minutes to become acquainted with your horse for the ride. Once on the horses, we will ride along countryside trails through indigenous and private farming sites, areas of primary forest, the ancient Inca trail and small hidden villages. The old trails from the colonial era follow the top of the mountain ridge, providing amazing views from the saddle. Horses are professionally trained for any level of experience. After enjoying a wonderful lunch prepared with fresh farm ingredients we’ll return to Cuenca and our hotel. (B, L)

 

Sept 22 – Guanaco Hike -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 fresh fruits and vegetables are on sale. (B, L)

 

Sept 23 –Cuenca City Tour - The morning you’ll have the choice of bike riding along the rivers of Cuenca or visiting a local museum. In the afternoon, we’ll visit a Panama hat factory and explore the charms of Cuenca. You’ll have time to explore the San Francisco Market on your own. (B, L)

 

Sept 24 – El Cajas Park - 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. In the afternoon we’ll take a short hike before returning to Cuenca. (B, L)

 

Sept 25 – Home – You’ll have time before lunch to do some last minute shopping or to visit a museum. After lunch we’ll fly to Guayaquil where the trip will end. It will also be possible to fly to Quito, instead of Guayaquil, if you wish to visit that city before flying home. Fly home or begin an optional trip to the Amazon. (B)

 

Participant’s Background Information:

* US citizens do not need a visa to visit Ecuador.

* No immunizations are required for this trip.

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

* Basic travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is mandatory – insurance to cover trip cancellation is highly recommended.

* Deposit of $750 will reserve your spot. Payment of the balance is due 60 days from deposit. Refunds, less $75, will be returned upon written request until March 15, 2013. After this date, no refunds of any type will be made.

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

Homepage | Fascinating Ecuador | Cuenca | Quito | Otavalo | Galapagos Islands | Peru |Photo Gallery | Dates, Pricing & Payment | About Cultural Adventures | Contact Information

	Best viewed with: