10-15 Day Ecuador - Galapagos Islands Specials
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2nd person saves 50% off of the cost on these land packages! For travel till June 2021.
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10 Day TourDay 1: Quito- Otavalo
You will have a private transfer from the airport to your selected hotel in Quito with an English speaking driver guide. Look for a sign with your name on it when arriving. You will spend the night at the Otavalo Hotel (Deluxe Room). Included: English speaking driver-guide , arrival transfer , transportation (private) , breakfast , room at your hotel Day 2: Otavalo indigenous market visit - Quito After a very nice breakfast, you visit the famous indigenous market of Otavalo that takes place every day and is even bigger on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The colorful market is much more than just a touristic attraction; this gathering of people from the entire region is an ancient tradition and still is an important social and cultural event. The people of the region are very proud of their culture and express this through music, handicrafts, and other arts. A few musicians from Otavalo have even gained international fame. You have the time to wander around the colorful blankets, handmade ponchos, and alpaca shawls. Also wooden handicrafts, such as masks, and jewelry are offered by the locals. It is a wonderful place to learn more about the local culture and look for souvenirs. If you like, your guide can help you asking about their history and production process. Then you will be transferred to Quito to spend the night at the Mama Cuchara Hotel (Deluxe Room). Included: English speaking driver-guide , transportation (private) , breakfast , room at your hotel Day 3: Quito City Tour: Old Town and Middle of the world On this historical city tour, you will explore the beautiful colonial center of Quito. Your first stop is at Basilica Church, considered to be one of the most important pieces of neo-gothic architecture in Ecuador. The tour continues to Plaza Grande (also called Independence Square), to admire its historical buildings, among which the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral, and the Archbishop's Palace. After that, you will visit the imposing San Francisco de Quito Church, the largest religious complex in South America. The church houses masterpieces of talented indigenous artist from the famous Quito Art School. One of the highlights of the city tour is the visit to La Compañia Church, considered to be a Baroque masterpiece. The facade is made of volcanic stone and the interior is all covered with gold. Entrance to La Compañía Church is included. You will walk through the lively colonial streets of the old town to visit other historical highlights. Visit the famous Panecillo Hill, from where you will have an amazing view over the city and see the contrast between colonial and modern Quito from above. The second part of this tour will take place at the north part of the city (35 minutes’ drive from Quito's Old Town) where the equator line meets the prime meridian and the coordinates indicate point 0° 0’ 0”. The Intiñan Museum is a smaller, but highly interactive museum located right next to the Mitad del Mundo Monument. Even though the monument features the division of the equator, when technology improved, geologists and cartographers realized the real equator line was just a bit off. It features outdoor exhibits of astronomical geography and explanations of the importance of Ecuador’s geographical location. One of the highlights are the solar dials, fun experiments that can only be done here, like balancing an egg on a nail, and many more activities, as well as reconstructed native homes found all over Ecuador. Entrance to Intiñan Museum is included. You will spend the night at Mama Cuchara Hotel (Deluxe Room). Included: English speaking driver-guide , transportation (private) , entrance fees , breakfast , room at your hotel Day 4:Cotopaxi National Park- Lasso Today’s adventure starts early in the morning when you go south on the Avenue of Volcanoes. The destination of today is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world and a popular highlight of Ecuador: the elegant Cotopaxi (5897 meters). This impressive, snow-capped volcano stands proudly in the middle of the beautiful national park that wears its name. Upon arrival at the entrance of the Cotopaxi National Park, your guide explains you about the unique flora and fauna of the area, and about the history of the volcano. Subsequently, you continue to the Limpiopungo Lake (3850 meters), to you enjoy a hike through the stunning paramo landscape where you can see hummingbirds, wild horses, and other animals. All this time, the imposing Cotopaxi Volcano is just a few steps away and on a clear day you can admire him in its full glory. In the afternoon you head to your hotel located close to the Cotopaxi National Park. Here you will have a brief riding lesson from one of the guides before we set out on our horses. Wearing the typical dress of the chagra (Ecuadorian cowboys), we ride out across the slopes of the extinct volcano, Rumiñahui. A legendary chagra from the area will come with us and share some of his deep knowledge of the country life. The ride lasts for approximately 2 hours. You will spend the night at Hacienda Hato Verde (Standard Room). Included: English speaking driver-guide , transportation (private) , equipment rental , shared excursion , local guide , breakfast , room at your hotel , dinner Day 5: Visit to the Quilotoa Crater Lake & Tigua - Quito You will leave in the morning to visit the beautiful Quilotoa Crater Lake on top of the extinct Quilotoa volcano; it is one of the most spectacular places in the Ecuadorian Sierra region. Its name comes from two Kichwa words "Quiru" which means “tooth”, and "Toa" which means queen due to the shape of the lagoon. The mineral-rich waters of the lake are an emerald green, which can vary to bluish green or almost yellow depending on the season. It also has a large quantity of carbon dioxide mixed with hydrogen sulfide and is not suitable for human consumption. You can hike down to the lagoon and then back to the top of the crater (you can either hike or rent a mule). On the way back to Quito, you will stop in a little village that is famous for its local paintings and masks, called Tigua. Painting demonstration is included. You will spend the night at EB Quito Hotel (Standard room). Included: English speaking driver-guide , transportation (private) breakfast , room at your selected hotel Day 6: Quito- Baltra- Santa Cruz Island - ´LOS GEMELOS', LOCAL RANCH AND CHARLES DARWIN STATION VISIT You will have a private transfer from your hotel to the Quito airport with an English speaking driver/guide. Then you will fly from from Quito to Baltra in Galapagos Islands. The air ticket is not included. At Baltra airport, meet the guide and transportation in order to go ahead to visit the Twins “Gemelos” not real craters, these formations were created by the collapse of surface material in underground fissures and chambers. Afterwards, we continue to one of the ranches in the highland area with abundant green vegetation, where we can observe Giant Tortoises in their natural habitat. Another attraction here is an excursion through the lava tunnel. Lunch will be served here. Finally continue to Puerto Ayora town where is based most of the hotels. You will spend the night at Finch Bay Hotel (Standard Room). Included: English speaking driver-guide , departure transfer , transportation (private) , domestic flight , lunch , arrival transfer , breakfast , room at your selected hotel Day 7:Santa Cruz Island AM. Charles Darwin Research Station visit You will transfer to Puerto Ayora, the main town of Santa Cruz Island. Here, you visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Founded in 1959, the center has an interpretation center where you can learn more about the ecosystems and species of the archipelago, as well as the conservation efforts of the government and NGOs. Also, you can admire the tortoises, land iguanas, and other species that are part of the programs of the research station. PM. Tortuga Bay visit Visit one of the most beautiful beaches in the Archipelago: Tortuga Bay. You can get there by foot. The walk in the sun is rewarded with a spectacular white sand beach stretching across the southern coast of Santa Cruz. Tortuga Bay beach is famous for its expansive and pristine shoreline that gradually descends into the sparkling Pacific Ocean. It's a great place to try some surfing or just relax. You will spend the night at Finch Bay Hotel (Standard Room). Included: English speaking guide , private excursion , lunch , breakfast , room at your hotel Day 8: Explore by boat (Subject to availability according to park schedule) LAS BACHAS & NORTH SEYMOUR: Las Bachas, located in northern part of Santa Cruz, consists of two beautiful white sandy beaches, it is a perfect site for practicing snorkeling and swimming. The predominant vegetation is of the coastal zone, several brackish lagoons only a few steps away from the sea are the feeding grounds of various birds, from stilts to flamingos. North Seymour is located north of Baltra. The total distance of the trail is 2 miles. A forest of Palo Santo trees stand just above the landing site. During the walking you will be able to see sea lions, land iguanas and the “magnificent” and “great” frigate birds. Sometimes blue-footed boobies and swallow-tailed gulls nest along the path. or SULLIVAN BAY & BARTOLOME: This site is of great geological interest. It is located southeast of James Island, the landing can be performed either in the rocky shore (dry landing) or the white sand beach (wet landing). The length of the trail is approximately 1.5 km. The huge eruption that happened in this place in the late 1800s is clear evidence of the volcanic past of the islands. 200 m around the landing, you can see patterns of vegetation that were burned during the eruption. Bartolome offers emblematic sceneries of the Galapagos Islands. A 600 meter pathway complete with stairs and a boardwalk will take you to the highest point of the island where you will be able to learn about the volcanic origins of the Galapagos Islands and have a splendid panoramic view of the island and the majestic Pinnacle Rock. The old crater in the island's interior makes interesting hiking, and there are beautiful sand beaches. Along the coastline you will have the opportunity to see the Galapagos penguin and sea lions. Depending on the shedule of the day, you will be able to do snorkeling at Sullivan Bay or at Bartolome Island. or SANTA FÉ ISLAND Departure to Santa Fe island starts at 8am where our guide will meet you at the ”muelle de pasajeros” in Puerto Ayora, from here we will take you on board and start a short navigation of approximately 1 and a half hours. Once there we will have a wet landing on a white sand beach that’s home to a large colony of sea lions, the visit to Santa Fe takes us along a trail with lush vegetation, one of the main attractions is the giant cactus trees named Opuntia, there is also the opportunity to see a different species of land iguanas, shore and marine birds. Following this walk we return to the yacht and lunch will be served. After lunch we can get our snorkeling gear and go swimming along the rocky coastline where there is lots of fish but normally the main attraction is swimming with sea lions. In the afternoon we make our way to Canal de Itabaca for aprox. 2 and a half hours where a bus will be waiting for us and take us to Puerto Ayora , the ride is aprox 45 minutes and we will drop you off at your hotels. or SOUTH PLAZAS & PUNTA CARRION We will observe enormous prickly pear cactus and the endemic succulent sesuvian. Land iguanas huge colony in Galapagos we will see the yellow-brown land iguanas feeding on the fruit and pads of the prickly pear cactus, also marine iguanas living along the coast and a hybrid iguana between male marine iguanas and females land iguanas. Great snorkeling to see a variety of fish, rays, and if lucky the white tip sharks. From Punta Carrion we navigate a short distance through the beautiful Itabaca Channel with its turquoise waters, return to Puerto Ayora. You will spend the night at Finch Bay Hotel (Standard Room). Included: English speaking guide , shared excursion , lunch , Snorkeling Gear , breakfast , room at your selected hotel Day 9: Santa Cruz Island - Quito- Papallacta Private transfer from your hotel in Santa Cruz Island to Baltra´s Island airport. Then you will fly from Baltra Island to Quito. The air ticket is not included. Private transfer from Quito airport to hotel in Papallacta with an English speaking driver/guide. On a clear day, you get amazed by magnificent views of the Antisana Volcano and the surrounding paramo highlands. In this beautiful region you can spot birds, wild horses, and even spectacled bears, with some luck. It is a breathtaking and mystical area. Upon arrival in Papallacta, you visit the thermal hot springs of Papallacta that are naturally heated by the volcanic activity in the area. Thanks to the volcanoes, this water contains minerals that make bathing here benefiting your mind and body. With this tour you will experience ultimate relaxation in a beautiful environment. If you like, there is also time for a short hike to explore the area further. You will spend the night at Termas de Papallacta Hotel (Standard Room). Included: Baltra Ferry Ticket , departure transfer , domestic flight , English speaking driver-guide , breakfast , room at your hotel Day 10: Papallacta- Quito´s airport Private transfer from your selected hotel in Papallacta to Quito Airport with an English speaking driver/guide. Included: English speaking driver-guide , departure transfer , English speaking guide 2020-2021 prices, double occupancy, in US$ (valid for travel until June 2021): 10 day itinerary = $3456 for 1st person, $1728 for 2nd person 15 day itinerary = $5068 for 1st person, $2534 for 2nd person |
15 Day TourDays 1-3 - same as on 10 day tour
Day 4: Journey to the jungle and a welcome cocktail at sunset We leave Quito in the morning and start with a drive up the Eastern Cordillera, where we will go over a 4065 m. high mountain pass. After a short drive we will make a stop at a very nice cloud forest lodge where we can observe many species of hummingbirds. It is really amazing to see these small birds flying around us at a very close distance. Moreover we will have the opportunity to see the famous sword-billed hummingbird, which has even a longer beak than its body! If time permits we can also make a short hike before we continue our journey through the last hills of the Eastern ‘Cordillera’ towards the great Amazon basin. This beautiful route leads you through beautiful Andean landscapes with active volcanoes, after which the surroundings slowly change into the lush green Amazon Rainforest. Along the way, there are several opportunities for small breaks to take photos and enjoy the stunning views of wonderful green valleys and waterfalls. The road trip ends at Punta Ahuano, a tiny port town on the north bank of the Napo River, where canoes are waiting to take you for a 15-minute boat trip downstream to Casa del Suizo. You will arrive at the beautiful hotel in the afternoon, right on time to enjoy a sunset in the swimming pool with a welcome cocktail. You will spend the night in La Casa del Suizo Hotel (Standard Room). **Please note that Amazon itineraries are subject to change without previous notice due to weather circumstances and/or the comfort of our guests.** Included: English speaking driver-guide , transportation (private) , Boat , dinner (no drinks) , entrance fees , room at your selected hotel , rubber boots Day 5: Rainforest hike and experiencing local life in an Amazon community After breakfast, you start your adventure in the Amazon Rainforest. Your guide first explains you about the activities of today and the takes you for a to walk through the forest, while telling about how specific plants are used for medicinal purposes by the local communities. Following the trail, you can spot birds, insects and a great variety of plants and trees. In the afternoon, after lunch, you visit an Amazon community to experience the local lifestyle of this unique area. Women of the community show you around and tell you and the rest of the group about the crops they grow, such as yucca (cassava), coffee beans, tropical fruits and cacao. Also, you witness how these Quichua women produce pottery and can observe other traditional domestic skills. They even offer you the typical drink of the jungle - Chicha de Yuca - a fermented beverage that is very important in their social events. Subsequently, members of the community show you the traditional methods of searching for gold and fishing on the shores of the Napo River. This activity is not just about listening and watching; you become part of these traditions! In the afternoon you will return to the hotel where you can enjoy its facilities. You will spend the night at La Casa del Suizo (Standard Room). Included: all meals , shared excursion , local guide , rubber boots , water poncho , English speaking driver-guide , transportation (private) Day 6: Baños de Agua Santa and Route of the Waterfalls Tour After breakfast, it is already time to leave the Amazon Rainforest behind to travel to your next destination. On the way, again you have the opportunity to enjoy beautiful landscapes, and maybe you want to enjoy a local lunch before continuing your trip through the Andes Mountains. Today you leave town to explore the Route of the Waterfalls, one of the many highlights Baños has to offer. On this route you will find several beautiful waterfalls, such as the Agoyan and the Manto de la Novia (Bride’s Mantle). The king of them all is the Pailon del Diablo (Devil’s Cauldron), waiting for you at the end of the route. A short trail downhill leads to this impressive waterfall that can be admired from a small bridge or from the viewpoint, where you have to be prepared for a natural shower! Afterwards, it is time for another highlight: the famous swing at “Casa del Arbol”, also called the “End of the World Swing”. This swing is located on top of a mountain next to Baños, and has an amazing view of the town and the Tungurahua Volcano; here, you really feel like you are on top of the world! In the afternoon, you will have time to enjoy the same stunning view while relaxing in the hotel’s pools, or you can explore more of the area with your guide, it’s up to you! You will spend the night at Spa Samari Hotel (Matrimonial Room). Included: Boat , breakfast , English speaking driver-guide , transportation (private) , room at your selected hotel Day 7: Visit the Salasaca community Salasaca is located in the Tungurahua Province in the center of Ecuador, halfway along the road from Ambato to Baños. The Salasacas speak Spanish and Quichua. Their main economic activities are agriculture, livestock-raising and handcrafts. Local crafstmanship includes items such as tapestries, which are woven by hand on looms of very ancient technology. Many of the designs depict different aspects of their lives. There is a market in the central plaza of Salasaca called "Plaza of the Arts". Afternoon free time to explore the town of Baños. You will spend the night at Spa Samari Hotel (Matrimonial Room). Included: English speaking driver-guide , transportation (private) , entrance fees , local guide , breakfast , room at your selected hotel Day 8: Visit to the Quilotoa Crater Lake & Tigua You will leave in the morning to visit the beautiful Quilotoa Crater Lake on top of the extinct Quilotoa volcano. It is one of the most spectacular places in the Ecuadorian Sierra region. Its name comes from two Kichwa words "Quiru" which means “tooth”, and "Toa" which means queen due to the shape of the lagoon. The mineral-rich waters of the lake are an emerald green, which can vary to bluish green or almost yellow depending on the season. It also has a large quantity of carbon dioxide mixed with hydrogen sulfide and is not suitable for human consumption. You can hike down to the lagoon and then back to the top of the crater (you can either hike or rent a mule). You will stop in a little village that is famous for its local paintings and masks, called Tigua. A painting demonstration is included. You will spend the night at Hacienda Hato Verde (Standard Room). Included: English speaking driver-guide , transportation (private) , breakfast , room at your selected hotel , dinner Day 9: Horseback riding + Cotopaxi National Park visit Today’s adventure starts early in the morning when you go south on the Avenue of Volcanoes. The destination of today is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world and a popular highlight of Ecuador: the elegant Cotopaxi (5897 meters). This impressive, snow-capped volcano stands proudly in the middle of the beautiful national park that wears its name. Upon arrival at the entrance of the Cotopaxi National Park, your guide explains you about the unique flora and fauna of the area, and about the history of the volcano. Subsequently, you continue to the Limpiopungo Lake (3850 meters), to you enjoy a hike through the stunning paramo landscape where you can see hummingbirds, wild horses, and other animals. All this time, the imposing Cotopaxi Volcano is just a few steps away and on a clear day you can admire him in its full glory. In the afternoon you head to your hotel located close to the Cotopaxi National Park. Then have a brief riding lesson from one of the guides before we set out on our horses. Wearing the typical dress of the chagra (Ecuadorian cowboys), we ride out across the slopes of the extinct volcano, Rumiñahui. A legendary chagra from the area will come with us and share some of his deep knowledge of the country life. The ride lasts for approximately 2 hours. You will spend the night at Hacienda Hato Verde (Standard Room). Included: English speaking driver-guide , transportation (private) , equipment rental , shared excursion , local guide , breakfast , room at your selected hotel , dinner Day 10: Visit Nevado Roses - Quito Close to Latacunga, in the small town of Salcedo, you will find the Nevado Rose Plantation. Here we can observe how one of Ecuador's main exports is grown, treated and harvested. The plantation is a family owned company now focused on the production of ultra-high quality roses.They produce the best quality, high-altitude roses in the country. Note: subject to operational days. You will spend the night at EB Quito Hotel (Standard room). Included: English speaking driver-guide , transportation (private) , breakfast , room at your selected hotel , local guide Days 11-15 - same as days 6-10 on 10 day itinerary Hotels
Hotel Otavalo - Otavalo - Deluxe http://www.arthotelsecuador.com/index.php/en/hotels/otavalo Hotel Mama Cuchara - Quito - Superior https://www.arthotelsecuador.com/ La Casa del Suizo - Tenahttp://www.casadelsuizo.comSamari Spa Hotel - Baños - Superior http://www.samarispa.com Hacienda Hato Verde - Lasso - Superior http://www.haciendahatoverde.com Hotel EB Hotel - Quito - Superior http://www.ebhotels.com/quito Hotel Finch Bay - Santa Cruz Island - Deluxe http://www.finchbayhotel.com Hotel Termas de Papallacta - Papallacta - Standard http://www.termaspapallacta.com Hotel availability - All hotels are subject to availability. Included
Not included
Not included, exclusively for the Galapagos Islands :
Reservation and confirmation of services Any reservation of services will be verified by the sales agent in order to confirm spaces offered. In case spaces offered are not available any more, our sales agent will come up with a similar alternative. When confirming services, a formal email shall be sent from the customer to the assigned sales agent with the indication of services to be confirmed on our end. Aside of this, in order to confirm requested services, we must receive certain documentation for operational purposes and confirming services with our suppliers:
General Payment Policies
Cancellation Policy Cancellation notices shall be always received by email to the assigned sales agent. In case of cancellation of services due to health issues or major forces, proper certification shall be attached to the cancellation email. This documentation will help us to negotiate with our supplier’s better cancellation conditions. 30%: the confirmation deposit is not refundable, unless due to covid-19 complications 100%: between 29 days or less for mainland services or 60 days or less for Galapagos services flexibility for change of dates is possible if due to covid-19 complications Galapagos Cruises or Amazon Lodges: Each Cruise or Lodge applies their own cancellation policies and these will be applied upon cancellation of services. This cancellation fees will be advised both upon confirmation of services and when cancellation notice is received. NOTE: Administrative costs will not be refunded in case of cancellation, if administrative costs apply this will be advised by our assigned sales agent. General tour modification policies:
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