Two weeks in Ecuador - Andes, Amazon & Galapagos.
.
Galapagos Tortoise
Plaza de los Ponchos Market
Casa del Suizo
Marine Iguana
Cotopaxi Volcano
Amazon rainforest
Colonial Quito
Tintoreras Islet
|
$4695 includes international air, hotels, tours, transportation and so much more!!!!
April 21 - May 6, 2023. One of my favorite trips ever!!! What an amazing adventure! This two week odyssey thought Ecuador will be amazing. We'll start in the Andes with Volcanoes, hot springs & waterfalls, spend two nights in a luxury lodge in the Amazon rainforest and cap it off with five days in the Galapagos Islands. Wow! The country of Ecuador is one of the most bio-diverse places in the world. Between Mountains, jungles and Islands we'll get to see a rich array of flora and fauna that most people only dream about.
WHAT'S INCLUDED: The 15 day package includes international flights from JFK to Quito, all air taxes and fuel surcharges, all transfers and transportation in Ecuador (except domestic flights), three nights in historic Spanish colonial Quito, two nights in the Casa del Suizo lodge in the Amazon rainforest, high quality lodgings (see itinerary) in Otavalo, Papallacta and Banos, five nights on various islands in the Galapagos chain, all snorkeling, boating and other activities mentioned in the itinerary, breakfasts daily, 8 lunches, 2 dinners, English speaking guides and a pre departure meeting and orientation before we go. WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED: The domestic flight between Quito and the Galapagos Islands. $328 + taxes at the time of this writing. (As soon as deposits are in the domestic flights will be secured). Entrance fees and transit control card to the Galapagos National Park ($100 + $38) to be paid individually upon arrival. All meals and beverages not noted. Prices are based on double occupancy. There is a single supplement fee of $825. Airport departure taxes and fuel surcharges are included but subject to change until time of booking, Transportation to the airport from Easton will be available at an additional charge. This is a fantastic opportunity to visit three unique and diverse ecosystems within one country. The Andes mountain peaks with their Volcanoes, waterfalls and hot springs are truly majestic and awe inspiring. Relax in the swimming pool in our jungle lodge while gazing at the stunning Amazon rainforest. And, finally, the Galapagos Islands which need no introduction.
There are two ways to see the Galapagos. One is living aboard a boat. While there are some pros to this method, I think they are outweighed by the cons: seasickness, cramped quarters and you are at the mercy of the sea as to where and when you can go. The other (the one we're doing) is by land. We will stay in comfortable lodges right in the very Islands we want to visit, visiting the sea lion colonies, bird sanctuaries & beaches and snorkeling and being able to explore the towns where we'll be staying. Of course we'll use boats to island hop when we need to, but otherwise we'll be comfortable and close to the action. Otavalo is a town in the Andean highlands surrounded by volcanoes including the Imbabura Volcano. It's known for its Otavalo Market in the central Plaza de Ponchos, where traditionally clad indigenous townspeople sell colorful textiles and handicrafts. Papallacta is a small village with natural hot springs at an altitude of 3,300 m in the Andes on the road from Quito which leads into the Amazon jungle. Banos the gateway to the Amazon, surrounded by volcanoes, hot springs and waterfalls. Tena Unusually for a jungle transport hub, Tena is an attractive place where many travelers find themselves hanging around quite happily for days before or after a trip into the rainforest. San Cristobal Island is the easternmost island in the Galápagos archipelago, as well as one of the oldest geologically. Isabela Island The archipelago's largest island, Isabela, was formed by the joining of five young volcanoes Santa Cruz Island is known for sandy beaches and the town of Puerto Ayora, the archipelago’s tourism hub. Here, the Charles Darwin Research Station has a breeding program for endangered giant tortoises, which live wild in El Chato Reserve. Meet you group leader - Manuel has traveled extensively throughout South America and has been to Ecuador three times. He is a native of Bogota, Colombia and is fluent in both Spanish and English, and he's a whole lot of fun! In addition we'll have local English speaking guides joining us for the entire trip. Itinerary Day 1. Friday, April 21. ✈ ARRIVAL to QUITO Our Avianca Flight 021 departs JFK at 7:15am and arrives in Bogota at 12:05pm. After a brief layover we'll board our connecting flight AV8373 and arrive in Quito at 4:55pm. We'll arrive at Mariscal Antonio José de Sucre Airport in Quito, the capital of Ecuador, a country with the greatest biodiversity in the world Welcome Cocktail!!! From the airport we'll head north to Ibarra. Accommodation and dinner in the Hacienda ChorlavÍ dating back to 1620. Relax and acclimate on the gorgeous grounds of this old mission. Day 2. Saturday, April 22. QUITO - OTAVALO Today we'll explore the region around Ibarra and Cotacachi, with stops at the famous waterfall of Peguche, an indigenous ceremonial center with artisan weavers and crafts and an authentic Ecuadorian lunch. After lunch we’ll head to the beautiful Lake Cuicocha, located in the crater of the volcano Cotacachi. Accommodation and dinner in the Hacienda ChorlavÍ. Food: Breakfast/lunch/Dinner Day 3. Sunday, April 23. OTAVALO - PAPALLACTA Otavalo is famous for it’s Plaza de los Ponchos market where indigenous locals sell their wares. After breakfast at our hacienda we’ll have the rest of the morning free for shopping. After lunch we’ll depart for the natural hots springs of Papallacta. It’s a gorgeous ride though the Ecuadorian countryside. The afternoon will be free to enjoy and relax in the pool of our hotel located at the foot of the beautiful Antisana volcano. option: Enter the spa and its hot springs. Overnight in the beautiful Termas Papallacta hotel. Food: Breakfast/Lunch Day 4. Monday, April 24. PAPALLACTA - AMAZON After breakfast we say goodbye to the mountains and head for the Amazon region, to the city of Tena, Punta Ahuano, and transfer to canoes for the ride to our Jungle lodge in the Amazonian rainforest. There’s nothing basic about this lodge. Clean, comfortable rooms with well-equipped bathrooms, complete with a swimming pool, a well stocked bar and delicious meals. Reception by the lodge staff and lunch. Maybe go for a short nocturnal walk in the jungle or other activity. Be on the lookout for monkeys!! Dinner and overnight at the highly rated Casa del Suizo lodge. Food: Breakfast/lunch/Dinner Day 5. Tuesday, April 25. AMAZON After breakfast we can hike in the tropical forest to observe its flora, the different trees, medicinal plants and their use. We’ll see all kinds of wildlife, and there are plenty of other optional activities to choose from. Visit of a community or a Quechua indigenous family to learn about their way of life, customs, their handicrafts and agricultural products and their food. Dinner and overnight at the Casa del Suizo lodge. Food: Breakfast/lunch/Dinner Day 6. Wednesday, April 26. AMAZON – BAÑOS After breakfast, transfer by canoe to our motor coach and return to the Andes, to the thermal city of Baños, located at the foot of the Tungurahua volcano (16479 ft) with natural thermal pools and beautiful waterfalls. On the way to Baños we’ll visit the Pailón del Diablo waterfall, The Devil’s Cauldron. At 80 meters in height, it’s one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Ecuador. Walk out on the suspension bridge far an up close and personal experience! In the afternoon you can relax and explore the city of Baños with plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from. Overnight in the Hotel Sangay in Baños. Food: Breakfast Day 7. Thursday, April 27. BAÑOS - COTOPAXI – QUITO This morning we’ll head back north to Quito on the "Avenue of the Volcanoes" with some spectacular scenery. Along the way, we’ll visit the Cotopaxi National Park, where you can see the Cotopaxi, one of the highest and most active volcanoes in the world (19347 ft in moderate activity since August 2015). We’ll hike around the Lake of Limpiopungo with tons of local flora and fauna and pretty views at the foot of the volcano and/or climb to the volcano refuge from 14763 to 15748 ft (depending on the weather). Lunch at a hacienda en route. In the afternoon, back “home” to historic Quito. Enjoy a panoramic sightseeing visit of the historical city center and it’s Spanish colonial architecture. Overnight in the Quito hotel with sweeping vistas and lots of walkable bars and restaurants. Food: Breakfast/Lunch Day 8. Friday, April 28. QUITO Today is a rest day. We'll have the option to visit the equator at the "Middle of the World" visitor center and some free time in the afternoon and evening in the historic colonial center of Quito. Overnight in the Quito Hotel. Day 9. Saturday, April 29. QUITO – GALAPAGOS – SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND After breakfast this morning we’ll transfer to the airport for our flight to the Galapagos Islands. After we check into our home for |