Darwin's Ecuador: Andes to Galapagos

Straddling the equator on the Pacific coast, wedged between Colombia and Peru, the smallest of the Andean nations covers an area no bigger than 284,000 square kilometres.

For all its diminutive size, however, the country is packed with the most startling contrasts of scenery, and the diversity of this tiny country is simply dazzling. Encompassing tropical islands, towering snow-capped peaks, cloud forests, and simmering jungle, visitors are treated to a variety of unique landscapes, and many say that Ecuador manages to capture an entire continent in one country.

This trip incorporates traditional colourful Indian markets, bio-diverse cloud forests, colonial towns and the incredible volcanic Galapagos Islands, where the vast variety of flora and fauna will delight the nature lover and activity seeker alike.

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Itinerary / Highlights

Day 1: Quito (2850m): Join the tour at the hotel this afternoon. After freshening up at our hotel, we shall have free time to wander around before having dinner.
Hotel (D)

Day 2: Quito & Mindo & Bellavista Cloud Reserve (2000m): Departing Quito we shall drive northwest, taking in the views over the city. Leaving the metropolis of Quito behind us, the scenery changes dramatically as we enter the cloud forest, becoming green and sub-tropical. Here we stop to visit an orchid and butterfly farm on the way to Mindo, before continuing on to the Bellavista Cloud Reserve for a late lunch. In the afternoon we shall take an introductory walk into the forest with a local guide, to learn about the region's unique ecology.
Overnight at the Bellavista Eco-lodge.
Eco-Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 3: Bellavista: Spending a full day at Bellavista, there is plenty of time to explore the region further, taking some of the well-marked trails through the forest. The trails span a large area around the lodge and there is plenty of opportunity for bird watching, learning
about the medicinal plants of the forest, plus the options of cycling and horse riding. For those preferring down time, there are numerous hideaways around the lodge to relax and watch the hummingbirds in an idyllic setting.
Eco-Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 4: Bellavista & Equator & Chugchilan (3200m): Departing Bellavista early we head south, with a brief stop at the equator monument as we cross from the northern hemisphere into the southern hemisphere. Our drive takes us along ‘the avenue of the volcanoes' where the road
is flanked by the majestic snow-capped peaks of the Andes. Passing Cotopaxi Corazon, Pasachoa, Ruminahui and Illinizas, some of Ecuador's most impressive volcanoes, we arrive in the Andean village of Chugchilan.
Eco-Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 5: Chugchilan: Nestled in the heart of the country, this region showcases the sheer beauty of Ecuador's mountains and is rated as one of the hidden gems of the Andes. The region is riddled with splendid hikes, traditional highland villages and indigenous people. Today is a free day to recover from the journey and take advantage of some of the activities on offer in the area. Options include treks (of varying degrees of difficulty), horse rides, mountain biking and wildlife viewing. Alternatively, you could take advantage of the yoga studio, hot tub, sauna and board games available at the lodge.
Eco-lodge (B, L, D)

Day 6: Chugchilan & Quilotoa (3854m) & Tigua - Banos (1800m): After breakfast we set off from the eco-lodge to the rim of the spectacular Quilotoa crater lake, which offers tremendous views of the surrounding peaks of Cotopaxi and Iliniza Sur, and the green, mirror-like lake
below. Here we will take time to walk into the crater (or for those preferring a less strenuous experience it is possible to hire mules) before continuing on to Banos, stopping en route at the tiny town of Tigua, an important centre for local arts and crafts of the region.
Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 7: Banos & Chimborazo - Banos: Two choices today… either head into Chimborazo National Park for a unique trekking experience and to participate in the ancient ‘Iceman' tradition. Alternatively have a free day to explore the spa town of Banos - indulge yourself in the hot springs, or try your hand at one of the various activities on offer.
Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 8: Banos & Guamote (3050m): A short drive brings us to the Andean town of Guamote. Thursday is market day when hundreds of people flood into the town from neighbouring villages to one of the most colourful and memorable markets in Ecuador. We'll start the day by visiting the local school and some of the community projects set up to help local women produce handicrafts and where the locals learn computer skills,
before heading into the market to get swept up in the crowds. This is a great chance to get a real taste of Andean village life and experience the vibrant culture first hand.

Community guesthouse (B, L, D)

Day 9: Guamote & Ingapirca & Cuenca (2530m): After breakfast we may have the opportunity to board the ‘Nariz del Diablo' (Devil's Nose) train* for a ride along the historic Trans-Andean Railroad. Travelling on the roof of the train from Guamote to Alausi, we pass through the
most dramatic section of the railroad that once ran to the coast, where a series of steep switchbacks cut through the rock face and offer amazing views of the surrounding countryside. *The train can be unreliable - if it is not running we will visit one of the project sites supported by Inti Sisa. Afternoon visit to the archaeological site of Ingapirca (15th century) - Ecuador's most important set of Inca ruins - before continuing on to the Colonial city of Cuenca.
Colonial Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 10: Cuenca: Morning half-day city tour of the ‘jewel of the south': Cuenca (declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site) visiting some of the parks, churches, plazas and local landmarks. Despite being the country's third largest city, Cuenca retains the feel and pace of a much
smaller town and is a pleasure to wander around. We'll have a free afternoon to explore the museums, shops and markets or visit one of the centres that produces panama hats and other haberdashery. Evening is also free to carry on exploring & meal at own expense.
Colonial Hotel (B, L)

Day 11: Cuenca - Guayaquil: Heading northwest, a 4-5 hour drive takes us down through steamy banana and cocoa plantations to the city of Guayaquil, where we'll have time to look around and get prepared for our Galapagos adventure.
Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 12: Guayaquil & Galapagos Islands: A morning flight takes us to the main airport in the Galapagos Islands. After clearing immigration we'll board our boat and transfer to Isabela, the largest of the Galapagos Islands (4588 sq km) and home to a string of volcanoes, mangrove
beaches and wildlife colonies. The boat crossing takes around 2 hours, giving us a free afternoon to settle into our stunningly located hotel - our base for the next 3 nights - and relax on the white sandy beaches.
Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 13: Galapagos Islands: Taking a short boat ride this morning, we visit the small islet of Las Tintoreras where a colony of white-tipped reef sharks can often be seen resting in the black-lava canal. This area is also famed for an abundance of marine iguanas, birdlife and sea lions, and we'll take time to snorkel in the crystal clear waters. Returning to Isabela Island, after lunch we'll take a walk in
the National Park to see the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre and investigate the plant and bird life en route.
Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 14: Galapagos Islands: A full day trekking trip on Isabela Island takes us to the top of the Sierra Negra Volcano (1,124m) & a geological feature that is the second widest active crater in the world and dates back approximately 535,000 years. Spotting various wildlife en route, our walk up to the crater takes 3-5 hours and we'll be rewarded with spectacular views of the island.
Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 15: Galapagos Islands: After breakfast we'll take a boat to Santa Cruz and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn more about these unique islands. The centre is responsible for conducting a number of important scientific research projects on the flora,
fauna and geology of the islands and houses an informative museum, as well as a number of famous Galapagos tortoise and a hatchling centre. The afternoon and evening are free to explore the island of Santa Cruz & meal at own expense.
Hotel (B, L)

Day 16: Galapagos & Quito (2850m): Returning to the mainland today, we take a flight up to Quito where there's time to wander around and do any last minute shopping before our farewell dinner. Last but not least, we'll finish up with a horse-drawn carriage ride through the
Colonial old town. Lit up at night, the vintage facades, churches and plazas (some of them dating back to the 15th century) offer a great example of the grandeur of the old town and a great end to our trip. Overnight at one of the best hotels in the city.
Colonial Hotel (B, L, D)

Day 17: Quito: Tour ends after breakfast.
(B)

Wild Extensions:
Arrive early to adjust to a new time zone or just to get a feel for the country before your tour starts. Explore the country after your tour on a bespoke Wild Extension or just allow a few days to relax afterwards. Maybe choose all of the above and get cheaper flights mid-week?

A sample of what you could do…
Amazon Jungle Trip: Stay at the award winning Yachana Lodge in the heart of the Amazon, taking part in naturalist guided walks in the primary and secondary rain forest, visits to the local medicine man and communities, panning for gold, night time safaris, star gazing
and river cruises. 4 and 5 day packages available.

The Galapagos Islands: Explore these spectacular and unique islands further with a 5 or 8 day cruise. Papallacta Spa & Retreat: For health,
recreation and relaxation extend your stay at the Papallacta hot springs for relaxing hydrotherapy and spa treatments in a stunning setting. 1 and 2 night packages available.

Contact the office for extension specifics.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

Accommodation will be staying in hotels, eco-lodges & community owned guesthouses. All hotels mentioned in the itinerary are subject to availability and if not available substitutes will be of a similar quality.

Transport on this tour includes minibuses, motorised canoe, train and domestic flights.

Departure Dates, Options & Prices

17 days, Thu 23 Sep 2010 to Sat 09 Oct 2010
17 days, Thu 07 Apr 2011 to Sat 23 Apr 2011

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