Ecuador + Galápagos 19 Days

Ecuador + Galápagos 19 Days

Be enchanted with our 19 DAY Ecuador and Galapagos dream trip. No other trip offers you better opportunities to experience nature and wildlife up close than this one. In addition to unique Andean panoramas, magnificent colonial cities, colorful indigenous markets and the Amazon rainforest, our Galapagos tour is the highlight of this round trip. Off the beaten tourist track, we explore the secrets of the paradisiacal Galapagos Islands and their primitive inhabitants. You'll experience the giant Galapagos tortoises in their natural environment, swim with sea lions, observe exotic birds up close, hike through bizarre lava landscapes and much more.

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Itinerary

DAY 1: DEPARTURE FROM EUROPE

Departure from CASA to Quito with transfer at one of the European airports. Transfer from the airport to the hotel.

 

DAY 2: SIGHTSEEING QUITO - OTAVALO

After breakfast, we will visit Quito, located on the slopes of the Pichincha volcano, which is the second highest capital city in the world (2850 m above sea level) and the first in terms of proximity to the equator. We will see e.g. Quito's colonial old town, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Basilica, the National Wedding and the Church and Convents of Quito. Boda Nacional and the 16th century Church and Convent of San Francisco. Then we will go to the hotel to pick up our luggage and drive (approx.40 minutes) to the Middle of the World (Spanish for Center of the World), where we will visit the Museum of Ecuador (Museo de Sitio Intiñan). There we can stand in two hemispheres at the same time and experience some interesting physical experiments. We continue our trip (approx. 2h) to the town of Otavalo, located at the foot of the Imbabura volcano. Hotel accommodation.

 

DAY 3: OTAVALO, CUICOCHA LAGOON

After breakfast, we will visit the famous Otavalo market with local products, where you can buy nice and original souvenirs of good quality. The place is frequently visited by representatives of various local minorities dressed in traditional costumes. We will then drive to the vicinity of the village of Cuichocha, where we will hike for a few hours along the picturesque lagoon of the same name (approx. 30 minutes), at the foot of the Cotocachi volcano. Overnight in Otavalo.

 

DAY 4: TREKKING IN COTOPAXI PN

In the morning transfer to Cotopaxi National Park. Today we will trek to the José Rivas refuge, located on the Cotopaxi slope, up to 4864 m above sea level. The ascent will take us a good hour. At the refuge, we will take a break and warm up with hot coffee or tea. In the afternoon we will return to the parking lot, from where we will have dinner at Tambopaxi Lodge, located at 3720 m above sea level, where we will spend the night.

where we will spend the night.

 

DAY 5: TREKKING IN COTOPAXI PN

A long day full of excitement awaits us: first we will head to the Limpiopungo Lagoon at an altitude of 3850 m above sea level, from where we will start trekking to the summit of the Central Rumiñahui (4721 m above sea level) - this is about 900 meters of elevation over a varied surface. Initially, the hike is undemanding, mainly on flat terrain, first on the paved road, which will eventually become rockier. The last two hours of hiking will be more difficult, on a steeper trail. On the way we will take a break for lunch prepared for us in advance at the lodge. It should take about 4-5 hours to reach the summit and descend.

In the afternoon return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

 

DAY 6: TREKKING IN QUILOTOA - BAEZA

After breakfast, we drive (approx. 2.5 hours) to the picturesque crater of the Quilotoa volcano with a turquoise green lagoon. there we go for a nice trekking, after which we drive (4.5 hours) to Cuyabeno. Overnight on the road.

 

DAY 7: AMAZON. CUYABENO

To reach Lago Agrio at the edge of the Amazon in the morning, we will leave in the evening (the trip takes about 5.5 hours). We will meet a local guide on site, after which we will go together by bus to the marina (approx. 2 hours), and from there we will take a boat on the Cuyabeno River to our lodge in the Amazon jungle (approx. 1.5 hours), where we will spend the night. On the way we will discover interesting facts about the local fauna and flora, look for birds, monkeys and pink dolphins. Lunch at the lodge and rest after the trip. If the weather permits, we will head to Laguna Grande in the afternoon to swim and enjoy the view. the setting sun. After dinner, we will have a night cruise on the river in search of caimans and other creatures. active at night.

 

DAY 8: AMAZON. CUYABENO

Breakfast followed by a long boat ride on the "Cananbueno" lagoon, a highly protected area of the Amazon where you can only row boats. Those with motors are not allowed here. Thanks to this, moving in complete silence after the Amazon rainforest will be an unforgettable experience and will increase our chances of meeting the animals that live here. Break for lunch, followed by a short walk in the rainforest. Return to our lodge, where you can rest in a hammock and relax. In the afternoon a unique attraction awaits us, piranha fishing. And in the afternoon we will go to the river again, this time together in search of caimans, boas and anacondas.

 

DAY 9: AMAZON. CUYABENO

In the morning we will sail to "Puerto Bolivar", where the community of the Siona Our guide along the way will introduce us to their culture, tradition and customs. We will have a unique opportunity to observe daily life in the real jungle, for example, we will see the process of elaboration of cassava, traditional tapioca bread, which we will be able to taste later. Return to the lodge for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon we will take a jungle walk, during which we will learn more about the forest ecosystem and the practical and medical use of the local flora.

 

DAY 10: CUYABENO - BAÑOS

Today we will wake up early to watch the sunrise and observe exotic birds. Here we have the opportunity to see toucans, orpéndulos, arasari and many other species of birds. Return to the lodge for breakfast, then return to Lago Agrio to continue to Baños (approx. 8 hours), a climatic city famous for its hot springs and beautiful waterfalls. Overnight in hotel.

 

DAY 11: BAÑOS

After breakfast, we will take a trip to the famous Pailon del Diablo waterfall, the largest waterfall in the Ecuadorian Andes. Next we will take a cable car ride over the canyon with a view of the Agoyan waterfall. Thrill seekers will be able to swing over the abyss on a specially created structure, admiring the breathtaking views below their feet in the sinuses. In the evening, guests can relax in the hot springs.

 

DAY 12: BAÑOS - GUAYAQUIL

Morning drive to Ecuador's largest city - Guayaquil. Brief city tour, hotel accommodation, overnight.

 

DAY 13: THE GALAPAGOS. SAN CRISTÓBAL

In the morning transfer to the airport. Fly to San Cristobal Island, the fifth largest island in the Galapagos archipelago. Short trip to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno town and hotel accommodation. After lunch, we will go to the beach where the seals sunbathe, then to Tijeretas, a small bay with crystal clear waters, where we will snorkel. Here you can find turtles, exotic fish and seals. Those who wish can walk to the nearby hill, from where there is a picturesque view of the city.

 

DAY 14: GALAPAGOS. SAN CRISTÓBAL

After an early breakfast, an island tour awaits us. We will see a wild beach with a mangrove forest and a bay where we will do the first snorkeling of the day. Rays, seals, turtles, frigate birds and even the characteristic blue-footed boobies live here. We will also go to Kicker Rock, a huge rock formation submerged in the sea, which resembles the shape of a shoe or sleeping lion. This is a great place for snorkeling, where you can admire beautiful corals, exotic fish, turtles and even sharks.

 

DAY 15: GALAPAGOS. SANTA CRUZ

Early in the morning we will head to the port, from where we will take the ferry to Santa Cruz, the second largest island of Galapagos. We will settle in at the hotel, and then visit the Charles Darwin research institute, where we will see an impressive cactus forest, numerous land birds and giant elephant tortoises, found only in the Galapagos and the Aldabra atoll in the Indian Ocean. Via The rest of the day awaits us on the paradisiacal beach of Tortuga Bay.

 

DAY 16: THE GALAPAGOS. ISABEL ISLAND

Early breakfast and then transfer to the port, from where around 07:00 we will sail to Isabela Island, the largest island in the Galapagos. At the hotel we will deposit our luggage, then we will go to the islet of Tintoreras, inhabited by penguins, sharks, seals, marine life iguanas and many species of birds. Time for snorkeling. After returning to the island of Isabela, we will take a walk during which we will see beautiful beaches with their beautiful beaches with their inhabitants: iguanas, turtles and maybe even penguins.

 

DAY 17: GALAPAGOS. ISABELA ISLAND - SANTA CRUZ

Excursion to Los Túneles, a formation of tunnels and arches formed by lava, partially submerged in the sea. We will be here snorkeling in several places. Here you can meet turtles, manta rays, sharks, seahorses, penguins and gannets. In the afternoon we will pick up our luggage from the hotel and head to the ferry from where we will sail back to Santa Cruz Island.

 

DAY 18: GALAPAGOS. BARTOLOMÉ ISLAND

Early in the morning we will leave the hotel and go to the port, from where we will sail (approx. 2.5 hours) to Bartolome Island. We will have breakfast on the boat. Once there, we will head directly to the highest point of the island, from where there is an incredible view of the lava landscape, the bay and nearby islands. Relax on the beach, snorkel and admire the underwater world of plants and animals. last point The program will include a boat ride along the coast to see the local penguins. Lunch on the boat. Return to your hotel in Puerto

 

DAY 19: GALAPAGOS. SANTA CRUZ - GUAYAQUIL, RETURN

After an early breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to El Chato, a sanctuary for the local penguins. Then drive to Los Gemelos, two geological formations called craters, although they are not the remains of a volcano, but collapsed magma from which an island is built. Transfer to the airport on Baltra Island. Flight to Guayaquil. In the afternoon departure to Europe.

 

Included in the price:

 

-All Hotels *** with breakfast. Lodging will be in double and matrimonial rooms.

- Meals according to the itinerary

- All hotels with breakfast

-All transfers (airport - hotel - airport)

-All entrance fees for the activities included in the program.

-A local tour guide

All transfers (airport - hotel - airport) -All ground transportation (airport - hotel - airport)

-All ground transportation by boat within the Tour

-All entrance fees to National Parks, churches, convents, museums, cathedrals, ruins and attractions included in the program.

 

What is not included

-Personal extras such as drinks, laundry, telephone...

-International and domestic flights

-Tips to drivers, guides, cooks or other members of the team, as well as porters, porters...

-Airport taxes

Conditions of the trip

* This program is feasible from 2 people.

* From 6 people and more, the transport and the guide will accompany you all the way.

* From 2 to 5 people all private, but if you want to lower the price varies according to the type of transport.

transportation.

* The hotels of the program are *** 3 stars are clean, comfortable, safe and centrally located.

* The program is flexible. You can change without problems before the contract the hotels as well as vary the program.

and vary the program.

* Information about food and beverages:

In all cities, you can have typical or international dishes. A dish costs approximately between 5$ and 10$.

 

Currency exchange:

In all cities, you will be able to find currency exchange houses (dollars, euros and others).

 

It is recommended to bring:

'Walking boots, hat, sunscreen, clothes for hot and cold days.