INTRODUCTION ITINERARY ECUADOR - HIGHLIGHTS OF ECUADOR TRIP CODE ECTSHOE DEPARTURE

Transcription

1 INTRODUCTION This tour is a suggested itinerary designed by our specialist team! Choose this itinerary or alter it to design your own Journey. This snapshot tour of the wonderful country of Ecuador is a nature lover s dream. From the lively city of Quito, tour the enchanted Islands of the Galapagos on board a comfortable yacht, followed by an unforgettable trip to the jungle. DAY 1: Arrival transfer in Quito ITINERARY On arrival into Quito you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Sitting at 2,850 metres above sea level high in the Andean foothills lies Quito, the capital of Ecuador. The city, a short distance from the Equator and with an amazing backdrop of snow-capped mountains, is known for its stunning colonial architecture and art-work. Founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an Inca city, Quito has one of the largest, least-altered and best-preserved historic centres in the Americas. It was declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1978.

2 DAY 2: Quito: City Tour Quito s historic centre is one of the largest, leastaltered and best preserved in the Americas. Founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an Inca city, it was declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in After an early breakfast, the tour departs towards the Old City and Centro Histórico, beginning with a walk along the Street of the Seven Crosses or García Moreno as it is officially known, one of the most emblematic streets in Quito. The street gets its name from the stone crosses that are found outside the seven religious buildings that line the route. These include the Chapel of San Lazaro, El Carmen Alto Monastery, La Compañía de Jesus Church, the 17th century El Sagrario, the Cathedral, La Concepcion (the first monastery in Quito, dating back to 1575) and Santa Barbara Church that was built in 1550 and restored after the earthquake of The walking tour starts from Plaza Independencia, now known as Plaza Grande, the main square in Quito, flanked by several important buildings. It takes in the Presidential Palace, also known as the Palace of Carondelet and the main Cathedral whose stone cross is still intact. The Cathedral is home to the ornate tomb of Mariscal Sucre, an important figure in Quito s independence, a plaque that marks the site of President Gabriel Garcia Moreno s death in 1875 and a famous painting of the Last Supper. The tour also visits La Compañía de Jesus Church, the most ornate church in Quito, capped by green and gold domes and dating back to 1605 when its construction began. Built in the baroque style, the outer façade is carved from volcanic stone and the interior is covered in gold leaf. It is here that former president Gabriel Garcia Moreno is buried. The tour continues to the San Francisco Plaza where the San Francisco Church and Monastery is located, an amazing building with impressive façade and atrium, baroque interior with Moorish influences and the winged Virgin of Quito as its main altar. Construction of the San Francisco Monastery began in 1534, the largest colonial building in the city. Although some of the building has been rebuilt as a result of earthquake damage, the chapel of Señor Jesús del Gran Poder features the original tiling. Entrance fee are included.

3 DAY 3: Transfer to the airport for onward destination At the appropriate time, you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the airport for your outward flight from Quito. Welcome at the Baltra airport by your guide and transfer to Santa Cruz Island. Today you will visit Primicias Ranch on the highlands of Santa Cruz Island offering significant natural attractions due to the different climate and vegetation present on this area. This is a tropical rain forest area that offers a very different environment than the lower landscape. Primicias ranch is a privately owned area with over 150 acres adjacent to the territories of the Galapagos National Park. Tortoises migrate from the park to the property at certain times of the year, they go in search of shade, water or proper places to incubate their eggs. After the visit you will be transferred to Golondrina Yacht, check- in and welcome briefing. DAY 4: Wednesday: Isabela Island After breakfast our first stop will be at Tintoreras, located at south of Puerto Villamil. We will arrive to this place by panga (or Zodiac). There is a small bay with turquoises water where you can appreciate sea lions, marine tortoises, marine iguanas and rays. After lunch we will visit Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center, located 1.5 Km from Puerto Villamil, this place is dedicated to the reproduction of several species of tortoises in captivity; we will find 330 tortoises between youthful and adult. The Breeding Center has beautiful gardens composed by native plants. Continue then to Humedales where we will hike some of its paths including The Orchilla Hill, from this viewpoint you can admire the bay, Puerto Villamil, Volcano Sierra Negra, islets and rocks. Final visit of the day is Wall of Tears, a big wall build by prisoners; if we are lucky we will see land tortoises.

4 DAY 5: Thursday: Rabida Island & Dragon Hill In the morning, we disembark at Rábida Island s red-coloured beach. A stroll allows us to observe a large colony of sea lions, marine iguanas, mockingbirds, yellow warblers and several species of Darwin s finches. This is a great place to snorkel from the beach. There will be also possibilities of taking a panga ride, kayaking or ride in our glassbottom boat. The north shore of Santa Cruz hosts Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill). Our walk includes circling a brackish water lagoon frequented by lagoon birds, while further inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western islands of the archipelago DAY 6: Black Turtle Cove & Baltra airport This morning we first visit Black Turtle Cove which is situated in the northern of Santa Cruz. This bay is surrounded by mangroves and is accessible by dinghy only. The superficial cove is a safe refuge for marine life. Black-tip reef sharks, marine turtles, and a variety of rays are often spotted here. Afterwards you will be transferred to Baltra airport for your outward flight from Galapagos. On arrival into Quito you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Free time in Quito to explore this wonderful city on your own.

5 DAY 7: Transfer to the airport for onward destination At the appropriate time, you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the airport for your outward flight from Quito. In due time please board your flight from Quito to Coca. Depart Quito s airport at 11:00am (subject to change). A 30 minute flight over the Andes Mountains leads you to a bustling oil town called Coca located in the Basin. A quick lunch in Sacha s private house and then its off to the town docks where you will board Sacha s private canoes for the 2 hour journey down river to Sacha s Lodges property. A 30 minute hike through the rainforest leads you to lake Pilchicocha. Here, you are met by native workers to paddle you across the lake to your final destination. Arrive at Sacha Lodge around 15:30 or 16:00 pm (subject to change). Swim in Lake Pilchicocha, which is a black water lake home to many species of fish and animals. A refreshing swim after arriving may be just what you need after being in the equatorial heat all day. Bird observing from the mini tower offers guests an excellent opportunity to view several species of birds common around the lodge. Also a great place to watch the sun set. Visit the butterfly house with your naturalist guide to view the beautiful colors of many different species of butterflies. After dinner, accompany your naturalist guide on a night walk through the rainforest to view the hundreds of different species of animals that can only be found at night. Or maybe a canoe ride on the lake to view the spectacled and black caimans with their glowing orange eyes as you silently paddle across the lake to get a closer view.

6 DAY 8: Sacha Lodge Activities Begin morning activity between 6:00 and 7:00. Begin walking on trail Liana Chica and arrive at the canopy walk, for spectacular views of the rainforest canopy and the many different species of vibrantly colored birds. Designed to be a selfstanding rigid suspension canopy walk, it is one of only a few in the world! Located within Sacha s private reserve, 2 miles from the shores of the Rio Napo and 1 mile from the lodge, the bird walk gives guests the opportunity to get an up close and personal view of the rainforest canopy. Two of the three towers have observation decks every 12 meters making towers accessible for everyone. The canopy walkway is at 36 meters high and 275 meters long, giving guests a birds eye view of all the wonders and beauty the tropical rainforest has to offer. The canopy walk is designed as a sturdy walkway enabling guests to casually move along while enjoying the spectacular views. After the canopy walk, Liana Grande through terra firma and igapo forest habitats where native guides will explain many different species of medicinal plants that have been being used in their culture for hundreds of years. Liana Grande will turn into the trail Higueron, which will take you through pristine primary forest with huge Kapok and Fig trees towering hundreds of feet above your head. After lunch, you may choose to take a leisurely hike along the Rio Napo, or choose a little more challenging hike on the trail Leoncillo to try and spot the elusive dusky titi monkey. Either way the trails will lead you back to the main boardwalk for your final hike and canoe ride back to the lodge.

7 DAY 9: Sacha Lodge Activities Leaving the lodge after breakfast, you begin your hike on trail Lagartococha. This trail offers you the chance to learn more about the native people and their relationship with the forest. Learn about the trees where native people believe the spirits of their ancestors live, and the mysterious dwende or devil-man of the forest. After arriving at lake Lagartococha, take a tranquil canoe ride through a natural swamp, which is the home of anacondas, caimans, and capybaras.after the canoe ride, a walk on the other side of Largatococha may give you the opportunity to spot capuchin or squirrel monkeys playfully jumping through the trees. Return from the walk or canoe ride and head back to the lodge for a refreshing dip in the lake, or a nice relaxing nap in your personal hammock on your private balcony. After lunch, your native guide will teach you how to fish for the infamous razor-toothed piranha. Keep in mind that piranhas will never attack a person and swimming at the same time is perfectly safe and fun! Around 15:30 you will begin what many think is the best trail at Sacha, a silent canoe ride through the flooded ian forest. Where you have a good chance of being surrounded by troops of squirrel, capuchin, and howler monkeys. Keep your eyes peeled for the shy and elusive river otter as well as the incredibly well camouflaged three-toed sloth! After your eye-popping ride through the flooded forest, you will arrive at Sacha s135-foot wooden tower built around an ancient Kapok tree. Get close up views of vibrantly colored birds through Sacha s powerful scopes, and watch the sun set with an amazing view of Mount Sumaco, a volcano, and possibly a view of the snow-covered caps of the Andes! Leaving the tower just before or after sunset will give you an experience not soon forgotten. A canoe ride back through the flooded forest at night will be an awe-inspiring experience. Listen to the symphony of frogs and insects as you navigate through the narrow flooded forest trail, keeping your eyes open for caimans. Watch the several species of bats flying over your heads and listen to the many species of nocturnal birds making their eerie nighttime calls. Finally, after your mesmerizing canoe trip through the, you will arrive back at lake Pilchicocha and the welcoming lights of Sacha lodge.

8 DAY 10: Departure day Breakfast and a departure from the lodge at 07:30am. One last walk on the boardwalk to the river, and from there a 2 hour canoe ride back to Coca for your 35 minute flight back to Quito. Arrive Quito at 12:30pm (subject to change). Accommodation Inclusions INCLUSIONS & DETAILS Hotels Airport transfers, Accommodation, Tours as stated on the itinerary, Internal flights, All breakfasts and Other meals where stated, English speaking guides. Difficulty Rating Single Surcharge 1 (easy) FROM US$860 - Subject to season and availability, contact us for more details. Notes * Please note each boat in the Galapagos islands offers a number of different itineraries, please contact us for the cruise to suit you best. Price Dependent upon Season and availability. SUSTAINABILITY Chimu Adventures undertakes a number of sustainability measures within its operations including: 1) Only using local guides and office staff to both maximise local employment opportunities and minimise carbon footprints. Local guides also ensure you benefit from the intimate knowledge, passion and culture of the country you re visiting. 2) Where possible, using locally owned and operated boutique hotels to maximise the return to the local community. 3) Chimu s Pass it on programme has provided funding to hundreds of local community projects in Latin America. Our aim is to empower local communities, helping them to develop their own infrastructure for the future. Since 2006, we have been working with Kiva (a well-known Non-Governmental Organisation), providing hundreds of loans to local businesses all over South America. 4) In our pre tour information we provide a range of tips and advice on how to minimise

9 your impact on both local environments and communities. 5) Chimu Adventures offices also take a number of sustainability measures including carbon offsets for company vehicles and most staff travel. Chimu Adventure s internal processes are also structures to create a paperless office and to reduce waste. There are also internal programmes to help staff minimise their carbon footprint such as our staff bike purchase assistance plan which encourages office staff to commute to work via bicycle. Currently almost half of our office based staff commute to work via bicycle.