A Pannell s Tours Fully Escorted Tour 21 Mar - 06 Apr 2015

Transcription

1 A Pannell s Tours Fully Escorted Tour 21 Mar - 06 Apr 2015 DETAILED ITINERARY Day 1 - Saturday 21 March QUITO Dinner Welcome to Ecuador! Arrive Quito, the capital of Ecuador, nestled between two snow-capped peaks in a geographic setting that few cities can match. You will be met at the airport and transferred to the PATIO ANDALUZ, a luxurious colonial boutique hotel in the heart of the city s historical centre. Spend three nights here. Welcome cocktail in the hotel s private pub this evening, to meet your fellow travellers, followed by dinner in the hotel s beautiful dining room. Overnight at Patio Andaluz Day 02 - Sun 22 Mar - QUITO - City Tour & Archaeology Museum, Breakfast A morning tour of downtown Quito, an urban jewel with its treasures of art, architecture and archaeology. Quito s colonial quarter, the largest and best preserved of South America, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We take a stroll through the Independence Plaza, flanked by the Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, the Municipal Building and the Archbishop s Palace. Visit the temple of La Compañía de Jesús with its awesome gilded interior and the Monastery of San Francisco, one of the great religious buildings of the New World; its impressive façade and atrium leading to a Baroque interior influenced by Moorish style, with the winged Virgin of Quito at its main altar. Then, relive the history of Ecuador s most ancient cultures at the Archaeology Museum of the Alabado, one of the finest archaeological collections in Ecuador. Afternoon and evening at Leisure to explore the fascinating area of the old city on your own.

2 Page 2 Day 03 - Mon 23 Mar - QUITO / COTOPAXI / PAPALLACTA Today we follow the footsteps of the German scientist Alexander von Humboldt, to discover what he named, the Avenue of the Volcanoes in The area is surrounded by snow capped summits in an area of mystical beauty that, in times past, nourished the mythology of early cultures. Brooks and rivers run down the mountainsides past small villages of adobe houses and terraced farmlands. We travel south by road, along the Pan-American Highway to the Cotopaxi National Park, an ecological sanctuary of 88,920 acres, around the magnificent Cotopaxi Volcano, which rises 5,897 mt (19,347 ft) above sea level. Pass through the evergreen landscape of the Ecuadorian highlands, along valleys and mountains covered in multicoloured fields. After an hour and a half, the entrance to the park is reached and then it s up a dirt road for approximately one hour. On arrival there is an introductory briefing in the small Interpretation Centre about the habitat of the Andean paramo or moorlands, its flora and fauna. Continue to the Limpiopungo Lagoon to observe a variety of birds and, occasionally, wild horses. On clear days, Cotopaxi Volcano is the magnificent backdrop. Take a walk around the lagoon to observe the Andean flora. Enjoy a lunch stop at a hacienda before continuing the journey to Papallacta. Dinner and overnight for the next two nights at the TERMAS DE PAPALLACTA Day 04 - Tue 24 Mar - PAPALLACTA / GUANGO / ARCHIDONA / SANTA RITA For this specially-designed Journey of Chocolate, we have teamed up with the number one name in chocolate in the world: award-winning Pacari Chocolate We visit a working cacao farm, experience the finest chocolate while exploring a fascinating and biodiverse region in Ecuador. The Ecuadorian Amazon was recently proven to be the birthplace of the cacao tree not Central America! Our first stop is at the charming Guango Lodge, a haven for 15 species of hummingbird. We continue to the small town of Archidona and the Santa Rita community to visit the Pacari Agro Tourism Project. This project was developed by Pacari who not only purchase the community s cacao at fair trade prices but also provide technical assistance to improve yields, varieties and production. Our visit also provides an additional welcome source of income for these rural families. We spend a pleasant and relaxing morning with the community, learning how they harvest the fruit, produce the cacao and the technical processes involved. As we explore the farm on foot, we come across petroglyphs; ancestral traces of the native cultures that inhabited this region for thousands of years, known as the Sacred Valley of the Anaconda. We take part in making chocolate paste, adding various local ingredients. There will be some chocolate to take home!

3 Page 3 After our walk, we are treated to lunch, which will be a regional specialty of river fish wrapped in a bijao palm leaf and baked in a fire. This is accompanied by a tea made with the guayusa plant, a source of energy and hydration. In the afternoon, we return to Papallacta, where there will be time to enjoy the volcanic thermal pools, the hotel and spa. You can enjoy a massage (at extra cost) there is even a chocolate massage available for the true chocaholics! Day 05 - Wed 25 Mar - PAPALLACTA / Otavalo Market Peguche / OTAVALO Early departure from Papallacta for the drive to Otavalo. Here we visit the famous market, piled high with ponchos, woollen goods, tapestries, the original Panama hat, sweaters, Indian jewellery, many handicrafts - and nothing made in China! Here you can try your bargaining skills with the local Otavalenos in their elegant and colourful clothing. Lunch at one of the beautiful haciendas found in this area, followed by a visit to the Indian town of Peguche, to see textiles woven in old fashioned shuttle looms. Dinner and overnight at the historic HACIENDA PINSAQUI, where we spend two nights. Day 06 - Thu 26 Mar - Lake Quicocha - Cotacachi - OTAVALO - We spend a full day exploring the area in and around Otavalo. One of the highlights is Cuicocha Lake, located inside a volcanic crater at the foot of the Cotocachi Volcano. The beautiful scenery of the bright blue coloured lake is enhanced by the local flora of miniature orchids and other Andean flowers. This is followed by visits to more artisanal villages, including the town of Cotacachi, an entire town dedicated to the manufacture of fine leather products. Return to Hacienda Pinsaqui for dinner and overnight. Day 07 - Fri 27 Mar - OTAVALO / IBARRA. SALINAS / QUITO Breakfast, Lunch Depart after breakfast for the train station at Ibarra to take the Tren de la Libertad (Liberty Train) on a 1 ½ hour journey to the town of Salinas. Travelling through some spectacular and contrasting scenery, the route includes a number of bridges and tunnels through the mountains, built by labourers with pickaxes and shovels. You will notice the difference in cultures between Ibarra and Salinas, with the former being mainly populated by indigenous and Mestizo groups and the latter being home to a vibrant Afro-Ecuadorian community. At Salinas station we will be met by our driver and taken to a local hacienda for lunch. After lunch, drive back to Quito via Cayambe, home to the many rose plantations of Ecuador. Ecuador is one of the world s largest exporters of roses. We will pay a visit to one of the rose-producing haciendas. Late afternoon arrival in Quito to check in at the PATIO ANDALUZ for overnight.

4 Page 4 Day 08 - Sat 28 Mar - QUITO - Flight to Coca / AMAZON RAINFOREST Today is the start of our Amazon adventure. We spend the next three nights at the NAPO WILDLIFE CENTRE, the ultimate alternative ecohotel in Amazonian Ecuador. This ecotourism project includes the conservation of approximately 82 square miles (53,500 acres - over 21,400 hectares ) of the most pristine Amazon Rain Forest within the Yasunì National Park, an important UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the largest tract of tropical rain forest in Ecuador. Departing from Quito, we take a 30 minute flight over the eastern Andes mountain range. On arrival in the town of Coca, a local chiva (small local bus) will take us on a 5 minute ride from the airport to Port Francisco de Orellana to embark on a comfortable covered high speed motor boat for an approximate 2 hour journey on the Napo river. Box lunch served on board. Along the way we can spot various birds herons, kingfishers and others. On arrival at the entry dock to Napo Wildlife Centre, we disembark for restroom facilities before taking a peaceful dugout canoe ride to the lodge, where we spend the next three nights. As we paddle through the narrow creeks connecting to the lake where the lodge is located, there are good possibilities of sightings various species of monkey, as well as large birds such as toucans, parrots or macaws Late afternoon arrival at the lodge, located on the Añangu Lake. Welcome drink and orientation. After dinner optional cayman observation around the lake, accompanied by the nocturnal sounds of the jungle. Day 09 - Sun 29 Mar - QUITO - Flight to Coca / AMAZON RAINFOREST Early wake up to reach the best and most accessible parrot clay licks in Ecuador, an hour from the Lodge. Guests arrive just before parrot activity starts at the clay lick, between 07h30 and 08h30. A total of 11 species of parrots, parakeets and macaws can be seen. This visit depends on weather conditions, but is usually successful. Later, hike along a forest trail to visit to the Kichwa community of Añangu and share time with a family as they go about their daily activities. Return to the creek and hike through a Terra Firme Forest for about 30 minutes, to arrive at the second parrot clay lick where, if weather conditions are right, we will be able to find different species of parrots, parakeets and even macaws. Lunch box served at the parrot clay lick observatory. Late afternoon return to the lodge.

5 Page 5 Day 10 - Mon 30 Mar - AMAZON RAINFOREST After early breakfast, depart from the lodge to enjoy the finest canopy tower experience. The 36m (12 ft) high canopy tower enables guests to experience life above the forest floor. This is the second tower at the Napo Wildlife Center (the first is attached to the dining hall and allows great views of the lake). The tower is located about 20 minutes from the Lodge, deep within the terra firme forest. As you ascend the tower, you pass through different levels of the forest and emerge on top of a huge Ceiba tree. From a wooden platform built into the tree, you will enjoy a view formerly reserved only for birds. The metal tower itself was constructed to the highest standards, galvanized, and carefully inspected by engineers. Safety is the priority. Flocks of colourful tanagers pass right through the canopy of the tree, blue-and yellow Macaws fly past. In nearby trees, Spider Monkeys search for fruit. Two species of large toucans call in the early mornings and afternoons, and the life of the forest canopy opens before you. Birds that are virtually impossible to see from the forest floor far below are suddenly right beside you, oblivious to your presence. Lunch served back at the lodge. Afternoon visit to a terra firme trail, for a hike along primary forest to discover the forest interior, with opportunities for finding lizards, colorful manakins or the unique and endemic Golden Mantle Tamarin monkeys. After the hike, on the way back to the Lodge, explore the lake and creeks by dugout canoe with great possibilities of running into a Giant otter family along the way. Day 11 - Tue 31 Mar - AMAZON RAINFOREST / QUITO Breakfast, High Tea Early departure and last excursion canoeing back to the Napo river, where the creek may reveal new sights of Giant otters, Monk Saki monkeys or many other rare birds. Enter docking area, use of restrooms and embark on motorized canoe for the return trip back to Coca, arriving after approximately 2 hours. Note This is a sample itinerary subject to change due to weather conditions, safety, and particular interests of guests and groups. Changes and additions are made in order to maximize wildlife viewing and wilderness enjoyment, cultural interaction with local people, and the best possible experience in the richest rain forest in Ecuador Check in for flight back to Quito, On arrival in Quito, our driver and guide will be waiting to transfer us into the city, where a treat awaits us. Check in at the CASA GANGOTENA, the city s newest and most luxurious hotel, located on San Francisco Square in the heart of the old town. This hotel is considered to be the best in South America and one of the top 10 hotels in the world. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. You will be able to enjoy High Tea in the hotel s beautiful lounge. Day 12 - Wed 01 Apr - QUITO / GALAPAGOS After breakfast, we transfer to the airport to take a flight to Baltra in the Galapagos Islands. Today we set off on a new adventure as we start our Galapagos Islands 6 Days/5 Nights cruise aboard the MV SANTA CRUZ. This small 90 passenger vessel is the finest ship in her class to sail in the archipelago.

6 CRUISE ITINERARY MAP Page 6 On shore excursions in the Galapagos, there are two types of landings Dry landing Guests step from the panga (dinghy) onto rocks or a dock. Wet landing As the panga edges onto a sandy beach, guests step into knee-deep water and wade ashore Day 12 (Continued) - Wed 01 Apr - QUITO / GALAPAGOS Baltra - North Seymour On arrival in Baltra, we are transferred to the dock to board the MV SANTA CRUZ, where we receive our welcome introductory briefing, boat drill and lunch. North Seymour Island This is a great introductory site to the islands and their wildlife, with its colonies of blue footed boobies, two species of frigate birds, swallow tailed gulls, as well as sea lions and marine iguanas. Page 7

7 Day 13 - Thu 02 Apr - GALAPAGOS - Isabela - Fernandina Punta Vicente Roca (Isabela Island) After breakfast, we explore the coast by panga, while our naturalist guide explains the dramatic geology of the area. This is a nesting place for a Galápagos highlight: flightless cormorants. Depending on weather conditions, we can snorkel along the cliffs of this area, rich in marine life, seasonally-visited by green sea turtles and oceanic sun fish (Mola mola). Punta Espinoza (Fernandina Island) The afternoon is dedicated to exploring the youngest island of the archipelago, Fernandina, which, having no introduced mammals, boasts a very unique environment with a very high density of marine iguanas, who share their space with sea lions, Sally light-foot crabs, hawks, penguins and the flightless cormorants. Day 14 - Fri 03 Apr - GALAPAGOS - Isabela Tagus Cove (Isabela Island) After breakfast, we land at this cove on the northwest of Isabela. For centuries it provided a favourite anchorage for pirates and whalers. An uphill hike takes guests to a dramatic viewpoint on the rim of a crater, Darwin lake, filled with salt water. After our walk, we take a panga ride to spot local wildlife, with the possibility of swimming or snorkelling. Urbina Bay (Isabela Island) After lunch we disembark at Urbina Bay, the fascinating result of an uplifting of the ocean floor in Here we can admire corals, shells and many other calcareous organisms exposed above water. First we enjoy a snorkel from the beach, with the chance of swimming with flightless cormorants. This is also home to large and very colourful Galápagos land iguanas, as well as giant tortoises, which we occasionally see. We return back on board for our expedition plan for Saturday, followed by dinner. Day 15 - Sat 04 Apr - GALAPAGOS - Santa Cruz Puerto Ayora & the Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz) In the morning, we disembark (dry landing) for our visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station s Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre within an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest, home to many land birds. These are the headquarters of scientific investigation, conservation and the National Park administration. Following our visit, we board our transport to enjoy lunch in the cooler highlands of Santa Cruz Island, a completely different ecosystem. Santa Cruz Island We have several options available for the afternoon (mountain biking, kayaking in Tortuga Bay, hiking), which can be discussed in advance with your Expedition Leader. At the end of the afternoon s activities, we return to Puerto Ayora and embark on the Santa Cruz. Page 8

8 Day 16 - Sun 05 Apr - GALAPAGOS - Floreana Post Office Bay (Floreana Island) A short walk leads to the historic barrel where postcards are traditionally left for guests from other vessels to post or hand-deliver in their own country. Near Post Office Bay, we explore the north shore of Floreana along narrow channels teeming with life. Following this excursion, we head back on board for lunch. Champion Islet and Cormorant Point (Floreana Island) Following lunch and a siesta, we take to the pangas and glass-bottom boat to explore the underwater wonders around Champion Islet, an extinct shield volcano, regarded as one of the best snorkelling spots in the archipelago. From there, it s on to Cormorant Point, starting with a wet landing on the olivine-crystal beach, for an easy walk that includes a brackish water lagoon where bird species such as greater flamingos, pintail ducks, common stilts, herons, sandpipers and others gather. We continue our walk over a white sand beach, where turtles emerge from the sea at night to nest from December to May. This is our last night on board and this evening will be our farewell dinner. Day 17 - Mon 06 Apr - GALAPAGOS - Baltra Breakfast, We have come to the end of our Ecuadorian and Galapagos adventure. Disembark at Baltra, to transfer to the airport for the flight back to the mainland. Our flight arrives in Guayaquil, where you will be able to connect with your international flight, or spend the night in Guayaquil (not included in tour price) for departure the following day. For those passengers doing the post-tour optional package and spending more time in the Galapagos, you will be transferred to the Finch Bay Hotel for your 3 night extension. Note Tthe exact route and programme in the Galapagos may vary according to weather and ocean conditions and the wildlife we encounter. The programme is also subject to change without previous notice due mainly to posible readjustment of the National Park policies and regulations.