Ecuador Highlights Travel Vacation Package - Quito, The Amazon Rainforest and Galapagos

Experience the Wonders of Ecuador with this 15 Day / 14 Night Travel Vacation Package and Tour that includes the capital city of Quito, The Amazon Rainforest and the Galapagos Islands.

Destinations Visited

Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Archipelago consists of thirteen large islands, six smaller islands and over forty islets that have official names. Located on the Pacific Ocean, it is part of the Republic of Ecuador. The Islands are located on one of the most active volcanic regions on earth: the Nazca Plate. This plate moves eastward towards South America because of the spreading of the sea floor, at a rate of 7 cm/yr. This plate moves over a stationary area of intense heat or "hot spot" which "builds" the islands. Thus, the oldest part of the Archipelago is found at the east of the cluster. The islands lie in the Pacific Ocean about 1,000 km from the South American coast and straddling the Equator. There are 13 large islands, 6 smaller ones and 107 islets and rocks, with a total land area of about 8,000 square kilometres. The islands are volcanic in origin and several volcanoes in the west of the archipelago are still very active. Galapagos is a province of the Republic of Ecuador and five of the islands are inhabited, with a total population of around 18,000 people. The capital is Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristobal Island, although the largest town is Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz. There is always something interesting happening in Galapagos, whatever the time of year, and there is no off-season. From about June to November is the 'garua' season when the weather is relatively cool and dry, considering the equatorial position, with sunny or overcast skies and occasional drizzle or garua. August is the coolest month with average daily temperatures ranging from a minimum of 19 to a maximum of 24 degrees centigrade. The sea is cool and can be rather rough. During this period most of the animals which rely upon the sea for their food will be breeding. These include sea and shore birds, marine iguanas, sea lions and fur seals. Between about January and April is the warm season, with higher temperatures and occasional heavy rains. The hottest month is March with an average maximum temperature of 30 degrees. The islands turn green as the arid lowlands bloom, and all the land birds and reptiles start to breed. The sea is also warmer and calmer. During El Nino years, these seasons can vary considerably and the animals' breeding seasons and behavior are often affected greatly.

Quito

The capital of Ecuador, named by UNESCO a World Heritage Site, lies in a spectacular mountain setting at 2800 meters (9184 ft.) above the sea level and just 25 kms. (16 miles) south of the equator, with a magnificent blend of colonial and modern architecture.

Day-by-day Itinerary

Day 01 - QUITO

Assistance and transfer in Quito from airport to hotel
Overnight in Quito at JW Marriott hotel, standard.
Transfer from airport to hotel
Check in at JW Marriott hotel.
Overnight

Day 02 - QUITO

The Colonial district, declared Cultural Heritage Site by the UNESCO in 1978, displays architecture, character and traditions combining both the Hispanic and native cultures. Walk along the streets and discover beautiful houses, wealthy colonial churches with splendid stone facades, outstanding gold leafed altars and the beauty of historic plazas and monuments. Also drive to the Equatorial Monument Complex where there is the opportunity to stand on two hemispheres at the same time. Lunch included. Good opportunities for handicraft shopping.
Breakfast, Lunch included
Overnight at JW Marriott hotel.

Day 03 - QUITO/OTAVALO/QUITO

An early start, to travel north of Quito to the province of Imbabura, a magical land of lakes. Just before arriving to the famous Otavalo market. The Otavalo Indian market, dates back to the pre-Inca times and is famous for its textiles woven on blackstrap and shuttle looms. The market is piled high with ponchos, hand made textiles, hats, indian jewellery, and various handicrafts. Will have time to wonder around the market.
Lunch will be served at one of the Hosterias of the area. Afternoon if time permits visit to Cotacachi an artisans centre known for its leather woods or San Antonio de Ibarra where the highlight are the wood-carvings.
Breakfast, Lunch and dinner included
Transfer to Otavalo/Quito
Overnight in Quito at JW Marriott hotel.

Day 04 - QUITO/THE AMAZON RAINFOREST

Transfer to airport to take the flight to El Coca.
A 25-minute flight will take you over the Andes Mountains' majestic snow-covered peaks and down over 8500 feet (2600 meters) into the Amazon Region.
The flight destination is the port town of Puerto Francisco de Orellana, locally known as Coca, where you will be met by a bilingual guide and taken to a private dock. Here you will have a snack and the chance to use the rest rooms before boarding a covered motorized canoe for a 2-hour, 50-mile (80-kilometer) trip down the sediment-rich waters of the Napo, the largest river in Ecuadorian Amazonia. During the ride it is easy to spot handsome shore birds such as herons, kingfishers, spoonbills and ospreys between the scattered native huts as you travel steadily away from civilization. Upon arrival to Sacha Lodge's 5000-acre (2000-hectare) private reserve, the passengers will take their first walk along a raised boardwalk through dense flooded palm forest where several species of monkeys are often sighted.
The path leads to Pilchicocha lake, a blackwater paradise where you'd least expect to find any sign of people, but dugout canoes (and even paddlers) await to carry you even farther. As you cross the lake, the cries of tropical birds lead you to your final destination and home base for an exciting jungle experience.
The lodging at Sacha was carefully designed to offer comfort to the traveler yet preserve the environment and rainforest ambience. All cabins, with high thatched roofs and private shaded terraces, are constructed with traditional materials and nestle well concealed into the lush surroundings. Each of 26 the rooms provides a private bathroom with flushing toilet and hot shower. All cabins are screened against insects, and contain ceiling fans above two comfortable double beds.
During free time, you may overlook the jungle from hammocks and often report seeing wild fauna such as toucans, agoutis and monkeys right from their own cabin!
Breakfast, Lunch and dinner included
Transfer to Quito/Amazon Rainforest
Check in Quito at Sacha Lodge
Overnight

Day 04/08 - SACHA LODGE

Enjoy a 4-night-program in the Amazonia at Sacha Lodge, where activities are spread out over a wide area and allow visitors to explore several distinct but equally fascinating habitats.
A typical day at Sacha begins at sunrise or earlier, in order to take advantage of the cool morning hours when the rainforest's animals are most active. Each group may decide on its own wake-up and breakfast time, as well as the difficulty and duration of their morning outings. In the afternoon, visits begin at around 3:00 and often continue into the evening, when the nocturnal insect and frog chorus begins.
Wherever the destination, our excursions proceed slowly in order to appreciate the fascinating details that our guides point out around you.
Several trails lead through pristine terra firme forest, where 150 foot kapok trees tower above and roots form huge buttresses to give trees support. Others follow strategically raised boardwalks in seasonally flooded forests, where walking on the ground would be nearly impossible during most of the year due to groundwater. One trail many choose to follow even leads across fallen tree trunks and a steel cable zip-line through rich swampland!
A favorite activity is to paddle dugout canoes along tannin-rich black-water creeks and lakes, where luxuriant lianas, orchids, bromeliads and palm trees thrive. And wherever an outing may lead the possibilities of spotting animals, from the tiny pygmy marmoset to the feared ocelot or puma, are endless.
During free time at the lodge, swimming and piranha fishing are also activities not to be missed but don't worry! ! Piranhas are scavengers and the guides will prove that swimming is perfectly safe.
For adventurous souls, the day does not necessarily end with dinner. Night walks and canoe trips, with the aid of flashlights, often reveal creatures seldom seen during daylight. Caimans (of the alligator family) and giant insects rule the jungle after sunset Do you dare search for them?
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Overnight at Sacha Lodge

Day 08 - THE AMAZON/QUITO

Early wake up to catch the flight back to Quito.
Arrival to Quito and transfer to hotel.
This sightseeing driving excursion offers the best of Quito with its rich cultural legacy, ornate facades lighted on multicoloured spotlights. Visit the Independence Square with The Archbishop's palace, The Metropolitan Cathedral as well as other very representative samples of colonial art and architecture. At the end, drive to a local restaurant for a fixed menu dinner.
Breakfast, Lunch and dinner included
Transfer to Amazon Raindforest/Quito
Check in at JW Marriott hotel.
Overnight

Day 09/13 - QUITO/THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

Transfer to airport to take the flight to the Galapagos Islands
Upon arrival to Galapagos, transfer to MV Galapagos Explorer (category: deluxe) to enjoy the cruise in the islands
Geological conditions lead towards the emergence of an ecosystem beyond comparison. Between three and five million years ago, submarine volcanoes surfaced from the bottom of the ocean forming thirteen major islands, six lesser islands, and about forty two islets; six hundred miles away from the continent.
Wind and water currents from both Northern and Southern hemispheres carried foreign fauna to this young archipelago and over time became a unique sanctuary of life. These befitting conditions allowed animals to develop characteristics reconciled with a new environment.
Explore this unique and diverse archipelago, go beyond the islands and snorkel or dive into a life-bursting world, the possibilities in the Galapagos Islands is ample. From luxury ships to personal sailboats and yachts, or land based programs.
Discover these Enchanted Islands by cruise of 5 days / 4 nights (from Saturday to Wednesday) aboard MV Galapagos Explorer - category deluxe.
www.excitingalapagos.com
Breakfast, Lunch and dinner included
Transfer to Quito/Galapagos Island
Overnight at MV Galapagos Explorer in the selected cabin

Day 13 - THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS/QUITO

Assistance and transfer in Quito from airport to hotel
Overnight in Quito at JW Marriot.
Breakfast included.
Transfer to Galapagos Island/Quito.
Check in at JW Marriott hotel.
Overnight.

Day 14 - QUITO

An ideal opportunity to be taken to the best handicraft shops in Town where you will find the finest selection of crafts from all over Ecuador.
Breakfast, Lunch included
Overnight at JW Marriott hotel.

Day 15 - QUITO

Transfer to airport to take the international flight
Breakfast included
Transfer to airport