ECUADOR
ANDEAN HIGHLANDS AND GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

For Adults

Registration Form (English PDF file)
Registration Form (French PDF file)

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Ecuador is a magical country blessed with extraordinary natural beauty. The Andean highlands with its hauntingly beautiful lakes and volcanos, the Amazon River basin with its verdant rainforests and the Galapagos Islands, one of the wonders of the world, provide this relatively small country with a natural diversity found in few places on the planet.

The vibrant indigenous culture that permeates the country has a rich history stretching back thousands of years and offers visitors the opportunity to walk back in time. In Otavalo, travellers can experience the life and ancient weaving skills of the Incas and their descendents. "Old Town" Quito, a world heritage site, is a beautifully preserved example of colonial architecture.

Trip details
12 days
Departure dates:
2008 - November 12
Cost: $3995CAD (includes flight from Toronto)
Costs based on double occupancy
Single supplement $395
Flights can be arranged from other locations
Medium fitness required

Maximum 12 participants
Custom dates for groups possible
Contact us regarding incentives for organizing a group.


This journey is:

• An exploration of the extraordinary beauty of Ecuador, a land of many treasures. Experience the Paramos and high lakes of the Andes, the unique wildlife mysteries of the Galapagos archipelago and historical "old town" Quito

• An immersion into the indigenous culture of the Otavalo region of Ecuador, renowned for its weaving, markets and Andean music

• An opportunity to experience the wild life of the Galapagos Islands. Swim with the penguins and sea lions, witness the mating rituals of the graceful Frigate birds and walk with blue-footed boobies

Itinerary

Day one
Arrive in Quito and transfer to a beautiful old colonial hotel. Learn more about the trip ahead.

Days two to four
Drive via private coach to a beautiful eco-lodge located just outside Otavalo, high in the Andes, overlooking a magnificent valley with views of Cotapaxi volcano. This will be your home for two nights.

Enjoy, stunning scenery, great hiking, bird watching and horseback riding in the spectacular Mojanda Lakes region.

Tour local indigenous villages and visit skilled artisans practising weaving techniques that have been in use for a thousand years.

Spend a day at the market in Otavalo, the largest and oldest continuous indigenous market on the planet.
On day four transfer back to Quito with a visit to Mitel del Mundo enroute. Enjoy an evening presentation on your upcoming journey to the Galapagos Islands.

Days five to ten
Fly to the Galapagos and settle into a lovely country lodge on Santa Cruz Island. This will be your base of exploration for the next five nights.

Enjoy three days travelling by boat to three unique islands and experience the best the Galapagos has to offer. Wonderful snorkelling is available each day.

Visit the Charles Darwin centre as well as other sites of interest on Santa Cruz. Snorkel in a local grotto, explore lava tubes or hike to beautiful Tortuga Beach.

Days ten to twelve
Return to Quito for your last two nights before flying home.

Tour the "old town" in Quito, with its magnificent colonial churches, government buildings, hotels and private residences.

Share a celebration meal with your group before returning home.

Day twelve
Transfer to the airport for the flight home.

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Registration Form (English PDF file)
Registration Form (French PDF file)