1st day:                       ARRIVE IN QUITO

You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Quito. Optional night Gay tour. Overnight.

 

2nd day:           QUITO CITY TOUR + EQUATORIAL Monument + TELEFERIQO

Pick up: 09h00

After breakfast, we is visit the imposing neo-Gothic church  Basilica del Voto Nacional the Basilic of Quito, Then we walk  around  the independence square;  the heart of Quito surrounded by the Government Palace  The Cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace, and the city hall. Our next point is the Sagrario church, we visit the interior of the Church of  la  Compañia de Jesus  which is full covered by gold leaf  and then we continue to San Francisco square in where we can admire one of the biggest monasteries in South America. Then we continue to El Panecillo, a hill located at 3000m (10000 feet), where  the virgin of Quito is waiting for us. From this hill you will get one of the best views of the old and new city.  Then we continue to the Equator line. A few kilometers from the city of Quito is located the middle of the world, we visit the “Inti Nan museum” an interesting museum, that show experiences that occur only in this part of the planet, later we will make a quick stop to see the historical monument that symbolizes the visit of the French Geodesic Mission in the eighteenth century and  its great contribution to the world history. Finally we will be transferred to the (Teleferiqo) cable car of the city, over the Pichincha Volcano, a point from which we can have the most spectacular view of the city, located at 4100msnm (13451feet), from this unique point you will be able to  see on a sunny day different volcanoes that are surrounding the city of Quito. Optional night Gay tour. Overnight.

(Breakfast Included. Lunch and dinner at you own)

 

3rd day:          QUITO – PAPALLACTA – AMAZON

Pick up: 08h00

After breakfast, we depart along  the  road used by Francisco de Orellana on his journey to discover the Amazonas River, landscapes with mystery and one of the best refuges of sweet water  describe this incredible ecosystem. The most elevated spot on the road is 4000 mts. asl). We continue farther until we reach Papallacta. These Thermas are the most attractively developed set of hot springs in Ecuador. Upon arrival we will make a short walk to recognize the flora and fauna native from the place. Thermal pools with healing properties, unique in the world are waiting for you in this incredible adventure.

In the afternoon we continue to descend into the Amazon.  After a exicting drive we can relax for a while in our beautiful spacious bungalow built in a rustic native design surrounded by gardens full of amazing jungle plants and flowers. A delicious dinner will be served in a romantic candlelight setting at the attractively decorated restaurant. Afterwards we will enjoy a special welcome drink, relaxing ourselves around the elegant fireplace, to coordinate and discuss next day’s activities with the local crew. We’ll feel absolutely comfortable in this lovely peaceful setting filled with nightly sights and sounds of the Amazon jungle. Overnight.

(Breakfast and dinner Included. Lunch at you own)

 

4th day:                       AMAZON RAFTING

Pick up: 08h00

The Upper Rio Napo is also known locally as the Rio Jatunyacu, which means “BIG WATER” in Quichua. “Big” is probably the best word to describe this river - BIG WAVES and BIG FUN! A great trip for both beginners and experts alike, it has the perfect combination of exciting rapids, calm pools, and fabulous jungle scenery to delight everybody. Being the headwaters of one of the two rivers that form the mighty Amazon River, this is a rafting adventure that should not be passed up!

Before setting off we will fit you with a life jacket and helmet, give you a comprehensive safety briefing, introduce you to your guide, and then train your team in the paddling techniques needed to navigate our way down the river. Once ready the boat will push off from shore and within moments you will find yourself being drenched in the first rapids, Pimpilala being one of the biggest. After this first shot of adrenaline the fun continues as you crash through walls of whitewater, explore a hidden canyon, drift silently along sheer river cliffs, and take a swim in the refreshing waters.

During the trip we’ll stop on an expansive beach by the side of the river for a delicious picnic lunch that includes fresh tropical fruits and is served with soft drinks, juice and water. At the end of the trip we celebrate a great day out with a few ice-cold beers or sodas. The drive from the take-out back to Tena and then to our Lodge. Diner and overnight.

(This tour is for all kind of travelers, also for those that have never made Rafting in the past. If for some reason you do not want to make this exciting trip, we can offer you another relax excursion into the Amazon Jungle.)

(Breakfast, lunch and dinner Included)

 

  

5th day:                       AMAZON – BANOS

Pick up: 08h30

After breakfast we put on our rubber boots to start an exciting walk in the jungle’s primary forest ready to find the secret wonders of the mysterious hidden jungle, finding amazing plant species with medicinal properties, which will be explained in detail by our expert native guide: their characteristics and how the jungle inhabitants used them in ancient times. We’ll also observe a great variety of insects, small groups of monkeys weaving around the giant trees; though we will need some luck to observe them, that’s why we must stay very quiet to admire these beautiful creatures. Dozens of curious colourful birds tag along with us during our walk whistling enchanted notes delighting our senses. After about three hours of walking we will arrive at the Lodge again. Lunch. Then we continue to the South West, trough the Puyo highway towards the thermal spring city of Banos, which lies in the heart of Ecuador, which is situated in a valley of waterfalls and hotsprings. Overnight.

(Breakfast, lunch Included. Diner at your own)

 

6th day:                       BANOS – RIOBAMBA

Pick up: 09h00

Baños mean “Baths”, which is precisely what the town is famous for. Some of them are fed by thermal springs from the base of the active Volcano Tungurahua, which means: "little hell” in Quichua, it is the largest volcano in Ecuador. In spite of the volcanic activity from Tungurahua that forced an evacuation from Baños during 1999/2000, Baños has become a mecca for international travelers seeking year-round temperate weather, a small town atmosphere, and a base for exploring the great Ecuadorian outdoors.

We visit the cathedral, the balsawood birds carving workshop, the tagua (ivory nut) jewelry stores and visit the thermal baths. Later we continue our trip to Agoyan and Devils cauldron, (amazing waterfalls). We will take the taravita (Air cable) to see the majestic Manto de la Novia Waterfall. Then we continue to the to the Andean city of Riobamba, cradle of Ecuadorian nationality, popularly known as Friobamba because it is surrounded by the majestic snow-covered volcano "Chimborazo” the highest peak in Ecuador 6310 m (20700 feet).

(Breakfast Included. Lunch and dinner at your own)

 

 

7th day:                       RIOBAMBA – TRAIN – INGAPIRCA - CUENCA

Pick up: 06h00

After breakfast, early in the morning we depart to Alausi, just less tan 100km (62 miles), beautiful old town with one hundred houses. Time to take the spectacular train, considered the most dificult train of the XX century. We will descend gradually from the highlands to the lowlands, at times zigzagging, or hugging the cliffs. In the descending at the lowest point the incredible devils nose an interesting rock will appear in the horizon.  The train descends and then returns to Aluasí again. Then we continue to visit the Ruins of Ingapirca. This is  the most important monument left by the aboriginal cultures of Ecuador. The vast archeological complex includes Inca and pre Inca`s ruins. Known as the “Temple of the Sun”. Then we arrive to the most beautiful Colonial City in South America, Cuenca. Overnight.

(Breakfast Included. Lunch and dinner at your own)

 

8th day:                       CUENCA CITY TOUR – GUAYAQUIL

Pick up: 09h00

Cuenca, Ecuador’s third largest city; still retains it´s pleasant provincial air. It´s red tiled roofs, cobblestone streets, flowery plazas and museums make an unforgetable experience in your vist to Ecuador. Our city tour includes the visit to the main square, the imposing blue-domed Cathedral, cathedral a symbol of religiousness in the country,  the Court of Justice, The Municipal Palace, The Governor’s Palace and the Sagrario Church. We will walk part of the calle larga (large Street) admiring the unique colonial style of Cuenca. Visit to the panama´s hat factory to discover the real story about this Ecuatorian hats, called by mistake “Panama Hats”. In the afternoon we drive to the Modern and Economical Capital of Ecuador. Overnight.

(Breakfast Included. Lunch and dinner at your own)

 

9th day:                       GUAYAQUIL – FLIGHT - GALAPAGOS

Pick up: 07h00

After breakfast, we will be transferred to the airport in order to take our 1 ½ hours flight to the Enchanted Islands of Galapagos. Upon disembarking from the airplane, we will go to the Galapagos immigration area. (Here we will need to present your passport and pay your US$100.00  Galapagos National Park fee in cash which is a requirement for all visitors). Once the Park officials have completed the check-in we exit the immigration area and we will be greeted by our guide and transferred to Puerto Ayora, to our hotel. Room assignment and Lunch.

After lunch, we slip into our kayak and paddle around Divine Bay and Punta Estrada, traveling through multiple lava channels of calm, turquoise waters. Within the channels, white tipped sharks and rays patrol beneath the waves, while colonies of blue footed-boobies, tropic birds, herons and marine iguanas perch along the jagged cliffs. In the evening, we are free to explore the nightlife in Puerto Ayora, the Galapagos' most populous town.

(Breakfast, lunch and dinner Included)

 

10th day:         GALAPAGOS: SAIL TO FLOREANA ISLAND

Pick up: 07h30

Breakfast in the hotel. This is one of the islands with the most interesting human history and one of the earliest to be inhabited. Pink flamingos and green sea turtles nest from December to May on this island. The "joint footed" petrel is found here, a nocturnal sea bird which spends most of its life away from land. We will visit Champion Bay and Endervy, both great places for snorkeling. Then we continue to “Devil's Crown”, an underwater volcanic cone, coral formations are found. After Lunch we continue to Puerto Velasco Ibarra, were we will have an historic introduction of this Island. We will take a “Chiva” to see the Galapagos turtles in their natural habitat.

We will see: penguins, sharks, sea lions, foot blue boobies,  gulls forked line, frigates, marine iguanas. Then return to the Hotel. Diner and overnight.

(Breakfast, lunch and dinner Included)

 

11th day:         GALAPAGOS: SAIL TO BARTOLOME ISLAND

Pick up: 06h00

On Bartolome, it seems like we are walking on the moon as this young Island is inhospitable to most plants and animals.  This island offers some of the most beautiful landscapes in the archipelago. The island consists of an exctinct volcano and a variety of red, orange, green, and glistening black volcanic formations. Bartolomé has a volcanic cone that is easy to climb and provides great views of the other islands. Bartolomé is famous for its Pinnacle Rock, which is the distinctive characteristic of this island, and the most representative landmark of the Galápagos

You can snorkel with the penguins, marine turtles, white-tipped reef sharks, and other tropical fish. The bay is also an excellent place to go swimming. Galápagos penguins are frequently seen, and a small cave behind Pinnacle Rock houses a breeding colony. Seasonally, Bartolomé is the mating and nesting site for the green turtles. With herons, they make use of the gentler beaches. The Galápagos Lava cacti colonize the new lava fields.

(Breakfast, lunch and dinner Included)

 

12th day:         GALAPAGOS: CHARLES DARWIN STATION – FERRY – ISABELA ISLAND

Pick up: 08h30

Breakfast in the Hotel. The Charles Darwin Research Station encompasses an information centre, a museum, a library and the tortoise breeding station as well. Here we will have an opportunity to visit some of the best scientists of the Galápagos. Park rangers and park managers among others, who make huge efforts to preserve this Unesco World Heritage Site, conduct the conservation of the islands. In the tortoise breeding and rearing centre we can encounter tortoises of different subspecies, which are prepared for reintroduction to their natural habitats. The most popular inhabitant of this island is probably Lonesome George. This is the rarest creature on the earth, the only survivor of his specific turtle species. George is estimated to be between 90 and 100 years old – and could have at least 50 more years ahead of him. In the past all approaches to find a partner for him failed, some rumors abounded on line that Lonesome George was Gay. In fact, George had since mated twice (in 2008 and again in 2009) but none of the eggs were found to be viable.

After Lunch we will travel by speed boat for approximately three and half hours to Isabela Island. Accommodation in our hotel and a short rest.  Then we will then visit the Flamingo Lagoon, the largest coastal lagoon in Galapagos and a principal breeding ground for the Flamingos. Diner and overnight.

(Breakfast, lunch and dinner Included)

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13th day:         GALAPAGOS: ISABELA ISLAND: WALL OF TEARS, TURTLE CENTER BREDDING, TINTORERAS

Pick up: 08h00

Breakfast in the hotel. Today we visit Giant Turtle Breeding Center. With a small interesting interpretation centre, corrals for adult turtles and a hatchery for the infants, the centre works to protect and increase the population of the island’s five subspecies of these giant creatures. Whilst the aim is always to release the turtles back into their natural habitat, on occasion it has been used as a rescue centre for individuals who have been threatened by volcanic eruptions and forest fires. At the breeding center it is possible to see tortoises in the various stages of development from eggs to small hatchlings, to juveniles to sub adults.  The tortoises remain at the breeding center until they are big enough to survive on their own. When they are reintroduced to the wild. Then we visit the “Muro de las Lágrimas” (“The Wall of Tears”). This is a historic site in Isabela. Between 1946 and 1959 Isabela was a penal colony, where prisoners were made build a wall with huge blocks of lava as punishment. The wall is 100 meters long and 7 meters high. Due to the arduous labor and harsh conditions in which the prisoners lived, this site is known as the wall of tears. In the afternoon we will sail to “Islote Tintoreras,” a large crevice with very clear, calm water in which white-tip sharks (“tintoreras”) rest daily on the bottom. We can also see Penguins, Sea Lions, marine Iguanas and snorkel with sharks and colorful tropical fishes while enjoying the beaches of Isabela. Dinner and accommodations.

(Breakfast, lunch and dinner Included)

 

14th day:         GALAPAGOS: ISABELA ISLAND – PTO AYORA – BALTRA – FLIGHT – QUITO

Pick up: 05h40

Our guide will pick us up from our hotel at 05h40 and will take us to the pier of Isabela Island in order to take our boat to Puerto Ayora. Once in Puerto Ayora we will be transferred to the pier of Baltra Island. Here we take a ferry to cross to Baltra Island and then a bus to the airport. Our flight depart at 10h45 and arrives in Quito at 16h00. Transfer to the hotel. In the evening transfer to the restaurant  for the Farewell dinner. Overnight.

(Breakfast and lunch at your own. Farewell Dinner Included)

 

 

15th day:          QUITO – FLIGHT BACK HOME

Pick up: 2 ½ hours before your flight departure.

Transfer to the airport in order to take you flight back home

 

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