EC11 Experiential Ecuador Tour

Day 1 Arrival in Quito
Arrival to the Airport in Quito, assistance at the Airport and transfer to local hotel.

Overnight in Quito.
Included Meal(s): Dinner

Day 2 Quito City Tour - Transfer to Hacienda
After breakfast, we walk through the landmarks of Quito's colonial, historical downtown, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We meet local artisans and immerse ourselves in the city's vibe. The walk begins at the San Francisco market, where the chef of Restaurant La Purisima will be join us. He is a very good story teller about local Andean products, unique Ecuadorian condiments, colonial time granny recipes, and enjoys sharing his passion. At the market, discover traditional Andean healing techniques.

If you're feeling adventurous enough you can partake in a curandera (ancestral physician) healing treatment. We continue our exploration of the city's historical center as we walk towards La Ronda, full of art and ancestral trades, handcrafts, tin sculptures, ceramics, jewelry, Escuela Quiteña paintings and sweets shops. La Ronda is your opportunity to live and shop like a local.

The group will have lunch at Restaurant La Purisima, located at the entrance of one of the first theaters in Quito. Bolivar Theather has been an emblematic piece of art due to its architecture and recently reopened after refurbishing jobs. Lunch will be arranged in a private area where we will get an Andean cocktail demo and our chef will delight us with dishes that feature traditional cuisine with a fusion of contemporary techniques. Continue the journey directly to the highlands for our hacienda stay.

Please note that we tend to alternate between two hacienda properties on this tour due to consideration related to ultimate group make-up and size and room availability at the time that our tour is confirmed, we alternate between Hacienda Zuleta and Hacienda Mirage, both of which offer the same level of accommodation quality and a similar highlands experience.

Hacienda Zuleta is an impressive 4,000 acre (2000 hectare) colonial working farm belonging to the family of the late Galo Plaza Lasso, former president of Ecuador, for over 100 years.

Hacienda Mirage is perched on a hillside, where you will discover a hidden corner of Ecuador and a hotel imbued with the native flavour of the Andes. The property has stunning gardens and beautiful views of the mountains.

For full information on both options, please refer to our website.

Overnight at a Hacienda.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3 Andean Hacienda Farm Experience & Otavalo Market
Today we discover the Andean farm experience at our hacienda--we'll tour the property and learn about the history and about the flora and fauna of the region.

We will also include a visit on to the indigenous market of Otavalo, famous around the world for their quality weaving. We’ll also find an impressive variety of Ecuadorian handicrafts.

At the end of the day you'll have time to relax and enjoy the service and atmosphere of our hacienda.

Overnight at Hacienda.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4 Highlands - Quito Airport - Galapagos Islands
Early this morning we transfer to the Quito Airport; flight to the Galapagos Islands (likely via Guayaquil).

After a morning flight to San Cristobal Island, we’ll be greeted at the airport and head to our hotel. After lunch and a quick introduction, we begin our journey at the Galapagos Interpretation Center to learn about the unique wildlife, geology, history, and social dynamics of the Galapagos.

After our visit, we hike to Tijeretas along naturally formed trails of lava rocks. The path is surrounded by native plants such as Galapagos cotton, palo santo, acacia, and cacti. Along the way yuor guide will help you spot and identify blue footed boobies, frigate birds, pelicans, herons, gulls, warblers, mockingbirds, and finches in the vegetation and sea cliffs. Our guides interpret this amazing flora and fauna in the context of the island's natural history. We also enjoy scenic views of the rugged coastline and the tranquil town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.

We cool off from our hike with a refreshing snorkeling session at postcard-worthy Carola Beach, surrounded by sea turtles, sea lions, and marine iguanas, as we bask in the setting sun.

After dinner, we’ll explore the friendly, laid-back beach town and stroll down the boardwalk to visit the neighboring colony of Galapagos sea lions.

Overnight on San Cristobal Island.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5 San Cristobal: Northern Coast
Today we explore the northern coast by boat. We visit either Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock), Punta Pitt or Cerro Brujo (the visiting site depends on the week day and the Galapagos National Park regulations). On our exploration trip we make sure to search the nearby coves and cliffs for sea turtles, sea lions, frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, and Nazca boobies. Here we have the chance to get up close and personal with sea lions in their favorite playground. If you choose to snorkel, we might see eagle rays, golden rays, Galapagos sharks, starfish, clams, and thousands of tropical fish. If we’re lucky, we may even come across hammerhead sharks.

Our hosts on board will prepare a delicious "Ceviche", a typical Ecuadorian lunch. After a full day spent exploring the seas, we head back to the hotel for dinner and a well-earned rest.

Overnight on San Cristobal.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6 San Cristobal - Isabela
After breakfast, we say goodbye to San Cristobal with a quick small plane ride to Isabela Island.

Isabela is the largest island in the Galapagos and is still being formed by six active shield volcanoes. Isabela remains one of the most volcanically active spots on the planet. Upon arrival, we take short boat ride from town to Tintoreras, where we'll walk and have a chance to snorkel. These calm waters are the home of sea lions, sea turtles, marine iguanas, rays and penguins. Tintoreras offers a high concentration of wildlife that will amaze you.

After going around on the boat and walking on Tintoreras itself, we can snorkel for a chance to marine life abundant in this bay. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in town.

We then set out on one of the most scenic walks in the Galapagos. Our hike takes us along immaculate beaches, into an alluring poison apple forest and a lava tube cave, and through brooding mangroves and brackish lagoons.

Overnight Iguana Crossing.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7 Isabela Highlands & Sierra Negra Volcano
This morning, we’ll drive up the flanks of the Sierra Negra volcano. As the road ends, we will continue on foot into a surreal world of geological history. During the hike up*, we can admire the incredible views of the surrounding volcanoes and sea, as well as the distinctive highland ecosystem around us.

The real prize is at the top -- when we arrive at the rim of the Sierra Negra volcano, we are treated to a truly breathtaking vista. Sierra Negra is the second largest active caldera on the planet, over six miles at its widest point. We’ll hike the rim of this enormous crater and enjoy the magnificent views.

After our hike we stop at an idyllic tortoise reserve for a boxed lunch. We’ll head back to the lowlands in time to spend our last afternoon on Isabela relaxing on the perfect beaches and soaking up the island-life atmosphere.

Fauna: Galápagos Sparrow Hawk, Giant tortoises, Terrestrial Iguanas, Darwin's Finch "Cucuce de Galápagos".

* Our hike will be about 2 hours each way (total 5 Km) on stony (possibly muddy) ground that will have some loose gravel. The route is not terribly steep and much of our walking in almost level, especially along the caldera rim. A walking pole is recommended.

Overnight on Isabela.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8 Isabela: Coastal Biking & Tortoise Breeding Centre
After breakfast, we will embark on an easy bike ride* through white sand beaches, mangrove forests, brackish lagoons, and a lava tube cave. As we ride, we’ll pass giant tortoises, flamingos, and other wildlife. Our ride will conclude at Muro de las Lagrimas (the Wall of Tears). When Isabela was used as a penal colony, prisoners were forced to construct this towering wall of lava rocks for no other reason than to keep them distracted from the madness of isolation.

Along the way to the Tortoise Center we pass through a manzanillo forest surrounded by wetlands, home to the famous giant pink flamingos a delightful and unexpected sight for Galapagos. After a delicious lunch made with local and organic products, we head to one of the favourite local hangouts, Concha y Perla, for a fantastic swim and optional snorkel.

* Our route is flat with sand/gravel surface; some shade is available. Bikes are new and in excellent condiiton, and helmets are provided. Overall our distance covered is approximately 12km.

Overnight on Isabela.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 9 Isabela - Boat to Santa Cruz
Wake up with the sea breeze as we travel by speedboat to Santa Cruz Island, keeping an eye out for whales and dolphins along the way. After checking in at the hotel we head to El Chato in the Santa Cruz highlands to find the famous giant tortoise in their natural habitat. It is truly an honour to walk in the stately presence of these gentle giants, who can live to be more than 175 years old. We will also see pintail ducks, Darwin’s finches, frigate birds, egrets, and the vermillion flycatcher.

Our next stop is an organic farm dedicating their efforts to conservation and sustainable, organic permaculture. Their famed grown coffee has gained international attention and sold to exclusive buyers worldwide. We learn about growing coffee, organic farming, and why many farms in Galapagos are in need of restoration. We finish up on a beautiful platform overlooking the slopes of Santa Cruz while enjoying freshly-brewed coffee and fruit from the farm.

For dinner, enjoy a “food hopping” style dinner, where we make several stops for each course, visiting some of the best local street food spots on the island. A gourmet experience that you will never forget!!

Overnight on Santa Cruz.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 10 Galapagos - Quito
We transfer to Baltra Island for our return flight to the mainland and bid a fond farewell to the Galapagos and our Galapagos-based guide/s (please see your pre-trip notes package for suggestions re tipping). Transfer to our airport area hotel in Quito.

Because tomorrow's flight to the Amazon is likely an early one, we don't include dinner this evening. For the sake of convenience, we may choose to stay at a hotel closer to the airport.

Overnight in Quito.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 11 Quito - Amazon Region
The Napo Cultural Centre (formerly the Yasuni Kichwa Ecolodge) is located on the south bank of the Napo River, the largest river of the Ecuadorian Amazon and the Yasuni National Park. The trip starts from the town of Coca in comfortable ecological roof canoes, outboard motor-operated. (as we use three different lodges in the Ecuadorian Amazon, the actual lodge used for your departure may vary).

The canoe trip down the river takes about two hours; box lunch will be provided to passengers. During the navigation you will see birds such as herons, kingfishers, terns And other shore birds species and beautiful landscapes. Arriving at Napo Cultural Centre Kichwa Ecolodge, visitors are warmly welcome with a traditional drink, lunch at the lodge and immediately taken to their cabins amidst the teeming wilderness found on one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth.

In the afternoon, a short walk down to the banks of the Napo River to enjoy a beautiful sunset on the beaches and islands. Return for dinner and rest.

Please note that groups of fewer than 8 participants will not be accompanied by a Tour Leader from Quito for this Amazon portion (you will be very capably looked after by lodge staff & guides).

Overnight Amazon Lodge.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 12 Amazon Adventure
Breakfast and early departure on board the boat to visit an amazing parrot clay lick that with an easy access brings visitors face to face with approximately 11 species of parrots (including parrotlets and macaws) depending on the season, weather conditions and general good fortune (this activity is usually successful).

We end this morning with a visit to the Interpretation Center "Kuri Muyu," handled by the women of the community here learn about the Kichwa culture, crafts, traditions and traditional use of natural resources directly to people in the community. We return for lunch and take a break at the lodge.

Walk of one hour to climb up the observation tower of 35 meters, likely to see a variety of birds, howler monkeys, squirrel monkeys, toucans, parrots and sloths. Return to the hotel in a motorized canoe; traditional typical dinner.

Overnight Amazon Lodge.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 13 Amazon Adventure
Visit around the community projects, talk about the Kichwa world view. Excellent opportunity to see more wildlife, ceiba trees, bamboo cane, vines and shrubs endemic from Yasuní. We return for lunch and rest at the lodge. Once at Añangu stream, you will board a small canoe and head down the river in a spectacular adventure through the forest with opportunities to see nightlife alligators and to listen to the sounds of nature at its purest.

Return to hotel in motorized canoes, traditional dinner.

Overnight Amazon Lodge.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 14 Amazon - Quito - Departure
We get up at 4:30 am to share one of the ancient customs of the Kichwa culture -- making wayusa to energize the body, and listen to the Kichwa songs. We then return for breakfast before taking a motorized canoe back to the city of Coca. You can also practice water sports such as tubing or regatta on the Napo River or simply relax and unwind (please see your pre-trip notes package for suggestions re tipping for the Amazon staff).

Fly back to Quito.

PLEASE NOTE: If you are booking your own flights, please ensure that your departure time from Quito is no earlier than 9:00pm (most northbound flights depart around midnight). This is to allow plenty of connecting time for our incoming flight from the Amazon.

BUEN VIAJE!
Included Meal(s): Breakfast