QUITO, Ecuador's capital, sits high in the Andean foothills at an altitude of 2,850m and boasts the largest and best preserved historic center in the Americas.
Constructed on the foundations of an ancient Incan city, it was named UNESCO 1st World Cultural Heritage city. It’s colonial center is rich with 16th- and 17th-century churches and other structures blending European, Moorish and indigenous styles. These include the cathedral, in the Plaza Grande square, and ultra-ornate Compañia de Jesús Jesuit church.
Flights typically arrive in Quito around midnight. Here you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your boutique hotel, home for the next 3 nights.
EXCURSIONS
Enjoy a full day tour of Colonial Quito, a city of narrow cobblestone streets lined with whitewashed walls and, rising above, the steeples and cupolas of the city´s many spectacularly decorated historic churches. The city has one of the best preserved colonial centers in all South America and its integrity was assured in 1978 as a United Nations World Cultural Heritage site.
Take a morning tour northwest of Quito to the “Middle of the World” where the equatorial line divides the northern and southern hemispheres.
THE AMAZON
After breakfast you will be taken to the airport in time for your flight into the Amazon region, from where you will travel by road to the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve.
From “El Puente” (the bridge) the journey continues for another 2 hours by motorized canoe, enjoying the wide variety of flora and fauna along the Cuyabeno River before arriving at your lodge around dusk for your 3 night stay.
Discover the very essence of being in contact with the virgin forest by spending the next 3 days. Learn about the local Siona Community, who still have the same customs, dress, houses, food, natural medicine and celebrations they always had.
EXCURSIONS
- Travel by boat to Laguna Grande (Big Lake), while looking for monkeys, pink river dolphins, caymans, Morphos (giant blue butterflies) and many more species of flora and fauna.
Search for exotic birds such as Toucans, a variety of Macaws, blue-tailed Emeralds, Hoatzins and Amazon Kingfishers, to name a few.
For the brave-hearts there is an opportunity to swim in the lake with Piranhas – a refreshing experience! - Trek along the Palma Roja (Red Palm) path for an up-close encounter with primary rainforest.
- Visit the village of Puerto Bolivar, home to the Siona people. Here you will have the opportunity to make Bannock bread from the root of a plant and to meet the local Shaman and his family and participate in a healing ceremony.
THE CLOUD FOREST
After breakfast return by motorized canoe, by road and by air to Quito. The travel deep into the Cloud Forest, known for its beautiful scenery and waterfalls, mind-boggling bird watching opportunities and more orchids than you thought possible.
Savour 2 nights here, exploring this eco-system with guided walks.
OTAVALO & THE HIGHLANDS
Explore Otavalo and one of the most important markets in the Andes. The market tradition stretches back to pre-Incan times, when traders would emerge from the jungle on foot, ready to conduct business. These days the market has morphed into a broader cultural crossroads and has become something of a must-see destination for tourists from around the globe.
Indigenous people from the surrounding villages still wear traditional clothing – women in embroidered white blouses, long wool skirts, fachalinas (headcloths), woven belts, canvas sandals and strands of beads; and men in felt hats, blue ponchos and calf-length pants, hair braided in one long strand.
Today vendors hawk a dizzying array of handmade traditional crafts as well as an ever-increasing number of slyly disguised imports, but despite the mercantile focus, the vibe is friendly and relaxed.
Later you will be taken to a historic Hacienda to savour 3 days here, relaxing and exploring your surroundings. This is a place to relax and enjoy the mountain views and the tranquil life of the community.
EXCURSIONS
- Visit “Condor Huasi Project”, which works for the rehabilitation of the majestic Andean Condor
- Explore the Caranqui archeological site and chapel
Return to Quito airport for your 3 hour flight to the Galapagos Islands. On arrival your naturalist guide will greet you and take you to your 16 passenger yacht, anchored just 2km from the airport. After settling into to your cabin you'll enjoy a scrumptious lunch, followed by a short safety briefing before beginning your eight day/seven night Galapagos Islands cruise.
Your GALAPAGOS CRUISE may include stops at:
- Dragon Hill
- Genovesa (Tower) Island
- Santa Cruz Island
- Santiago Island
- Isabela Island
- Fernandina Island
- Rábida Island
- Mosquera Islet
During the cruise an island visit usually includes either a walk on land, or snorkeling, or both.
At the end of your cruise you will return to the airport in time for the flight back to Quito.
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