Few places on the planet boast the vibrant diversity of ecosystems that Ecuador has. Here on the equator, climate and terrain conspire to create habitats for an astounding host of species, some of which are found nowhere else in the world. On this Galapagos and Amazon rainforest trip we encounter that range, traveling from the steaming rainforest of the Amazon Basin to the volcanic outposts of the Galapagos Islands, 600 miles offshore. Ecuador’s many eco travel options and human vitality enrich our experience of its natural drama at every turn, from the marketplace at Otavalo to the indigenous communities that call the Amazon home. Natural Habitat Adventures’ Galapagos trips offer a rare glimpse of wildlife seen no where else on earth. On this unique expedition, we’ve combined travel to the Galapagos Islands with an Amazon rainforest trip, offering you an adventure travel opportunity unlike any other.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Quito, Ecuador
Arrive in Quito and transfer to the Hilton Colon.
Day 2: Otavalo Market
Visit historic Otavalo Market, a cacophony of sound and color, followed by a welcome dinner this evening.
Day 3: Coca / Amazon Basin
Fly from Quito over the Andes to Coca. We cruise by motorboat, then dug-out canoe, for a three-hour journey down the Napo River. From our eco-lodge at Napo Wildlife Center we may see and hear monkeys, toucans and macaws. An evening excursion around Añangu Lake offers glimpses of caimans and a natural symphony of night noises.
Days 4 & 5: Napo Wildlife Center
Wake early to visit a clay lick where 11 different species of parrots, parakeets and macaws find nourishment. Later, we hike along a forest trail to the community of Añangu, sharing time with a local family during their daily activities. The varied stories of the rainforest are revealed on an ascent into the canopy, where we emerge atop a 120-foot tower to a view usually reserved only for birds. Bright-hued tanagers flit past, weaving among blue-and-yellow macaws and squawking toucans, while spider monkeys search for fruit in the trees. Another hike into the forest interior may unveil lizards, manakin, and endemic golden-mantled tamarins. There’s also time to explore the creeks by dugout canoe, perhaps encountering a giant otter family.
Day 6: Coca / Quito
Depart early for the return trip upriver, keeping an eye out for otters, monk saki monkeys, and rare birds. From Coca, we fl y back to the bustle of Quito this afternoon.
Day 7: Galapagos Islands – Santa Cruz
Fly to Baltra and embark on the Coral II. We sail for Santa Cruz, landing at Dragon Hill. Pink fl amingos often frequent the saltwater lagoon, and the area is a nesting site for land iguanas. A panga ride reveals abundant marine life: we may see spotted eagle rays, golden rays, mullets, white-tipped reef sharks and sea turtles.
Day 8: Rábida (Jervis) / Santiago
Rábida’s red-sand beach is a relic of the Galapagos’ volcanic origins. A trail leads to a lagoon where we often find boobies, brown pelicans and Darwin’s finches. Excellent snorkeling awaits over the adjacent reef. On Santiago, we look among the lava flows for oyster catchers and herons. Marine iguanas graze on the algae beds at low tide, sally-lightfoot crabs scuttle past, and a colony of fur sea lions cavorts in the grottoes.
Day 9: Fernandina / Isabela
At Espinosa Point we find the biggest iguanas in the Galapagos, sharing the island with flightless cormorants, penguins, Galapagos hawks, and sea lions. Sailing on to Isabela, we land at Tagus Cove where graffiti on the rocks dates to the 1800s, etched by pirates and early explorers.
Day 10: Bartolomé / Santa Cruz
Bartolomé’s volcanic formations include lava bombs, spatter and cinder cones. A hike to its summit offers a panorama of the islands and Pinnacle Rock. Along the trail we may see marine iguanas, lava lizards, tiquilla and various cacti. Later we return to Santa Cruz and the white crescent of Las Bachas beach. A panga ride through the mangroves at Black Turtle Cove offers a chance to observe sea turtles, reef sharks and rays.
Day 11: Santa Cruz / Darwin Station / Quito
At the Charles Darwin Research Station, scientists work to conserve the unique life of the Galapagos, including the giant tortoises that are part of the breeding program here. There’s also free time to explore town. We disembark at Baltra and transfer to the airport for our return flight to Quito.
Day 12: Quito / Home
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flights home.
Trip Details:
Group Size Limit: Approximately 20 Travelers
A very important feature of our Galapagos trips, particularly our combined Galapagos and Amazon rainforest trip, is the limited group size as nature expeditions to eco travel destinations in South America are best experienced with smaller sized groups of travelers.
Included
Accommodations, meals from breakfast on Day 2 to breakfast on final day, except for two lunches and two dinners in Quito, services of NHA’s professional Expedition Leaders, R/T air Quito to Coca and Quito to Galapagos, airport transfers, snorkel gear & wetsuits, Otavalo Market excursion.
Not Included
Travel to and from start and end point of trip, most gratuities, alcoholic beverages, Galapagos tax (approx. $100 for adults, $50 for children under 12, collected in advance), airport and departure taxes (approx. $30), items of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry, etc.), travel insurance.
Physical Requirements
Easy / Flexible
Getting in and out of pangas may result in a wet boot now and again. Walking on some islands may be on uneven terrain, and hikes in the Amazon will be in humid and sometimes muddy conditions. Travelers are not required to participate in every activity.
