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Friday, Sep 29 to Monday, Oct 09, 06
Monday, Oct 09 to Sunday, Oct 15,06
Monday, Oct 16 to Sat, Oct 21, 06
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Hola amigos!
I would like to invite you to join me on a journey to one
of the most strange, unique and wonderful places on the
planet, the Galapagos Islands. These volcanic islands have
given birth to a variety of unique plants, birds, reptiles,
and marine life and were instrumental to the development
of Darwin’s theory of evolution. Isolated for centuries,
the animals here have not developed a fear of humans and
can be observed and photographed from very close range.
Each island has its own special assemblage of plants and
animals. Imagine snorkelling with Galapagos sealions, watching
marine iguanas swim and bask on black volcanic rocks as
red Sally lightfoot crabs scuttle by, or finding colourful
land iguanas prowling among giant cactus. Blue-footed boobies,
pink flamingos, frigate birds, waved albatross, the northernmost
penguins in the world and of course the various Darwin’s
finches are among the amazing bird life to be seen. We will
also have a chance to visit the Darwin Research Station
and see the famous giant tortoises.
We will cruise the islands from the comfort of an 83-ft.
20-passenger yacht for our seven-day visit. It is a modern
vessel constructed especially for touring this area. We
will go ashore each day in two ten-passenger pangas and
be accompanied by knowledgeable English-speaking Ecuadorian
naturalists.
After our Galapagos cruise, you can join me to explore more
of Ecuador, one of the most geographically and culturally
diverse countries in the world. I have come to know the
people of the high Andes from previous visits and from having
them for extended periods in my home. We will travel up
into the high country where snow-capped volcanic mountains
tower above us. We will watch weavers at work and visit
the renown Otavalo craft market.
Then for something again completely different, we can venture
down into the lowlands, to one of the most diverse ecosystems
on the planet, the Amazon basin. Canoeing narrow river channels,
walking among orchids, bromeliads and other jungle plants,
climbing high into an observation tower in the forest canopy
among monkeys and colourful birds, and visiting a natural
salt lick that attracts hundreds of parrots and parakeets
are just some of the opportunities available to us.
This will be my third visit to Ecuador. Josephine has put
together some wonderful opportunities to explore the richness
and diversity of this amazing country. I hope you can join
me to discover for yourself why the land and its people
are so special.
Cheers!
Sherry Kirkvold
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Our proposed Itinerary follows; a map
is available.
Day 01, Friday, September 29
- Depart from North America
We arrive in Quito, Ecuador’s lovely capital city, nestled against
Pichincha Volcano high in the Andes and 2,788 m/9,200 feet above
sea level. Upon arrival we meet with our representative and transfer
to the hotel.
Overnight in Quito, Hotel Reina Isabel
Day 02, Saturday, September 30 - Quito
Today we tour old colonial Quito, preserved by the United Nations
as a world heritage site. As we enter the streets of Old Quito we
step into the past, surrounded by centuries-old architecture. We include
a visit to the Legislative Palace and La Compania church, whose ornate
facade and solid gold altars make it one of the most famous of South
American churches. This afternoon we travel 22 kilometers (14 miles)
north of Quito to the Equator line monument, known as the ‘middle
of the world,’ where you can stand with one foot in the Northern and
one foot in the Southern Hemisphere. Here we also visit the excellent
museum containing exhibits of the many Indian tribes of Ecuador.
Overnight Quito, Hotel Reina Isabel
Day 03, Sunday, October 01 - Quito to Galapagos
Arrive at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, SAN CRISTOBAL Island, where the
ship’s crew meets you at the airport and escorts you to your anchored
yacht. This afternoon, visit Cerro Brujo, where we enjoy a subtle
introduction to the Galapagos with a beautiful, white, powder-sand
beach. As the sun sets, we cruise around Kicker Rock (Leon Dormido),
a vertical tuff cone formation that abruptly juts up almost 500 feet
out of the ocean. Watch sea lions, blue-footed boobies, masked boobies
and magnificent frigate birds on the cliffs.
Day 04, Monday, October 02 - Galapagos
We spend the entire day on TOWER (Genovesa), one of the most spectacular
Islands in Galapagos. After a wet landing on Darwin Bay’s coral beach,
we wind our way past tide pools where swallow-tailed and lava gulls
gather. We visit a forest of mangroves where colonies of great frigate
birds nest, the males inflating their red-throated pouches to attract
females flying overhead. After swimming or sea kayaking, we take a
panga ride along the jagged shoreline and watch for the beautiful
red-billed tropic bird. At Prince Philip’s Steps, we look for storm
petrels and the elusive short-eared owl, and watch the famous red-footed
boobies nesting in the lovely palo santo trees.
Day 05, Tuesday, October 03 - Galapagos
This morning, we visit SOUTH PLAZA, a geological uplift with tall
cliffs offering spectacular views. After a dry landing, the trails
lead us through scattered prickly pear cactus (Opuntia) and miniature
Sesuvium. Here, we find the Galapagos land iguana feeding on the cactus
leaves. Toward the end of the cliff, we encounter a colony of bachelor
sea lions. The dominant bulls are in various stages of recovery from
battles lost over prime beach territory. We also find swallow-tailed
gulls, shearwaters and red-billed tropic birds that build their nests
along the cliffs. This afternoon, we disembark on NORTH SEYMOUR, also
a small geological uplift. After a dry landing, we follow a trail
that leads us to sea lions, swallow-tailed gulls and blue-footed boobies
and visit the largest colony of magnificent frigate birds found in
the Galapagos. As we stroll along the beach, watch for sea lions body
surfing the northern swells.
Day 06, Wednesday, October 04 - Galapagos
This morning, we visit Tagus Cove, ISABELA. Six volcanoes have flowed
together to form Isabela, the largest island in the Galapagos archipelago.
On a nature walk, discover a salt-water lagoon and a scenic overlook
with a spectacular view of lava fields, volcanic formations and the
ocean. Note the graffiti dating back to the 1800’s written on the
rocky cliffs. Explore Tagus Cove in pangas or sea kayaks to find Galapagos
penguins and other seabirds. After lunch, we cross the Bolivar Canal
and disembark at Punta Espinoza, FERNANDINA. Located in the western
part of the archipelago, Fernandina is the youngest and most pristine
island found in the Galapagos. Hundreds of marine iguanas, the largest
colony in the Galapagos, bask in the sun along the rugged shoreline.
Observe sea lion harems with resident bulls carefully guarding their
territory. Flightless Cormorants build their nest on the point and
Galapagos Hawks fly overhead. Recent lava flows formed by an active
volcano stretch their way around the coast.
Day 7, Thursday, October 05 - Galapagos
This morning stroll along the shore at Puerto Egas, SANTIAGO (James)
looking for octopus, starfish and other sea life caught in the tidal
pools. At low tide, catch a glimpse of marine iguanas as they feed
on exposed green algae. Watch for great blue herons, lava herons,
oystercatchers and yellow-crowned night herons. Our walk ends at the
grottoes, deep pools of clear water where we encounter fur sea lions,
once on the verge of extinction. On BARTOLOME, it seems like we are
walking on the moon. This young island is inhospitable to most plants
and animals. After a dry landing, climb 30 minutes up a steep slope
to the summit of a once active volcano. Pause along the way to marvel
at lava bombs, spatter cones and cinder cones. From the top, gaze
out across a panoramic view including the famous ‘Pinnacle Rock’,
an eroded tuff cone. Down below, crystal clear water invites you to
snorkel with schools of tropical fish. Penguins often swim in this
area. On the other side of the Island encounter sea turtles and white-tipped
reef sharks.
Day 8, Friday, October 06 - Galapagos
This morning, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Scientists
from all over the globe work at the station and conduct biological
research from anatomy to zoology. Get your picture taken with the
giant tortoises. Observe year-old tortoises and learn about the captive-breeding
program. Next, stroll through the town of Puerto Ayora (population:
10,000)–the largest town in the Galapagos. Buy souvenirs, mail postcards
and absorb local charm in the social heart of the islands. After lunch
on board, we climb onto a bus and take an excursion to the highlands
of SANTA CRUZ Island. Watch the scenery change as we wind our way
through all seven vegetation zones found in the Galapagos. From June
to January you can find giant tortoises on a private farm in the highlands.
The rest of the day, we visit Los Gemelos ‘The Twins’, a pair of large
pit craters where we find the bright red male vermilion flycatcher.
Afterwards, we head to ‘the tunnels’, the largest lava tubes found
in the Galapagos.
Day 9, Saturday, October 07 - Galapagos
This morning, step onto Gardner Bay, ESPANOLA (HOOD) Island. Walk
along seemingly endless stretches of sandy beach where you’ll find
colonies of sea lions. Swim and snorkel with the sea lions and enjoy
the colorful diversity of sea life near Gardner Islet. This afternoon
we disembark at Punta Suarez, Espanola, where we witness the highest
rate of ‘endemicism’ in the Galapagos. Sea lions noisily greet us
as we land on their beach. Curious mockingbirds peck at our shoelaces.
From April to November waved albatross perform their wild mating rituals
only on Espanola. Colonies of blue-footed boobies engage in ‘sky-pointing’
while masked boobies busily care for their young. Stunning swallow-tailed
gulls and red-billed tropic birds take shelter under the cliffs. Other
species endemic to Espanola include Darwin’s Finches, Galapagos Doves
and Galapagos Hawks. Observe a unique species of marine iguana identified
by traces of red and green colourings. Colourful sally lightfoot crabs
crawl along the shoreline near the famous blow hole.
Day 10, Sunday, October 08 - Galapagos - Quito
This morning, we drop anchor in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, SAN CRISTOBAL.
We travel by bus into the interior of the island to visit a new site
called Galapaguera of Cerro Colorado (Red Hill). At Galapaguera, we
find Calandrinia, an endemic plant of this island. The National Park
has established a breeding program for the tortoises and set up an
information center for visitors. Passengers not only see the terrestrial
tortoises living in their natural habitat but also learn about their
origin, evolution and threats from introduced animals. In the afternoon
we board our flight to Quito on the mainland.
Overnight in Quito - Hotel Reina Isabel
Day 11, Monday, October 09 - Quito departure
After breakfast, transfer from the hotel to the airport for the
flight home.
GALAPAGOS DETAILS
Amazon Extension
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Day 01, Monday, October
09: Quito to Cuenca
This morning we take an early, short flight to Cuenca (2,648
m/8,738 feet). Once the site of an Inca city, Cuenca is
considered to be Ecuador’s most beautiful city. The city
is rich in history and filled with elegant colonial charm.
Its historical connection with Spain is marked by narrow
cobblestone streets, quaint parks and romantic plazas. Charming
adobe houses, wrought iron balconies, and religious art
treasures capture the spirit of centuries long past. We
savour the flavour of this gracious city and revel in its
history. The Tomebamba River winds in and around the city’s
center with old houses overhanging its banks. We walk along
the main plaza, Parque Calderon, and enter the new Cathedral,
whose pink marble construction and colourful stained glass
windows will take your breath away.
Overnight Cuenca - Hotel Inca Real
Day 02, Tuesday, October
10: Cajas National Park to Ingapirca
This morning we travel to nearby Cajas National Park located
high in the páramo (high altitude grass and shrubland) region
of the Andes. This park contains over 200 small lakes and
lagunas in depressions created by retreating glaciers. An
extensive network of hiking trails takes you up high to
lookout points where you can observe the box-shaped valleys
(hence the name ‘Cajas’) and along gently rolling hills
and lakes. There is an incredible diversity of alpine flowers
and birdlife to be found well above 10,000ft.
This afternoon we travel through the endless patchwork quilt
of fields and terraces en route to Ingapirca. This is Ecuador’s
most important Inca site, located high on a ridge at 10,445
ft overlooking the Canar Valley. We visit the Temple of
the Sun and admire the Inca’s superb mortarless stonework
along with the excellent site museum.
Overnight at Ingapirca, Posada del Ingapirca
Day 03, Wednesday, October 11: Ingapirca
to Riobamba
We journey today through open farmland flowing over the
high ridges of the Western Andes to Riobamba which offers
spectacular views of Chimborazo, Tungurahua and El Altar,
all glacial capped volcanoes. A stroll through the centre
of Riobamba takes us through several main plazas and streets
with buildings of splendour, proof of the extreme importance
this city had during the railroad era.
Overnight in Riobamba - Hosteria El Troje
Day 04, Thursday, October
12: Riobamba to Chimborazo to La Cienega
Travelling on the backroads through Bolivar province we
go past the western slopes of Chimborazo, the tallest mountain
in Ecuador at 6,310 meters (20,700ft) in altitude, where
herds of vicuña are often seen. Weather permitting we will
drive as high as the first refuge just metres from the glacier
which caps this huge mountain. Descending into the Avenue
of Volcanoes we travel via a high altitude fertile valley
of the Andes with giant snow-capped volcanoes sporadically
towering on either side. We make our way to La Cienega,
an historically important 16th century hacienda home converted
to a hosteria with lovely gardens and great views of Cotopaxi
and Iliniza volcanoes. If time allows we will visit one
of the many rose plantations: roses are fast becoming one
of Ecuador’s main export products.
Overnight in Hacienda La Cienega
Day 05, Friday, October 13: La Cienega
to Otavalo
This valley region is a small but important fraction of
Ecuador since it contains half of its population. Over the
years, indigenous farmers have created a patchwork quilt
of fields in the rich volcanic soil of the mountain slopes.
Stunning views of the mountains are available throughout
as we journey through the northern half of the Avenue of
Volcanoes. En route to the Otavalo valley we stop at Peguche
& Illuman villages to see Otavaleno Valley weavers, hat
makers and musical instrument makers at work. The handicrafts
are of high quality and a specialty of this area. Beautiful
views of Laguna San Pablo and Volcano Imbabura can be seen
as we drive around the laguna. Our hosteria is located nearby
the colonial town of Ibarra, known as the ‘White City’ since
many of its houses are colonial style—red-tiled and whitewashed.
Overnight in Ibarra. Hosteria Chorlavi
Day 06, Saturday, October 14:
Otavalo to Quito
On Saturdays the streets of Otavalo turn into a teeming
marketplace with goods such as woolen sweaters, tapestries,
hammocks, ceramics and much more. We also visit the town
of San Antonio de Ibarra (2,121 m/7,000 ft) where well known
expert wood carvers are found. In the afternoon we return
to Quito, stopping at Calderon, which is famous for its
figurines made of masapan bread dough.
Overnight in Quito, Hotel Reina Isabel
Day 07, Sunday, October
15: Quito departure
After breakfast transfer from the hotel to the airport for
your flight back home.
For those who will continue to the Amazon Jungle, the details
are below.
$915.00 US per person, based on double occupancy, minimum
of 10 participants.
- 1 night Hotel Inca Real
- 1 night Posada del Ingapirca
- 1 night Hosteria El Troje
- 1 night La Cienega
- 1 night Hosteria Chorlavi
- 1 night Hotel Reina Isabel
- All entrances to the sites
- Breakfast daily and 5 dinners
- Domestic air, Quito to Cuenca
- Ticket for Devil’s Nose train ride
- Private bus with driver and English-speaking guide
- Tips for guides, drivers, porters
- Meals not mentioned above
- Personal items such as Internet and laundry
Beginning of Itinerary
Ecuador Extension
Welcome to the Napo Lodge!
The Napo Wildlife Center is
the newest and ultimate alternative luxury eco-hotel in Amazonian
Ecuador. This ecotourism project includes the conservation
of approximately over 52,000 acres (over 21,400 hectares)
of the most pristine Amazon Rain Forest within the Yasuni
National Park, an important biosphere reserve and the largest
tract of tropical rain forest in Ecuador.
The Napo Wildlife Center is located on Anangucocha Lake, in
the unique ancestral territory of the Anangu Quichua Community.
Thanks to their initiative, and support by the Tropical Nature
Conservation System, they have built the most carefully designed
first class Amazon lodge in Ecuador.
The motorized canoe arrives to the northwest boundary of the
Yasuni Biosphere Reserve where NWC is located by the Anangucocha
lake. To access the lodge, guests may choose between a guided
2½ km (1½ miles) hike through rich forest wildlife, or a quiet
and enjoyable two-hour paddle dugout canoe ride with our staff
along a creek with dense flooded palm forest. Following either
route, as people get deeper into this preserved area, they
are often surprised by the sights of several species of monkeys,
colourful birds and other potential wildlife encounters. At
the end of the walk, and near the end of the paddle, guests
reach Anangu Lake where they have a superb view of the lodge
waiting for them on the other side.
Lodging at NWC has been designed to offer maximum privacy
and comfort to the world traveller, providing lake and forest
views from private porches, while preserving one of the most
pristine spots of Ecuadorian Amazon forest. Each of our ten
large luxury cabanas are prepared for receiving guests in
double occupancy, or can be arranged in advance for a 3-member
family visit. Rooms include a king size and twin size beds,
private bathrooms with on-demand hot water, a multi-speed
ceiling fan, electricity provided by silent generators supplemented
by a solar panel power system, plenty of lights and 120 V
outlets, screened windows and mosquito nets.
Buildings retain traditional native architecture in harmony
with modern interiors. Cool shaded terraces with inviting
hammocks and ample space provide comfortable spots from which
visitors may observe the surroundings. While resting from
activities, guests may see a group of giant otters investigating
near the lodge dock or a large four-meter (13 feet) long black
caiman crossing the lake or a capybara looking for rest near
our lake edge, or experience the graceful often flights of
blue and yellow macaws over the lodge area. The hall has a
library with books on local birds and tropical ecology. Next
door, the bar provides ice-cold beer, wine, soft drinks and
other liquor selections. The calls of red howler monkeys will
accompany the time resting, before gearing up for the next
excursion.
Guests are welcome to use the observation tower next to the
dinning hall during free time other than the guided visit
and simply relax with the great view of Anangu Lake. The not-so-distant
canopy of the rain forest will be a good opportunity for birding
or discovering more wildlife right next to the lodge. The
dock area is a nice spot to receive that equatorial tropical
sun; the base for a nice dip into the lake. Guests may swim
without fear around the dock and have a refreshing time—guides
will of course jump in first to eliminate any doubts one may
have in spite of the black caimans and piranha inhabitants!
The water is very safe and refreshingly cool. Meals are carefully
prepared to delight the variety of tastes and desires of the
international visitor, including traditional Ecuadorian dishes,
forest gifts or the preparation of vegetarian or special meal
requirements. Reverse osmosis water filtration system is used
in the kitchen (very safe).
There is also an environmentally sustainable sewage system,
best and unique on the Napo region and probably best in the
Amazon. All waste water is treated to the highest standard
in order to keep the swamps clean of human activity. Quality
of effluent water is higher than the lake environment!! Power
is generated by a top of the line hybrid system featuring
solar panels, industrial batteries and noiseless generators—an
efficient system that generates electricity with almost no
impact.
Visitors will be divided up into small groups, each led by
two capable people. One, a native Anangu guide, an official
Yasuni Park Ranger who is expert in the forest’s secrets about
medicinal plants and other useful items of the rain forest.
Second, an excellent bilingual naturalist guide with a great
deal of knowledge in tropical forest biology. Both guides,
together with their unmatched enthusiasm, will create informative
enjoyable excursions every day providing an educational and
enjoyable experience. Groups and guides will tailor their
excursions while taking advantage of the highest peaks of
activity and weather conditions in the forest. They will schedule
the excursions to depart before sunrise. This will maximize
wildlife observation and of course each group will decide
with their guides how extreme and intense they take their
Amazon excursion. This applies for afternoon excursions and
night outings, when an overwhelming concert of natural sounds
will flood the atmosphere. Welcome and gear up to enjoy the
best fauna attractions on the Napo!!!
One of the highlights at NWC is going out on a very early
excursion to reach two of Ecuador’s most accessible parrot
clay licks along the Napo region. These parrot clay licks
are part of our reserve and lodge territory. They have a history
of being visited by naturalists and are mentioned in The Birds
of Ecuador (Ridgely and Greenfield, 2001). These are two of
more than a dozen clay licks found on the Anangu Community
territory. Our parrot clay licks can be reached by following
the Giant Otter creek downstream on dugout canoe near the
Napo river. The Napo Wildlife Center has exclusively constructed
well established and comfortable blinds in each parrot lick
in order to provide visitors best viewing and high quality
photo/video opportunities.
Activity kicks off at the main lick between 7:00 and 8:00
in the morning and at the second blind after mid-day. Species
include: Mealy, blue headed, yellow crowned, orange winged
and orange cheeked parrots; cobalt winged, dusky headed and
white eyed parakeets; and the occasional rarities like scarlet
shoulder parrot and scarlet macaws. In the best weather conditions,
at least 800 individuals of most species can be spotted. Even
on rainy days one could still see a few dozen. This could
be a full day excursion visiting both blinds equipped with
a nice freshly made box lunch, or a half day visiting the
main lick and returning for a lunch served at the lodge. Don’t
miss a superb natural event full of unique sounds and brightly
colored plumages!!
There is a 19 m (60 feet) tall observation tower on top of
a 13 meter (42 feet) hill. High enough to get great views
of possible troops of howler or spider monkeys in the nearest
forest canopy. It turns out to be just next to the main house
at NWC. From here the avid professional and amateur birdwatcher
can spot a great number of species. One can look into the
forest canopy and let inspiration flow; our apologies if this
peace is interrupted by two large macaws flying by. Armed
with a spotting scope and binoculars, guides will look for
and show you the best. The tower provides an ample platform
for visiting groups with resting levels.
NWC has a large lake with two creeks that can be easily explored
quietly while sitting on a dugout canoe paddled by our expert
guides and staff eager to spot and show you wildlife. The
possibilities are great in finding more troops of other species
of monkeys like squirrel, saddle-backed and white fronted
capuchin monkeys, or those that by natural distribution or
best habitat occur only on our South side of the Napo and
include: monk saki, spider, woolly and golden mantle tamarind
monkeys. NWC is home to a total of 11 species of monkeys.
Following the creeks a group of giant otters in a hurry to
catch their fish for supper are a good chance. A well deserved
prize for NWC guests. Creeks have dense vegetation on both
sides, with large trees overhead and calm flowing waters—no
one knows exactly what awaits in the next meander: a flooded
forest with anaconda or a gentle easy moving three toed sloth.
Hikes along a variety of forest types are possible by visiting
different trails. One can appreciate the tropical forest richness,
discover new plants and colorful or well-camouflaged insects.
On forest trails, guests can see monkeys, lizards, tortoises,
frogs and army ants in addition to an array of birds, including
toucans, macaws, parrots, manakins and hummingbirds.
Our staff is constantly aware of wildlife movements and they
report each other when and where it will be best to try looking
for...“hey guys, we had a glimpse of a large spotted body
last week on the main trail, when we approached, we discovered
the deep, heavy steps of a cat...” This is the territory of
the rich terra firme; the land where anything is possible;
expect the unexpected. The largest mammals like jaguar, puma,
tapir, giant anteater and giant armadillo have been spotted
on our area.
Over 568 species of birds have been recorded at the Napo Wildlife
Center, more than 1/3 of all of Ecuador’s birds. A vast and
rich bird-life that can reward the most avid birdwatcher with
the unrivalled South Napo specialties. NWC and Anangu are
a classic visiting location for someone travelling Ecuador
seeking for the overwhelming bird diversity.
Agami and ZigZag herons are found near the lake and creeks,
including all five kingfishers. The large raptors like Harpy
and Crested Eagles find healthy mammal food around our area.
The active calls of forest floor mixed species flocks with
the largest numbers of the surprising antbirds can be found.
Canopy flocks are normal to run into, chances are birds provide
an hour or so of a multitude of wow’s. Gear up with the best
binoculars for the most superb views and active excursions
helped with the expertise of the top native birdguide along
the entire Napo: Jiovanny Rivadeneira. He is the head of a
number of native guides with eagle eye sight who will spot
you that great plumaged world.
Anangu is not only home to the great NWC lodge, it has been
the ancestral territory of a Quichua indigenous community
that has the same name. Anangu people are active participants
of the conservation and management of a large territory within
the park as well as our partners in tourism. We would like
to invite you see the community that, long ago, had a dream
and took the initiative within this vast rain forest territory
to establish their own lodge. Helped by EcoEcuador Foundation
part of the Tropical Nature Conservation System, a world leading
group of ongoing ecotourism projects, we all now work together
in a nature tourism company. You can join some families on
their daily activities when harvesting bananas, coco, manioc
(a starchy jungle root, staple food for Amazonian people),
or maybe helping preparing chicha, a traditional drink based
on cooked and fermenting manioc. If you like to fish, try
catching your own in Amazon rivers, helped by the local natives
and their particular techniques.
$1,232.00 US per person, double occupancy. and based on a
minimum number of 10 participants.
- 2 nights at Hotel Reina Isabel in Quito with breakfast
- Transfers between airport and hotel
- Motor canoe transfer between Coca and Napo lodge
- 4 nights accommodation at Napo Lodge
- 3 meals a day while in the lodge
- All tours and excursions while in the lodge
- Return airfare between Quito and Coca
- Tips for guides, drivers and porters
- Alcoholic drinks
- Personal items such as internet and laundry
Beginning of Itinerary
Ecuador Extension
To complement the reading list, you may be interested in downloading
this list of Galapagos
wildlife to assist you on the islands.
For those travelling on the Ecuador Extension, here is a list
of birds for the Ecuadorian
mainland.
For those travelling on the Amazon Extension, here is a list
of birds for the Ecuadorian
Jungle.
Galapagos, A Natural History Guide by Michael Jackson
NATURAL HISTORY * 1995 * PAPER * 316 PAGES * * BEST SELLER
A one-volume, handy and comprehensive introduction to the
natural history of Galapagos–mandatory reading for every visitor.
While not an ecology text, this accessible guide gives a detailed
overview of the habitats, plants, birds and animals of the
islands. It also includes a useful bibliography, wildlife
checklists and a list of plants by vegetation zone. Illustrated
with many charts and maps.
Galapagos, World’s End by William Beebe
EXPLORATION * 1988 * PAPER * 442 PAGES * * BEST SELLER * FAVORITE
A vivid account of a scientific expedition to the islands.
Full of detailed observations on nature, geology and wildlife
by William Beebe, it also includes a chapter about the Baroness
and other eccentric early colonists. A contemporary reviewer
wrote, “Galapagos is a glorious book. It is high romance,
exact science and wild adventure.” Originally published in
1924, it includes several colour plates and maps.
Voyage of the Beagle by Charles Darwin
EXPLORATION * 1989 * PAPER * 432 PAGES * * BEST SELLER
The wide-eyed tale of a young man on a five-year voyage that
changed his life–and our way of thinking about the world.
First published in 1839, this book is still essential reading.
Darwin’s South American chapters are an excellent introduction
to the Galapagos, Beagle Channel, Chiloe, Tierra del Fuego,
the Chilean fjords and the Brazilian coast. With maps and
appendices.
Galapagos Wildlife, A Visitor’s Guide by David Horwell
& Pete Oxford
GUIDEBOOK * 1999 * PAPER * 140 PAGES * * BEST SELLER
A compact guide to the birds, reptiles, insects, plants and
marine life of the archipelago featuring a very good selection
of large colour photographs by Horwell, Oxford and colleague
Jonathan Green. Separate chapters cover visitor sites, history,
conservation and habitats. The authors, both naturalist guides
in the islands, present key information on the flora, fauna
and places in Galapagos for the traveler. (GPS38, $19.95)
Galapagos Islands Map * ITMB 1992 * MAP * * BEST SELLER
At a 1:500,000 scale, this large, detailed map shows the topography
of each island. Major features and visitor sites are clearly
indicated.
Beginning of Itinerary
Ecuador Extension
Amazon Extension
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RATES IN U.S. DOLLARS, PER PERSON BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY ONLY
EARLY BOOKING BEST ASSURES AVAILABILITY OF YOUR PREFERRED CABIN
CHOICE
Cabins # 1, 3 & 4 have two twin lower beds and picture windows.
Cabin # 2 has one double bed and picture window.
Cabins # 5 & 6 cabins have one double bed and picture windows.
Cabins # 7 & 8 have two twin lower beds and port lights.
Cabins # 9 & 10 have two twin lower beds and port lights.
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- 3 nights in Quito - Hotel Reina Isabel.
- 3 breakfasts and 2 dinners in Quito.
- Quito city tour.
- National Park fee of $100.00 US is included in the tour
rate and will be prepaid on your behalf to avoid lineups at
the airport.
- Domestic airfare from Quito to San Cristobel in the Galapagos,
all transfers by private vehicle, all sights on the mainland
with an English speaking guide.
- Cabin accommodation for 7 nights, 3 meals daily, shore excursions,
guide services, use of snorkeling equipment, sea kayaks and
wet suits, transfers to/from airport and dock in the Galapagos.
Single passengers wishing single accommodation may reserve
at 2 times the applicable published rate.
- International Air Transport, international air tax.
- International Departure tax of $25.00 US (cash only) in
Quito.
- Airport improvement fee, if and when applicable.
- Discretionary tips for guides, crew, drivers and porters.
- Alcoholic beverages and items of a personal nature.
- Medical, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance.
- Meals other than what is mentioned in the itinerary.
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Bookings cannot be processed unless accompanied by
a completed, signed and dated Tour
Reservation Form (2 pages).
For your convenience we also have a Credit
Card authorization form. Payments by cheque are also accepted. |
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Medical and Cancellation Insurance is strongly recommended
in order to protect your investment. Cancellation Insurance must
be requested at time of booking. |
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You are required to carry a valid passport with an
expiry date of six (6) months past reentry into your home country.
Please contact the travel clinic in your area
for advice. British Columbia residents may consult Travel
Medicine & Vaccination Centres. Telephone 604-681-5656 in Vancouver
or toll free 1-888-288-8682.
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A non-refundable deposit of $500.00 US is required
to guarantee your preferred cabin on board the yacht.
The balance payment must be in our office no later
than June 30, 2006.
This is a chartered yacht and therefore all payments
are 100% non refundable. We strongly suggest purchase of Travel
Insurance to protect your investment.
- SAMPLE ITINERARY ONLY
| FROM |
TO |
CARRIER |
FLT |
DATE |
DEP |
ARR |
| Vancouver |
Houston |
Continental |
288 |
29 Sep 06 |
0815 |
1448 |
| Houston |
Quito |
Continental |
838 |
29 Sep 06 |
1750 |
2258 |
| Quito |
Houston |
Continental |
654 |
09 Oct 06 |
0640 |
1150 |
| Houston |
Vancouver |
Continental |
289 |
09 Oct 06 |
2043 |
2331 |
“We will always do our best to ensure the best available
airfare rates for the group. Tour Participants should be aware
that some factors such as taxes, fuel surcharges, competition
factors, etc. are beyond our control.”
Domestic flights to Galapagos
are automatically confirmed when you book your trip and are
included in the rate of the cruise.
Itineraries and boats are subject to change. Ecoventura
reserves the right at its sole option and discretion, and
that of the Captain of the vessel, without liability for damages
or refund of any kind to deviate from the vessel’s advertised
or ordinary itinerary providing equivalent substitutions.
We require a minimum of 20 participants for the cruise and
10 participants for the Ecuador Land Extensions. We will accept
applications for the first 20 people to register. In the event
that we do not have the required minimum, additional charges
may apply. We invite you to join us.
By law passengers are accompanied at all times
by the Ecuadorian naturalist guides aboard the ship. These
guides have been trained by the Darwin Research Station and
are licensed by the National Park.
20-passengers motor yachts, custom-designed exclusively for
Galapagos excursions. Eighty-three feet long with a 24 foot
beam, each of these yachts offers spacious accommodations
for small groups. Twenty passengers and two guides ensure
that each guest enjoys a personalized voyage.
All passengers are required to sign an assumption
of risk and release of liability agreement as per our terms
outlined in the transportation agreement. You will be given
the form upon check in at the airport in Guayaquil. You will
be asked to sign the form and present it to the guides on
board upon embarkation. In order to review the contract before
you leave home, a copy of the transportation agreement will
be sent with your cruise documents. You may request a copy
at any time by calling Bestway Tours & Safaris. No passenger
will be given boarding privileges until their signed contract
is received. If your signature is not on file at the time
of check in the day of the cruise, your signature will be
required at the airport.
Accommodations include 10 air-conditioned cabins located
on three decks, each with
a large private bathroom and a fresh hot-and-cold water shower.
There are 7 cabins with two twin lower beds available as well as
3 with double beds, for a maximum of 20 guests. A roomy closet,
drawers, overhead storage, separate climate controls, intercom system,
bottled water, hair dryer, toiletries and fresh towels grace each
cabin. Enjoy three meals a day featuring both international and
Ecuadorian specialties. Snorkeling equipment, wet suits, sea kayak,
and beach towels are provided at no additional charge.
A seasoned captain, eight dedicated crew members, and two
experienced, English-speaking Ecuadorian naturalist guides
attend to the details of your Galapagos cruise. Each naturalist
guide takes a group of no more than 10 passengers on all shore
excursions and shares extensive insights into the islands
diverse wildlife. Small wooden boats, locally called pangas,
ferry passengers to shore for island visits.
All payments are 100% non refundable. We strongly suggest purchase
of Travel Insurance to protect your investment.
Beginning of Itinerary
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