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Ecuador

FAMILY GROUP TRIPS

Andes & Galapagos
Ref: FEC (2008 season)
Ecuador - Galapagos Islands
16 DAYS HOTELS/LODGE - ANCIENT TRADITIONS AND AMAZING WILDLIFE

Introduction

This trip combines the distinctive highland culture of the Valley of the Volcanoes where we explore the area around the dramatic peaks of Cotopaxi and Chimborozo. We also include a short rainforest experience in Ecuador's subtropical lowlands - but the highlight must be to see the amazing endemic wildlife of the Galapagos, staying in a hotel and making forays out to the surrounding islands.

Tour information

Markets & Music
Quito, a 2800m-high mountain eyrie, is ringed by snow-capped Andean peaks which tower a further 1800m above it. After time in this colonial capital, we'll travel to the bustling market at Otavalo, famous for its artisan markets. There's a gentle walk around Cuicocha lake and we visit the family of a local musician in Peguche where you can try your hand at playing the panpipe!

Valley of the Volcanoes & Rainforest
Next we drive up the flanks of Cotopaxi for a walk beneath the world's highest active volcano (5897m). Heading across the Andes, we descend to the subtropical region around Santo Domingo. We take walks with our native guide through primary rainforest and swim in jungle rivers. After time relaxing in this idyllic spot we return down the Valley of the Volcanoes, stopping off to visit a local school.

Wildlife of the Galapagos
Continuing to the Galapagos, we spend 6 days in these 'enchanted' islands. We base ourselves in a good hotel in Puerto Ayora, taking day trips out to nearby islands.The landscape is fascinating; a wild moonscape of sharp black lava splashed with bright green foliage and strange plants provides a haven for many unique birds and beasts, including giant tortoises, flightless cormorants, marine iguanas and blue footed boobies. It's little wonder that Charles Darwin described the islands as a living laboratory of evolution.

Itinerary

1 Fly London/Quito.
2 In Quito; walking tour and viparium visit.
3 Drive Otavalo via musician's house, visit artisan market and Cuicocha Lake.
4 Drive to Cotopaxi; optional walk.
5 Drive to lodge near Santo Domingo; optional visit to butterfly garden.
6 At lodge; walks and swimming in primary rainforest. 7 Drive Riobamba.
8 Drive via Riobamba market to Chimborazo; walk in NP; continue to Quito.
9 Fly to Baltra in Galapagos, drive to Puerto Ayora; visit highlands and Giant Turtles.
10 to 13 In the Galapagos, visit Charles Darwin Centre; day trips by boat to Santa Fe, Seymour, Bachas, Bartolome and Plazas.
14 Fly Guayaquil.
15 Fly London.
16 Arrive London.

Accommodation and Meals
12nts hotel, 2nts lodge; 10 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 2 dinners included.

Transport
Coach/Motor Cruiser/Flights as itinerary.

Comments
A 2 week tour combining incredible scenery and the incomparable wildlife of the Galapagos. Note that we stay in hotels on the Galapagos and take day trips to surrounding islands rather than sleeping on board a boat. Tourism in the Galapagos is expensive but rudimentary, hotel and restaurant standards are similar to those of other developing nations.

Group Size
Approx. 12 to 16.

Tour Staff
Explore Tour Leader plus driver (s)on the mainland. Local Naturalist guide and boat crew on Galapagos.

Minimum Age
7 years.

Swimming
Some hotels have pools - see trip dossier for details.

Dates and Prices

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