Ecuador & Galapagos 14 Days ~ 2016

Main destination Ecuador · About Adventure

Ecuador & Galapagos 14 Days ~ 2016

Main destination Ecuador · About Adventure

Welcome

“Remember 25… That represents roughly the percentage of Ecuador’s population on the mainland who are indigenous. For years, I have been concerned that Ecuador was seen only through the lens of the Galapagos Islands. Virtually all travelers were being funneled into the islands, putting pressure on the island’s resource while bypassing the rest of the nation. Yes, the islands are genuinely amazing and worth exploring, but there is more to the country. The pre-Incan cultures of Ecuador, which were later unified in the interior, all exist in areas outside the few gateway cities. These cultures still exist today, but for how much longer? Many are leaving their communities and often their traditions behind to find work in the cities. This has the effect of disrupting, sometimes permanently, their heritage for future generations. By including these traditional communities in the tourism equation, we create a win-win for all, and help us fulfill our sustainable promise. In the Galapagos, we bring the African experience to the islands using a family-owned luxury tented camp deep inside Santa Cruz National Park combined with a small vessel cruise through the outer islands. What results is a perfect marriage.”

-Ashish Sanghrajka

Day By Day Itinerary

Day 1: Quito, Ecuador

Welcome to Ecuador! Upon arrival and once your baggage is collected, you will be welcomed by your Big Five Representative and proceed outside, where your private vehicle and driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. During the drive, your guide will go over your schedule for the next day and answer any questions you may have.

Plaza de San Francisco

Situated in a newly-restored historic mansion overlooking Plaza San Francisco, the three-story Casa Gangotena Boutique Hotel harbors 31 rooms, a showcase of eye-catching style, contemporary design, antiques, fine furnishings, modern technologies and quintessential comforts. Beautifully and eclectically appointed, the hotel invites its guests to explore and to relax, whether in the dining room, glassed-in patio, garden redolent with the perfume of native flowers, wood-paneled library, or from atop its panoramic third-floor terrace. Sophisticated and eclectic, historic yet contemporary, at Casa Gangotena style, passion and service blend seamlessly.

Casa Gangotena’s rooms are arrayed across all three of its floors. Due to the property’s heritage character, rooms vary in size, although all are comfortably ample. All benefit from the mansion’s elegant, tall ceilings, drawing the bright Andean sunlight into their interiors. Their decoration plays off rich carpets, towering window frames, flowing curtains and Art Deco-style furniture such as desks, armoires, tables and armchairs. Casa Gangotena

Day 2: Quito / Mashpi Rainforest Biodiversity Reserve

Mashpi Rainforest Biodiversity Reserve

This morning, you can have breakfast at the hotel restaurant enjoying the colonial ambience. Then, drive north to the Mashpi Rainforest Biodiversity Reserve in the cloud forest, where you will spend the next days. Mashpi Lodge is set within a 1,052-hectare/2,600-acre private reserve. As you pass the Equator, you climb out of dry valleys before gently descending towards the Pacific, the vegetation around you becoming ever-more verdant and abundant with every turn of the road. Incredibly quickly, you find yourself surrounded by forest and tumbling mountains on all sides, as the road winds downhill towards the private reserve of protected forest. Mashpi Lodge was designed as the ideal springboard for exploring the biodiverse world of its reserve. It combines the highest standards of comfort, service, guiding and cuisine that today's most discerning travelers expect. The Mashpi experience is about discovering life in the tree tops, trekking along trails, listening to animal calls, bathing in pure waterfalls, or simply relaxing with a view of clouds playing hide and-seek with the forest. Mashpi Lodge (B/L/D)

Day 3: Mashpi Rainforest Biodiversity Reserve

Spend today enjoying the lodge and its varied activities. Walk or hike in the forest along trails that lead to cool waterfalls, where you can break for a refreshing swim. Go into the forest to experience a reforested area, and meet some of the local inhabitants. You can enjoy the delightful butterflies and frogs at the exhibition center. An area here has been designed for observing many species of amazing hummingbirds. Your escorts for these excursions are experienced, including both naturalist guides and local guides, who will accompany small groups throughout your stay. In the evenings, guides will give presentations and briefings for a deeper understanding of the forest’s ecosystem and biodiversity. Mashpi Lodge (B/L/D)


Mashpi Rainforest Warefalls

Day 4: Mashpi Rainforest Biodiversity Reserve / Tulipe / Zuleta

This morning, you will be transferred in a private car in a one-hour drive from Mashpi to Tulipe Archaeological Site, originally built by the Yumbo people who lived in the valleys and mountains surrounding Quito between 800 and 1660 CE. No one really knows what happened to these people, but it is surmised that they might have migrated to the Amazon basin after the Pichincha Volcano erupted in 1660.

The various finds and their relative positions point to a rather important and advanced people; and it is thought that at one point they may have controlled the very important trade route between the Andes and Amazon and the Pacific coast.

Following your visit to Tulipe, continue onwards (approx. three-hour drive) to Compania Hacienda for lunch. Located in the beautiful valley of Cayambe, the hacienda was built in the early twentieth century in French neoclassical style, and has belonged to the same family for generations. The family has retained objects and artifacts, among them old newspapers of the property with information on livestock and horses. The furniture, wallpaper, and carpets walls are original, allowing a glimpse of farm life in early twentieth century. The house was built in 1919, but the estate is of the colonial era. Following lunch, continue to Hacienda Zuleta, (approx. 1-hour drive).

Arrive at Hacienda Zuleta, a colonial working farm of 2,000 hectares/4,000 acres that for more than a century has belonged to the family of Mr. Galo Plaza Lasso, a former president of Ecuador. It was chosen as one of the world’s “Top Ten Finds” by Outside magazine and named as one of the best Ecuador Hotel by National Geographic Traveler. Enjoy a relaxing evening after you have settled in.

Hacienda Zuleta

Your host will welcome you personally at Zuleta and after checking in to your room, will chat with you in the living room. One of the owners or managers will personally explain to you about the activities the hacienda offers and will find out about your personal preferences, needs or questions while having some afternoon tea or coffee.

After planning your stay you will be shown around the main building, you will learn more about Zuleta’s history, see ex-President Galo Plaza Lasso’s private library, the chapel and beautiful gardens. As sun sets it gets chilly at Zuleta, so enjoy some wine and farm made Ecuadorian cheese beside the fireplace while reading our information folders and books, learning more about our foundation, Galo Plaza, our horse breeding business or about the local culture of Ecuador in the highlands. Hacienda Zuleta (B/L/D)

Day 5: Zuleta

If you are an early morning person, you might want to enjoy one of our short hikes before breakfast and try to catch sight of the countless birds at Zuleta. After an exquisite breakfast with eggs, pancakes, muesli, fruit and homemade bread, you will be able to visit the cheese factory and learn more about Zuleta´s semi-aged, handmade Ecuadorian cheeses and how the process has changed throughout history. As mornings are usually sunny throughout the whole year, it is best to take advantage and use this time to take the condor tour. Visit by hiking, biking or horseback riding to our Andean Condor reserve. In the mornings, you are most likely to spot an Ecuadorian wild condor flying by.

The reserve is located three km/1.8 mi from the guesthouse, in a native forest valley. You will learn about the foundation’s efforts, see rescued Andean condors in our aviary, and visit the nearby trout farm. The route back takes us through pasture land where you ride between ancient monuments of the Caranqui culture; seeing both small burial mounds dating back to 700 CE, and giant ceremonial truncated ramp pyramids from the 13th century.

Zuleta

At lunch time, you can enjoy freshly caught trout and other exquisite Ecuador cuisine. Then have coffee in the patio while admiring the giant hummingbird that comes frequently to feed here. In the afternoon, you can buy or order countless beautiful, handmade, colorful embroidery articles from the Zuleta Women’s Cooperative. Coming out of the shop, a horse-drawn carriage is ready and waiting for you and will take you down the eucalyptus alley to visit the foundation run library. This is where local children spend their afternoons, getting help with homework, reading and playing. You can also decide to do a more challenging hike up to Condor View, which offers wonderful views of the local area, and you may even be lucky enough to spot a family of spectacle bears along the way. You can end the day with a nice hot bath. Hacienda Zuleta (B/L/D)

Day 6: Zuleta

Today, you can enjoy different activities in Zuleta region and/or pay a visit to a shaman friend on the other side of Mount Imbabura to learn about ancient healing and energy balancing techniques – by special arrangement. You will also be able to enjoy Ecuador’s famous “colada morada,” which is only served during these days made from blackberries, corn, pineapple and other fruit and served with the eatable “bread-doll”. Hacienda Zuleta (B/L/D)

Day 7: Quito / Baltra Island, Galapagos / Santa Cruz Island

The adventure continues as you transfer to Quito airport and depart to the Galapagos Islands. You will then meet with a cruise representative for the Athala II (Ocean Adventures), who will assist you in your check-in for your five-night cruise aboard the M/C Athala II. After an introductory and safety briefing, enjoy lunch on board before you prepare for your first excursion.

Although an itinerary of the daily cruise schedule is provided below, it should be used only as a guideline. Cruise itineraries in the Galapagos are affected regularly by seasonal factors and national park authorities issued daily. Your on-board naturalist-guide will give daily briefings on the daily excursions. Each visitation site is a distinct little world unto itself, where you’ll enjoy a unique mix of tropical and polar wildlife.

Cruise Galapagos

In Galapagos you will find flightless birds, sea lions, and a bounty of birds, tortoises and iguanas specially adapted to their particular island habitat. Time will allow for observations of the incredibly unique flora, fauna and volcanic terrain, both on foot and on panga excursions. The reason that you travel to Galapagos is to experience the islands and their unique fauna. You perceive Galapagos from different perspectives: guided hikes, relaxing beach walks, snorkeling and swimming! You will access the various islands during your voyage by wet or dry landings.

Wet Landings

Wet Landings are landings on the beach rather than on the shore. Passengers go ashore by swinging their legs over the side of the panga and then stepping off into approximately a foot of water, and finally wading to shore. The process is relatively easy and is done in reverse to board the panga. Unless wearing Tevas or other aqua shoes, the wet landing is made barefoot. Then once on shore there is a few minutes to dry feet and try to remove as much sand as possible before putting on shoes and socks before the natural history walk. Bringing two towels or wash clothes on a wet landing is highly recommended. One towel is used to put your feet on while the other towel is used to dry the feet and get the sand off.

Dry Landings

Dry Landings are made in areas where the passenger can exit the panga directly on to a rock or lava surface. Shoes can be worn for the duration of a dry landing. This is actually the more difficult landing since the panga continues to move while passengers attempt to step off the boat on to a slippery surface. Good balance and paying attention to what you are doing are key to a successful dry landing. The guide will go ashore first and offer you a hand. Use the help! The guide will tightly grip your hand so you can balance while trying to find your footing. Boarding the panga is done in the same fashion the guide or a crewmember will offer a hand to everyone as they re-board the panga.

Afternoon: Mosquera Islet

Mosquera Islet

This tiny islet is actually home to a huge population of sea lions and is also home to many shorebirds. While at Mosquera, keep your eyes peeled as there are occasional reports of dolphins and orcas. Difficulty Level: Easy. M/C Athala II (B/L/D)

Day 8: Galapagos Islands

Morning: Sullivan Bay, Santiago Island

Sullivan Bay is known for its spectacular volcanic formations, relatively young pahoehoe lava flows, and unique geological scenery. With Sullivan’s relatively recent volcanic activity, few plants have been able to take root here, much less be successful, so pay particular interest to the low-lying pioneer plant known locally as “mollugo” as well as the lava cactus. This morning’s excursion includes a hike and some time for snorkeling.

Afternoon: Bartolome Island

Bartolome is a small island that has two visitor sites. At the first site, you can snorkel around Pinnacle Rock,

where penguins are usually seen. Then, it’s back on board for a quick change of clothes followed by a short dinghy ride to a dry landing for a climb to the highest point on the island. On the way up, you will encounter different volcanic formations, including spatter and tuffcones, lava flow and lava tubes. From the summit you will have a wonderful view of Sullivan Bay.

For those not interested in the hike, there is the option of a panga ride. Usual fauna and flora also includes sea lions, pioneer plants, reef sharks, rays and colorful reef fish. Difficulty Level: Moderate. Walk up 375 low-grade stairs to top of volcano at a slow to moderate pace. M/C Athala II (B/L/D)(B,]/L/D)

Day 9: Galapagos Islands

Morning: Urbina Bay, Isabela Island

Urbina Bay is located in Western Isabela, at the foot of Alcedo volcano. This is the spot where the Galapagos

National Park began their successful eradication of goats on Isabela Island. After a wet landing on a beautiful black-sand beach, you may be able to observe sea turtle nesting sites. This area is also known for penguin and flightless cormorant sightings and is one of the best places to see Darwin’s finches as well as large land iguanas. Also, be on the lookout for Galapagos tortoises, which like to feed within the site’s dense vegetation.

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Afternoon: Tagus Cove, Isabela Island

Tagus Cove

Tagus Cove was historically used as an anchoring place for pirates, buccaneers and whalers. Here you will see the names of hundreds of ships painted on the high ridges (a practice now forbidden). On the hike, the trail goes through an area of vegetation and the volcanic landscape of Darwin Volcano. At the top of the trail, you will enjoy an incredible view of the whole cove and Darwin Lake. The brisk “power-hike” is followed by kayaking or a panga ride, where you will have the opportunity to see a large number of blue-footed boobies perched on the ledges of the cliffs, as well as marine iguanas, penguins, brown pelicans, brown noddy terns and swallow-tailed gulls. While exploring the channel between Fernandina and Isabela Islands, you sometimes encounter dolphins and whales. Difficulty Level: Easy to Difficult (panga ride is easy, hike up to lake can be strenuous for some). M/C Athala II (B/L/D)

Day 10: Galapagos Islands

Morning: Fernandina Island

Fernandina Island is one of the most pristine ecosystems in the entire world and also one of the most dynamic. La Cumbre Volcano last erupted in April 2009, and also dominates the landscape, with lava fields stretching towards the ocean from its base. Punta Espinoza is a narrow piece of land where some of the most unique Galapagos species can be seen, including the flightless cormorant, Galapagos snakes, marine iguanas, penguins and the Galapagos hawk. Difficulty Level: Moderate

Afternoon: Punta Vicente Roca, Isabela Island

Punta Vicente Roca is a wonderful snorkeling site, where you can usually see turtles as well as all kinds of fish. For those who do not snorkel, a panga ride will give you the opportunity to study some of the Galapagos’ spectacular geological rock formations. Nazca boobies, pelicans, swallow-tailed gulls, marine iguanas, flightless cormorants and penguins are often seen in the area. Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate. M/C Athala II (B/L/D)

Day 11: Galapagos Islands

Morning: Puerto Egas, Santiago Island

Galapagos Islands

Puerto Egas, or James Island, is located on the northwest side of Santiago Island. The landing is on a black beach with eroded rock formations in the background. The trail crosses the dry interior, where the remains of a salt mining enterprise can still be seen, and then continues along the coast. Tidal pools are home to a variety of invertebrate organisms, including sea urchins, octopus and starfish. You will also see marine iguanas, finches, oyster catchers and possibly the Galapagos Hawk. The trail leads to the Fur Sea Lion Grottos, one of the only places in the islands where these unique animals can be seen. After the walk, you will have time to swim or snorkel off the beach, where you will see sea lions, fish and maybe some turtles, rays and reef sharks. Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

Afternoon: Espumilla Beach, Santiago Island

This afternoon’s visitor site is on the northern coast of Santiago Island in James Bay. This is a wet landing. The main attractions here are a Palo Santo forest, beach and the landscape. The Palo Santo forest at Espumilla has some of the tallest specimens of the species in the entire archipelago. Also, look out for the Galapagos hawk as well as Darwin’s finches. The beach is an important site for nesting marine turtles. Difficulty level: Easy. M/C Athala II (B/L/D)

Day 12: Galapagos Islands / Santa Cruz Island

Morning: Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island

After breakfast, you will disembark the Athala II for the last time. You are then transferred to the Charles Darwin Research Station, accompanied by a guide. After a quick and informative visit of the Research Station, you will be met by your naturalist guide from Galapagos Safari Camp who will accompany you for lunch and a complete tour of the highlands.

You will visit Los Gemelos, collapsed twin craters that were formed by a series of eruptions when the island was still active. This area is one of the few where the Scalesia forest is almost intact. Tortoises wander around, finches and vermilion fly catchers can also be seen. You will experience total darkness and learn about the formation of these fascinating islands in the lava tunnels. Your tour ends at Galapagos Safari Camp for a sunset drink and dinner.

Galapagos Safari Camp is a 55-hectare farm in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island bordering the national park, 30 minutes from the sea. The farm is rich in birdlife with finches, warblers, mockingbirds, Galapagos doves, egrets and owls. Tortoises also make frequent visits. The farm has many local species of trees, such as scalesia, guayabillo, and palo santo, which are rapidly regaining a foothold after years of cattle farming.

Galapagos Safari Camp

The camp has eight luxury safari tents perched on a hill, providing comfort and privacy in the wilderness. All tents have a balcony with views of the park and the ocean – they are spacious, attractively decorated, and each has a private bathroom, with hot shower and toilet. Guests gather by the fireplace in the main room to view the sunsets, taste our chef´s creative dishes that cater to an international palate in the panoramic dining room, or enjoy the tranquility of the infinity pool with fabulous ocean scenery. Galapagos Safari Camp (B/L/D)

Day 13: The Galapagos Islands

The trail begins at the village of Bellavista and takes you to some of the biggest hills of the island: Media Luna, Puntudo and Cerro Crocker. The distance from Bellavista to Media Luna is 5 km/3 mi, and from there to Puntudo and Cerro Crocker close to 3 km/1.8 mi. Ornithologists will thrive in this area as there are several bird species that can be observed such as rails, finches and petrels. Galapagos Safari Camp (B/L/D)

Day 14: Galapagos Islands / Guayaquil / Depart

This morning, you are transferred to Baltra airport to board your private plane to Guayaquil and then connect with your onward flight. (B)

Included In The Tour Cost:

  • Hotel accommodations as indicated in the itinerary, including taxes and service charges
  • Meals as indicated (B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner)
  • Services of an English speaking guide during all included excursions on a shared basis
  • All transfers in an air conditioned vehicle
  • Entrances at parks, sites, and monuments
  • Comprehensive assortment of pre-tour materials and amenities
  • Big Five’s 24-hour White Glove Service® guest assistance
  • Complimentary one year membership to One More Generation, including adoption of an endangered species

Not Included In The Tour Cost:

Any international airfare; Any passport or visa fees; Travel insurance (which is strongly recommended); Excess baggage fees; Items of a personal nature; Telecommunications fees; Laundry services; Gratuities to guides, drivers, and porters; Meals and services not specified

Other Information

Prices are for land only, double occupancy.

The Big Five Edge

At Big Five, you are working with one of the most experienced groups in the travel industry. Our Destination Specialists receive 900+ hours of in-destination and in-office training annually; and have a combined average 20 years’ experience in travel.

Big Five is in the top one percent of luxury tour operators to place on Travel+Leisure magazine’s A-List. Big Five’s Destination Specialists have appeared on the A-List of top travel professionals from 2009 to 2015. This list validates the value of experience. This recognition is achieved by going through unbiased questioning and itinerary planning, and it is not based on voting by magazine subscribers.

White Glove Service® Guest Assistance

Big Five provides a personal experience that begins with a live person answering each call promptly during business hours. Our 24-hour White Glove Service® guest assistance desk is manned by a team of specialists available 365 days from anywhere in the world. WGS® is your:

  • Personal concierge service for anything from dinner reservations to hard-to-get special event tickets
  • Assistant to relay messages to family and friends, to help arrange private air charters and other details
  • Emergency specialist who is there to tackle any emergency situation from lost luggage to stolen passports to emergency medical assistance
  • Information kiosk for all the latest news, weather, airline delays; whatever information you need to make your journey run more smoothly
  • Organizer who can coordinate special events such as a birthday or anniversary dinner, flowers or gifts
  • Our Destination Specialists combine creativity with their impressive knowledge to customize clients’ journeys to meet each guest’s interests, whether that is honeymoon couples, families or special interest groups.
  • Big Five guests benefit from our partnerships with properties and suppliers who have strong sustainable ethics built into their operations, which assures each guest will experience the best a destination has to offer. As part of our commitment, we employ local professional guides and drivers in each destination; and we support local initiatives dedicated to cultural preservation and habitat conservation.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.

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