Cloud forest, Andes and Galapagos
8th Novemebr – 25th November 2008
Land cost £2,850
Land cost £2,850 (plus international flight approx £670 - max. 15 passengers)
OUTLINE ITENERARY:
8 November - Depart UK
9-12 November - Cloud forest
13-15 November - Andes and Hacienda Zuleta
16-23 November - Galapagos
24 November - Flight home
25 November - Arrive back in UK
An 18-day journey that takes us from the tropical cloud forests literally buzzing with humming birds, to the high Andes of Ecuador and the Hacienda Zuleta one of the few places in the world where you are virtually guaranteed to see wild Andean Condors and then onto Galapagos for an eight day cruise on a luxury catamaran visiting some of the most spectacular islands in this remarkable archipelago. The trip will be fully escorted from the UK by Santiago Bejarano, one of the leading naturalists in the Galapagos.
08 Nov Set off for Quito from local airport on KLM.
09-12 Nov - Cloud Forest Arrive early in the morning on KLM. Here we will be met by our expert local birding guide and will set straight off towards the cloud forest. Located on the slopes of the Andes as they run down towards Ecuador’s coastal planes, large areas of the Ecuadorean cloud forest remain untouched by man and have one of the highest diversity of epiphytes (plants that grow on top of other plants) anywhere in the world, with an array of orchids and other stunning tropical flora. The forest, which is less than two hours from Quito, boasts some 9,000 species of plant with over 320 bird species recorded in the valley near to our lodge, Sachatamia. The area around the lodge has lots of easy trails and is literally buzzing with hummingbirds with over 20 different species spotted in a single day. The place is quite simply spectacular. The location of our lodge also allows us to visit some of the best reserves in the area like Mindo, Los Bancos and the Milpe and Rio Silanche Sanctuaries.
We return to Quito on the morning of November 12th visiting the Equator monument on our way home and arriving in the old colonial sector of Quito in time for lunch. In the afternoon we will visit the old colonial town of Quito. The area was declared by UNESCO to be a World Heritage site in 1979 due to its beautiful colonial architecture. All of the old churches and most spectacular buildings are lit up once it becomes dark. Check in at the Hotel Quito, late afternoon free to relax, then in the evening onto one of Quito’s most famous restaurants for some typical Ecuadorean food.
13-15 Nov - High Andes and Hacienda Zuleta After an early breakfast we will head across the Andes north of Quito to visit the hacienda Zuleta. The hacienda dates back to 1690 and is nestled in magnificent Andean scenery and home to a colourful Indian community. It will be our home for the next three days. Zuleta is also one of the few places in the world where you are virtually guaranteed to see wild condors. The place itself is exquisite, with great short hikes and horseback riding included for anyone wishing to explore the high-altitude grasslands and pre-Inca archaeological sites in the hacienda grounds. On the our last day at Zuleta we depart after breakfast to travel further north to visit the famous Indian market of Otavalo, the largest and most colourful Indian market in the Andes. Return to Quito in the afternoon of 15th. After a pre-Galapagos briefing in the Hotel, the rest of the afternoon and evening free to relax.
16-23 Nov - The Galapagos Islands: Flight to Galapagos Islands in the morning. Arrive in the islands around noon. The next eight glorious days will be spent cruising between the islands of the Galapagos Archipelago:
8-Days Cruising the Galapagos on board the luxury catamaran Cormorant II. The yacht we will use is a first class motor catamaran which was launched in 2006. Its cruising speed of 12 knots makes it one of the fastest boats in the archipelago which allows us to visit the western coast of Isabella Island and Fernandina Island, two spectacular sights. It has great food, a friendly crew as well as having a Jacuzzi and a sundeck. All the rooms are in the main deck with sea views as well as being en suite, with air conditioning and hot water.
Over the next glorious eight days we will visit the following Islands:
South Plaza: A great island with a large population of Land Iguanas (Conolophus subcristatus), the chance to see the Cactus Finch alongside the Small and Medium Ground Finches. Along the cliff we have Red-billed Tropicbirds nesting and a large sea lion colony.
Espanola: Santiago’s and many other visitors favourite island with wonderful seascapes and the chance to see the beautiful Waved Albatross along with Blue Footed Boobies, Galapagos Hawk, Masked Boobies, Swallow-tailed Gulls, Lava Lizards, Marine Iguanas and sea lions . Gardener Bay on the island is one of the most beautiful beaches in the archiapelago, with sea lions and its own Espanola Mockingbird. This island becomes more active as the afternoon goes on so we extend our stay here as long as possible.
Bartolomé: The home of a class Galapagos view of pinnacle rock and a population of Galapagos Penguins, which we get the chance to see above the water, and below for those who enjoy snorkeling.
Floreana: A stunning volcanic landscape, with lagoons that are home to flamingos, waders and a host of shore birds. Also home to the famous ‘post office bay’.
Isabella: One of the most spectacular islands and home to the largest population of the endemic Flightless Cormorants, the Galapagos Hawk and Galapagos Penguins. We will also visit Tagus Cove, Elizabeth Bay and Urbina Bay at the foot of the Alcedo Volcano, lifted out of the sea by a 1954 volcanic uplift and home to Land and Marine Iguanas and giant tortoises
North Seymour Island: Here we will visit a large Magnificent Frigate bird colony and the Blue-footed Booby colony, alongside California Sea Lions, Marine Iguanas, Lava Herons, Lava Gulls, Brown Noddies and Swallow-tailed Gulls.
Fernandina: One of the highlights of our trip will be our visit to Punta Espinoza on Fernandina Island, with the chance to observe Flightless Cormorants, the largest congregation of the Marine Iguanas which we can see sunning themselves by the hundred, Galapagos Penguins, Galapagos Hawks and amazing cactus seemingly growing out of fresh lava.
Santa Fe: The swimming and snorkelling around this island is wonderful, with sea lions, rays and a host of colourful fish. The island is also home to its own unique species of Land Iguanas (Conolophus pallidus)
23 Nov Arrive Quito late afternoon. Farewell meal in leading local restaurant with live Andean music.
24 Nov Transfer to airport for flight home
25 Nov Arrive home
NOTE:
Land cost includes:
- Domestic flight from Quito to the Galapagos Islands.
- All accommodation in mainland Ecuador and aboard the yacht in the Galapagos. The price is based on 2 people sharing a double room. If you prefer your own room, there is a Single Supplement Cost of £160 per person for the land portion.. All boat cabins must be shared, except by special arrangement.
- All meals and non-alcoholic beverages in Galapagos and mainland Ecuador with the exception of the evening meal on April 15th.
- All transport in mainland Ecuador and the Galapagos.
- The services of a University-level Naturalist Guide conducting the land tours.
Land Cost Does Not Include:
- International airfare
- National Park Entrance Fee ($100 per person) Departure Tax from Ecuador ($41 per person)
- Alcoholic beverages.
