Ecuador and Galapagos Quest

Early morning we depart Quito and head north to the Lake province of Imbabura. After a two- hour drive we reach Cuicocha, a crater lake and a nature reserve located on the slopes of the Cotacachi Volcano. Cuicocha Lake is surrounded by rim walls and its name translates to Lake of the Guinea Pigs due to the shape of its two center islets. This combines paramo and Andean forest covered by species such as Pumamaqui, Quishuar, chilca, bromarea, fushia, lupins, calcelaria, and colorful flowers of the Andes. This hike known as the Orchid Trail runs around the crater rim with stunning views to the lake and the Cotacachi, Mojanda and Imbabura volcanoes. We watch for rodents, mammals, marsupials and birdlife such as guans, hummingbirds, tanagers, wild turkeys, ducks, buzzard eagle and the great Andean Condor.

A healthy, refreshing picnic lunch awaits us along the trail. In the afternoon we visit the town of Cotacachi, famous for its leather market. We also visit the Otavalo Indian Market, one of Ecuador ́s most important indigenous bazaars brimming with handmade arts, clothes, tapestries, jewelry, ceramics and wood carvings. This colorful market now runs every day of the week and is considered one of the most important ethnic markets in South America. (Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 2: Papallacta Hot Springs Trek, Travel to the Rainforest

We drive early morning through the Inter-Andean valleys for a great 2-hour hike in the Cayambe Coca Ecological Reserve, located across the Atlantic – Pacific continental divide. The reserve is composed of endemic highland paramo with cloud forest patches. The large amount of water retained in this sponge-like environment is the source of the largest water system in the world. When return to a rewarding hot spring soak at Termas de Papallacta, where we can relax in any of the nine different thermal pools, ranging in temperature from 97F to 104F (36C to 40C). Cloud Forest Mountains and an occasional snow-capped volcano surround these pools, with their mineral rich waters from underground geothermal springs. After lunch we travel to the Amazonian town of Tena where we enjoy a peaceful evening listening to the sounds of the rainforest. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 3: Jungle Rafting on the Jatunyacu River

After breakfast we head to Llanganates National Park, which extends from the high Andes to the Amazon basin. This area is considered a Biosphere Zone by the United Nations. The water collected in this area forms the Jatunyacu River, considered one of Ecuador ́s best one-day river runs. We begin with a short walk through rainforest scenery and reach incredibly beautiful natural swimming holes and waterslides. After a safety brief, we take a trip down the crystal clear Jatunyacu River and glimpse into indigenous communities living along the shores in small bamboo and wood houses. Jatunyacu is famed for its big waves, fun holes, and high water volume. (Class III – III+). (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 4: Baños & Waterfall Exploration

In the morning, we drive to the edge of Llanganates National Park, gaining altitude until we reach one of the best views of Tungurahua, Ecuador ́s most active volcano. This is an especially scenic route, where high rock walls give way to deep cloud forest canyons. We reach the colorful town of Baños, known for its hot springs and rugged landscape where we have lunch. Afterwards, we take a cable car across amazing gorges to explore the trail of waterfalls, as this is the only way to reach them. We ́ll see the most scenic ones: Pailon del Diablo (Devil ́s Cauldron) and Manto de la Novia (Bride ́s Veil). (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 5: Mountain Bike & Hike at Cotopaxi National Park

After breakfast, we drive to the base of the Cotopaxi Volcano, where we start our adventure journey. We grab our mountain bikes and go downhill on a side trail of the majestic Cotopaxi. We head back to Quito where you may explore the landmarks and night life of this incredible colonial city. (Breakfast, Lunch)

DAY 6: Fly to the Galapagos, Hike and Snorkel San Cristobal Island

After breakfast we fly to Galapagos. Once in San Cristobal Island, we brief you over lunch at a sea side restaurant. Our journey begins at the Interpretation Center learning about Galapagos ́ unique wildlife, geology, history, and social dynamics. We hike to Frigate Hill along lava rock trails. On the way, your naturalist guide explains all about the Galapagos cotton, palo santo, acacia, and cacti. You also spot blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, pelicans, herons, gulls, warblers, mockingbirds, and finches among the vegetation and sea cliffs. In addition to unique species, the hike provides marvelous views of the rugged coastline and the coastal town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. We stop for a refreshing snorkel or swim at beautiful Carola Beach. Here, you find sea turtles, sea lions, and marine iguanas, as well as surfers riding some world-class waves. After dinner with a gorgeous sunset as our background, we recommend you take a stroll down the boardwalk to view the immense colony of endemic Galapagos sea lions. (Breakfast, Lunch)

DAY 7: Sea Kayak & Snorkel San Cristobal’s Coast

We go to sea in our kayaks and explore coastal bays and coves full of wildlife. We may visit Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock), Punta Pitt or Cerro Brujo as the Galapagos National Park determines the week day when each site may be visited. Still, we will find blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, sea lions, and sea turtles everywhere. Underwater and with some luck we will find spotted eagle rays, golden rays, Galapagos sharks, starfish, clams, and fish of every shape, size, and color, look out for hammerhead sharks! (Breakfast, Lunch)

DAY 8: Mountain Bike the Coastline and Explore Tintoreras in Isabela Island

After breakfast, we take a short plane ride to Isabela Island. This is the largest island in Galapagos formed by six shield volcanoes in real time. Without a doubt, Isabela is one of the most volcanically active spots on the planet. We take our bikes and visit El Muro de las Lagrimas (Wall of Tears). Isabela was once a penal colony and prisoners constructed a massive wall of lava rocks for no other purpose than to keep busy. We continue biking along white sand beaches, mangroves, brackish lagoons, and a lava tube. The area is filled with giant tortoises and birdlife. We also have a chance to spot flamingos! After lunch, we share a speed boat to explore Tintoreras, a set of small islets filled with hidden coves and beaches where we find the endemic Galapagos penguin as well as reef sharks, sea turtles, and sea lions. In the late afternoon feel free to take a leisure stroll down the seemingly endless beach or join the bustle on the sand streets of this idyllic beach town. (Breakfast, Lunch)

DAY 9: Volcano Hiking in Isabela’s Highlands

We drive up to the highlands to the end of the road, grab our daypacks and hike into a world of recent geological history, enjoying the incredible views of the surrounding volcanoes and sea. When we arrive at the rim of Volcan Sierra Negra, you’ll be awestruck! This is the second largest active caldera on the planet. We walk along the rim of this enormous 30 square mile crater, and if feeling energetic, continue our hike into the caldera of Volcan Chico, an otherworldly landscape with endless hues of oranges, reds, blacks, and yellows. Here, we explore puffing fumaroles and spectacular lava formations. After a day on what seems like another planet, we return to paradise on earth. Enjoy the evening as you please, relaxing in the hotel or cruising the town. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 10: Depart Galapagos

Today we board a public speed boat to Santa Cruz Island and continue by bus to Baltra, where we board our flight back to the continent. (Breakfast)

Today we transfer on a public speed boat to Santa Cruz Island. Once we arrive, we will go to El Chato Reserve in the highlands which is the natural habitat of the Galapagos tortoise. We hike in this reserve to learn about these lumbering giants. We come across highland wildlife such as pintail ducks, egrets, flycatchers, finches, and frigate birds bathing in freshwater lakes. We also explore some amazing volcanic tunnels that were created by flowing lava. As you walk in these underground geological formations we revive tales of buccaneers hiding Inca gold. We continue to Los Gemelos, two volcanic craters near the top of the Island. We walk around these deep craters through a beautiful Scalesia forest covered with epiphytes and ferns. In this habitat we will seek for the short-eared owl, one of the two owls that live in the Islands. After lunch we will have time to explore the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about conservation and management efforts in the archipelago. (Breakfast, Lunch)

DAY 11: Sea Kayak in Punta Estrada and Hike to Tortuga Bay – Santa Cruz

In the morning you kayak around Divine Bay and Punta Estrada. The paddling takes you through calm turquoise waters that wind through high-walled lava channels. Within the channels, white-tipped sharks and rays tour beneath the clear water, while colonies of blue-footed boobies, tropic birds, herons, crabs and marine iguanas perch along the jagged cliffs. In the afternoon, we hike to Tortuga Bay, a beautiful white sand beach area, nesting site to thousands of marine turtles. This trail is 3½ miles (6 Km) long and crosses through a dry forest lava habitat home to hundreds of iguanas. We return to Puerto Ayora to spend the evening at leisure in Galapagos´ most populous town. (Breakfast, Lunch)

DAY 12: Transfer to Baltra and Return Flight

Today you say goodbye to the Galapagos Islands, transferring to Baltra Island for your airport connection back to the continent. (Breakfast)