Adventure Tour Operators in Colom...
"Life at its Purest 21D/20N"
;)
DAY 1: QUITO CITY TOUR
A tour in Quito is compulsory not only for being the capital of Ecuador, but also for being one of the first cities in the world which was designated by the UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site. Quito is a beautiful city with Spanish architecture in contrast to sophisticated highrise contemporary buildings. The tour includes a visit to the Independence Square, the breathtaking churches: "La Catedral", "El Sagrario", "La Compañía" and "San Francisco". A delicious lunch with a fruit juice is prior to a visit to the Golden Museum (This enormously rich museum offers visitors and opportunity to learn about the evolution of Ecuadorian art) or the Man's Chapel Museum (It exhibits an excellent sample of pre-Columbian, colonial, and contemporary art), or even a visit to the TeleferiQo. Return to hotel and accommodation at a nice hotel. (L)
DAY 2: HUMMINGBIRDS PARADISE
Ride to the Middle of the World Site for your famous picture with one foot in each hemisphere: northern and southern. Visit the Etnographic or the Inti Ñan (God Sun) museum. Afterwards, drive up to the cloudforest on the western slopes of the Pichincha volcano. Arrival at Bellavista Inn or similar. Deep in the heart of the cloud forest, where clouds and trees blend in a tapestry of mystery and magic, discover a protected reserve with an overwhelming profusion of life. It's a place for adventure, relaxation and deep contact with nature, home to hundreds of species of plants, birds and other animals. Immerse yourself in this natural sanctuary in the company of those who have dedicated their lives to conserve this unique place. Enjoy your lunch together with cozy hummingbirds. Trekking enjoying cloudforest fauna and flora before getting back to Quito. (B, L)
DAY 3: OTAVALO, THE CALL OF THE ANCESTORS
Located only two hours northern Quito, Otavalo is perhaps one of the most interesting treasures from our ancestors. Visit San Pablo Lake surrounded by the amazing Imbabura Mountain and arrival to the most famous Indian marketplace! Colorful handicrafts looking forward to be bought and kind Indian people will be looking forward to you! Bargaining is of course part of the program. Lunch at a nice hostery and trip up to Cotacachi for leather handicrafts, if you prefer Nature, then drive up to the Cuicocha Lake formed on a dormant crater. Return to Quito and overnight. (B, L)
DAY 4: COTOPAXI THE HIGHEST AND MOST ACTIVE VOLCANO
This active snow capped volcano can be seen from Quito. Two hours ride and we will arrive at the Cotopaxi National Park. Trekking up to the first refuge and glaciers. A lifetime experience close to the God Sun! Box lunch and driver to a colonial Hacienda nearby where a typical appetizer will be served. Dinner and accommodation. (B, D)
DAY 5: QUILOTOA: A DORMANT CRATER LAKE
A trip to Quilotoa is for sure the experience that was missing in your agenda. After breakfast, we will continue our journey towards this crater lake located at 3800 meters above sea level. Its emerald water spans two kilometers and local legend claims it is connected to the ocean and is therefore salty and sulfuric. We will descend to admire from closer this amazing natural beauty. Transfer to hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D)
DAY 6: FROM THE ANDES TO THE HIGHEST MOUNTAIN
From Latacunga, we will continue up to the city of Riobamba. On the way, and on clear days it will be possible to admire the highest snow capped mountain Chimborazo located at 6310 masl. Dinner and accommodation at a cozy hostery or hacienda. (B, D)
DAY 7: BY TRAIN TO THE DEVIL NOSE
From Riobamba train journey up to the Devil's Nose for unforgettable amazing landscapes and views from the roof of the train. Drive up to the Inca Ruins of Ingapirca and visit this Inca site. Dinner and overnight on a nearby hotel. (B, D)
DAY 8: CUENCA, CULTURAL HERITAGE CITY
After breakfast, we will drive up to Cuenca to have the opportunity to admire this colonial cozy city. Together with Quito it was declared cultural world heritage site. Downtown city tour and handicrafts shopping. Dinner on own and accomodation. (B, L)
DAY 9: FROM THE ANDES TO THE COAST
After breakfast flight to Guayaquil, a perfect start of your Route of the Sun trip. Guayaquil is a nice city representing the nation's major port. A city tour will include visit of downtown and El Malecon. Enjoy lunch with delicious fresh seafood. Transfer to hotel Las Peñas or similar. (B, L)
DAY 10 – 12: ROUTE OF THE SUN
From Guayaquil we will start the route of the Sun trip enjoying amazing pristine beaches at the Machalilla National Park: Isla de la Plata, Los Frailes, Montañita. Even whale watching is available from June to September. On the last day, return to Guayaquil and accommodation at a nice hotel. (B,L,D)
DAY 13 – 17: GALAPAGOS enchanted experience
DAY 13: BALTRA ISLAND / BACHAS BEACH AT SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
Arrival to Galapagos (Baltra Airport) at 09h45.
Transfer to yacht, lunch. Afterwards, visit to Bachas Beach. The sand at Las Bachas is made of decomposed coral, which makes it white and soft, and a favorite site for nesting sea turtles. The Sally Lightfoot crabs are abundant on the lava rocks along the water's edge. These crabs will eat anything they can get their claws on. On this hike, one can see Sally Lightfoot crabs, hermit crabs, black necked stilts, and whimbrels.
Return to yacht for dinner and accommodation. (B, L ,D)
DAY 14: GENOVESA ISLAND
AM: After breakfast, visit the Genovesa Island, Prince Philip Steps. As we explore the coastline of Darwin Bay, the cliffs of this eroded caldera will reveal its past geological power, with features like lava tubes where red-billed tropic birds nest, and some odd ones like cactus next to a tropical ocean. Then, disembark (dry landing) on rocks for a steep climb (90 feet) and then a leveled walk for about a mile to the other side of this small island observing large colonies of Nazca (masked) boobies, red footed boobies, frigate birds, storm petrels and the well camouflaged short-eared owl. (B, L, D)
Return to the yacht for lunch
PM: Darwin Bay. Wet landing at a small white-coralline beach for an easy stroll observing hundreds of birds, mainly Great frigate birds, red footed and Nazca (masked) boobies, lava gulls, herons, finches and mockingbirds. Later, the trail leads to an area of sharp lava and uneven terrain, but you may return to the beach or continue observing wildlife within the sandy portions of the walk. Those more adventurous can snorkel along the cliffs while looking for colorful tropical fish, and hopefully some Hammerhead Sharks. Dinner and accommodation on board. (B, L, D)
DAY 15: BARTOLOME ISLAND / SULLIVAN BAY AT SANTIAGO ISLAND
AM: Bartolome, a desolate island with few plants is the most visited and most photographed island in the Galapagos. The island consists of an extinct volcano and a variety of red, orange, green, and glistening black volcanic formations.
The best known of the island's features is the Tuff Cone known as Pinnacle Rock. This large black partially eroded lava formation was created when magma expelled from the volcano reached the sea. When the seawaters cooled the hot lava it caused an explosion. The exploded particles eventually fasten together forming a rock composed of thin layers.
Bartolome's Pinnacle Rock has become one of the best recognized and most photographed sights in the islands. A prominent sight it was used as a target for US airmen during WWII. Lying beside the Pinnacle Rock are twin half moon shaped beaches.
The northern beach is a popular snorkeling site where visitors have the opportunity to swim with fish, Sea Lions and Galapagos Penguins. Much larger animals can be found near the southern beach including stingrays, spotted eagle rays, white-tipped sharks, and black-tipped sharks.
Little vegetation grows in this barren place. Mangroves border the beach and the small shrub Tiguilia grows in the volcanic sands. The seeds and tiny white flowers of the Chamaesycae provide food for the island's finch. These plants are common to arid regions and are able to survive in these harsh volcanic conditions.
Return to the yacht for lunch.
PM Sullivan Bay – Santiago Island
We land on a white coral sand beach and begin our walk over lava that flowed less than 100 years ago. This is the perfect place to see and feel the volcanic origin of Galapagos.
The last major eruption on Santiago was probably in the early 1900's. One observer aboard a sailing vessel reported that the ship approached the lava flow so closely that the pine tar used to seal the hull of the ship began to soften, and the captain had to hurry the ship away from the bay.
The walk across the lava is amazing! This stuff looks like it solidified yesterday. Most of what we see here is pahoehoe (a Hawaiian term) or ropey lava, and some of it looks just like rope. The other type of lava found in Galapagos is aa. This is the stuff that will rip your shoes or boots apart when you walk on it - it really can be that sharp! (B,L,D)
DAY 16: SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
AM: Turtle Bay: It is located one hour walk (five km) west from Puerto Ayora on a marked and cobbled path. The path is good for birdwatching, it is easy to spot several species of finches as you walk along the path. The white sand beach is considered by many the nicest of the archipelago. It name comes from the sea turtles that go there to lay their eggs. Other species can be found, including pelicans, flamingos and marine iguanas. Return to hotel for lunch.
PM: Santa Cruz highlands tortoise reserve
Located in the highlands of Santa Cruz, the Reserve is made up of tortoises that weigh 200 pounds. On this area, you can also watch red, orange, and yellow little birds playing with the blooming flora, and harvest and eat tropical fruits. The highlands are located in the northern part of the island and can reach elevations up to 1500 meters. The vegetation here is abundant, lush and the weather moist. Return to hotel for dinner and accommodation. (B, L, D)
DAY 17: SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
After breakfast, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the rearing in captivity program for the giant tortoises. Impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest and many land birds can be also seen. Then, a stroll along the main street of Puerto Ayora will allow you to see how Galapagueños live in this magical paradise. A bus ride will take guests to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island for transfer to Baltra Island for the return flight to Quito. (B)
DAY 18 - 20 RAINFOREST ADVENTURE
DAY 18:
Drive or flight to Cotococha Lodge on the route Quito-Baeza-Tena. Arrival to the Lodge in the afternoon. After the long drive we can relax for a while in our beautiful spacious bungalow built in a rustic native design surrounded by gardens full of amazing jungle plants and flowers. A delicious dinner will be served in a romantic candlelight-setting at the attractively decorated restaurant. Afterwards we will enjoy a special welcome drink, relaxing ourselves around the elegant fireplace, to coordinate and discuss next day’s activities with the local crew. We’ll feel absolutely comfortable in this lovely peaceful setting filled with nightly sights and sounds of the Amazon jungle. (B, D)
DAY 19
After breakfast, we depart by canoe upstream for ten minutes, arriving to a small shore where we begin a fun and thrilling one hour walk, marveling ourselves with the jungle’s secondary forest diverse flora and fauna. After our short hike, we’ll find ourselves in a breathtaking waterfall, “La Cascada de Latas” where we will take a refreshing bath in its clear crystal waters and enjoy the surrounding views, which, mixed with the jungle sounds, makes it an unforgettable experience. We return along the same way to have lunch at the lodge. After lunch, we put on our “wet gear” (rubber boots & rain poncho) to start an exciting walk in the jungle’s primary forest ready to find the secret wonders of the mysterious hidden jungle, finding amazing plant species with medicinal properties, which will be explained in detail by our expert native guide: their characteristics and how the jungle inhabitants used them in ancient times. We’ll also observe a great variety of insects, small groups of monkeys weaving around the giant trees; though we will need some luck to observe them, we must stay very quiet to admire these beautiful creatures. Dozens of curious colourful birds tag along with us during our walk whistling enchanted notes delighting our senses. After about three hours of walking we come back and arrive to the Lodge. At night, dinner and gathering around the fireplace. It’s time for a good and peacefull rest delighted by the nightly sounds of the jungle. (B, L, D)
DAY 20
After breakfast, we will have to prepare our return trip to Quito. (B)
DAY 21 BACK HOME
After enjoying a delicious breakfast on your last day in the Middle of the World, transfer to airport for your return flight. (B)
¡END OF OUR SERVICES!
INCLUDES:
- Private transport in a mini bus. Van with capacity up to 10 people.
- Private 4x4 transport on the Route of the Sun
- Private bilingual guide (English)
- Hotel taxes (12% VAT y 10% Services)
- Entrance fee to Panecillo and the Middle of the World.
- Full board according to itinerary. B= Breakfast / L= Lunch / D= Dinner
- Double accomodation, tourist superior category.
- On the Route of the Sun, entrance fee to the visited sites.
- Air ticket on the route Cuenca - Guayaquil.
- Board for driver and guide, when board on own is specified.
- At Hotel San Francisco American breakfast included, free Internet and one entrance to the jacuzzi-sauna-turco.
- At Hostel Posada del Angel it includes american breakfast and Internet use.
- At Hotel Zeus or Hostery in Riobamba American breakfast is included.
- At Hotel Las Peñas, american breakfast is included.
- Full board in the jungle
- Airport transfers
- Five days Naturalist Cruise in the Galápagos Islands with snorkel equipment included. Tourist Superior Yacht.
- Air ticket Guayaquil-Galapagos-Quito
NOT INCLUDED:
- Tips and personal expenses
- Phone calls
- Sodas and alcoholic drinks
- Any other activity hereby not mentioned
- Entrance fee to TeleferiQo complex US$ 4,00
- Entrance fee to Etnographic or Inti Ñan Museum in the Middle of the World.
- Entrance fee to Machalilla National Park US$ 20,00
- Entrance fee to Cotopaxi National Park US$ 10,00 per person
- Entrance fee to Ingapirca US$ 6,00.
- Entrance fee to the Cajas National Park US$ 10,00
- Entrance fee at the Galapagos National Park US$ 100,00
- Train ticket US$ 11,00 per person
REMARKS:
- Itinerary and price subject to change upon reservation.
To contact this tour operator please use the contact form next to the map on the right.
Price/Person: p.P ab 2 PAX: $3.400 DOL
Number of participants ab 2
Duration: Hours
Area: Ecuador & Galápagos
Accomodation is included in this tour: See Itinerary.
The Guide is able to understand this language also
german
english
spanish
edited at 23.09.07 | 1:08 PM
last update 12.06.09 | 11:33 AM
Guide details
Web: To contact this tour operator please use the contact form above.
Phone Number: ---
Vita
Über uns Lake & Mountain Reisen macht sich zur Aufgabe, Ihnen eine einzigartige Erinnerung an Ihren Aufenthalt in Ecuador zu schenken, die Sie nie mehr vergessen werden:
Ecuador ist ein einzigartiges Reiseziel mit vier verschiedenen Welten: Hochland, Küste, Amazonasgebiet und die Galapagos-Inseln.
Wir haben uns zur Aufgabe gemacht, Ihre Wünsche und Erwartungen unabhängig davon, wie diese ausfallen, zu erfüllen, egal, was Sie vorhaben!
Unsere Erfahrung, ausgebildete Reiseführer, persönlicher Service in vielen Sprachen sind unsere Hauptstärken, die Ihnen zur Verfügung stehen.
Diese Homepage enthält lediglich eine Zusammenfassung von dem, was Sie in Ecuador unternehmen können. Lassen Sie uns daher jederzeit wissen, wenn Sie etwas Spezielles suchen oder wünschen.
Unser Team wird erfreut sein, Sie in jeder Weise zu unterstützen!
Adresse:
La Granja E 5-34 & Hungria. A&C Building - Office 02.
Quito - Ecuador.
Telefon/ Fax:
(+593 2) 2267 875/ 600 1061 / 2295 277
24 Stunden-Service-Mobile:
(+593 9) 1602 486
E-mail:
To contact this tour operator please use the contact form above.
edited at 22.09.07 | 3:33 PM
last update 12.06.09 | 10:56 AM
