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Chimborazo volcano/Diego Torres
Colourful frigate bird

Andes & Galapagos - a Family Holiday in Ecuador - 2010/11 Itinerary

15 days - from $3400

• Experience the colourful markets and people along the 'avenue of volcanoes'
• Walk through rainforest primary spotting local wildlife
• Discover the amazing fauna and flora of the Galapagos Islands

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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 cross the equator line and 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 on these 'enchanted' islands, staying in hotels each night for a more comfortable rest. Hoppng between three islands, allows us to appreciate the diverse scenery and wildlife of the archipelago. The landscapes are 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.

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Itinerary:

Day 1 Join the tour in Quito. Day 2 Quito We explore the beautiful colonial centre of Quito. Day 3 Otavalo Market We drive to Otavalo, home to the famous artisan market via Cuicocha Lake and Peguche village. Day 4 Cotopaxi Volcano Today we explore the foothills of Cotopaxi volcano, learning about local fauna and flora. Days 5/6 Primary Rainforest From our lodge near Santo Domingo we walk through the jungle, swimming in rivers and spotting unusual wildlife. Day 7 Riobamba Today we drive along the 'Avenue of Volcanoes' to Riobamba. Day 8 Chimborazo Nature Reserve After visiting Riobamba's colourful market, we discover the amazing wildlife near Chimborazo before continuing back to Quito. Days 9/14 Galapagos Islands Flying into Baltra we cross to Santa Cruz Island where we explore the Highlands and visit the Charles Darwin Centre. The following day we plan to visit Plazas Island, famous for its sea lions before snorkelling at Punta Carrion. Then we sail to Isabela Island for a 2 night stay where we can walk on the Sierra Negra volcano and go snorkelling near the Tintoreras islands. Finally we head back to Santa Cruz Island for a swim at Tortuga Bay and on our final day we fly to Guayaquil. Day 15 Tour ends in Guayaquil.

Accommodations: 12nts hotels, good standard throughout the tour, although slightly simpler on the Galapagos and at Riobamba, 2nts at the rustic yet comfortable 'Kasama Lodge' in Santo Domingo; 11 breakfasts, 5 lunches & 2 dinners included.
Transport: Bus/Motor Cruiser/Flights.
Comment: An ability to swim and an average level of fitness will enable you to get the most from this tour.
Group: Approx. 11 to 15.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader, driver(s) plus local Naturalist guide and boat crew in Galapagos.
Trip Reference: FEC2010

Dates & Prices
Full details for this trip are currently unavailable.
Please call us for details at 1-800-228-8747.

Prices and itineraries shown for tours departing from January 2011 onwards are subject to change and confirmation with the publication of our 2011/12 brochure, due to be published in October 2010.