•  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •
Home    About Us    Contact Us    Getting There    F.A.Q.'s    Community
On the trail/Diego Torres
Chimborazo volcano/Diego Torres

Volcanoes & Galapagos - 2010/11 Itinerary

15 days - from $3360

• Hotel-based exploration of the Galapagos Islands
• Discover the incredible wildlife across several islands
• Experience local markets & people along the 'avenue of volcanoes'

Read more...

Volcanoes, Indian Markets & Cloud Forest
Arriving into Quito it is often possible to see the snow-capped volcanic cones rising magnificently above the clouds, whisps of smoke and steam escaping from their fiery centres. After exploring this historic city, witness to much turmoil and revolution, we travel south, deeper into the Andes to Cotopaxi, one of the world's highest and most active volcanoes. At the bustling markets at Latacunga and Otavalo, we can wander amongst the colourful stalls bedecked with handmade rugs, carvings and Panama hats.


Galapagos Wildlife
Initially basing ourselves on Santa Cruz, in the small town of Puerto Ayora, we travel by boat out to the surrounding islands and beaches discovering the huge variety of wildlife that exists at each place. Accompanied by our naturalist guide, we will view nature at close quarters on land and in the water; snorkelling from the boat or the shore. Taking a motor yacht across to Isabela, we encounter an altogether more dramatic island of high craters, twisting lava flows and flamingo lakes. Each evening, we return to our hotel for a comfortable night of sleep, tired yet elated.

close

Itinerary:

Day 1 Join the tour in Quito. Day 2 Quito We discover the old colonial centre with its splendid churches and cobbled plazas. Day 3 Avenue of the Volcanoes Leaving Quito we take one world's most scenic journeys, stopping to walk in the shadow of the Cotopaxi volcano en route to Patate. Day 4 Baños After exploring the town of Baños we visit the dramatic Pailon Falls and enjoy a lively local market before arriving in Machachi. Days 5/6 Otavalo Market We spend 2 days in Otavalo, shopping for locally made goods in the famous market and visiting nearby villages famous for their handicrafts. Day 7 Equator Line Returning to Quito today we pause to visit the Equator line. Days 8/13 Galapagos Islands Our time in the Galapagos is divided between Isabela and Santa Cruz islands, with daily visits and excursions to discover the fascinating wildlife and landscapes of this remote archipelago. Day 14 Guayaquil Flying back to the mainland today there may be time for a city tour on arrival. Day 15 Tour ends in Guayaquil.

Accommodations: 14nts hotel; 12 breakfasts & 8 lunches included.
Transport: Minicoach/Motor yachts/ Flights as itinerary.
Comment: This tour is suitable for any reasonably active person. Islands visited and routes may vary depending on local weather conditions and the Galapagos National Park authorities.
Group: Approx. 12 to 15.
Staff: xplore Tour Leader plus driver(s) and boat crew.
Trip Reference: GPS2010

Dates & Prices
Start End Prices in US$ Local Payment Availability
11 Sep 1025 Sep 10$33600
09 Oct 1023 Oct 10$33600
18 Dec 1001 Jan 11$35300
12 Feb 1126 Feb 11$36800
09 Apr 1123 Apr 11$36800
30 Apr 1114 May 11$36800
28 May 1111 Jun 11$36800

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.

The price of a Single Room Option does not necessarily guarantee a single room for every night of the tour. For more information, please refer to the trip dossier / more details for this tour.
Single rooms are available for this tour at a supplement from US$ 640, depending on availability.