Volcanoes & Galapagos - 2010/11 Itinerary

15 days - from $3810

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

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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.

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.

Accommodation: 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
13 Feb 10	27 Feb 10	$3810	0
03 Apr 10	17 Apr 10	$3810	0
01 May 10	15 May 10	$3810	0
29 May 10	12 Jun 10	$3810	0
24 Jul 10	07 Aug 10	$3810	0
21 Aug 10	04 Sep 10	$3810	0
11 Sep 10	25 Sep 10	$3810	0
09 Oct 10	23 Oct 10	$3810	0
13 Nov 10	27 Nov 10	$3810	0
18 Dec 10	01 Jan 11	$3950	0
12 Feb 11	26 Feb 11	$4120	0
09 Apr 11	23 Apr 11	$4120	0
30 Apr 11	14 May 11	$4120	0
28 May 11	11 Jun 11	$4120	0

Prices and itineraries shown for tours departing from January 2010 onwards are subject to change and confirmation with the publication of our 2010/11 brochure, due to be published in October 2009.

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$ 685, depending on availability.

Volcanoes & Galapagos - 2010/11 Itinerary

15 days - from $3810

Itinerary:

Dates & Prices