Explore 2 unique eco-systems and the most beautiful landscapes of Ecuador iIN ONE TRIP: ANDEAN SIERRA & GALAPAGOS ISLANDS!
From Latitude 0 along the Andean Range of the active "Avenue of the Volcanoes" , travel back in time to the era of the Age of Discovery of the New World. Stay overnight at the old hacienda house in the Andes , a mansion of colonial background settled on a rural land .
After exploring Ecuadorian mainland, take a flight to remote Galapagos Islands in Pacific Ocean. Explore unique endemic wildlife, terrestrial and marine, and landscapes of volcanic-origin enchanted archipelago. Stay in ocean front charming boutique hotels.
Experience Ecuador assisted by our knowledgeable and friendly crew of local english-speaking guides. Learn about Ecuadorian culture, traditions and taste the delicious local cuisine!
*This trip works good for families with kids 9+ and can be run on a private basis (on request)
Continental Ecuador (Andes):
💒 Colonial Quito - start your adventure from the capital of Ecuador, travel back in times and walk the streets of the city built by spaniards
🇪🇨 Latitude 0 - Step from northern hemisphere to southern and balance yourself on the Middle of the World
🌋 Cotopaxi Volcano -Hike the foothills of the one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, covered with ice on its peak! Last time erupted in October 2022!
🏔 Quilotoa Lagoon - Explore the turquoise waters of one of the most beautiful lagoons in South America.
🌟 Quechua culture - Hunt for trophies at the vibrant local indigenous markets
Galapagos Islands Hopping:
🦀 Following the steps of Charles Darwin, meet and interact with endemic Galapagos wildlife, terrestrial and marine
🐢 Take a 500-pound giant tortoise for a walk!
🐳 Snorkel in a company of sea lion puppies, colorful reef fish, sea turtles and rays!
🦎 Relax and soak in the sun with a family of lazy marine iguanas on a picturesque white-sand beach of Isabela island
🐦 Learn a bridal dance of blue-footed boobies birds, see how Pacific birds raise their chicks in a wild
🐧 Look for Galapagos penguins and pelicans fishing
🚢 Stay in comfortable small hotels by the water on the islands of Santa Cruz and Isablea, and travel by speed boat ferries to visit more islands on day-tours. Every single day will be full of ACTIVITIES, such as wildlife watching, easy hiking and snorkeling.
Ecuador entry requirements:
Effective October 20, 2022, visitors to Ecuador are no longer required to present a certification of vaccination for COVID-19 or a negative PCR or Antigen test result.
All visitors must complete a Traveler Health Declaration Form (one per family) and present to customs upon arrival to Ecuador. Alternatively, a digital form (one per person) can be completed at the following link, https://declaracionsalud-viajero.msp.gob.ec/.
Galapagos entry requirements:
• INGALA tourist migration card (the form will be provided by the airline before departure)
• Galapagos national park entry fee paid ($100 + 20 USD for adults, $50+20 USD for kids CASH ONLY)
In if the Trip departure is canceled by Organizer, the amount paid by Participant will be fully refundable;
If the trip is cancelled by Participant due to any personal reason, the following penalties will be applied:
Cancellation 89 to 45 calendar days before departure - up to 50% of the trip cost, including registration deposit
Cancellation 44 to 0 calendar days before departure – non refundable
At the elevation of the city of Quito (2850m) some people feel mild symptoms of altitude sickness. That's normal. The air at high altitudes contains less oxygen than at sea level and forces your body to work harder to get the oxygen it needs. With altitude sickness, you may have a headache, nausea or trouble sleeping.
As a suggestion for successful acclimatizing drink plenty of water and herbal teas, avoid alcohol drinks on the first days of your trip. If you have a headache, take medications immediately.
(!) People with high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and pregnant women are strongly recommended to consult a therapist before having a high-altitude trip.
GENERAL ITEMS
Middle sized suitcase for your main luggage (please check out for the airlines restrictions for max allowed checked luggage weight)
Duffel bag for your luggage or backpack can be useful on Amazon tour (medium-size suitecase will also work)
A small day-pack (for day-tours and in town walks)
Refillable water bottle (1-1.5L)
Personal first aid kit (personal medication for migraines treatment, Imodium or similar, motion sickness (dramamine), band-a
** If you bring a photo-camera: charger + extra memory cards (if you run out of memory space, getting a new one can be expensive or difficult. If you bring a tripod, make it a lightweight non-bulky
QUITO & ANDEAN REGION
Altitude 9500-12000feet,
Average air temp: 55-70F, Windy, Possibility of rains in the afternoons (low in July)
Windbreaker jacket
Fleece jacket or warm hoodie
Beanie & gloves
Hiking pants, windproof
Sunscreen UV 50+
Lip balm with sun protection
Sunglasses
Tennis shoes
Cotopaxi day-hike: Trekking shoes
Refillable water bottle (1-1.5L)
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Altitude 0-3000 Feet, Average air temp 80-90F
Average water temp: Nov to May ~75-77F, June to Oct ~65-70F, Possibility of light rains
Light pants /bermudas
A change of loose t-shirts
Long sleeve loose shirt (for sun protection)
Swimming suite
Sunhat
A light sweatshirt (for breezy evenings)
A waterproof jacket /windbreaker (for speedboat rides between Santa Cruz and Isabela islands)
Quick-dry sandals or tennis shoes for day-tours
Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
Sunglasses
Binoculars – optional
Refillable water bottle (1-1.5L)
Provided gear on day-tours (at no extra cost):
Masks and flippers for snorkeling
Please use ONLY bottled drinking water.
Tap water is good only for brushing your teeth.
Arrival to Quito in the afternoon.
Meet with your local english-speaking guide at the airport terminal exit and drive to town (45min - 1 hr). Hotel check-in, evening at your own.
Overnight in hotel, Quito.
Quito altitude - 2850m