Ecuador is home to some of the most extraordinary biodiversity on earth and the best place in the world for viewing wildlife. You'll start with the Amazon, the largest tract of untouched rainforest in the world and home to a staggering array of flora and fauna, before going on to the Galápagos Islands, an inspirational source for Darwin's theory of evolution. Time is also spent in the Ecuadorian capital of Quito.
ECUADOR AND GALAPAGOS WILDLIFE ADVENTURE
HIGHLIGHTS
- Sail the Galapagos archipelago on board the M/C Cormorant.
- Wonder through the winding streets of Quito with your private guide.
- Explore the Napo River in the Amazon basin by canoe in search of native species including the anteater, three toed sloth or even an ocelot.
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Arrive
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Day 1 Arrive Quito
Arrival into Quito, Ecuador’s lively capital. You will be staying at Hotel Patio Andaluz, a colonial building just off of the Plaza Principal (main square), in the heart of Quito’s old town.
Overnight: Hotel Patio Andaluz
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Day 2 Quito
Explore the Old City where the narrow cobbled streets and colonial-style plazas are set against a majestic Andean backdrop. This is also the place to sample some legendary Ecuadorian chocolate, with many exotic examples on offer to tempt the sweet-toothed.
Overnight: Hotel Patio Andaluz
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Day 3 Quito to Mashpi Lodge
Travel out to the heart of the Ecuadorian cloud forest where you will be staying at the contemporary eco-friendly Mashpi Lodge. The private reserve surrounding Mashpi Lodge is only accessible to its privileged guests.
Overnight: Mashpi Lodge
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Day 4 Chocó Reserve, Mashpi Lodge
Today’s highlights combining bird-watching with a visit to the Butterfly Life Centre. In the evening you will be invited to take a night walk through the forest to observe fireflies and native frogs and experience the fleeting passage of bats.
Overnight: Mashpi Lodge
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Day 5 Chocó Reserve, Mashpi Lodge
Today you will be encountering the cloud forest from above the treeline from a 30ft observation tower. If you’re feeling adventurous, Mashpi’s ‘sky bike’ allows you to pedal along a cable the trees, crossing a ravine and a river.
Overnight: Mashpi Lodge
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Day 6 Chocó Reserve to Quito
After an early start for your final bird-watching opportunity, there’s an optional two-hour walk to the Copal waterfall. Enjoy a gourmet lunch and head off back to Quito.
Overnight: Hotel Patio Andaluz
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Day 7 Quito to Coca
Take a 30-minute flight over the Andes to the Amazonian oil town of Coca. Here you will board a motorised canoe for the two-hour journey down river to Sacha Lodge, deep in the rainforest.
Overnight: Sacha Lodge
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Day 8 - 9 Amazon rainforest
Explore the rainforest on foot and by dug-out canoe and swim in Lake Pilchicocha, a blackwater lake that is home to many species of endemic fish. Night walks provide the best opportunity to see the nocturnal animals and evenings at the lodge are spent exploring the sights and sounds of this biodiverse hotspot. Look out for spectacled and black caiman as you paddle across the lake: you’ll spot them by their glowing orange eyes. A symphony of frogs and insects will serenade you as you navigate through the narrow, flooded forest trail.
Overnight: Sacha Lodge
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Day 10 Coca to Quito
Board the motorised canoe back to Coca for your flight to Quito.
Overnight: Hotel Patio Andaluz
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Day 11 Quito to the Galapagos Islands
Catch a flight to the Galápagos Islands where you will meet your fellow passengers and expedition crew and transfer to your vessel. The MC Cormorant will be your home for the next three nights while you explore what Darwin called his ‘living laboratory’. The all-balcony MC Cormorant is a sophisticated expedition catamaran. The most popular area on board is the sun deck, where you can enjoy the exceptional views of the surrounding archipelago from the Jacuzzi.
Overnight: M/C Cormorant
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Day 12 - 13 Galapagos Islands
Spend the next two full days exploring the Galapagos Islands, stopping off to visit ancient lava fields, where prehistoric reptiles, such as the Galapagos tortoise and both land and marine iguanas, roam freely. This trip truly brings natural science to life in the most life-enhancing, unforgettable way imaginable.
Overnight: M/C Cormorant
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Day 14 Galapagos Islands to Guayaquil
Catch a flight back to the mainland, and spend one night in the port city of Guayaquil.
Overnight: Wyndham Hotel Guayaquil
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Day 15 Depart Guayaquil
Bid farewell to this spectacular Andean country as you board your flight home.
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Depart
INCLUSIONS
- Transfers and tours in Quito and Guayaquil by English-speaking private guide with vehicle.
- Shared tours and transfers operated by Sacha Lodge and in the Galapagos.
- All accommodation as stated in the itinerary.
- Daily breakfast in hotels on the mainland and all meals on board the ship and at Sacha Lodge.
- Flights to and from the Galapagos and Coca.
- Ingala card and Galapagos entrance fee.
EXTRAS
- International flights.
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary.
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, gratuities (discretionary).
- Entrance fees and excursions not specifically mentioned as included.
- Travel insurance or visa fees.
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REASONS TO BOOK
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