13 Days Along The Avenue Of The Volcanoes Tour Package
Duration: 13 Days / 12 Nights
Priced From: $3,439 (pp , Dbl , Occ)
Dates: Jul
Despite its inferior size, Ecuador manages to cram just about everything the traveller could want within its borders. We touch down in the capital, Quito, the second most populous city in Ecuador, where we find the country's history depicted in the well- preserved colonial buildings, mediaeval architecture and picture-perfect courtyards; and if dwelling in the past isn't quite your speed, then there's always Quito's modern side; a glistening of glass skyscrapers, grand mansions and first-rate shopping opportunities. Alluring volcanic, alpine and forest landscapes, beautiful ranges of architecture and ancient indigenous cultures and traditions are but a few of the features that make travellers fall in love with Ecuador and as we travel through the Otavalo Valley, down the incredible Avenue of the Volcanoes and to the natural wonderland of Chimborazo Reserve, we discover a country of untold scope. The final four days of this adventure are spent on a ferry cruise of the inimitable Galapagos Islands. The Galapagos Islands put all other destinations to shame when it comes to offering diversity and uniqueness of natural wonder. Endemic and exotic species of plant and animal, both on- and offshore, abound in this special destination that has changed little since the days of Darwin. Each island presents new topography, new wildlife and new exciting adventures; what better way to end our tour than this world-renowned naturalist playground?
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Quito
Arrive in Quito and transfer to our hotel. Quito (2788 m / 9,200 feet) is Ecuador's lovely capital city, nestled against Pichincha Volcano high in the Andes. Overnight in Quito. Reina Isabel Hotel or similar. Dinner if required.
Day 2 Quito - Otavalo Valley - Ibarra
Today we journey north to the Otavalo Valley region. In early years the Otavalo Valley was filled with farmers who raised crops in fertile lands where they lived. In the 14th century the Inca expansion reached north into the Otavalo area. The Caraquis who inhabited the area resisted the invaders. For 17 long years fierce fighting continued as the defiant Caraquis refused to be subjugated by the Incas. The Spanish arrived a few years after the Incas. They established a Hacienda system of workshops where Otavalenos were forced to work 15 hour days weaving fabrics. Today this weaving tradition forms the basis of a lucrative industry that has allowed the Otavaleno indigenous peoples to join the world economy while retaining their traditional values and skills. During our time in the valley we will have a chance to visit with the local Otavalenos and see them working their craft. We visit a traditional home with adobe walls and visit with the owners who raise guinea pigs, a local delicacy. Our hosteria is located nearby the colonial town of Ibarra (2121 m / 7,000 feet), known as the "White City" since many of it houses are colonial style, red-tiled and whitewashed. Overnight in Ibarra. Hosteria Chorlavi or similar. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 3 Ibarra - Otavalo Market - Avenue of Volcanoes - La Cienega
This morning we visit Otavalo to experience the market. This market is centered around 'Poncho Plaza'. All day long, the whir of cotton candy machines, Andean pipe music, and Quichua, the native tongue derived from the Incan tongue, drift across the square. A blinding maze of coloured textiles spills from the square across the town. We depart Otavalo to follow in the footsteps of the German scientist, Alexander von Humboldt, and rediscover what in 1802 he called the "Avenue of Volcanoes," a 325 km (203 mi) long valley between the major cordillera ranges. Massive and standing alone, the volcanoes provide brooding, snow-covered contrast to the green equatorial lushness. We see snow-capped summits, mystical brooks and rivers, terraced farmlands, small villages and fascinating cultures. The area is also home to a number of exceptional haciendas, some of which date back to the 16th century. La Cienega Hacienda is located near the village of Lasso near the foot of Cotopaxi and has been witness to centuries of important events in the history of Ecuador. Overnight at Hosteria La Cienega. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 4 La Cienega - Banos
Today we continue our journey to Banos. This small town's elevation gives it an extremely agreeable climate and the surrounding mountainsides are brilliant green against the white summit of the Volcano Tungurahua. En route we have a short walk to view one of the most impressive waterfalls in South America, the Devil's Bowl. The word Banos means "baths" and, as the name indicates, the highlight is the numerous hot spring baths in the area. Today we have opportunity to visit the hot springs as well as wander the streets and market of this picturesque town. You can also hike into the nearby hillsides, along farmers' donkey trails through fields of corn, passion-fruit, and various other local products. A must-see is the Basilica dedicated to the Virgin of the Holy Water, credited with performing many miracles in the Banos area. Overnight in Banos. Hotel Sangay or similar. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 5 Banos - Riobamba
After lunch in Banos we travel through open farmland flowing over the high ridges of the Western Andes. On arrival in Riobamba we will have a walking tour including the cathedral and the restored 1920's era Post Office, with free time for independent wanderings. Overnight in Riobamba. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 6 Riobamba - Chimborazo Reserve - Quito
We depart Riobamba and head for Chimborazo Reserve for a scenic drive around the base of this almost perfectly-conical dormant volcano. Chimborazo (6310m / 20,833 ft), the highest summit in Ecuador, is the gem of the reserve along with the neighboring Carihuairazo Volcano. In the Indian language, Chimborazo means "mountain of snow". It is an enormous mass of overwhelming scale. Alexander Von Humboldt made an unsuccessful attempt to climb the mountain in 1802, and believed it to be the highest mountain in the world. This distinction lasted until the discovery of Mt. Everest fifty years later. Chimborazo was finally climbed by Edward Whimper in 1880. The Reserve of Chimborazo was created in October of 1987 to protect the extensive moors, the flora and the fauna of the region. We will make several stops on our drive for photos and to enjoy this starkly beautiful volcanic landscape. We have a chance to see a vicuna, an endangered species. Vicuna are the smallest of the Camelid family standing at just 2ft 8"-3ft 7" at the shoulder. They are extremely refined and delicate to look at, cinnamon in colour with an apron of long white hair on their chest. The vicuna produces one of the finest fibres of any animal in the world. We also visit an interesting indigenous community at the foot of the mountain where they have been successful in creating a responsible travel and tourism industry. We continue north to Quito. Overnight in Quito. Hotel Reina Isabel or similar. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 7 Quito: City Tour
Today we tour old Spanish Colonial Quito, preserved by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. As we enter the streets of Old Quito we step into the past, surrounded by centuries-old architecture. We stop at the commanding Legislative Palace, whose murals record Ecuador's history. We will see Quito's most beautiful religious buildings, including the cathedral, the Independence Plaza, San Francisco Church, and visit one of Quito's most impressive religious buildings, La Compania church whose ornate facade and solid gold altars make it one of the most famous of South American churches. We visit the famous Panecillo Hill with its towering winged statue of the Virgin of the Apocalypse with views of north and south of Quito and the surrounding mountains. This afternoon we travel 22 km (14 miles) north of Quito to the Equator line monument, known as the "middle of the world," where you can stand with one foot in the Northern and the other in the Southern Hemisphere. We also visit the excellent on-site ethnographic museum with exhibits pertaining to the many indigenous peoples of Ecuador.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to logistical reasons, this is a "floating day" that may occur at a different point of our programme. Overnight in Quito. Reina Isabel Hotel or similar. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 8 Quito - The Galapagos / Baltra & Bartolome islands
This morning we fly from Quito to Baltra Island and board our cruise vessel for our exploration of the unique and beautiful Galapagos Islands.* An archipelago of 12 large and several hundred smaller volcanic islands occupying a 4800 sq km (3,000 sq mile) area about 1000 km (650 miles) west of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands have become one of the world's premier adventure travel destinations. Over the course of your visit, you'll enjoy up-close views of unusual, specially-adapted animals, plants and terrains including sea lions, tortoises, iguanas, land and sea birds, volcanic landscapes, unusual cacti and vegetation. Little has changed about the islands since Charles Darwin's visit in 1835 to "this little world within itself" inspired his first theories of evolution. Nearly the entire archipelago is a natural sanctuary where you'll have thrilling encounters with some of the world's last completely untamed wildlife who have never learned to fear the presence of humans. We will be navigating the Galapagos on board the M/V Galapagos Legend, a 110-passenger luxury expedition ship totally converted in December 2001. The M/V Galapagos Legend has all-new passenger accommodations with 1800 sq m of social areas and was built with marine certified materials qualifying with Safety of Life at Sea specifications. All cabins are booked in outside 'superior' class with plenty of space for luggage in the wardrobe closet. Private bathrooms feature hot and cold water, shower, and a hair dryer. Also aboard, a highly trained crew, 24 hour physician, and naturalist multilingual guides. An auditorium for conferences, spacious social areas, dining room, 24 hour coffee bar, swimming pool and sun decks, observation platforms, cocktail bars, long distance calls, fully air conditioned. Upon arrival on Baltra Island, you will transfer to the ship, have lunch, and embark immediately for Bartolome Island and a dry landing (passengers step directly from a dinghy to rocks or a dock). Arriving at this island seems as if you were walking on the moon. The volcanic formations on this island include lava bombs, spatter cones, and cinder cones. There is a hike to the summit, aided by wooden steps, from where you will have an impressive view of the Islands, including Pinnacle Rock an eroded tuff cone. On your way to the top you have the possibility of admiring a large colony of marine iguanas and lava lizards. Among the flora you may find red mangroves and tequilla cacti. You will have free time for snorkelling and / or swimming from a beautiful sandy beach. Here you can spot Galapagos penguins, marine tortoises (January through March), and docile white-tipped sharks. Return to ship for passenger welcome and briefing; there is a presentation of the crew. At this time a safety drill is practiced. Free time on board. After dinner a guide's briefing on next day activities in the auditorium. * The operators reserve the right to alter or omit any part of an itinerary, and change the order of the places to be visited or move reservation without prior notice due to readjustment of National Park policies, seasonal changes, safety reasons, weather conditions or 'force majeur' which may dictate these changes. These decisions are oriented in terms of passenger safety and in the interest of the islands' conservation. We may also substitute vessels due to scheduled or unscheduled maintenance. Overnight Galapagos cruise. All meals.
Day 9 Galapagos Cruise / Fernandina & Isabela islands
Buffet Breakfast. Urbina Bay (Isabela): Isabela is the largest island in the Galapagos. Visitors learn more about the eruption of five volcanoes that flowed together to form this landmass. After a wet landing (passengers alight the tender into knee deep water with the assistance of crew) passengers will go towards the fossil beach and then to the coral area. On the way, depending on the season, it will be possible to observe many endemic species, such as: giant tortoises, land iguanas and flightless cormorants. After the walk we will have time for snorkeling. Return to ship; the crew will welcome you with canapes followed by lunch. Fernandina (Espinosa Point): After a dry landing at Espinosa Point, passengers will see the biggest marine iguanas mingling with sally-light foot crabs. They will also enjoy the flightless cormorants nesting sites, the Galapagos penguins, Galapagos hawks, and sea lions. Among the flora and volcanic formations observers will note brachycereus cactus, and two kinds of lava formations "pa-hoe-hoe" lava and "AA". Numerous mangrove beds extend into the sea, depicting a healthy and thriving eco-system. Return to ship; the crew will welcome you with canapes. Free time on board. Guides briefing on next day activities. Overnight Galapagos cruise. All meals.
Day 10 Galapagos Cruise / Santiago Island
Buffet Breakfast Santiago (Egas Port): After cruising through the Bolivar channel for a possible observation of whales and dolphins, we make a Panga ride and disembark to visit Egas Port on Santiago Island. We go for a medium-length walk in search land iguanas, orange-yellow in colour with large spines along their backs, as well as Flamingos and Oysterscatchers. Great possibilities for swimming and snorkelling where you can spot hammerhead sharks, white tipped sharks, Galapagos sharks, eels, groupers, and snappers. Return on board, the crew will welcome you with canapes. Lunch. Rabida (Jervis): We have a wet landing at the dark red-coloured beach of volcanic origin frequented by sea lions. It is often considered the geographic center of Galapagos because it has the most diversified volcanic rocks of all the Islands. A short trail leads to a saltwater lagoon, where you will occasionally find flamingos. July thru September is a good time of the year to observe how brown pelicans nest in the salty bushes found at the far side of the salty lagoon. Also to be observed are boobies and 9 species of Darwin's finches. Dinghy ride by the reefs and an excellent opportunity for snorkelling. Return on board, the crew will welcome you with canapes. Free time on board. Guides briefing on next day activities. Overnight Galapagos cruise. All meals.
Day 11 Galapagos Cruise / Santa Cruz Island
This morning we have the chance to investigate the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora, staffed with international scientists conducting biological research and conservation projects. Here you can also admire giant tortoises, part of the breeding program. Also travellers can admire the impressive Giant Prickly-Pear Cactus forest and many land birds. The visit to the station takes around 40 minutes. After this visit, passengers have some free time to walk around town and shop for souvenirs. Lunch. Santa Cruz (Highlands): You will have an option is to cross the highlands of Santa Cruz. Passengers will visit Cerro Chato. On this visit, you'll be able to observe the famous giant tortoises that gave the name to these islands. Additionally, travellers can walk in dormant lava tubes. Free time on the Island. Return to ship; the crew will welcome you with canapes. Free time on board. Guides briefing on next day activities in the auditorium. Overnight Galapagos cruise. All meals.
Day 12 Galapagos / Santa Cruz & Baltra islands - Quito
We arrive at Las Bachas beach in the north of Santa Cruz Island for a wet landing. Here you will encounter different sea birds, marine iguanas, sea turtles, etc. Passengers will have the opportunity to swim and snorkel from this white sand beach. Return to the M/V Galapagos Legend, check out and depart to the airport for our flight to Quito (via Guayaquil).
PLEASE NOTE: As an exception to our general policy regarding the inclusion of tips in our tour pricing, gratuities for the ship's crew are NOT included in tour price. (We have found that trying to pre-pay tips on your behalf is not practical, for a number of reasons). Accordingly, we suggest that you allow approximately USD 30 total per passenger for satisfactory service. Overnight in Quito. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 13 Departure
Departure from Quito. Breakfast. BUEN VIAJE!
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