ACTVE SPORT

Galapagos and Amazon Program

Itinerary and Photo Gallery

Duration: 11 days

Day 1 (includes lunch and dinner)

Arrival in Quito. Pick up from airport and transfer to hotel. Depending on arrival time, lunch and free afternoon to rest. After dinner briefing about the program by our tour leader. For people arriving early in the morning, we will visit the Middle of the World Monument to visit the IntiÑam museum and observe several experiments that prove we are in the middle of the world. In mid afternoon we return to the hotel to rest and recover from the long trip.

Day 2 (includes breakfast, lunch and dinner)

After breakfast we will drive to the Amazon. On our way we will cross two mountain chains and will drive though seven different climate floors. Depending on weather we will see some volcanoes and will try food specialties on the way. On the way to the Amazon, we will reach a town called Papallacta, on top of the Andes, where we will come down the bus, and ride down into the amazon road for approx. 30 km. We will have 2 vehicles following in case people get tired and want to go back to the bus. Also, with help of local police we will make sure road is clear in the sectors where we will be riding. During the ride you will admire change in vegetation, waterfalls, rivers and beautiful landscape. We will reach the town of Baeza, where we gather together, have lunch at a typical restaurant and continue by bus towards Huasquila Amazon Lodge. Arrive at Huasquila Amazon Lodge (accessible) around 3:00 pm, welcome cocktail and briefing. Rest of the afternoon to recover form the ride, enjoy the pool and jacuzzi (manual lift access).

Day 3 (includes breakfast, lunch and dinner)

After breakfast we will visit the indigenous community of Rukullacta, where we will have the opportunity to interact with the natives, learn their costumes, observe them prepare their food, perform some dances and for the most adventurous get a cleansing of the body and soul done by an indigenous doctor (shaman). Lunch at Huasquila and in the afternoon we will visit a local zoo, where they host some of the typical amazon animals. The zoo also works as a animal recovering center for illegal animal trade. Dinner at Huasquila.

Day 4 (includes breakfast, lunch and dinner)

In the morning we will travel to the Anzu river (1 hour drive), where we will take a raft in a very calm river (class II). We will start our adventure of going down the river admiring the Amazon nature on each side of the river. During the trip we can stop at several points of interest to take pictures and relax in the river. Even though the river is very calm, of course we will raft down the river with several kayakers at all time for safety reasons. We will finish our journey around 3:00 pm and start our way back to the lodge. Dinner and rest of the evening for chatting at the lodge (play games, cards, etc) enjoying a delicious tropical juice, beer or wine.

Day 5 (includes breakfast, lunch and dinner)

We will go for a quick walk/hike trough secondary rain forest. For this activity we will use an off road wheelchair to enter the path. If for any reason we can not do the activity, a local native guide will bring the medicinal plants from the hike to show us at the lodge area the different uses of the plants. After lunch we will visit the towns of Archidona and Tena, to intereact with locals, learn a typical afternoon in a small town in the amazon. There is no agenda for the afternoon, just to be part of their regular day, and get a vibe of how their life is. Return to the lodge for dinner and enjoy our last night at the Amazon.

Day 6 (includes breakfast, lunch and dinner)

After breakfast we will drive back towards Quito. On the way we will make a 2 hour stop for lunch at one of Ecuador´s hot spot for birdwatching. The views of the landscape from this area are simply magnificent. We will arrive to Quito at lunch time and we will visit Fundacion AM-EN, which is a horse back riding center for people with disabilities. We will have a horse back riding assisted lesson, interact with local people with disabilities, most of them are children of humble origins, with their mothers, so we can learn a little bit of their way of living. We will have some games to interact, get to know each other and have a good time. Lunch at Fundacion AM-EN. In the afternoon we will check in at Quito´s hotel and prepare for the Galapagos trip.

Day 7 (includes breakfast, lunch and dinner)

We will leave towards Galapagos Islands. We arrive at San Cristóbal around lunch time. After lunch we will take a hike towards Cerro Las Tijeretas, where local colonies of blue footed boobies, frigates and pelicans can be spotted. There is a nice landscape from this location. Return to San Cristobal for dinner.

Day 8 (includes breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Today we will be safely transfer into kayaks. We will go to observe lava tunnels always with the observation of the sea lions. On the way we will cross through blue footed boobies colonies as well. A professional kayaker will join you (2 persons per kayak). After lunch we will go back to the hotel and the afternoon we will spend it at a location called La Loberia where sea lions, marine tortoises, marine iguanas and birds can be spotted. In case you are interested, you can snorkel at this location.

Day 9 (includes breakfast, lunch and dinner)

After breakfast we will drive across the Island to the Galapaguera. There we will see the famous Galapagos Turtles. On our way back we will stop at La Soledad town in the upper part of the island, where we will learn the efforts for conservation with a local reforestation project. Also, from here, we will ride back to San Cristobal town (Puerto Baquerizo Moreno) for approx. 20 km. and finish the ride at Playa Man beach, where there is a colony of sea lions. Time to rest at the beach. Dinner and last night at San Cristobal.

Day 10 (includes breakfast, lunch and dinner)

After breakfast you will have a couple of hours to visit the Environmental Communication Centre where we will learn about the Island´s history, learn the most important facts about the conservation and hazards of the Islands. Around 1:00 pm we take our flight back to Quito. Arrive to Quito around 4:00 pm. Arrive to Quito and private ballet show presentation, followed by last dinner with pictures of the entire tour.

Day 11 (includes breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Departure

The price includes:

• All tours and activities specified in program
• Accommodations specified in program
• All entrance fees during tours and activities specified in program
• All meals specified in program
• Transportation specified in program

 

The price doesn’t include:

• International airfares and airport taxes
• Any expenses not specified in program (personal expenses, alcoholic beverages, souvenirs, laundry, etc)
• Equipment rental or supply (if necessary)
• Personal insurance
• Any medical expenses