Galapagos & Amazon family holiday
| country: | Ecuador, Galapagos Islands |
| departures: | 2009: 20 Dec 2010: 27 Mar, 24 Jul, 7 Aug, 18 Dec 2011: 9 Apr, 23 Jul, 13 Aug, 17 Dec |
| price: | From £2199 - £2749 (15 days) per adult and from £2099 - £2599 per child including flights from the UK. From £1549 - £1899 per adult and from £1549 - £1899 per child excluding flights. Local payment $110 USD. |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
the amazing things you'll be doing
A great overview of the whole of Ecuador including a land-based Galapagos Islands stay
Colonial Quito
Quito is one of the best-preserved colonial cities in the whole of Latin America. It has a delightful mix of narrow cobbled streets and fine colonial architecture for you to explore.
Otavalo Market
Travel north to the indigenous village of Otavalo to experience the sights and smells of an authentic Andean market. Admire the great scenery of the Sierra and enjoy walking along the shores of Lake Cuicocha.
The Amazon
This trip combines two of the most untamed places on earth: wild jungle and remote islands. The Amazon seems to be an endless green and silent world, but it is rich in wildlife and you will have fun trying to spot the animals.
The Galapagos
In the Galapagos, you enter a natural world where the local residents are not shy. You'll stay on the islands themselves, providing great opportunities to hike among the volcanoes or enjoy the stunning unexplored beaches. Boobies look up as you walk past their nests and sea lions actively seek you out as you snorkel. It's a great, fun world for the kids to explore.
Colonial Quito
Quito is one of the best-preserved colonial cities in the whole of Latin America. It has a delightful mix of narrow cobbled streets and fine colonial architecture for you to explore.
Otavalo Market
Travel north to the indigenous village of Otavalo to experience the sights and smells of an authentic Andean market. Admire the great scenery of the Sierra and enjoy walking along the shores of Lake Cuicocha.
The Amazon
This trip combines two of the most untamed places on earth: wild jungle and remote islands. The Amazon seems to be an endless green and silent world, but it is rich in wildlife and you will have fun trying to spot the animals.
The Galapagos
In the Galapagos, you enter a natural world where the local residents are not shy. You'll stay on the islands themselves, providing great opportunities to hike among the volcanoes or enjoy the stunning unexplored beaches. Boobies look up as you walk past their nests and sea lions actively seek you out as you snorkel. It's a great, fun world for the kids to explore.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Depart London After your flight you arrive in Quito where you transfer to your first night’s accommodation. You will be met and assisted by a representative from our local agent. Hotel - 2 nights |
| Day 2: | Quito Today you head out with a local guide to explore the colonial heart of the city. Quito has spread along a valley sandwiched in by volcanoes. The old colonial section has some fantastic buildings and churches, and from the foot of the angel on top of the Panecillo hill you get a fantastic view across the city. You continue to the Mitad del Mundo (centre of the earth) monument which marks the spot that in 1736 Charles-Marie de la Condamine declared to be the equator, according to his measurements. It is possible to see how water drains clockwise on one side of the equator and anti-clockwise on the other. Later you head back into Quito where the rest of the day is left free to further explore the city or to relax. (B) |
| Day 3: | Otavalo Today you drive north, where you’ll pass several of the impressive peaks of the Andes Mountains as you head the Otavalo region. (approx. 2 ½ hours) With the beauty of the surrounding mountains it is difficult not to have the desire to explore the area on foot. In the afternoon you’ll head up to Cuicocha, an eroded volcanic crater, and have the chance to walk around the deep blue lake. The length of the walk can be varied but normally takes a couple of hours. Please be aware that you will be at an altitude of 3000m on the walk. The scenery is fantastic and the diverse plant life attracts numerous bird species. Don’t be tempted to sample the blue berries you may see – they’re poisonous! Hotel – 1 night (B) |
| Day 4: | Quito Every day is market day in Otavalo, and craftsmen descend on the town to sell their wares. The industrious Otavalenos are always instantly recognisable due to their striking appearance: the pony-tailed men in their distinctive uniform of felt hat, navy and grey poncho, calf-length white cotton trousers and rope-soled alpargatas; the women in white blouses, dark skirts and necklaces of gold and coral. At the market it is possible to buy almost everything - from a chicken for the Sunday roast to a carpet for your front room. The market is a particularly good spot for traditional crafts. In the afternoon you return to Quito via the beautiful Monjada lakes. Hotel – 1 night (B) |
| Day 5: | Napo River You set off in a charter bus to cross the Papallacta Pass, which is the main route across the Andes from Quito. The pass is part of the Inca route and lies at an elevation of about 4064m. The Andean Condor is home at this altitude, so keep your eyes peeled for a sight of this magnificent bird. The drive to Tena, where we stop for a break takes approximately six hours. En route, there may be the opportunity to stop at the thermal springs of Papallacta (optional) and go for a swim. From Tena you continue by bus to Santa Rosa village (approx. 2 hours) where you board canoes for a short ride to your lodge. (approx. 30 minutes).Yacuma Lodge is situated on the shores of the Napo River. This is a spot for nature lovers: The bungalows are simple but comfortable, and you can enjoy the proximity of the unique rainforest habitat around you. Bungalows – 2 nights (BD) |
| Day 6: | Napo River After breakfast you will begin a trek of approximately three hours through the rainforest. Along the way an indigenous guide will show you the countless species of plants and describe their many medicinal purposes. With a little luck you will see monkeys and birds such as oropendolas and parrots. After lunch you will visit the Quechua indigenous community, where you will have the opportunity to learn about local customs and the way of life of the native people of the jungle. Later in the afternoon you may like to enjoy a refreshing swim in the river or try your hand at fishing. (BLD) |
| Day 7: | Banos After breakfast you head back on your return journey along the Napo River to San Pedro, where you’ll rejoin your bus and drive south towards the steamy provincial capital of Puyo. On a clear day, the view is simply staggering: the Andes rise like a solid wall above the green tree canopy and a line of snow capped peaks poke through the clouds which shroud them. A long, uphill climb through the incredibly beautiful, waterfall draped canyon of the Rio Pastaza brings you to Baños. This pleasant spa town attracts many Ecuadorians, who are drawn by its balmy climate, curative waters and the cathedral, whose Miraculous Virgin is believed to protect the inhabitants from the active volcano of Tungurahua which overlooks it. Today is a long journey of around 9 hours driving time. Hotel - 1 night (B) |
| Day 8: | Cotopaxi National Park / Quito The journey begins with a three hour drive along the Pan-American Highway, also known as “The Avenue of the Volcanoes”, to Cotopaxi National Park. You can simply enjoy the views of the world’s highest active volcano and its natural surroundings or take a pleasant one hour trek to the José Rivas refuge at 4800m above sea level. Afterwards you enjoy a delicious picnic lunch next to Limpiopungo Lake. From here you return to Quito for the night. Hotel – 1 night (BL) |
| Day 9: | Galápagos / Baltra We transfer from the hotel to Quito airport (approx. 30 min) where we catch a flight to Baltra. On arrival on Baltra we choose a nice spot for lunch. Afterwards you visit the renowned Charles Darwin Research Station, established in 1961 at Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island where all scientific research is co-ordinated and the wildlife guides are trained. You will be asked to pay a USD10 transit fee at Quito airport. Unfortunately the leader cannot accompany you into the departure hall but the process is relatively straightforward. Hotel – 1 night (BD) |
| Day 10: | Santa Cruz / Isabela Island After breakfast you will navigate on a private boat to Isabela Island, one of the biggest in the Galapagos Archipelago. The boat trip will last for about three hours and with luck you will spot dolphins, sea turtles, sea lions, and other marine wildlife. On arrival in Puerto Villamil you will be transferred to your Hotel. In the afternoon you visit the Galapagos Turtles Rearing Centre. Here you can learn about the efforts of the National Park to preserve this fantastic animal species. Later on you will visit the place known as the “Wall of Tears”, which was built by the first inhabits of the Island, prisoners of the penal colony that existed in Isabela Island from 1944 until 1954. In the afternoon you have free time to enjoy the beach. Hotel – 2 nights. (BLD) |
| Day 11: | Vulcano Sierra Negra / Chico Volcano / Isabela Island It’s an early morning start to catch our transport up to the highlands of Isabela Island. After arriving at the National Park check point an easy hike takes you up to the rim of the crater of the Sierra Negra volcano. This crater is considered the second largest in the world (approximately 9½km diameter) and it is one of the most impressive examples of the volcanic activity in the Islands. At the bottom of the crater you can observe a fresh lava flow from the last eruption of this volcano which occurred in 2005. Later on you continue hiking until you reach the volcanic fissure known as “Chico” Volcano where it is possible to observe the fumaroles. We return to our starting point by late afternoon and drive back to Puerto Villamil. (BLD) |
| Day 12: | Puerto Ayora After breakfast you board a private boat towards the small city of Puerto Ayora. After a break for lunch break you walk to Tortuga Bay (“Turtle Bay”) which has one of the most beautiful beaches in the Galapagos. The long beach is composed of fine white sand and is backed by an extensive area of dunes. This is a great spot to relax and enjoy the beach. We return to Puerto Ayora late in the afternoon. Hotel – 1 night (BLD) |
| Day 13: | Quito In the morning you are transferred to the airport in Baltra for your flight back to Quito. On arrival in Quito you will be transferred to your hotel. You have the afternoon free here to explore or relax. (B) |
| Day 14: | Overnight flight to London This morning, the trip ends for Land Only clients. Those on our group flights will be transferred to the airport for an overnight flight to London via Houston. (B) |
| Day 15: | Arrive in London Arrive in London |
small group family holiday
This is a 'small group family adventure' - typically you will join several other families and travel in a group of approx. 16 people. The trips are great value and a great way for you and your children to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of time to yourselves. Most adventure kids tend to be aged between 7 and 15, but some are younger (minimum age is usually 5) and some older (perhaps travelling as part of a larger family group). Please check with the operator to confirm the minimum age for this trip how this holiday makes a difference
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We stay in small locally run hotels and lodges and eat in local restaurants. We use a local agent in Ecuador and the Galapagos, as well as local drivers and a local Group Leader. This fulfils part of our commitment to make a positive contribution to the local economy and is the best way of ensuring that our money reaches as many people as possible. Local overseas leaders offer a great way to find out more about the local culture, speak the language, understand the day-to-day life around them and help to ‘open doors’ to a fuller experience. Our agent operates in a responsible manner and is committed to preserving the area in which they work. Whilst staying in Quito you’ll visit Centro de Rescate Amazoonico, a centre for jungle animals that have been rescued, often from people trying to sell them. We also visit an Amazon village with the possibility of visiting a local house and school. This provides valuable extra income that helps sustain traditional culture and provides a shared insight into traditional Amazonian life.
Our Responsible Travel Code Clients who travel with us will automatically receive a copy of our Responsible Travel leaflet. This contains details and advice on how you can make a positive difference when you travel. If you would like a copy in advance of travel please contact us. Charity Partnerships The Born Free Foundation is an international wildlife charity that helps animals in need around the world through animal rescues, anti-poaching, support for animal sanctuaries, endangered species conservation, education and public awareness. We ask clients to use their Travellers’ Alert function to which you can report cruelty to animals worldwide and also we visit Ngamba Island, a Born Free supported Chimpanzee Sanctuary, on our Uganda trips. We also support Friends of Conservation – an international charity committed to working with local people to develop a balance between their needs and the wildlife with which they share the natural habitat and ecosystems. Carbon Balancing We offset all of our staff travel, both for commuting to work and overseas trips. We also pay £2 per person to partially offset the carbon used in the destination that they are travelling to. We think that offsetting carbon should be a choice made by the individual traveller therefore we ask clients if they would like to augment this £2 with a further contribution. Similarly we ask if you would like to offset your flights – we have set bandings given to us by our Carbon balancing partners - Blue Ventures Carbon Offset and Climate Care. The Foundation We ask our clients if they would like to donate to our Foundation. Small donations of £1 per person build up quickly and we are able to give one off donations to various small-scale projects worldwide. Recently these have included installing heating in a school in the High Atlas, Morocco, providing school equipment for a new school building in the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon and providing playground equipment for children at a community centre in northern Tanzania. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |