Explore small towns, villages and markets of the Andes immersing into local culture, tradition and folk art, explore volcanic craters, peaks and hotsprings, learn about cloud forests and orchids withlocal experts, 4 days exploring the Galapagos Islands with an expert Naturalist, visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station and encountering totally unique wildlife and environs
Room Prices
- From$3699USD Standard Twin
- From$3899USD Suite Double
- From$3999USD Deluxe Double
- From$3999USD Deluxe Twin
Straddle the equator, spot birds in pristine cloud forest, mingle with the revolutionary wildlife of the Galapagos—this trip combines our ‘Ecuador Volcanoes and Cloud Forest’ (SECVD) adventure with three nights aboard our deluxe catamaran in the Galapagos Archipelago. It’s the complete introduction to Ecuador. You’ll stay in unique accommodations like a historic hacienda and a cloud forest lodge and an expert Discovery Adventures guide is there to explain what you’re seeing. On the boat, you can also count on an expert Level III naturalist, a cruise director and included wetsuits. We’ve thought of everything except which week you’re coming.
What's Included
- Welcome gift - Introductory Spanish lesson - Visit to Calderón Village and San Pablo Lake - 2 nights in an historic Hacienda - Visit to Otavalo handicraft market - Boat tour on Cuicocha Lake volcanic crater - Visit to the "Mitad del Mundo" monument at the Equator line - 2 nights in a cloud forest lodge near Mindo with guided walks for birdwatching - Visit an orchid farm - Entrance and overnight at the Papallacta hot springs - 3 nights in Galapagos Islands with daily excursions and wildlife viewing - Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station - Daily opportunities for swimming and snorkeling - Flights to and from the Galapagos Islands - Snorkeling equipment and wetsuit onboard the Galapagos catamaran.
- 11 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners (Allow USD225-275 for meals not included.)
- Comfort hotels (4 nts), historic hacienda (2 nts), cloud forest lodge (2 nts), your choice while on board the g6 of Deluxe cabins with private balcony (both twin share and double available), a Suite (double) and Standard twin share cabins all with en suite bathrooms (3 nts).
- Private van, boat, plane, deluxe catamaran, van, zodiacs, walking
- Discovery Adventures guide, cruise director and Discovery Adventures level III naturalist guide (certified by the Galapagos National Park) while aboard the Galapagos catamaran.
- Small group experience; Max 16, Avg 12
Places Visited
- Ecuador
- Galapagos
Day 1 Quito
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included.
Days 2-3 Otavalo (2B)
Introductory Spanish lesson then travel to the Otavalo area with stops at Calderón Village and San Pablo Lake. Visit the famous handicraft market and stay in an historic hacienda this evening. On day 3, visit Cuicocha Lake for a boat ride in a volcanic crater before visiting Cotacachi, a town famous for its traditional leather wares. Option for horseback riding and shopping.
Days 4-5 Mindo (2B)
Travel to the "Mitad del Mundo" monument at the Equator line before continuing on to our cloud forest Lodge near Mindo. While here visit an orchid farm with a local expert and take a guided walk with a naturalist to spot birds. Optional visit to the butterfly farm.
Days 6-7 Papallacta/Quito (2B,1D)
Continue to Papallacta, for on-site hot springs and optional spa treatments and hiking. Plenty of time to relax and enjoy the mountain views before returning to Quito for a special dinner on day 7.
Days 8-10 Galapagos Islands (3B,3L,3D)
Fly to Galapagos and transfer to the boat. Visit several islands to view the abundant wildlife and enjoy the scenery. Daily excursions from the boat with our naturalist guide to learn about the natural history and wildlife and visit the Charles Darwin Research station to see the Giant Land Tortoises. Daily opportunities for swimming and snorkelling.
Day 11 Santa Cruz / Quito (B)
Disembark in Puerto Ayora and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to see the giant Galapagos tortoises. Fly back to Quito.
Day 12 Quito (B)
Depart at any time.
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