Compare Ecuador & Its Galápagos Islands by Avalon Waterways vs Ecuador in 11 days - Private Amazon & Galapagos Experience - Charm by Exoticca
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 8 days | 11 days |
| Price From | $ 5,869 | $ 2,899 |
| Price Per Day | $ 734 | $ 264 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | River cruise | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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| Flights & Transport | No | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | 10 breakfasts and Full-Board in Amazon. |
| Description | This exciting cruise vacation lets you sample the natural wonders of Ecuador and its Galápagos Islands. Enjoy guided sightseeing in Quito and have your photo taken at the “Center of the World.” You’ll also explore one of the oldest streets in Quito to visit with local artists, taste some Ecuadorian chocolate at a chocolate factory, and visit a nature reserve. Before taking to the sea, a highlight of your trip will be a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about conservation efforts for the giant tortoises. Then, embark on an exciting 4-night cruise among various Galápagos Islands on the recently refurbished Treasure of Galápagos. Have your camera ready as your Naturalist points out colonies of sea lions, pelicans, albatross, several species of Darwin’s finches, marine iguanas, flamingos, masked boobies, blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, storm petrels, short-eared owls, and other birds. Each day venture to a new island which is home to species found nowhere else in the world! During your cruise, you’ll also have a chance to snorkel in the tropical waters and perhaps get a look at sea turtles, sharks, and rays. A remarkable cruise adventure! |
Discover Ecuador on an unforgettable private journey from the tropical Amazon rainforest to the wildlife-rich Galapagos Islands. Touch down in Quito, the historic Andean capital, before exploring the amazing Amazon in Tena. The island of San Cristobal is your gateway to the Galapagos Islands as you search for blue-footed boobies and sea turtles, before ending your adventure in Guayaquil. |
Day 1: ARRIVE IN QUITO, ECUADOR
Bienvenido a Ecuador! South America’s Most Biodiverse Country
Take free time today to relax and prepare for your upcoming Galápagos adventure or walk through the historic city to sample ceviche or helado (Latin-American ice cream). Dine out tonight or ask about the best clubs for music and dancing.
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Day 2: QUITO
A Gold Altar, Artistic Avenues, and Two Hemispheres in One Day
DISCOVERY Travel through the Tandayapa Valley to the Andean Chocó cloud forest and nature reserve. The Alambi Reserve, renowned for bird watching, is home to more than 250 species of birds, including 30 different hummingbirds. While here, visit the hummingbird garden to observe these characteristic birds in their natural habitat.
CLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Quito that showcases the colonial city’s historic sites, including the impressive Legislative Palace with its enormous, sculpted mural of Ecuadorean history. You’ll also see Independence Plaza and visit the 16th-century San Francisco Monastery, and La Compañía Church—the exquisite Jesuit cathedral with its spectacular Spanish baroque architecture—more than 160 years in the making. DISCOVERY Take a Guided Walk down Calle La Ronda—one of Quito’s oldest streets—with a wealth of artist’s workshops and galleries where you’ll meet local artists and learn about their original works. Later, visit a local chocolate factory for a tour and a tasting to discover why Ecuador is one of the world’s finest chocolate producers.CLASSIC Your day in Quito ends with a Guided Excursion to the Ciudad Mitad del Mundo—a monument to the Equator—the “middle of the world”. Stand in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres at the same time at the exact location of the Earth’s Equator. Observe the equatorial effects of the dual-spiraling directions of water and balancing eggs on end.This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a famed local restaurant with delicious regional cuisine.
(Breakfast,Dinner)
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Day 3: BALTRA–GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS (EMBARKATION)–SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
The Theory of Evolution—and Giant Babies
This morning, take a flight to the Galápagos Island of Baltra where you’ll embark on your five-day cruise aboard the Treasure of Galápagos.
DISCOVERY Join your naturalist on a Guided Excursion to Santa Cruz Island to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station— established to help conserve the Galápagos’ natural habitat and protect the famous giant tortoises. While here, learn about the tortoise-rearing program and see many of the various islands’ tortoises.Later on board your ship, join in a briefing of the next day’s adventures, and enjoy a Captain’s welcome with cocktails and dinner.
NOTE: The ship’s itinerary may vary according to Galápagos National Park policies and regulations, weather conditions, and seasonal changes to create the perfect cross-section of sites visited.
(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 4: SANTIAGO ISLAND
Volcanoes, Marine Life, and Lunar Landscapes
DISCOVERY This morning, you will find yourself anchored in the western-central part of the archipelago where volcanoes are still active, attributing to the dramatic scenery. Take a Naturalist Led Excursion of Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island where you will walk on newly formed (less than 100 years ago) lava flows reminiscent of the lunar landscape. You can catch sight of lava lizards, marine iguanas, Sally Lightfoot crabs, and even the Galápagos penguin.This afternoon, cruise to Bartolomé Island.
BARTOLOMÉ ISLAND
Hike the Summit, Snorkel, and Swim
ACTIVE Take a Guided Hike to Bartolome’s 114-meter summit for spectacular panoramic views of the region with two beautiful bays and fascinating formations of lava flows and spatter cones, including the iconic Pinnacle Rock. Later, take a snorkel and swim off the beach here—home to playful sea lions, Pacific green turtles, white tip reef sharks, and Galápagos penguins.(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 5: NORTH SEYMOUR ISLAND
Masterful Marine Iguanas and Birds of a Different Color
CLASSIC Take a Naturalist-Led Excursion to see colonies of remarkable bird species, including blue-footed boobies, great frigate birds, and magnificent frigate birds—with its inflated red chest and nearly 7-foot wingspread. Watch for gulls and herons of all assortments.ACTIVE Take a Guided Snorkeling Excursion in the aqua blue waters just off North Seymour Island’s shore—teeming with sea lions and amphibious marine iguanas—found only in the Galápagos.This afternoon, cruise for the sandy island of Mosquera Islet.
MOSQUERA ISLET
A Sea Lion Haven of White Coral Sand
DISCOVERY Take a Guided Walk on the white coral beaches to the islands’ largest congregation of Galápagos sea lions. You’ll see a wide variety of shore birds reflecting the island’s amazing biodiversity—from the deep-gray lava gull to the yellow-crowned night heron.(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 6: SOUTH PLAZA ISLAND
Tracing Darwin’s Footsteps and Audubon’s Muses
DISCOVERY This morning, take a Naturalist-Led Excursion to South Plaza Island to observe wildlife, including sea lions, land iguanas, marine iguanas, and hybrid iguanas (only found on this island and a result of a cross between land and marine iguanas). You will see blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, frigate birds, swallow-tailed gulls, Audubon’s shearwaters, and many other species.This afternoon, cruise to Cerro Brujo on San Cristobal Island.
SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND
Blue Herons, Blue Lagoons, and a Sleeping Lion
ACTIVE Take a Guided Walk at the site where Charles Darwin first visited the Galápagos. See the volcanic remains of magnificent Kicker Rock—also called León Dormido (Sleeping Lion). Walk beside one of the island’s blue lagoons to see a number of migratory birds, including pelicans and great blue herons.(Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
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Day 7: GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS (DISEMBARKATION)–SAN CRISTOBAL–QUITO
The Geological Genesis of a Magical Archipelago
DISCOVERY This morning, cruise to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno for a Naturalist Guided Tour of the San Cristobal Interpretation Center. You’ll learn about the Galápagos’ fascinating volcanic origins, remote location, climate, and the arrival of diverse species that inspire both imagination and science.This afternoon, you’ll say farewell to the magical islands of Galápagos and fly to Quito. This evening, spend free time relaxing or enjoy one of Quito’s many fine restaurants.
(Breakfast)
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Day 8: QUITO
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
(Breakfast)
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Day 1: US - Quito
Arrive at your US departure airport, ready for a flight to Quito. Arrive in Quito, the capital of Ecuador and a city famed for its high vantage point in the Andean mountains and its ancient Incan significance. Private transfer to your hotel and overnight stay in Quito. If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.
Day 2: Quito
Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day in Quito at your leisure taking some time to enjoy the beautiful climate and natural environment. We recommend enjoying our excursion to Otavalo* or booking our Pack of 3 Excursions**. Overnight stay in Quito. * Optional Otavalo Tour: Otavalo is the capital of Cantón and is a predominantly indigenous city in the Imbabura province of Ecuador. The city has about 90,000 inhabitants and is surrounded by the peaks of Imbabura, Cotacachi, and the Mojanda volcanoes. You will be transported by your private driver and will enjoy tasting custard apples and biscuits before heading to visit Cotacachi and Cuicocha. ** Optional Experience Ecuador - Pack of 3 Excursions: Experience Ecuador to the fullest with this pack of three excursions. Visit the famous Quilotoa Crater Lake on an excursion through the Andean Mountains to discover the local culture and natural wonders of the Andes. In the Galapagos Islands, enjoy an authentic cooking class on Playa Mann in San Cristobal, known for its population of sea lions, to learn the secrets of the local cuisine. Finally, take a tour of Puerto el Morro in Guayaquil to visit a natural dolphin reserve, accompanied by a professional biologist guide.
Day 3: Quito - Tena - Amazon
Breakfast at the hotel. Set off into the Ecuadorian highlands and down into the rainforest, headed for Tena, in the Amazon. Continue through verdant landscapes towards the lodge, in the heart of the jungle. Along the way, you'll stop in Guango Lodge, where you'll see many species of hummingbirds. Arrive at the Amazon Lodge in time for dinner and enjoy a night-walk to admire the nocturnal wildlife as the rainforest comes to life after sundown. Overnight stay in the Amazon. Note: Activities in the Lodge are shared with other guests.
Day 4: Amazon
Seize the day and awake early for a short canoe ride upriver to visit the Parrot Saladero, a unique place where parrots and parakeets gather in order to obtain the minerals that help them to digest the fruits or seeds they eat. Hundreds of parrots descend to the clay wall to eat the mineral-rich soil. Return to the lodge for breakfast before heading out for a nature walk through the rainforest. In the afternoon, after lunch, visit an Amazonian Kichwa community to learn about their way of life and the interaction they have with the forest. Try a traditional fermented cassava drink and some of their traditional dishes. The visit ends with a traditional dance performed by the children of the community. Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay. Note: Activities in the Lodge are shared with other guests.
Day 5: Amazon - Tena - Quito
After breakfast at the lodge, return to Tena and continue your journey, heading back towards the capital. At your arrival, meet a local guide who will take you on a fascinating guided tour of some most emblematic sights of Quito. Explore the Historic Center, declared a World Heritage Site for its great beauty, and also discover the city's traditional market where you can taste a great variety of tropical fruits grown in Ecuador. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay in Quito.
Day 6: Quito - Galapagos (San Cristobal)
Breakfast at the hotel. Depart to the airport this morning for a flight to the Galapagos Islands, a true wonder of nature known for its immense biodiversity! San Cristobal is the easternmost Galapagos island and is home to a rich array of unique wildlife, such as blue and red-footed boobies, marine iguanas and Galapagos sea lions. It's also the island that Charles Darwin first explored during his research into the islands. Upon arrival, private transfer to the hotel. Then, you'll have free time to explore the beautiful San Cristobal island on your own. Overnight stay in San Cristobal.
Day 7: Galapagos (San Cristobal)
Breakfast at the hotel. Today enjoy a private tour to the Interpretation Center & Tijeretas. There, you will get to know more about the formation of the islands, the arrival of humans and the importance of conservation. Then, during the 2 hours hike, you will find gorgeous views along the way and also a small cove in which you can snorkel. The rest of the day you be at your leasure. Overnight stay in San Cristobal.
Day 8: Galapagos (San Cristobal)
After breakfast at the hotel, the day is free for you to explore the Galapagos at your own. Overnight stay in San Cristobal.
Day 9: Galapagos (San Cristobal)
Breakfast at the hotel. Time at your leisure to continue discovering the island. We recommend you to visit some of the unhabitated islands around, you can book it at destiantion. Overnight stay in San Cristobal.
Day 10: Galapagos (San Cristobal) - Guayaquil
Breakfast at the hotel. Head back to the mainland, with a flight from San Cristobal airport. Arrive in Guayaquil, and join a private transfer to your hotel in the city centre. Guayaquil is the largest city in Ecuador and is located on the Pacific Coast. Later, enjoy a walking tour of the city, visiting the Malecon, Paque Iguanas and Las Peñas neighbourhood. Overnight stay in Guayaquil.
Day 11: Guayaquil - Night on board
Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, private transfer to the airport for a flight back to the US. Night on board. Please note: Depending on the flight departure time you may arrive back in the US today.
Day 12: US
Arrive in the US and end your trip.
