South & Central America Brochure

78 Ecuador & Galapagos

79 Ecuador & Galapagos

Unique Stays, Adventurous Days

V illa resorts surround tropical beaches, and five-star skyscrapers dominate cities - but where do you stay in the rainforest? When you go to Ecuador, that’s easy. Experience the Amazon from thatched roof lodges that can only be reached by river. Eat gourmet food in private camps, where the biggest impact of adventures is reserved for you, not the environment. And what’s the best way to explore the habitats of the Galapagos? Guided car, bus and boat journeys carry you around the main islands.

CITY

FOODIE

EXPLORE

NATURE

SUSTAINABLE

SCENIC

QUITO CITY TOUR & COOKING CLASS Walk through Quito’s main plaza to see the Government Palace, La Compañia and the San Francisco Monastery. Then, on La Ronda Street, learn about traditional work in colonial Quito. Head to Altamira restaurant for the cooking class, where you will get to prepare traditional dishes and then savour them. The final stop is a chocolate sampling, but first, enjoy a guided tour to understand the history of cocoa in Ecuador. Includes: transfers, English-speaking guide and lunch

CLOUD FOREST EL MONTE LODGE

The El Monte Lodge is located just outside the town of Mindo, recognised as a world-class bird watching site and located in the cloud forest. Spend three days at the lodge getting to know the area. Visit ‘Cock of the Rock’, a place where many birds come to feed, hopefully see Choco Toucan and Crimson Rumped Toucanets. Tony’s House is another great spot and is where you can see many hummingbird species. Includes: Transfers, 2 nights’ accommodation, meals and excursions

WILDLIFE SCENIC ACTIVE

ACTIVE WILDLIFE EXPLORE

WILDLIFE CULTURE EXPLORE

SUSTAINABLE RELAX EXPLORE

NAPO WILDLIFE CENTER

LA SELVA LODGE

SANTA CRUZ ISLAND ADVENTURE

ISABELA ISLAND EXPLORATION

Take a 30-minute flight from Quito to the town of Coca. The adventure starts as you head to the jungle lodge by boat. Over the next four days, enjoy stunning views as you experience a host of activities, including a hike to the Kichwa Añangu community. See hundreds of colourful birds from the canopy observation tower and head out on another hike to see animals such as lizards, monkeys and snakes. Includes: transfers from Coca, 3 nights’ accommodation, excursions and meals

From Quito, take a short flight to Coca, then transfer to the port and head to La Selva Lodge by boat. Over the next few days, enjoy activities, learn about the local flora and fauna from knowledgeable guides, see different mammals and birds on the Charapa Trail, enjoy a night canoe tour to spot nocturnal animals, experience the natural spectacle called the Parrot Clay Lick and explore the colourful butterfly farm. Includes: transfers from Coca, 3 or 4 nights’ accommodation, excursions and meals

A great add-on if you are short on time but want to experience some of the Galapagos. Stay on Santa Cruz Island in Puerto Ayora and enjoy a selection of excursions. Visit the giant tortoises in their natural habitat, see many species of birds, including Darwin’s finches, Galapagos doves and cattle egret, and head out on a boat trip to remote islands in search of unique wildlife and stunning coastlines. Includes: transfers on arrival in Baltra Island, 2 nights’ accommodation and excursions

Add this trip to your South America itinerary for a taste of the Galapagos. Staying on Isabela Island, enjoy a selection of excursions. Visit the small islands of Tintoreras to see sea lions, turtles and rays, hike to the rim of Sierra Negra Crater and feel like you’re on another planet at Volcan Chico. Bike through the Wetlands Trail, see the Wall of Tears and snorkel at Concha de Perla to see colourful fish. Includes: transfers on arrival in Isabela Island, 3 nights’ accommodation and excursions

OUT THERE MADE EASY

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