22 Day - Ecuadorian Amazon and Galapagos Islands Wildlife Adventure

6 May 2010 to 27 May 2010

Enquire to register your interest or Secure your place now - Bookings by deposit accepted below - maximum twelve persons

Join a group of like minded travellers to join a 'Darwin's' experience to the Galapagos islands and Ecuador.

From the bird filled Ecuadorian rainforest to the heights of the second largest volcanic crater in the world, to the depths of the enriched and unexplored waters of Galapagos, our carefully planned Multi Activity tour is a must for all lovers of outdoor adventure and wildlife. Whether you are watching or diving with harmless sharks, playful sea lions, giant manta rays, or just enjoying the company of the Giant Galapagos Tortoise our 22 day Adventure tour is guaranteed to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Lonesome George

We operate this tour in conjunction with a fellow Kiwi based in Ecuador to provide a great adventure that suits the tastes of Kiwis and Aussies. With his assistance we have created this adventure at a very competitive price.  Galapagos is one of life's "must do's" if you have an interest (or obsession) with wildlife, we would welcome you joining us. An overnight stopover in Quito is requred in both directions and a Peru extension is available and can be arranged as an add-on to this journey. We can arrange altered airline departure dates if you wish to linger longer in South America once our tour is complete.

Please email an enquiry or any questions about our Galapagos tour, or secure your place now by booking now. A 10% deposit is taken when your reservation is accepted - The tour is restricted to a maximum twelve persons on a first booked basis. The cost covers all transport accommodation and most meals

Rates & Information

Surfing & Diving options
If you are a diver or surfer ask about opportunities to surf what are considered to be some of the best waves in Latin America. San Cristóbal Island especially and Isabela Island offer world-class surf throughout the year. There will also be oportunities to dive at Leon Dormido - Kicker Rock where tropical fish, Galapagos Shark, Batfish, Occasional Scalloped Hammerhead Shark, Eagle and Golden Rays, Moray eels, Green sea turtles, stingrays, barracuda, triggerfish, boxfish, frogfish, and plenty more are seen !

ITINERARY

Day 1 6 May 2010 - Flights (NZ/Chile/Ecuador)
(included : flight meals - overnight Quito hotel) 2pm - Assemble at the Auckland International terminal Lan Chile check in area. Meet rest of group before departure at 4.40pm. After 11.5 hours flight we arrive Santiago at 12.10pm (the same day) then connect with Santiago 2.55pm flight to Quito arriving 8.50pm (flight time 5.15 hours) Welcome to one of the highest capital cities in the world, Quito. On arrival in quito an Elm wildlife tour representative will meet you and transport the group to your hotel where a welcome letter including itinerary will contain useful information on things to do and see, in and around Quito. Overnight Quito hotel.The following day we depart for our Amazonian Ecuador adventure. FLIGHTS 6 May 4:40PM Depart AUCKLAND LAN Chile LA800 6 May 12:10PM Arrive SANTIAGO Connecting FLIGHT 6 May 2:55PM Depart SANTIAGO LAN Ecuador LA1446 6 May 8:50PM Arrive QUITO
Day 2 7 May 2010 - QUITO to ANANGUCOCHA LAKE
(Included : Lunch & Dinner - Overnight Napo Lodge ) AMAZON RAINFOREST LODGE - Fly to Coca and start 4D/3Nt Amazon excursion at Napo lodge. The Napo Wildlife Center, NWC Amazon Lodge, is the greatest and ultimate alternative luxury eco-hotel in Amazonian Ecuador. This ecotourism project includes the conservation of approximately 21,400 hectares of the most pristine Amazon Rain Forest , a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the largest tract of tropical rain forest in Ecuador.The lodge is located by the Anangucocha lake, within the ancestral territory of the Anangu Quichua people. From Quito, a 30 minute flight to Coca over the eastern Andes mountain range we have a 5 min transfer in local chiva (hired bus) or local taxi from airport to Port Francisco de Orellana to embark on a comfortable covered motor boat. Here we start a 2 ½ hour canoe ride along the Napo river. Along the way birds like herons, kingfishers and others can be spotted. After arriving at NWC’s we then take a majestic and peaceful 1 ½ hours dugout canoe ride surrounded by trees overhead, paddling along a narrow creek that connects to the lake where the lodge is located. Good possibilities of monkeys sights of various species as well as large birds like toucans, parrots or even macaws. Late afternoon arrival to the NWC lodge and the overwhelming view of the Añangu lake, welcome drink and facilities. After dinner optional cayman (alligator) observation around the lake and natural sounds at night.
Day 3 8 May 2010 - AMAZON LODGE
(Included : Lunch & Dinner - Overnight Napo Lodge ) AMAZON RAINFOREST LODGE - night 2 Amazon excursion at Napo lodge. Early wake up to reach the best and easy access parrot clay licks in Ecuador, about 1 hour away from the lodge, we reach there just before parrot activity kicks off at the clay lick between 7:30 to 8:30. Eleven species of parrots, parakeets and macaws can be seen. A visit that depends on weather conditions but usually successful. Later, visit to the Quichua community of Añangu and share time with a family during their activities. Box lunch at the parrot clay lick observatory. Late afternoon arrival to the lodge.
Day 4 9 May 2010 - AMAZON LODGE
(Included : Lunch & Dinner - Overnight Napo Lodge ) AMAZON RAINFOREST LODGE - night 3 Amazon excursion at Napo lodge. After early breakfast, depart from the lodge to experience a canopy tower on the Napo. The 36m high canopy tower is a great way to experience life above the forest floor. The canopy tower is located about 20 minutes from the lodge deep within the terra firme forest. As you ascend the 12-story tower, you pass through different levels of the forest and emerge at the top of a huge Ceiba tree onto a wooden platform built into the tree and experience the view formerly reserved only for the birds. Flocks of colorful tanagers pass right through the canopy of the tree, Blue-andyellow Macaws fly past, in nearby trees Spider Monkeys search for fruit, two species of large toucans call regularly, and life in the forest canopy opens before you. Birds that are virtually impossible to see from the forest floor far below are suddenly right beside you, oblivious to your presence. Lunch at the lodge. Afternoon visit to a terra firme trail, through primary forest to discover the forest interior, finding lizards, colorful manakins or the unique and endemic Golden mantle tamarin monkeys. After the hike, explore the lake and creeks by dugout canoe with great possibilities of running into a Giant otter family on the way…
Day 5 10 May 2010 - AMAZON LODGE to MINDO
(Included : Lunch & Dinner - Overnight Mindo ) AMAZON RAINFOREST LODGE - On to Mindo and overnight. (B,L,D)Early departure and last excursion canoeing back to the Napo river, the creek may reveal new sights of Giant otters, Monk Saki monkeys or many other rare birds. Entry docking area, use of restrooms and embarking on motorized canoe in order to return back to Coca then on to Mindo to overnight
Day 6 11 May 2010 - MINDO
(Included : Lunch & Dinner - Overnight Mindo accommodation ) Mindo is an interesting for birdwatching, the Mindo area ranges from approximately 1400 to 4780m above sea level, and its most popular attractions are the cloud forest flora and fauna.
Day 7 12 May 2010 - MINDO to QUITO
(Included : Lunch & Dinner - Overnight Quito hotel ) End our Mindo experience in the afternoon and return to Quito for a full briefing on the Galapagos portion of the trip which will start tomorrow. (B)
Day 8 13 May 2010 - QUITO to SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND
(Included : Lunch & Dinner - Overnight SAN CRISTOBAL ) SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND - The trip begins with an early morning transfer to the airport and a flight to San Cristobal Island, Galapagos. Here you will be meet by our friendly staff and transferred to your hotel. After lunch will we make our way to the top of San Cristobal through the settlement of El Progresso, to La Soledad from where we will have panoramic views out over the Pacific towards Santa Cruz, Floreana and Santa Fe. After we jump on the bikes for an exhilarating down hill through the lush highlands of the island, through El Progresso down to the township of Puerto Barequizo. We also pay a visit to the Loberia then head back into town.. That evening we will have a welcome dinner of some of the islands fresh fish and produce. (B, L, D)
Day 9 14 May 2010 - SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND
(included : Breakfast Lunch & Dinner - overnight SAN CRISTOBAL) The day begins with a short boat ride in the Christine to Kicker Rock, observing along the way, the abundant marine life that Galapagos is renowned for. On the way we stop off at Isla de Lobos to observe nesting Frigate birds and Blue Footed Boobies, and swim/snorkel with playful young Sea lions. A real highlight of the trip! We then continue onto Kicker Rock, the remains of an underwater volcano rising vertically 150m out of the sea. A truly impressive sight! Here we can dive and snorkel keeping an eye out below for Sea Turtles, Manta Rays and maybe the odd harmless Galapagos shark, just to name a few. After we head to Puerto Grande, one of the most beautiful beaches in the islands and return to port late in the afternoon and visit the interpretation centre and then if you feeling up to it, a hike around Frigate Bird hill. (B, L) OPTIONAL DIVING, PLEASE ENQUIRE.
Day 10 15 May 2010 - FLOREANA AND ISABELA ISLANDS
(included : Breakfast Lunch & Dinner - overnight Mountain Lodge FLOREANA AND ISABELA) - This morning we depart San Cristobal Island to Floreana Island. Keep an eye out for dolphins and the magnificent albatross along the way. Here will be experience some of the best snorkeling in the islands. After a snorkel we head around to the town of Floreana and have a look a round town and a little beach time. We depart Floreana to Isabela and after hotel check in, a short walk to see some pink flamingos and a beer on the beach. (B, L, D)
Day 11 16 May 2010 - ISABELA
(included : Breakfast Lunch & Dinner - overnight Isabella) - A full day hike, takes us up Sierra Negra Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in Galapagos, and with the second largest crater in the world. Here you can experience a bird’s eye view of this magical landscape. That evening we can kick back at the bar on the beach and enjoy a nice cold beer or cocktail (B, L, D)
Day 12 17 May 2010 - ISABELA
(included : Breakfast Lunch & Dinner - overnight Mara Serena Lodge) - Today we visit the Breeding Center of the Giant Tortoise, the largest in Galapagos and later, make our way the wall of tears, built by convicts many years ago. Along the way we’ll pop in and visit Pink flamingos, also stopping at the lookout and one of the many natural pools, short walking trails, beaches and mangrove swamps along the way. After lunch we have a tour of the bay in zodiac where you can observe up close, the only penguins found close to the equator, marine iguanas and hopefully snorkel with marine turtles and an array of other marine life. (B, L,)
Day 13 18 May 2010 - SANTA CRUZ
(included : Breakfast Lunch & Dinner - overnight Mara Serena Lodge) - Today is an early morning departure to the Island of Santa Cruz. We will visit the highlands of Santa Cruz, observing The Galapagos Giant tortoise in natural surroundings, and the amazing lava tunnels, some over 1km long while taking in panoramic views of the islands. Later in the day we head to Tortuga Bay, a stunning beach with fine white sand to see marine iguanas or try you hand at some body boarding, surfing or kayaking in this beautiful part of the national park. (B, L, D)
Day 14 19 May 2010 - SANTA CRUZ, SANTA FE & SAN CRISTOBAL
(included : Breakfast Lunch & Dinner - overnight Galapagos - Today we pay a visit to Lonesome George at the Charles Darwin Research Station. Here we can observe many species of tortoises and Land Iguanas in captivity, brought back form the brink of extinction. After some last minute shopping we depart Santa Cruz and pass by Santa Fe Island for a boat tour, then continue to San Cristobal, where Charles Darwin first arrived to Galapagos for our last snorkel with sea lions and a wide array of fish in the beautiful bay of Las Tijeretas. Evening group dinner to celebrate a great trip. (B, L, D)
Day 15 20 May 2010 - SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND to QUITO
- We bid farewell to the Enchanted Islands today. You’ll have a free morning with a variety of optional activities on offer or just kick back and enjoy some last minute souvenir shopping! We depart San Cristobal Island and return to Quito and get transferred to the hotel. Our representative in Quito will be able to advise you and help with some of the many day tours available in and around Quito (B, L, D)
Day 16 21 May 2010 - QUITO
(B) Quito was named a cultural heritage site in 1978 by UNESCO, so continuing your free day exploring you'll find a city laid out according to Spanish planning requirements, with the central plaza as the heart of the community. The plaza is bordered by the Palacio de Gobierno, the Cathedral and religious buildings, and the Palacio Presidencial. The Cathedral is the oldest cathedral in South America, which has been repaired and remodeled many times due to earthquake damage. You'll see examples of Ecuadorian baroque in the art of the times, the mix of Spanish, Italian, Moorish, Flemish and indigenous art called the "Baroque School of Quito," in the Museo de Arte y Historia and the Museo de Arte Colonial. Don't miss the Casa de Cultura Ecuatoriana which houses several museums.
Day 17 22 May 2010 - OTAVALO
(Included : Lunch & Dinner - Overnight Otavalo ) Trip to Otavalo and overnight, it’s the main market day of one of Latin America’s most famous indigenous and tourist market’s. Enjoy browsing the bustling chaotic stalls and indigenous part of the market. (B)
Day 18 23 May 2010 - OTAVALO to QUITO to SANTIAGO CHILE
Return to Quito fly to Santiago Chile ) Today we return from Otavalo to Quito to catch our 9.40pm flight to Santiago arriving 5.15am. Overnight at a centrally located hotel. Those joining the OPTIONAL PERU TOUR fly to Lima departing Quito at 8pm to overnight and join their Peru guide the following morning.
Day 19 24 May 2010 - SANTIAGO
Full free day in Santiago - Overnight hotel Santiago Chile ) The lonely planet describes Santiago as "cultured, quirky and ambitious, but a city which rewards the patient traveler with thriving culinary and artistic enclaves that are a joy to uncover", we have this day and most of tomorrow tomorrow to explore and form our own impressions.
Day 20 25 May 2010 - Flight CHILE / NEW ZEALAND
(Included : Lunch & Dinner - depart for NZ from our Lima hotel ) DEPARTURE DAY - Most of the day is free for further exploring as our flight does not depart until 11.10pm. The flight time to Auckland is 13 hours.
Day 21 26 May 2010 - IN FLIGHT
(Included : Flight meals) During the flight we cross the international dateline arriving in Auckland at 4.20am on 27 May 2010.

General Information

LAN Chile Luggage policy (23kg maximum)
Lonely planet - Ecuador Information
Lonely planet - Galapagos Islands Information
Why not include our partners OPTIONAL PERU TOUR

Email

Please email an enquiry