A new tour featuring three great natural phenomena - the high Andes, remote Amazon and Galapagos Islands by catamaran
Flight - 1 night
Guayaquil - 1 night
Riobamba - 2 nights
Amazon - 2 nights
Papallacta - 1 night
Quito - 3 nights
Galapagos - 3 nights
Guayaquil - 1 night
Flight - 1 night
The relative inaccessibility of the Galapagos Islands, situated some 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, has helped to preserve its unique eco-system and wildlife. Having experienced hardly any threatening contact with humans, most birds and animals delightfully allow themselves to be observed from close. Charles Darwin ground breaking visit to the Islands in 1835 helped to put the islands on the map. Before Charles Darwin’s study of the wildlife in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador’s main claim to fame was the geographical peculiarity of the Equator, running through its heart. Early 19th-century explorers all reported a land rich in fantastic animals, ice-capped volcanoes and impenetrable Amazonian jungles, but few visitors followed in their footsteps.
Cruise & Natural Wonders
Jules Verne Sightseeing
2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
5 Lunches and 8 Dinners
Local Expert Guides
Guaranteed Departure
Group Size: 2 - 8
Enjoy a tour of the hacienda and their fair-trade rose plantation followed by lunch.
Day 1 Fly overnight from London Heathrow via Bogotá to Guayaquil.
Day 2 Tour of Guayaquil including a visit to a Panama hat factory. Transfer to the 5-star Hotel Wyndham for overnight.
Day 3 Travel to Alausi (3 ½ hrs) for the trip along the ‘Devil’s Nose’ by train. Travel to Guamote to visit the Inti Sisa community for a cooking class. Drive to Riobamba for two nights at the 3-star Hosteria Andaluza. (B, D)
Day 4 Drive to Chimborazo for a gentle walk up to 4,850 metres for a view of several volcanoes. (B, D)Day 5 Drive to Baños, on the foothills of the Tungurahua volcano. Venture into the Ecuadorian Amazon on a two-day excursion. Experience a short canoe ride from Ahuano down the Napo River to Casa del Suizo lodge for a two night stay. (B, D)
Day 6 Local exploration on included excursions featuring a canoe ride and a jungle walk. (B, L, D)
Day 7 Travel through the highlands and stop at a small cacao plantation for a visit and tasting. Continue to the Andean village of Papallacta (3,200 metres) for overnight at the 3-star Hosteria Termas de Papallacta. (B)
Day 8 Drive to Quito (2,850 metres), known as the ‘Convent of America’. Visit the house of a local sculptor. Spend three nights at the 4-star Hotel NH Collection. (B)
Day 9 Scenic drive to Otavalo, at the foot of the inactive Imbabura volcano. Visit to the Indian market followed by a visit to a hacienda and rose plantation. (B, L)
Day 10 Tour of Quito explores the Spanish colonial churches and palaces of Quito's well-preserved historic centre. Visit to the Intiñan Museum close to the Equator monument. (B)
Day 11 Fly to the Galapagos Islands and embark on the MC Seaman Journey for a three-night cruise. Visit North Seymour Island, a nesting site for the magnificent frigate birds. (B, L, D)
Day 12 Sail to Genovesa Island and visit El Barranco in the southern part of the island. Stop at Darwin Bay, home of the red footed-booby, masked boobies and yellow warblers. (B, L, D)
Day 13 Visit Plazas in the east of Santa Cruz Island, where you can find land iguanas. Stop at Sante Fe, in the southeast, home to sea lion colony. (B, L, D)
Day 14 Morning visit to the Jacinto Gordillo - Breeding and Rearing Centre for young tortoises on San Cristobal island. Fly to Guayaquil and overnight at 5-star Hotel Wyndham. Farewell dinner. (B, D)
Day 15 Return flight via Bogotá. (B)
Day 16 Arrive London Heathrow.
Notes
This is a full itinerary with many visits on foot including some uneven surfaces and inclines. The Galapagos cruise programme may be altered due to weather conditions and National Park regulation.
Altitude
Part of your itinerary will be travelling at altitude. We therefore strongly recommend that anyone, regardless of age, should consult their doctor to ensure that they are fully fit and understand the effects of travelling at altitude. This is absolutely essential if you have any pre-existing heart conditions, anaemia or lung problems.
This 3-star hotel is set in a charming country estate on the foothills of Mount Chimborazo. Restaurants, bars, garden and WiFi (free). 55 rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe and satellite TV.
Hotel with a magnificent panorama of the Napo river. Restaurants bar, pool, WiFi (chargeable) and 74 rooms with private facilities and terrace.
This 3-star hotel close to the town of Papallacta in a quiet area. Restaurants, bar, pools, spa and WiFi (free). 52 rooms with private facilities, hairdryer and safe.
The 5-star Wyndham hotel has a restaurant, bar, rooftop pool, spa, and fitness centre and free Wi-Fi. 179 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini- bar, and TV.
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A modern 4-star in the historical district. Restaurant, bar, gym, sauna and WiFi (free). 124 air-conditioned rooms with private facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini-bar, tea/coffee making facilities and satellite TV.
A first class catamaran built in 2007, operated by Latin Trails. It has 8 outside cabins spread over two decks and facilities include lounge, bar, restaurant and sun deck. Cabins are 183 sq. ft. and have twin beds, air-conditioning, private facilities, hairdryer, safe and window. Snorkels and canoes are available for free.
2019
Tuesdays
per person in a twin room/cabin
Avianca from Heathrow
| May 28 | £5295 |
| August 6 | £5595 |
| September 17 | £5295 |
| October 15 | £5395 |
2020
Tuesdays
per person in a twin room/cabin
Avianca from Heathrow
Tuesdays
per person in a twin room/cabin
Avianca from Heathrow
Tuesdays
per person in a twin room/cabin
Avianca from Heathrow
Supplements per person
Single Supplement
Single supplement £1795
(£1895 2020)
Flight Options
London/Guayaquil/London
Avianca Business Class from £2125
Independent Arrival
Save £750
Arrival transfer with group included
Departure transfer add £35
Price Includes
Air travel and taxes, transfers, 13 nights' accommodation, breakfast daily, 5 lunches and 8 dinners, Galapagos National Park entrance tax (US$100 plus US$20 tourist tax), itinerary as described, services of guides and local representatives. If our specially negotiated airfares are unavailable at the time of booking, a supplement may apply.
Not Included
Travel insurance, optional excursions, tipping, any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after publication.
Please complete this form and a member of our sales department will contact you as soon as possible to confirm your booking and take payment. Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm and Saturdays 10am to 2pm
