South America \ Ecuador & the Galapagos Inside information
Getting There LAN (one of Latin America’s leading carriers) and several other European and American airlines fly to Ecuador. The flight time is typically between 13-14 hours, via Madrid.
Best Time to Visit Ecuador is a year- round destination. In the Galapagos, calmer, warmer seas are to be found between December and May, whereas choppier seas from June to November do bring an abundance of wildlife.
Combine it with... Peru and the Galapagos make a great combination to discover South America’s Inca history and unparalleled wildlife. Contact one of our Americas Regional Specialists to plan your perfect holiday.
Sample Itinerary: One to get you started...
Galapagos: Cruise the Enchanted Isles
Avenue of the Volcanoes The Avenue of the Volcanoes is a 325 km-long valley in central Ecuador, flanked on either side by the snow-capped volcanoes of the Eastern and Western Cordillera. The most imposing of these is Cotopaxi, one of the world’s highest active volcanoes; its perfect cone reaches 5897 m and dominates the skyline. Surrounded by Cotopaxi National Park, the terrain is littered with lakes and glaciers, fantastic to explore by foot, bike or horse. Activities: walking, cycling, horse-riding
Otavalo Otavalo sits in the highlands to the north of Quito and is internationally acclaimed for its textiles and craſts market. The trade dates back to pre- Inca times with indigenous people from nearby villages who have produced hand-craſted goods for many centuries. Markets pack the streets every day of the week but Saturday offers the biggest choice of souvenirs and giſts typical to the region. Activities: shopping
Mindo Cloud Forest High in the Andes lies the protected Mindo- Nambillo Forest: hillsides lined with dense and wildlife-rich cloud forest. A true nature lovers’ paradise, the forest is home to a myriad of colourful hummingbirds and unusual birds. Specialist guides are on hand to point out the array of endemic plants lining the banks of the crystalline rivers. You can also visit the orchid garden and butterfly farm. Activities: nature walks, bird-watching
Cuenca The historic city of Cuenca is located 2500 m above sea level in the Ecuadorian highlands. Founded by the Spanish in the mid 16th century, the architecture is predominantly European with pretty colonial churches and houses. It is possible to explore the cobblestone streets, colourful plazas and arched colonnades on foot. In the surrounding mountain villages, women still weave the famous panama hats on street corners. Activities: hiking, village visits
Day 1 Fly to Guayaquil. Day 2 Fly to Baltra, North Seymour Island, in the Galapagos and board the boat. Day 3 Explore Cerro Brujo, a beautiful white coral beach; see sea lions. Day 4 Cruise to Espanola Island. Steep cliffs are the perfect home for waved albatross, and the isle is rich in birdlife. Day 5 Disembark on Santa Fe for a coastal walk spotting marine iguanas and sea lions. Day 6 Visit the breeding centre of the endangered giant tortoises. Day 7 Floreana is a volcanic island, with a rich history. Even today, you can post a letter and it will be delivered by hand and without a stamp to far flung corners of the globe! Day 8 Explore Dragon Hill on Santa Cruz island; it’s a nesting site for land iguanas and views from the hill are stunning. Day 9 Visit Black Turtle Cove, home to black and white-tip reef sharks and sea turtles. Transfer to Baltra airport for your flight to the UK. Day 10 Arrive UK.
2013 AUTHENTIC £3,065 COMFORT £3,495
INDULGE £5,045 From price per person including flights
For more itinerary ideas, speak to a regional specialist
For more ideas visit
www.explore.co.uk/tailormade 41
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