Galapagos & Amazon

The group flight usually arrives into Quito this evening. Land Only clients

should aim to arrive at the hotel this afternoon/evening. Free transfers are

available for all clients. A local guide will welcome you to Quito and

explain the schedule for the next few days.

We have a half-day city tour of Quito, one of the smaller and more attractive

of the capitals of South America - 2,850m high in the western cordillera of

the Andes. Quito is the second highest capital in the world, and as always at

altitude, it is a good idea not to do anything too strenuous at first!



We explore the colonial centre with its narrow streets and hanging balconies.

The tour usually includes the Independence Plaza, flanked by the Presidential

and the Archbishop palaces as well as La Compañia Church with its impressive

gold leaf decorations. A short drive brings us to El Panecillo Hill for a

panoramic view of the city and to admire the 45m high statue of the ‘Virgen

de Quito’, the only original Madonna with wings. Please note that entrance

fees are not included.

Transfer to Quito airport this morning for a 40-minute flight from Quito to

Coca. A short drive takes us to the dock where we board a large motorized

canoe for a two-hour ride down-stream. At the entrance to the Napo Wildlife

Centre reserve we transfer to smaller, paddled dug-out canoes so as not to

disturb the wildlife. This paddle can take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours

depending on what sightings we have (we may have the chance to spot Giant

otters, along with monkeys and countless bird species including toucans,

parrots and macaws). The final part of the journey involves crossing the

spectacular Anangu Lake and arriving at the lodge to receive a welcome drink

and briefing.

Spend the next two days at the Napo Wildlife Centre (NWC). Choice and

flexibility are key at the lodge but hopefully the following information

should give you a good idea of what to expect. Rather than fixed programmes,

the guide will design the most suitable schedule to match the groups physical

condition and personal interests. Early starts are necessary in order to

maximise our wildlife viewing opportunities. NWC has one of the best parrot

clay licks in Ecuador, located around one hour from the lodge. We aim to

arrive at the lick before the parrot activity kicks off fully at around

7-8am. The lodge also has a 36m-canopy tower, which offers a fantastic

insight into the various vertical layers of the jungle and their inhabitants.

Spider monkeys frequent the higher canopy searching for fruit and the

panoramic view from the top is magnificent, as is the bird viewing. Numerous

trails from the lodge offer hikes amongst the primary rainforest and we will

head out during the day to learn about the trees and the forest and at night

in search of caiman and other nocturnal creatures. Naturally, exploring the

lake and creeks by dug-out canoe is a highlight and one of the best ways to

see larger animals.

Return to Quito the same way we arrived - paddled canoe down the creek,

motorised canoe back up the river to Coca and then a short drive to the

airport for the flight to Quito.

We include a free day in Quito to allow time for any delays coming back from

the rainforest. An optional excursion to the cloud forest can be organised

for this day at the start of the tour.

*

Transfer to Quito Airport and fly to Baltra in the Galapagos Islands. We take

a short ferry crossing to Santa Cruz Island where we drive to the highlands

to look for Galapagos giant tortoises. This afternoon visit the Charles

Darwin Centre to learn about the ecology of the islands and visit the

centre's tortoise hatchery. After this we board our motor yacht at Puerto

Ayora, the island's main town. For today's excursion it's a good idea to

have access to your camera, sun cream and appropriate clothing: comfortable

footwear for some short walks (possibly amongst grass), light clothes, a

hat/cap and a light waterproof in case of a shower or mist.

This Galapagos cruise alternates between two itineraries and so for the next

seven days your specific itinerary depends on the departure date of the trip

(please ask your sales consultant or see the dates & prices section of the

website if you're unsure).

Itinerary A: Walk on tiny Plazas Island to see a cactus forest, land iguanas

and seabirds, then cruise to the white sand beaches of Santa Fe.

Itinerary B: A short walk on the small island of Chinese Hat before

snorkelling with Sea lions (and penguins if lucky!); on to the dark red beach

of Isla Rabida to walk amongst spatter cones, pelicans, Blue-footed and Nazca

boobies.

Itinerary A: A day at San Cristobal Island: the white sand beach, Blue-footed

boobies and old cone of Cerro Brujo, Galapagos giant tortoise at Galapaguera

and crystal clear waters around the striking spear of Kicker Rock.

Itinerary B: We start our three days exploring the largest island of Isabela

with a walk to the huge 5-mile wide caldera on Sierra Negra volcano. In the

afternoon it's possible to visit the Galapagos giant tortoise breeding centre

on Isabela island.

Itinerary A: Swim with Sea lions and Marine iguanas at Gardener Bay on

Espanola Island. In the afternoon, walk amongst Nazca and Blue-footed boobies

and nesting Waved Albatross (in season) next to pounding surf at Punta

Suarez.

Itinerary B: Cruising round Isabela's west side, we hope to see whales and

dolphins. We land at Punta Moreno's swirling fresh lava flows and also

explore the islets of Elizabeth Bay with the largest colony of penguins in

the Galapagos.

Itinerary A: At Floreana Island snorkel in the spectacular sunken crater of

Devil's Crown amongst thousands of fish. Visit the lagoon at Punta Cormorant

(often with flamingos) and Post Office Bay, the mailbox used by 18th Century

whalers.

Itinerary B: In 1954 Urbina Bay was uplifted 4 metres. Walk here amongst

exposed coral heads, wandering Galapagos giant tortoises and huge land

iguanas. In the afternoon we visit Tagus Cove and Darwin Lake, directly

opposite the recently active Fernandina Volcano.

Itinerary A: To Dragon Hill, a nesting site for land iguanas with a large

lagoon; dramatic Sullivan Bay with a walk on a huge lava flow only 100 years

old before swimming from the white-sand beach in crystal clear waters.

Itinerary B: Land at Punta Espinosa on Fernandina in the midst of a huge

colony of Marine iguanas; the sea life is very rich here and supports a large

Sea lion and Fur seal colony. Cross the straights and explore the cliffs of

Punta Vicente Roca on Isabela.

Itinerary A: Less-visited Genovesa Island is home to an abundance of

Red-footed boobies, Fur seals, Storm petrels and Short-eared Owls. Here, we

look for tropicbirds at Prince Philip Steps before snorkelling, whilst at

Darwin Bay, Galapagos mockingbirds are usually seen.

Itinerary B: Excellent birding on Santiago Island at Puerto Egas followed by

an afternoon snorkel and a walk amongst incredible volcanic scenery on

Bartolome Island - cones, lava tubes and Pinnacle Rock.

Itinerary A: Explore the mangroves of Turtle Cove at dawn watching turtles

rising for air as herons fish from the trees.

Itinerary B: An early morning walk on North Seymour amidst Palo Santo trees

and colonies of Blue-footed boobies.

Both itineraries: After a late breakfast we disembark for the journey back to

Baltra to transfer to the airport and fly back to the mainland. We fly to

Guayaquil airport where it's possible to connect with international flights

this evening from 6pm onwards. Alternatively, you can extend your stay for a

few extra nights. Land only clients may prefer to organise post-tour

accommodation for the night in Guayaquil and organise their international

flights for the following day in case of delays coming back from the

Galapagos.