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Ecuador Mainland & the Galápagos Islands

Ecuador Mainland & the Galápagos Islands

From AUD $4,379

Description

If you’re already exploring Ecuador on terra firma you’re this close to the eco-lover’s paradise: the Galápagos, so we’ve brought both together in one 14-day tour. Start with all the on-land highlights like the Amazon, the stunning landscapes in the Ecuadorian highlands, and get an unforgettable experience staying right in the Amazon jungle. Experience the Galápagos aboard the Xavier III where comfy cabins, giant tortoises, and sea lions will have you wanting to jump ship — but only to go snorkelling, of course.

Please Note: Internal flights are included.

Trip Name
Ecuador Mainland & the Galápagos Islands
Days
14
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Cruising Length: 25.5m Passenger Capacity: 16 Built: 1998 When it comes to our stellar fleet of Galápagos vessels, the Xavier III is made for both great value and great service. Imagine all the luxury of fresh and tasty local and international cuisine, daily excursions to explore the islands, and picturesque views of the area from the top deck – all this with an unbelievable price to boot. Get on board! Cabins: 4 lower deck double-occupancy cabins with port hole, 4 upper deck double-occupancy cabins with window, air conditioning, private facilities, TV & DVD player in lounge area Boat layout: Very spacious indoor-outdoor seating areas and sun chairs. Interior dining room with coffee, tea and water service on the main deck. Large lounge and bar area with TV and DVD player for daily briefings. Crew: The Xavier III carries a team of seven crew members and one CEO Naturalist Guide well-versed in the local wildlife, vegetation and geology and certified by the Galápagos National Park Service. Amenities: Snorkelling equipment, wetsuits and beach towels included at no extra charge. Comprehensive breakfast and gourmet Ecuadorian and international cuisine prepared fresh daily. All meals on board included.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Quito
Arrive at any time.
Day 2 - Day 2 Quito/Baños
Travel to Baños and be spoiled for choice with optional outdoor activities like hiking, ziplining, and canyoning. Or, take it easy and relax in local hot springs.
Day 3 - Day 3 Baños
Enjoy another free day to take full advantage of all the activities in this adventurous town.
Day 4 - Day 4 Baños/Tena
Travel by bus into the Amazon Jungle. Spend two nights in rustic jungle huts in a local Quichua community. Enjoy nature walks and learn about local culture.
Day 5 - Day 5 Tena
Enjoy a full day in the Amazon learning about local life in the jungle. Spend the night in rustic jungle huts in a Quichua community.
Day 6 - Day 6 Tena/Papallacta
Cycle to the nearby community of Shandia and discover the beauty of the Amazon with a member of the community as your guide. Later, take a local bus to Papallacta and relax in the natural mineral hot pools with volcanic views.
Day 7 - Day 7 Papallacta/Quito
Enjoy a relaxing morning at the hot springs before travelling back to Quito for free time to explore.
Day 8 - Day 8 Quito
Enjoy a free day to get out and explore the many sights Quito has to offer.
Day 9 - Day 9 Quito/Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
Fly to San Cristóbal Island. Meet the guide and transfer to the boat. Visit Isla Lobos in the afternoon to spot blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas and sea lions.
Day 10 - Day 10 North Seymour/Mosquera Islet
Explore two tiny islands that are big on wildlife. North Seymour offers great views of nesting seabirds, including frigatebirds and Mosquera is home to large colonies of sea lions.
Day 11 - Day 11 Santiago Island/Bartolomé Island
Visit Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island to witness the giant lava formations contrasting the white-coral sand beach. Continue to Bartolomé Island for a guided tour to see the dramatic volcanic features before hiking to a panoramic viewpoint.
Day 12 - Day 12 Puerto Ayora
Disembark in Puerto Ayora and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to see the giant Galápagos tortoises. In the afternoon, explore Academy Bay on a boat tour. Snorkel with sea lions and walk over a volcanic path to a crystal clear saltwater lagoon.
Day 13 - Day 13 Puerto Ayora/Quito
Visit the highlands of Santa Cruz to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Fly back to Quito for a final night in the city.
Day 14 - Day 14 Quito
Depart at any time.
Day 15 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
10-08-201923-08-2019AUD $0Lower Deck Twin
10-08-201923-08-2019AUD $0Upper Deck Twin
24-08-201906-09-2019AUD $0Lower Deck Twin
24-08-201906-09-2019AUD $0Upper Deck Twin
07-09-201920-09-2019AUD $0Lower Deck Twin
07-09-201920-09-2019AUD $0Upper Deck Twin
05-10-201918-10-2019AUD $0Lower Deck Twin
05-10-201918-10-2019AUD $0Upper Deck Twin
19-10-201901-11-2019AUD $0Lower Deck Twin
19-10-201901-11-2019AUD $0Upper Deck Twin
16-11-201929-11-2019AUD $0Lower Deck Twin
16-11-201929-11-2019AUD $0Upper Deck Twin
30-11-201913-12-2019AUD $0Lower Deck Twin
30-11-201913-12-2019AUD $0Upper Deck Twin
14-12-201927-12-2019AUD $0Lower Deck Twin
14-12-201927-12-2019AUD $0Upper Deck Twin
28-12-201910-01-2020AUD $0Lower Deck Twin
28-12-201910-01-2020AUD $0Upper Deck Twin

Inclusions

    • Your G for Good Moment: Shandia Biking & Community Experience, Shandia
    • Your Discover Moment: Baños
    • Your Local Living Moment: Amazon Jungle Experience, Tena
    • Your Wellness Moment: Papallacta Hot Springs Visit, Papallacta
    • Baños stay
    • Amazon Jungle homestay and cooking demonstrations
    • Papallacta Hot Springs stay
    • Cruise the Galápagos Islands aboard the Xavier
    • Certified Galápagos National Park Service Guide
    • Snorkelling at Isla Lobos, North Seymour, and Sullivan Bay
    • Visit to North Seymour to see nesting seabirds
    • Hike to the Bartolomé Island viewpoint overlooking the famous Pinnacle Rock
    • Visit the Charles Darwin Foundation (Santa Cruz)
    • Academy Bay tour
    • Excursion to see giant tortoises in the wild

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