2023 Cloud Forest & Galapagos Island Tour

INTINERARY Day 1. (Must be a Wednesday) QUITO

Welcome to Quito. A representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. You will have free time to explore the city or relax and settle in. Overnight: Good 3 star Hotel in Quito.

Day 2. QUITO - MITAD DEL MUNDO - CLOUD FOREST (Breakfast & dinner)

After breakfast,departure from your hotel for the cloud forest of Mindo (2h drive), a paradise for birds, butterflies, tropical flora, chocolate, waterfalls and adventure sports. On the way, stop at "The Mitad del Mundo" to see the village and the monument located on the equatorial line. Visit the ethnoscientific museum Inti Ñan or the archaeological museum of Tulip ancient ethnic culture of "Yumbo". Coffee break in a hummingbird observatory overlooking the beautiful cloud forest. Possible walk to waterfalls or other activities. Arrival at the Eco-lodge surrounded by tropical nature or in a lodge with a swimming pool in case of non-availability. Dinner and overnight in the chalet.

Day 3. BIRD WATCHING - ZIPLINE - CHOCOLATE TOUR - NIGHT EXPLORATION (Breakfast & lunch)

Today you will enjoy some bird watching in the Mindo forest with a specialized guide before breakfast. Afterwards, Zipline fly over the forest before lunch and tasting of "Tilapia",a local fish. Visit a chocolate factory before some free time and perhaps a swim in the river. Night walk in the forest to look for reptiles, insects and amphibians. Dinner free in Mindo. Overnight in the chalet.

Day 4. MINDO'S BUTTERFLIES - MINDO RIVER RIDE - FROGS CONCERT (All meals)

Breakfast, and walk to a butterfly farm. Descend the Mindo River by canyoning, by bike or on horseback to enjoy the landscape. Lunch in a restaurant or barbecue at the chalet. Visit a site and night frog concert around a lake. Dinner and overnight at the chalet.

Day 5. MINDO - RESERVE ANGEL PAZ OR ORGANIC FARM PAMBILINO - QUITO (Breakfast & lunch)

After breakfast, you can either transfer very early to the reserve Angel Paz to view endemic birds such as the tropical birds "Guianan cock-of-the-rock", the emblematic bird of the region. Breakfast and transfer to the organic farm and the Pambilino reserve. Witness a presentation of organic farming techniques and different plantations. Lunch then return to Quito.

Day 6: QUITO - GALAPAGOS ISLANDS (All meals)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight to San Cristóbal Island (2½-hour flight). Arriving in the Galapagos, passengers arrange payment of the Galapagos fee and then visit the Interpretation centre where you will learn about the origins of the Galapagos; from the very beginning of their volcanic origins through to today’s conservation efforts. Tour the Human History exhibit to learn about the islands’ discovery and colonization, and discover the natural history and variety of flora and fauna that make the Galápagos so fascinating. A visit to Tijeretas will follow, a great viewpoint and your first wildlife encounter. This hill bears its name thanks to the frigate birds as "Tijeretas". Here we will enjoy from a great view of beautiful landscapes at the foot of a frigate bird nesting colony. The tour on the cruise will then begin enjoying dinner onboard your first class yacht for the next 3 nights, the Montserrat.

Day 7: BAHÍA GARDNER / PUNTA SUÁREZ (All meals)

Today, you will arrive to Española Island, one of the oldest in the archipelago. Visit the white sandy beach of Gardner Bay's and the bird colonies of Punta Suárez. Arriving at Gardner Bay's in the morning, you will spend the morning exploring on shore and snorkelling at Gardner Island in the bay, home to sea lions and sea birds. Be sure to explore the beautiful turquoise water and its incredible sea life and spot young sea lions and large schools of surprisingly big tropical fish, including yellow-tailed surgeonfish, king angelfish, and bump-head parrot fish. Also, look out for white-tipped reef sharks napping on the bottom After lunch, sail to the western side of the islands to Punta Suárez, known for its amazing bird colonies and home to the waved albatross (April and December), it is home to one of most rich wildlife landing sites in the Galápagos. Be greeted by surfing young sea lions on arrival. Head to the trail to find many species of nesting sea birds, and, if lucky, see the waved albatross. Follow the path up to a cliff for great views over the ocean, and watch sea birds gliding in the wind. Return to the yacht for dinner and continue the cruise.

Day 8: CORMORANT POINT/POST OFFICE BAY (All meals)

Today, you will land at Punta Cormorant on Floreana Island. You will enjoy guided walks to observe the bird and wildlife and learn about the natural history. You will discover two amazingly different beaches: one with green sand, coloured by olivine crystals, and another with white sand particles known as 'Flour Beach'. Keep an eye out for sea turtles, rays and colourful fish swimming by. There can be currents in this area, so this activity should be done by strong swimmers only. Spend the afternoon observing flamingos and other shore birds feeding in the lagoon. Spot penguins and marine iguanas at the water’s edge, and explore the lava tubes. Visit Post Office Bay and learn about its unique history. In the late 18th century, English whaling vessels placed a barrel here to be used as a post office. Today, the box is used mainly by tourists, who may drop off and pick up unstamped letters to be carried to far destinations. Continue the tradition - leave a letter and take one to deliver. Dinner onboard and continue the cruise.

Day 9: C. DARWIN STATION - QUITO (Breakfast only)

Today, you will disembark at Puerto Ayora and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to see the giant Galápagos tortoises. You will visit Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, a great place to observe many species of tortoises and land iguanas in captivity. Brought back from the brink of extinction, see the famous Galápagos tortoise up close - a corral houses adult tortoises, and a nursery cares for the young until around age three when their shells have hardened. This area also houses the Charles Darwin Research Station, a scientific organization initiated in 1964, which works to preserve the Galápagos' ecosystem through the conservation efforts of scientists, researchers, and volunteers. While the offices themselves are not open to visitors, the research station provides a study location for international scientists and environmental education for the local community. After the tour, transfer to the airport for the flight back to mainland Ecuador and connect with your international flight home.

End of services Tour Price based on a First class cruise: US$4695.00 per person TOUR PRICE INCLUDES:

• Quito - Galapagos - Quito flight
• Accommodation in double rooms at selected 3 star hotels, an eco lodge in Mindo and 3 nights aboard a first class expedition cruise in a lower deck cabin. Upgrade to an upper deck cabin for US$185 per person subject to availability
• All meals as indicated on the itinerary
• Transfers, tours and excursions as per itinerary with English speaking specialist guides

TOUR PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• International flights to/from Ecuador
• Galapagos National Park Tax ($100), the migratory fee ($20) (These must be paid in person in cash dollars)
• Meals not indicated
• Personal expenses such as telephone bills, laundry expenses, beverages, etc
• Insurance against theft, loss, illness and/or accident etc
• Gratuities, baggage porterage and other extras not specified