Wildlife Adventure

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive Quito (B)

Arrive in Quito at any time. There are no planned activities, so check into our hotel and enjoy the city.

Day 2 La Selva Lodge (B, L, D)

Transfer to the airport with a local representative for the morning flight to the Amazon Rainforest, a 45 minute trip. It is ten minutes from the airport to the banks of the Napo River and 3-4 hours by motorized dugout canoe down river to the entrance of La Selva Lodge. La Selva has been in successful operation for about sixteen years, and it is one of the most highly respected (if not the best) jungle lodge in South America; the World Congress on Tourism and Environment awarded it their “Ecotourism Award.” At the lodge you will find that the owners of La Selva have built upon their years of experience in the jungle lodge business to provide you with comfortable accommodation in cabins of native design that both blend in with the surrounding rainforest and provide comforts you would expect of a first class hotel. Rooms have modern bathrooms with hot running water, screened rooms with a view of the rainforest, bottled drinking water free of charge and excellent, international cuisine that incorporates the delicious tropical fruits of the region.

Day 3-5 La Selva Lodge (3B, 3L, 3D)

See the canopy of the rainforest from a tower, 43 m in height (141 ft), and choose from dozens of walks of varying lengths and difficulty; several routes can only be accessed by canoe. Choose from a variety of activities: wake up early for some bird watching or stay up late and go out on a boat to view caimans by flashlight. Learn about the environment and wildlife from your naturalist guide, who accompanies you to ensure you get the most out of your excursions. The opportunities for birding, botany, hiking, herpetology, canoeing, photography, entomology, fishing, relaxing and swimming at La Selva Lodge are boundless. You decide which paths to explore and which adventure to experience, according to your own ability and interests. In the 16th century, Spanish conqueror Francisco de Orellana ventured from Quito into the eastern jungle, in search of El Dorado, a mythical stash of Inca gold hidden away in the jungle. While he didn't find gold, he did discover Ecuador's Rio Napo, which along with Peru’s Marañón, combines to create the mighty Amazon. He followed the Napo into the Amazon mainstream and travelled all the way through the dense jungle to the Atlantic Ocean on Brazil’s coast. Consider the variety of mammals living in Ecuador's Amazon: armadillos, honey bears, sloth, 60 varieties of bats, tapirs, peccaries, jaguar, monkeys, manatees and much more. Birds are the richest group of Amazon vertebrates, at approximately 1000 species. Visitors will see hummingbirds, toucans, macaws and tanagers on land, and darters, herons and gulls on water. If fortunate, you may catch a glimpse of the prehistoric looking Hoatzin, with its brightly coloured feathers and sharp talons. Over 500 species of trees per acre have been recorded in the jungles of the upper Amazon. If this doesn’t seem particularly astonishing, consider that this is ten times greater than either Europe or North America, and you will begin to appreciate the significance of the conservation of this area and others like it. The rainforest is also the traditional home of many indigenous communities, whose traditional homelands and way of life are threatened by the encroachment of 20th century industries like mining, petroleum exploitation and large-scale cash-crop farming. Among the most representative are the Siona-Secoya, Cofan, Huaorani, Shuar, Ashuar and Quichua.

Day 6 La Selva Lodge / Quito (B)

Upon return to Quito a local representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you back to the hotel. Overnight; the evening is at leisure.

Day 7 Quito (B)

Today is free to wander and enjoy the shops and cafés of this colonial city. An optional half-day city tour can also be arranged locally. There are no planned activities, so take your time and enjoy the city and surrounding area.Located 2850m (9348 ft) above sea level, the Ecuadorian capital of Quito enjoys a wonderful spring-like climate, despite the fact that it is only 22 km (14 miles) south of the Equator. Nestled in a valley flanked by mountains, on a clear day several snow-capped volcanoes are visible from the city centre. Add to its beautiful location a rich history and well-preserved colonial district, and you begin to understand Quito’s appeal to thousands of tourists every year.In 1978 UNESCO declared Quito a World Heritage site, and any new development in Quito's old town is now strictly controlled. Life in Quito tends to be peaceful, though the drivers are fond of using their car horns! There are approximately 2,000,000 inhabitants in the metropolitan area, but the pace is relaxed and the residents hospitable. Quito is separated into two basic sections, the old and the new cities. The old city is full of historical buildings and churches. One of the more noteworthy is the Catedral de Quito, located on the Plaza de la Independencia. Built between 1550 and 1562, it was one of the first neoclassical works in Quito. La Compañía de Jésus Church is considered one of the most beautiful in the Americas. The decorations in the Compañía contain approximately one and one-half tons of gold, and construction of the church took 170 years (1605-1775). The small, rounded hill dominating the old town is El Panecillo or 'the Little Bread Loaf,' a major Quito landmark. From here there are marvellous panoramic views of the entire city and surrounding volcanoes. You can easily take a trolley (streetcar) or a cab between the Old Town and New Town. Quito’s large foreign population and steady stream of travellers have given it a varied and vibrant nightlife, and salsotecas and other dance clubs abound. For a real Ecuadorian experience though, be sure and drop by a peña if you can; these are great places for meeting locals and dancing, as well as enjoying local cooking. Just a couple of hours south of Quito is Parque National Cotopaxi, home to Cotopaxi Volcano (5897 m/19342 ft). the beautiful cone-shaped, snow covered volcano is Ecuador’s second highest peak and the highest active volcano in the world. This is a great spot for a days hiking (up to the refuge on the glacier’s edge) or mountain biking (downhill all the way). True enthusiasts attempt the climb to the sumit (overnight excursion). Allow yourself an extra day or two in Quito, before or after your trip, if you want to conquer Cotopaxi.

Day 8 Santa Cruz (L, D)

Early flight to Santa Cruz, in the Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival we are met by our naturalist guide who will assist with the transfer to our boat, the G.A.P Adventurer V. On our way, we visit the highlands of Santa Cruz for a chance to see giant tortoises in the wild.The Galapagos Islands are located about 1000 km (620 miles) off the Pacific coast of South America. The archipelago is comprised of 13 major islands and scores of islets that served as a living laboratory for Charles Darwin, the renowned evolution theorist.Long before Darwin arrived in the Galapagos, seafarers knew these isolated islands as home to some of the strangest and most wonderful wildlife imaginable, including birds that could swim but no longer fly, aquatic iguanas, dragon-like lizards left over from prehistoric times, and the giant Galapagos tortoises for which the islands were named.Covering nearly 5000 square km (3100 square miles), the Galapagos Islands are now a National Park. The Galapagos National Park is the institution that controls the preservation of this environment, assisted by the Charles Darwin Research Station. Inaugurated in 1964 and based in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, the Charles Darwin Research Station is the one place where visitors can easily see the famous Galapagos Tortoises, which may live up to two hundred years. This is also the training centre for naturalist guides who accompany all visitors landing at more than 40 approved sites on the islands, and members of the international scientific community often come to study at the station. The National Park charges a visitor fee of $100 USD, payable on arrival, which funds Park maintenance and supervision in the Galapagos, as well as ecological study, conservation and infrastructure development in Ecuador's other National Parks. Entry fees and the funds they generate for the National Park System are among measures taken by the Ecuadorian government to protect its natural heritage.

Day 9 Española (B, L, D)

Sail to Punta Suarez, on Española Island. This is the southernmost island in the Galapagos archipelago, and home to several wildlife species, including masked and blue-footed boobies. Optional hike to the top of a cliff for spectacular views and photos.Punta Suarez on the western side of Española Island (also called Hood) is spectacular: gargantuan waves break on jagged cliffs and large bird colonies thickly populate the interior of the island; there is a distinct feel of desolate wilderness here. The Waved Albatross is seen here from April to December during its mating/nesting season. This bird leaves land between January and March each year to make its annual odyssey far out to sea. Amazingly, Española is the nesting site to virtually the entire world population of this species, with more than 12000 pairs residing here. Large numbers of Masked and Blue-footed Boobies are also found here, Red-billed Tropic Birds dash madly through the air, and both Marine Iguanas and sea lions are common. A huge blowhole, where the surf is forced through a natural rock formation spouting seawater 15 to 20 m (49 – 66 ft) into the air, adds to the island’s impression of untamed beauty.Follow the trail through a rookery and learn the geological history of the island from our naturalist, including its dramatic volcanic features, climate, flora and fauna. Sail in the afternoon to Garner Bay, an excellent swimming and snorkelling site.

Day 10 San Cristóbal / Santa Fé (B, L, D)

San Cristóbal is the easternmost island of the Galapagos and also one of the oldest. The principal town is Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of the Galapagos. We head to the western edge of town to visit San Cristóbal's Interpretation Center. Opened in 1998, the Interpretation Center mainly focuses on the history of the archipelago, from its volcanic origins to the present. There are two interpretation panels which represent the natural and cultural history of the archipelago, linked together in chronological order.This afternoon, set sail for Santa Fé Island, a fairly small and dry island. Also called Barrington, Santa Fé Island is well-known as a great place for watching (and swimming with) sea lions. Along the island's northern shore you can view the forest of giant Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia). Santa Fé is also home to a number of endemic species which have bounced back from various threats to their survival. You may get a chance to see the Galapagos Hawk, Galapagos Snake, a variety of Finches and the Galapagos Mockingbird.

Day 11 South Plaza / Santa Cruz (B, L, D)

Set sail and reach South Plaza Island early in the morning. One of the smallest islands in the Galapagos, South Plaza has one of the largest populations of Land Iguanas. Walk along a path through a cactus forest and view a combination of dry and coastal vegetation.In the afternoon we travel to nearby Bachas Beach on Santa Cruz Island. The sand on this beach is made of decomposed coral which makes it white and soft, and a favourite site for nesting sea turtles. Enjoy an afternoon of swimming and relaxing at this beautiful location.

Day 12 Black Turtle Cove / North Seymour (B,L,D)

Located on the second-largest island in the archipelago of Isla Santa Cruz, we venture to the picturesque Black Turtle Cove by panga ride to experience the full splendour of the diverse marine life and birds. In this scenic area there are many small inlets surrounded by mangroves. The waters of this area sometimes afford you with the view of mating sea turtles and schools of golden mustard rays.In the afternoon we continue on to North Seymour, home to abundant animal life including sea lions, marine iguanas, swallow-tailed gulls, magnificent frigate birds and blue-footed boobies. Seymour Island is probably the most exciting island photographically. Bird life abounds, and close to the trail you will find many nesting pairs and young chicks. Seymour is also home to the Galapagos’s largest colony of Magnificent Frigate Birds. Their mating ritual is an ostentatious display: males expand the red sack at the base of their throat and perch atop a bush with wings fully extended, flapping furiously. Interested females circle overhead, and if so inclined, may join the male on terra firma.

Day 13 Rabida (B, L, D)

We make our way to Rabida Island where our boat lands on Rabida’s red beach (also called Jervis), from which a short trail leads to a salt water lagoon, often home to wading flamingos. Another trail goes past the lagoon to the interior, where the revered palo santo trees grow. When burned, the branches of this tree give off a pleasing aroma and ward off mosquitoes. Back on the beach among low-lying bushes nest the prehistoric-looking pelicans. This is the best area for close viewing of these nesting birds, and it's a rare treat to watch parent pelicans return with gullets full of fish for the squawking youngsters.

Day 14 Bartolomé (B, L, D)

This morning we set sail for Bartolomé Island. On this visit we have the opportunity to learn about the geological history of Bartolomé, as our naturalist explains its dramatic volcanic features, including unusual splatter cones. Sometimes it is possible to spot rare Galapagos penguins, of which only 800 pairs exist.Bartolomé Island (also called Bartholomew) has 2 main areas of interest. A hike to the summit of the island provides a clearer perspective of the islands' not-too-distant volcanic origins, and the panoramic view is one of the best among the islands. From here are visible the double-sided beach of Bartolomé directly below, the volcanic tower rising out of the water next to it, and Santiago in the distance. After the summit hike, stop at the beach to relax in semi-tropical tranquility. There is great snorkelling among the submerged volcanic rock and around the base of the tower. A short hike to the beach on the opposite side is worth the minimal effort. It is not unusual to see sharks in these shallow waters, and marine turtles nest here from January through March.

Day 15 Santa Cruz / Quito (B)

The morning finds us in the town of Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. Enjoy a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station to see and learn about giant tortoises and Darwin's famed studies and explorations.Santa Cruz is the most populated island within the archipelago, and Puerto Ayora is its main town. The Charles Darwin Research Station is a 10 minute walk from the centre of the town. Here, an exhibition centre displays photos of recent volcanic eruptions, charts outlining geological formations and drawings of the evolutionary development of endemic species. A corral houses adult Galapagos Tortoises, and a nursery cares for young tortoises until they are about three years old, when their shells have hardened enough to resist attack from feral dogs.We transfer to Baltra Island for our return flight to Quito. Upon arrival, transfer to our hotel and enjoy one last night on the town.

Day 16 Depart Quito

Depart Quito at any time.

Trip Details

Accommodation	Comfort hotel (4 nts), Jungle lodge (based on twin-share) (4 nts), Twin-share cabin on board the motorized yacht (7 nts).
Brochure Notes	Note that suites on the boat have a double bed.
Combination	This trip combines a 5-day jungle stay and our 10-day Galapagos EV10G tour.
Departure	Departs weekly
DepEnd	Fri-Sat
Group Size	Max 4 (20 in the Galapagos)
Included Highlights	Amazon Jungle excursion (4 nights), 7 nights in the Galapagos Islands, Arrival transfer and breakfast daily.
Local Payment	USD250Galapagos Park Fee USD100 - payable on arrival in the IslandsGalapagos Transit Control Card - USD10 - payable on arrival in the Islands
Meals Included	All meals while at the lodge and in the Galapagos. Continental breakfast daily.
StartFinish	ex Quito
Testimonial	"Wildlife Adventure is a perfect description! Both the Jungle segment and the Galapagos were wonderful and the two naturalist guides couldn't have been better." - Sarah Gifft travelled on Wildlife Adventure
Transport	Local flights, Motorized yacht, Van, Taxi, Motorized canoe, Paddled dugout canoe.
Brochure Intro	As the name suggests, we have put together the best wildlife experiences of mainland Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands - perfect for the true nature-lover.

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