Compare Galápagos & Andes Safari: Ecuador by Travcoa vs Ecuador & Galapagos - Roundtrip and Photography Tour by Andean summit adventure
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| Trip |
0 | Poor
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 8 days | 17 days |
| Price From | $ 5,895 | $ 5,295 |
| Price Per Day | $ 737 | $ 311 |
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Luxury | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
16 Breakfasts, 13 Lunches and 3 Dinners |
| Description |
Ecuador is a small country, yet home to one of the planet's true natural paradises - the Galápagos Islands, where this journey begins. Stay at a safari camp amid Darwin's laboratory, and discover endemic birds and rare and beautiful creatures found nowhere else on Earth. Snorkel with sea lions and observe flightless cormorants. Watch Blue-footed Boobies nesting and walk through a colony of Giant tortoises. Explore volcanic beaches, mangroves and lagoons by foot and Zodiac. Then, return to the mainland and drive into the Andean mountains for a stay at a splendid 17th century colonial home that is also a dairy farm and host to a working embroidery museum. Visit High Andes habitats and see volcanic mountains painted with verdant forests and aquamarine crater lakes. Hike, horseback ride or mountain bike along the Condor-Huasi route to view ancient pre-Incan pyramids, and learn about the endangered Andean condor. |
We combine our passion for photography with our enthusiasm for nature and will discover the diversity of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands during a 17-day loop. Wildlife, indigenous traditions, highlands, amazing landscapes, national parks, colonial cities, typical towns as well as the famous Galapagos Islands - all included in this emotional trip through the country. We start off in Quito, make a loop to the north, visiting Otavalo and its surroundings, before we head to the National Parks with impressive volcanos. An exciting stopover in Baños concludes the part on the continent, as we fly to Galapagos afterwards. The tour is designed for everyone who loves nature and stunning landscapes as well as photography beginners and enthusiasts. We will visit the most beautiful photo spots where you can master your photography level under the eye of our professional photo coach. Our national guide will give you all the insights on the country and local traditions during our tour. Not only will you learn how to boost your creativity, you will enjoy a wonderful country, taste delicious food and have an unforgettable experience. You will return home with lots of great memories, breathtaking photos and most probably you will find new friends. |
Day 1: Quito, Ecuador
Accommodation: Casa Gangotena
You are met upon arrival and escorted to your hotel in Quito, nestled deep within the valley of towering Andean volcanoes at 10,000 feet above sea level.
Day 2: Baltra & Santa Cruz Islands, Galápagos Islands
Meals: 2 Breakfast,2 Lunch, 2 Dinner
Today, fly to Baltra Island in the Galápagos and, accompanied by a bilingual naturalist guide, drive across the narrow Itabaca Channel to Santa Cruz Island. Explore the area amidst pit craters and lava tunnels and the endemic Scalesia forest. Visit the giant tortoises at the Tortoise Reserve.
Day 3 & 4: The Galápagos Islands
Meals: 2 Breakfast, 2 Lunch, 2 Dinner
Enjoy two days of boat excursions to neighboring islands for nature walks and hikes with expert naturalist. The Galápagos Marine Reserve is the second largest in the world dive in and snorkel off the boat to experience the richness of the aquatic species found here.
Day 5: Santa Cruz Island
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Drive up Cerro Mesa for dramatic views of the surrounding island; visit El Garrapatero Beach with its pristine white sand, contrasting mangroves and black lava formations, and inviting turquoise water; and enjoy a cruise aboard a fishing boat with local fishermen.
Day 6 & 7: Hacienda Zuleta
Meals: 2 Breakfast,2 Lunch,2 Dinner
Fly from Balta to Quito, then drive up 9,600 feet through the Andean mountains to the Hacienda Zuleta, a splendid 17th century colonial home set on 5,000 acres. The property features lush forest, pastureland, a working dairy farm, and one of the most exclusive horse stables in Ecuador. Its Zuleteo horses are a unique breed robust and noble with a perfect disposition for trail riding. Explore the trails of the Condor-Huasi route, ideal for horse riding, hiking and mountain biking. See the ancient pyramids constructed by the pre-Incan Caranqui Indians. Learn about the aviary dedicated to the rehabilitation of the endangered Andean Condor. Admire the beautiful embroidery work at the museum and at Zuletas own non-profit workshop.
Day 8: Depart for Home
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy a visit to the organic farm to feed the calves and sheep, watch the vaqueros (cowboys) in action, and see the cheese factory before you are transferred to the airport for your flight home or on to your next destination.
Day 1: Arrival in Quito
Transfer to the hotel. Meet and greet your photo coach & guide in the evening. Hotel Vieja Cuba, Quito.
Day 2:
We start early and dive into Quito’s historic center. We visit magic squares, stroll through the streets, and admire colonial style buildings. We check out the best view points: the towers of Basilica del Voto Nacional & El Panecillo. At night we visit El Ventanal for breathtaking views and an optional dinner. Hotel Vieja Cuba, Quito.
Day 3:
Time to leave Quito, but not without having visited the Middle of the World, the Equator. In the afternoon we arrive in the indigenous town of Otavalo and visit the Plaza de Ponchos (handicraft market). Hotel Indio Inn, Otavalo.
Day 4:
After breakfast we drive up to the Lagunas de Mojanda, surrounded by the famous “Paramo” grass lands, below mystic FuyaFuya summit. In the afternoon we continue to Ibarra, the white city. Hacienda Hosteria Chorlavi.
Day 5:
Breath-taking nature awaits us today in the National Park El Angel, close to the Colombian border. Landscape and flora will make us feel like in a fairy-tale. We spend the night in Ibarra. Hacienda Hosteria Chorlavi.
Day 6:
Today we head south, towards Cotopaxi National Park. In the afternoon we’ll try to get the mirror of Cotopaxi volcano in Limpiopungo Lake. We spend the night in the park. From the lodge we enjoy amazing views of the surrounding volcanos. Tambopaxi Lodge.
Day 7:
Let’s take it easy today – Cotopaxi Park has plenty of options for great pics. According to weather and conditions we decide what’s the best option for a productive day: a visit of owls caves, the Refuge José Ribas & glacier or some Inka ruins. Tambopaxi Lodge.
Day 8:
We leave Cotopaxi park after breakfast and head to the next hot spot: Quilotoa crater lake. We appreciate typical country side on our way up and try to get a hold of Quilotoa lake with the afternoon sun. Blacksheep Inn.
Day 9:
In the morning we visit the view point at Quilotoa lake for some more good perspectives. In the afternoon we continue to Baños de Agua Santa. Gamboa Spa Hotel.
Day 10:
We visit Fincapalmonte, in the cloud forest close to Baños, incredible variety of orchids and typical flora wait for being captured by us. Rivers, birds and more will contribute to an unforgettable day. Gamboa Spa Hotel.
Day 11:
Stunning waterfalls and the famous swing at the end of the world at the Tree House are today‘s main attractions. With a bit of luck we will even see volcano Tungurahua overlooking the town. At night we continue to Quito. Hotel Vieja Cuba, Quito.
Day 12:
Flight from Quito to Galapagos. We visit Cerro Tijeretas and have the first opportunity to discover Galapagos wildlife. Some leisure time in the evening allows us to visit Darwin Bay and the Malecon. Hotel Cabanas Pimampiro.
Day 13:
By boat we go to Lobo Island and during the tour we have the chance to swim with the sea lions. In the afternoon the white sands of Ochoa Beach and its fauna await us in all its glory. Hotel Cabanas Pimampiro.
Day 14:
From San Cristobal we continue by boat to Santa Cruz today. Our main target is the famous Tortuga Bay. In addition to countless animals we see the impressive lava tunnels. Hotel Deja Vu.
Day 15:
An excursion to one of the following islands is our today’s program: Bartolome, Plazas, Seymour Norte or Santa Fe. Each of the islands offers breathtaking fauna and flora to create unforgettable photos. Hotel Deja Vu.
Day 16:
Departure from Galapagos and flight back to Quito (or Guayaquil). We enjoy a last day in Ecuador on Hacienda La Jimenita, with wonderful gardens, wildlife as well as some culinary highlights. Hacienda La Jimenita.
Day 17:
After breakfast we have some free time at the Hacienda for a wrap up of our photo tour through Ecuador. Transfer to the airport.
