This Adventure is featured in our 2011 Adventure Survey and may be offered in 2011. 
The Galapagos Archipelago conjures up images of an isolated, almost mythical setting where Charles Darwin derived the basis for the theories of his book, The Origin of Species. Over 150 years later, this special group of islands continues to mesmerize visitors from all over the planet. Many species in the Galapagos are found only here and present startling differences when compared to their cousins living elsewhere on the globe. One thing most Galapagos species have in common is a charming and completely disarming fearlessness around humans. This Adventure is a unique opportunity to explore one of the world’s most pristine wildlife environments.
This Adventure may be combined with Mystical Machu Picchu for 7 more days of walks and sightseeing in the amazing Andean wonderland of Peru. Travelers participating in both Mystical Machu Picchu and The Galapagos & Ecuador will receive complimentary airfare between the 2 tours – Lima, Peru and Quito, Ecuador. |
Day
1 |
ARRIVE QUITO
Upon arrival at Quito's International Airport, a representative of Walking Adventures will help you arrange a transfer into town. Our hotel is a strategically located, colonial-era inn in the historic quarter of old Quito. All flights arrive late in the evening, so the first group activity will be breakfast tomorrow morning at the hotel.
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Day
2 |
QUITO-PEGUCHE (B,D)
Colonial Quito Walk 3 km, rated 1+
We begin our Adventure in Ecuador this morning with a relaxed
stroll through Quito's historic district. Chief among the picturesque reminders of the Spanish colonial period is the impressive Company of Jesus Church, a masterpiece of baroque architecture. Following time for lunch in bustling Plaza de San Francisco, we'll drive north to celebrate the crossing of the equator before arriving at the delightful country inn, Hacienda Pinsaqui, our home for the next two nights.
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Day
3 |
ACTIVITIES FROM PEGUCHE (B,D)
Laguna de Cuicocha Crater Walk 10 km, rated 3+
Today's first activity takes us to spectacular Lake Cuicocha, one of Ecuador's most beautiful and photographed lakes. We'll enjoy the panoramas from multiple angles as we embark on a rim hike along the crater of this volcanic gem. Following a break for lunch,we'll visit the colorful and photogenic indigenous markets of Otavalo to admire the local handicrafts and perhaps do a little bargaining. Look forward to another excellent dinner back at the hacienda this evening!
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Day
4 |
PEGUCHE - QUITO (B,D)
Cascada Peguche Walk 7 km, rated 2
Today's walk starts from the hacienda and wanders through native villages and farmland with stunning Andean mountain panoramas as a backdrop.Time for shopping in the weaver's village of Peguche will be followed by a walk through a lovely eucalyptus forest to Peguche waterfall.We return to Quito this afternoon for a second evening at the lovely Patio Andaluz Hotel.
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Day
5 |
QUITO-THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS (B,L,D)
Pinnacle Rock Walk 3 km, rated 3
An early morning transfer to the Quito airport precedes our flight to the Galapagos Islands where we are anticipating amazing connections with the animal kingdom. Upon arrival, we'll get situated into our cabins on the comfortable M/V Galapagos Legend, enjoy our first meal aboard, then set sail for Bartolomé Island. Strict regulations within the islands protect this amazing environment by requiring that visitors use a dinghy (inflatable raft) for all landings. Two landings on Bartolomé Island allow for a scenic walk and our first exposure to the islands' residents: in this case, sea lions, pelicans, and a variety of birds.
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Day
6 |
ISABELA & FERNANDINA ISLANDS (B,L,D)
Isabela & Fernandina Islands Walk 3 km, rated 2+
Our exploration of the Galapagos commences in earnest today with visits to two more islands.The morning walk on Isabela Island offers chances to observe land iguanas, a variety of bird and marine life, and do a bit of swimming or snorkeling. Following lunch aboard the Legend, our afternoon visit to Fernandina Island provides wonderful opportunities for close up observation of Galapagos Penguins, Flightless Cormorants, hundreds of marine iguanas, sea lions, and sea turtles.
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Day
7 |
SANTIAGO & RÁBIDA ISLANDS (B,L,D)
Santiago & Rábida Islands Walk 5 km, rated 2+
This morning's walk on Santiago Island takes us along the shoreline on lava rock and black sand where we are likely to encounter sea lions, marine iguanas, a variety of bird life, and Galapagos Fur Seals. After a chance for some deep sea snorkeling, the afternoon visit to Rábida Island is preceded by a cruise in our dinghy along the coastline to view the amazing variety of bird life. The blue-footed boobies REALLY have blue feet! Be careful during today' s wet landing (wading ashore from the raft) that you don't step on a sleeping sea lion!
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Day
8 |
SANTA CRUZ ISLAND (B,L,D)
Charles Darwin Research Station Walk 7 km, rated 2
The Charles Darwin Research Station hosts a team of scientists from all over the world.Their objective is to make recommendations to the Ecuadorian government on management and conservation of this special place. Our walk wanders through the station grounds among Galapagos giant tortoises (adults can weigh over 600 pounds) and through the small village of Puerto Ayora. We'll continue through the lush highlands of Santa Cruz and to Cerro Chato, where you'll see these amazing tortoises in their natural environment.
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Day
9 |
THE GALAPAGOS-GUAYAQUIL-USA (B,D)
A final visit to a lovely Santa Cruz beach is available this morning before we depart for Baltra Island and our flight back to the mainland. We arrive in Guayaquil mid-afternoon in time for an abbreviated city tour of Ecuador's largest city and one of the most significant Pacific ports in South America. Later this evening, we'll enjoy a final dinner before returning to the airport for late evening departures for home. It has been an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind experience we will cherish forever.
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