Itinerary l viExplorer Ecuador & Galapagos Standard
(16 Days)
The viExplorer Ecuador & Galapagos tour includes must see places as well as hidden treasures in Ecuador's diverse mainland and majestic Galapagos islands.
Discover one of the best-preserved colonial cities in Latin America with a tour through the historical centre of Quito. Escape to the Andean highlands and stay in a mountain ranch while hiking a spectacular volcano and roaming the landscape on horseback. Immerse yourself in indigenous culture while spending the night with a traditional Indian family and absorbing their music and dance. Descend from the cool highlands into lush rainforest where waterfalls and an authentic jungle village await you. Ride the infamous Nariz del Diablo train ride through the rugged Andes before relaxing in the charming city of Cuenca. Get close to Giant Tortoises, White-Tipped Reef Sharks and Iguanas, not to mention incredible beaches and bizarre volcanic landscapes on the Galapagos islands. Head back to relative normality in Guayaquil with colourful wooden houses juxtaposed against modern skyscrapers.
Your flight will leave Dublin and travel to Quito via Madrid.
You will arrive in Quito in the late afternoon where your tourguide will be waiting for you to acompany you and the other travellers to the hostal.
In the evening, we will enjoy an evening meal together while our tour guide explains some of the most important things about the journey ahead. Afterwards, we will have some time to rest on our own.
Itinerary for the viExplorer Ecuador & Galapagos Standard Tour
Arrival in Quito
08/11/2008
Arrival in Quito... and two suitcases didn’t arrive. But they should be here tomorrow and we are going to search for them after our walk in the forest.
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- Historic centre
- Bars & restaurants
meals
We'll enjoy a nice breakfast together in our hostal, before we leave for a city tour in Quito. Sundays are free from noise and traffic so it will be the perfect day to explore one of the largest and best-preserved historical cities in Latin America.
After a busy morning taking in colonial architecture and beautiful museums and monuments, we'll take the bus to Cumbayá in the valley of Tumbaco where we'll enjoy lunch with the viventura team.
Thereafter, we'll be free to relax and enjoy the many bars and restaurants available in the modern part of Quito.
2 hour(s)
2 hour(s)
Itinerary for the viExplorer Ecuador & Galapagos Standard Tour
The beautiful city and the countryside
09/11/2008
After a really good breakfast, we left for a city tour of Quito. “It’s beautiful, this colonial site!” We visited the basilica and the churches by the main square, La Plaza Grande, but we had bad luck because nearly the whole town closed down for the Easter Holidays.
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- Cable car
- Artesanal market
- Chiva bus ride
meals
Depending on the weather in the morning, we may take the cable car which provides fantastic views over the city from 4100m. This is a great way to take one last glimpse of Quito and the journey that lies ahead in the distance. Alternatively, we'll visit the Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World) monument which is the official site of the equator.
In the afternoon, we'll visit the colourful Artesanal market. This is a good place to enjoy the different sights and sounds of the traders. Artesanal market is easy to get to unlike the touristy Otavalo market which doesn't always warrant its long journey time.
For our last night in Quito, we'll take a Chiva bus ride through the historical centre with our own live music band. The city lights accompanied by some local Canelazo (a warm alcoholic fruit drink) will be the perfect way to see the city from a different angle. Luckily, tomorrow we'll be able to sleep in a little.
2 hour(s)
Itinerary for the viExplorer Ecuador & Galapagos Standard Tour
About the cloud forest
10/11/2008
We started our day early today in order to observe the animals of the forest, because they are most active between 6 and 8 o’clock. After a two hour walk the breakfast was waiting for us.
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- Hiking in Cotopaxi
- Horseback riding
- Candle-lit dinner
meals
After breakfast we'll leave Quito on a private bus and head south towards Cotopaxi National Park where we'll stay in a mountain ranch, set in a typical green Andean landscape.
After a little rest, we'll visit the most spectacular and famous volcano in Ecuador. Our bus will take us to an altitude of 4500m from where we'll hike a further 300m. Whilst it can be a little strenuous, we won't have to be fitness fanatics to enjoy the experience.
In the afternoon, we'll roam the landscape on horseback. We`ll use Criollo horses who are well kept and very steady, so even a complete amateur will be able to relax and enjoy the excursion. During the trip we'll hopefully see glimpses of wild horses, llamas and bulls, while enjoying incredible clear skies as the sun goes down.
In the evening, we'll enjoy a well-deserved candle-lit dinner and relax next to the fireplace with a few drinks.
2 hour(s)
2 hour(s)
3 hour(s)
Itinerary for the viExplorer Ecuador & Galapagos Standard Tour
National Park Cotopaxi
11/11/2008
Alter having a good breakfast, we left Quito to visit the Cotopaxi National Park: the idea is getting up to 4500m by bus and than continuing to walk until the refuge which is located at 4800m. The hike up was hard because of the oxygen deficit! But thanks to the courage of two of our group members, all of us made it. In the afternoon, we went on a nice horse ride through the countryside. The time went by really quickly and it was an excellent experience. The evening wasn’t too comfortable due to the altitude; the hacienda lies at 3600m!
Quote of the Day: “ don’t … have…words…because…of …oxy…gen…deficit.”
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- 350m walk down to crater lake
- Stay with a traditional Indian family
meals
Leaving Cotopaxi in the morning, we'll head towards the Andean village of Quilotoa where our hosts will be a traditional Indian family. Our journey will take us through green, yellow and brown fields overlooked by a strange mountainous landscape.
Upon arrival, we'll have the chance to walk 350m down to a beautiful crater lake where the mountains are reflected in the dark emerald coloured water. We'll hire horses on the way back up to save some energy.
In the evening, we'll have the opportunity to see how real Indian families live while enjoying some of their traditional music and dance. Adventurous eaters might welcome the opportunity to try some Guinea Pig, which is the local festive dish of the region.
We won't be able to guarantee single or double rooms because the hostel has a limited number of rooms.
4 hour(s)
2 hour(s)
Itinerary for the viExplorer Ecuador & Galapagos Standard Tour
From the cold of Cotopaxi to the cold of Quilotoa
12/11/2008
On our way to Quilotoa, we visited the typical local market in Latacunga. As a typical lunch we had a mixture of pork meat, fried pork crust and corn in all different varieties. We needed this energy for the hike down the crater lagoon Quilotoa. This time we started at 4000m and went down to 3650m. We had the weather in our favour. It was pretty foggy when we started, but after a little while the clouds went away and opened a spectacular view on the Crater Lake. We stayed with a typical Indian family of the region in a simple house. We enjoyed a special festive dish of the region – Guinea Pig and danced to folkloric music.
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In the morning, we'll visit a rural school sponsored by viventura's vSocial programme.
Like many schools in the area, resources are limited and we'll have the opportunity to see where some of the money from our tour is being used to help buy basic materials and a daily hot lunch for the children.
Soon after, we'll leave for Baños and then onto Puyo in the Amazon rainforest. Our journey will see a very rapid change in landscape and climate, as we leave the Andean highlands for warmer valleys and finally into the hot lush jungle.
We won't be able to visit the local school if our trip coincides with school holidays
5 hour(s)
Itinerary for the viExplorer Ecuador & Galapagos Standard Tour
The tropical rain forest is waiting
13/11/2008
We got up really early to say hello to the sun, rising up behind the Crater Lake. We realized a short morning walk following the crater rim and had breakfast at our host family’s. Afterwards we visited one of the schools sponsored by viSozial. The children did sing some typical songs for us and we got informed about the project and the daily school life.
We moved on to the jungle…the nice hostel of Puyo did already await us with it´s hot showers and comfortable hammocks.
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Today, we'll visit the jungle village of Kotokocha where we will acquaint ourselves with traditional Kichwa culture. Our local guide will give us an insight into some of the local Indian ceramics, medicinal plants and animals.
Later on, we'll hike for 2 hours through the jungle with the opportunity to rest at a big waterfall. Indeed, today will be the perfect day to experience pure unspoiled nature.
2 hour(s)
3 hour(s)
Itinerary for the viExplorer Ecuador & Galapagos Standard Tour
Today was our jungle day. Our discovery started comfortable with our bus in Puyo, where we picked up our local guide. The Kichwa Community in the nearby village was already awaiting us. We took a nice walk through the jungle and learned a lot about the medical use of the plants and finally we enjoyed a canoe ride down the jungle river. Our lunch was prepared in the traditional way, cooked in leaves… and was really tasty.
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l Puyo - Banos - Riobamba
Today, we'll leave early in the morning for Riobamba. We may stop at a local workshop where our guide will talk about the production of Balsa wood. Items made from Balsa wood will also provide perfect souvenirs because they are so light.
We'll then visit the impressive Pailon del Diablo (Devil`s Cauldron) waterfall. Lunch can be enjoyed by the waterfall or on our return journey in Baños.
3 hour(s)
Itinerary for the viExplorer Ecuador & Galapagos Standard Tour
From the Jungle to Chimborazo
15/11/2008
The day brought us quite a lot of rain during our bus drive to Puyo and on the road we had a flat tyre – bad luck. But we used this little break to visit the little town of Arrosemena Tola which celebrated its foundation anniversary.
Getting to Puyo, we visited a rescue centre for animals of the rain forest, where we saw mainly monkeys. But the main spectacle was offered to us by Ecuador’s volcanoes: the Chimborazo, with its 6310m, was a beautiful reward.
When we arrived at the city of Riobamba, there was another foundation anniversary. All the residents of the town did come together to celebrate the anniversary of the city. We, for our part, did celebrate the anniversary of Daniel our way in a Pizzeria.
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- Nariz del Diablo train ride
- Historical centre of Cuenca
meals
We'll get up early in order to get a good place on the roof of the famous Nariz del Diablo train ride. We'll take the train for about 2 hours and our journey will take us through the cool highlands of the Andes until Guamote or Alausi where we'll take a private bus to get to Cuenca.
At night we'll enjoy a 2 hour city tour of Cuenca with its charming cobblestone streets, old-world cathedrals, colonial parks and urban rivers. Of course, there'll be plenty of free time left over to enjoy the best bars and restaurants of Cuenca.
2 hour(s)
5 hour(s)
Itinerary for the viExplorer Ecuador & Galapagos Standard Tour
“Devil´s nose” and the little train
16/11/2008
Today we got up really early! The party of the city went on until late, we could hear the music until the break of dawn!
We headed south to the city of Alausí, where we could admire the marvellous Andean landscape. On our way we made a stop to have a look at the first Catholic Church built by the Spaniards in Ecuador in 1534.
In Alausí, the little Andean train did offer us a special adventure: the tour to the Devil’s nose. And after a long trip in our private bus, we arrived in Cuenca and did a little city tour. We finished our day enjoying a tranquil night in a nice hotel near the main square.
Quote of the day
“Would you give us a bit of motivation?” (Nice way of asking for "trago", an alcoholic drink)
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- Isla Santa Cruz tour
- Charles Darwin Station
- 'Lonesome George' Giant Tortoise
meals
In the morning, we'll fly from Cuenca via Guayaquil to Baltra airport in the Galapagos islands.
Once we arrive, we'll explore Isla Santa Cruz with a local guide. Right away, we will travel through an ever-changing landscape and discover the famous twin craters and walk through a huge lava tunnel.
We'll also have the opportunity to see lots of wild and rare species, including the iconic Giant Tortoises in their natural habitat and the island's Land Iguanas that have thankfully be brought back from distinction.
Afterwards, we'll visit the Charles Darwin Station where research is carried out to protect the Galapagos species. Here, we'll see some more Giant Tortoises, some Land Iguanas and the famous 'Lonesome George'.
After such a packed day, we'll head back to our hotel for a nice evening meal before exploring the island's nightlife.
2 hour(s)
2 hour(s)
1 hour(s)
Itinerary for the viExplorer Ecuador & Galapagos Standard Tour
From the mountains to the sea
17/11/2008
Well, we didn’t want to loose our new habit of getting up early, we got up at 5 o’clock today to get the flight to the Galapagos islands. We are still on vacation, you know. On the airport we had to say goodbye to our nice bus driver Bolívar, who had to drive back to Quito.
Once we got to Baltra we could finally feel some heat. On our way to Puerto Ayora, we visited “Los Gemelos”, two twin craters. In a private property, we saw our first giant tortoises …and they are huge! Afterwards we saw some more of them during our visit in the Charles Darwin Research Station, where we did learn about the work that´s being done for the fauna of the islands, especially for the tortoises.
Finally we did enjoy a tasty dinner with fish and “patacones” (fried green bananas)
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l Galapagos - Isla Santa Cruz
Today, we'll be free to relax and make the most of the beautiful island. We might visit the beautiful white beach of Tortuga Bay where it's possible to observe Sea Iguanas, Blue-Footed Boobies, Rays and Pelicans. Alternatively, we can do some snorkelling in Las Grietas and relax on Playa de los Alemanes beach away from the lively part of the island.
It will also be possible to reserve a tour to other islands (this is best booked at the last minute or through the viventura office when in Quito).
In the evening, there'll be several bars and restaurants waiting to be discovered.
Itinerary for the viExplorer Ecuador & Galapagos Standard Tour
Free time on Galápagos
18/11/2008
Today was leisure time and we split up to make different tours. A few went to Plazas Islands, while the others discovered Floreana. To discover the underwater world of the islands was obligatory for everyone. All of us came back with excellent experiences and impressive sun burns.
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l Galapagos - Isla Santa Cruz - Isla Isabela
In the morning, we'll have plenty of free time time to buy souvenirs or just sleep in.
Shortly after lunch, we'll depart by boat for Isla Isabela. If you suffer from sea sickness you'll need to bring some medicine in case the sea gets rough on this 2 to 3 hour journey.
Once we arrive at Isla Isabela, we'll observe a more relaxed atmosphere, where the streets aren't paved and people take life in their stride. We'll be just a short walk from our hotel and a one kilometer long white sandy beach in the little village of Puerto Villamil. With a little luck, we'll see some Flamingos in the nearby lagoons before observing the impressive sunset.
3 hour(s)
Itinerary for the viExplorer Ecuador & Galapagos Standard Tour
Today we had some free time which we used to visit the beach: the weather was spectacular and now all of us have a nice tanning in a crab shade.
After a nice lunch, we left on a little boat for Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island. We were pretty sea sick,...feeling a little need to vomit...
We did the check in at Miss Gardenia and enjoyed a siesta which we truly deserved.
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- Sierra Negra Crater
- Lava fields of volcano Chico
meals
l Galapagos - Isla Isabela
Leaving early on our private transport to make the most of the day, we'll head towards the national park where we can explore an impressive and unique volcanic world.
We will see some drastic changes in plant life and weather before we reach the highest point of our Galapagos journey at 1500m. Walking along the rim of the Sierra Nega Crater we'll experience a mix of vapours and gases clearly indicating the active nature of the volcano. Indeed, the last eruption here took place in October 2005.
Then we'll visit the Lava fields of volcano Chico; a moon-like landscape made out of different types of lava in all imaginable forms and colours.
Our private transport will take us back to Puerto Villamil where we can enjoy the rest of the day at our own leisure.
2 hour(s)
6 hour(s)
Itinerary for the viExplorer Ecuador & Galapagos Standard Tour
Sierra Negra and beach
20/11/2008
We got up early today to visit the volcano Sierra Negra. We walked along the rim of the crater and were amazed by the black lava, without any plants from the last eruption in 2005. We went on to the parasite volcano “El Chico”, where we learned about the different lava formations (for example lava tunnels). From the highest point, a beautiful panorama of the majority of Isabela’s volcanoes opened up. We saw most of the Island and even the outlines of Fernandina on the horizon, where the last eruption took place just a few weeks ago. This walk took us five hours and we chose to relax on the amazing beach in the afternoon.
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- Observing White-Tipped Reef Sharks
- Snorkelling in Tintoreras
meals
l Galapagos - Isla Isabela
In the morning, we'll take a short walk to the dock, leaving in a little boat to some small islets within Isabela bay known as Tintoreras.
With a bit of luck, we'll observe White-Tipped Reef Sharks resting in small channels next to the lagoon and Sea Lions sleeping under the mangroves. Sea Iguanas of all sizes can be found during the mating season showing off their beautiful red and green skin. While we might also see Blue-Footed Boobies or Galapagos Penguins on our way through the bay.
In the afternoon, we'll be able to discover the marine world of the islands. While snorkelling near the shore we'll enjoy the company of schools of differently coloured fish alongside Parrot Fishes, Rays and majestic Sea Turtles.
In the evening, we'll enjoy our last meal together with a few drinks as a busy day of travelling awaits us the following day.
1 hour(s)
1 hour(s)
Itinerary for the viExplorer Ecuador & Galapagos Standard Tour
Sharks and Sea Lions
21/11/2008
After a really bad night because of the noise made for the political campaigns, our friend Gerard didn't take part in our activities today because he didn't sleep at all.
We having a rich breakfast, we left in a small boat to discover the shorelines of Isabela Island. We were lucky to see a colony of Blue Footed Boobies, a Penguin Colony, Sea Lions and the White Tipped Reef Sharks.
Afterwards we started to discover the incredibly rich marine world of Galapagos. In a really nice place we dove in for snorkelling. A magnificent experience: the Sea Lions did enjoy swimming with us, without showing any fear. The sun was really strong, so all of us got sun burned again.
This night, our guide Wilmer did prepare us a barbecue and a drink to friendship sponsored by William.
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l Galapagos - Guayaquil - Europa
Today, we'll leave Isla Isabela really early by boat to get to Isla Santa Cruz. There'll be some time to buy souvenirs before flying to Guayaquil; Ecuador's biggest city located on the pacific coast.
Our city tour of Guayaquil will include colourful wooden houses juxtaposed with modern skyscrapers. After stopping at both the old and modern districts, we'll walk up to a lighthouse and chapel where we can enjoy panoramic views over the city.
There'll be some time for a snack before checking-in for the Atlantic flight back to Ireland.
1 hour(s)
2 hour(s)
1 hour(s)
Itinerary for the viExplorer Ecuador & Galapagos Standard Tour
Good Bye, it’s the last day
22/11/2008
We got up at 4:30 o’clock today, early enough to take the boat back to Santa Cruz Island. Lucky enough this time the sea was calm and we arrived without any problem of sea sickness punctually at 8h00 on Santa Cruz. At once we headed for Baltra airport and took a flight back to Guayaquil.
We had some time for a nice little city tour and a delicious sea fruit meal, before it was time to say goodbye. A long flight is waiting for us…Good bye.
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We'll arrive in Dublin via Madrid in the late afternoon.
Itinerary for the viExplorer Ecuador & Galapagos Standard Tour
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