Galapagos and Amazon Program

Maximum of 4 people (2 wheelchair users) at one time......The people with disabilities must have upper body mobility, since it is needed to do transfer in Galapagos. It is an exceptional experience, since you combine 2 of the most visited places in South America in one trip.

Duration: 11 days

Itinerary

Day 1 (includes lunch and dinner)

Arrival in Quito. Pick up from airport and transfer to hotel. Depending on arrival time, lunch and free afternoon to rest. After dinner there is a briefing about the program by our tour leader.

Day 2 (includes breakfast, lunch and dinner)

After breakfast we will drive to the Amazon. On our way we will cross two mountain chains and will drive though seven different climate floors. Depending on weather we will see some volcanoes and will try food specialties on the way. We will have several stops which include a visit to an Environmental Communication Centre at the entrance to the Amazon Region, where we will be given a lecture about important facts for the Amazon conservation. We will arrive at Huasquila Amazon Lodge (accessible) around 2:00 pm where we will be given a welcome cocktail, lunch and briefing. After lunch we will visit an animal rescue center with local animals that have been recovered from illegal animal trade. Return to the lodge for dinner.

Day 3 (includes breakfast, lunch and dinner)

In the morning we will travel to the Anzu river (1.5 hour drive), where we will take a raft in a very calm river (class II). We will start our adventure of going down the river admiring the Amazon nature on each side of the river. During the trip we can stop at several points of interest to take pictures and relax in the river. Even though the river is very calm, of course we will raft down the river with several kayakers at all time for safety reasons. We will finish our journey around 3:00 pm and start our way back to the lodge. We will end the day with dinner and can spend the evening chatting at the lodge (play games, cards, etc) and enjoying a delicious tropical juice or wine.

Day 4 (includes breakfast, lunch and dinner)

After breakfast we will drive back towards Quito. On the way we will make a 2 hour stop for lunch at one of Ecuador´s hot spot for bird watching. The views of the landscape from this area are simply magnificent. We will arrive at Quito in the late afternoon for dinner.

Day 5 (includes breakfast, lunch and dinner)

After breakfast we will visit the Middle of the World monument, which is located on the Equator. You can actually move between the southern and northern hemispheres in one second. We will visit the Inti-Ñam museum where we will observe some experiments that prove we are in the Middle of the World. The afternoon is free in order to prepare for the Galapagos trip.

Day 6 (includes breakfast, lunch and dinner)

We will leave for the Galapagos Islands. We arrive at San Cristóbal around lunch time. We will be staying at a beautiful house overlooking the ocean (wheelchair friendly). After lunch we will take a walk in San Cristobal's downtown, admiring the sea lions on the beach, boardwalk, and sidewalk.

Day 7 (includes breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Today we will be safely transferred into kayaks. We will go to observe iguanas, as well as blue footed boobies and sea lions. A professional kayaker will join you (2 persons per kayak). Also as a security measure we will always be joined by a motor boat. After lunch we will go back to the hotel and spend the afternoon at Playa Man, which is a beach located 100 meters from our hotel.

Day 8 (includes breakfast, lunch and dinner)

After breakfast we will drive across the Island to the Galapaguera. There we will see the famous Galapagos Turtles. On our way back we will stop at the Environmental Communication Centre where we will learn about the Island´s history, and important facts about the conservation hazards of the Islands. The rest of the evening we will go on a horseback ride to the highest point of San Cristobal and camp for the night. We will have a delicious barbecue at this location and enjoy the company of the stars.

Day 9 (includes breakfast, lunch and dinner)

In the morning we will drive back to the hotel for a refreshing shower. After breakfast you will have a couple of hours to enjoy a massage, get a cooking lesson, or learn a handicraft with the locals of the Island. Around 1:00 pm we take our flight back to Quito. Arrive at Quito around 4:00 pm.

Day 10 (includes breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Visit to Quito's Colonial Center, declared World Culture Heritage by UNESCO. Visit the churches and squares and get to know their history and most interesting facts. Then we will visit the skylift of Quito, where we will reach an altitude of 4100 meters. From this altitude we will have a great overview of Quito and the surrounding mountains. We will have a hot drink at this location and then come back down to Quito. After dinner we will give you a final overview of the trip with a presentation of all the pictures we have taken during the excursions. We will give every guest a CD with the pictures as a remembrance gift.

Day 11 (includes all meals before flight)

Departure

The price includes:

• All tours and activities specified in program
• Accommodations specified in program
• All entrance fees during tours and activities specified in program
• All meals specified in program
• Transportation specified in program

The price doesn't include:

• International airfares and airport taxes
• Any expenses not specified in program (personal expenses, alcoholic beverages, souvenirs, laundry, etc)
• Equipment rental or supply (if necessary)
• Personal insurance
• Any medical expenses