Safaris & Wildlife Tour in Ecuador

Day 1 : Quito Airport

Welcome to Ecuador !

A proverb says *Traveling leaves you speechless at first, before turning you into a storyteller*

… Let the adventure start in the country of the middle of the world ! Chulla vida ! Reception at the airport by an english-speaking guide. Private transfer with spanish-speaking driver from Quito airport to your hotel. Night at Casa Gardenia hotel in Standard room.

Day 2 : Quito Historic Center

English-speaking guide in a private transport. Quito stands out for its topography spread out from north to south, in an Andean corridor flanked by the Pichincha volcano and the valley where the airport is located. But it is above all the largest and most preserved colonial city on the continent.

Then you will visit the colonial and republican center of Quito :

– the Panecillo, the statue of the Virgin of Quito, located on top of a hill overlooking the city;
– the Church of the Society of Jesus (of the Jesuits), the most gold-laden church in South America;
– the Church of San Francisco (of the Franciscans) and its convent/museum;
– the Plaza Grande where the Presidential Palace (Carondelet) and the Cathedral of Quito are located. At 12:00, you can watch the changing of the presidential guard;
– the district of La Ronda for its craftsmen;
– the Basilica of the National Vow of Quito, designed by a French architect. Night at Casa Gardenia hotel in Standard room.

Day 3 : Quito Airport

Transport with an english-speaking guide from your hotel to Quito’s airport. Private transfer with spanish-speaking driver to Quito airport. Domestic flight Quito – Coca (around 40 minutes). From Coca, you will take a vehicle to reach the Tiputini River.

From there you will pass by on a motor canoe. The immersion is immediate because this river is very little frequented.

You are on the border with the mythical Yasuni reserve, one of the richest areas of biodiversity in the world.

You will pass the community of Mandari Panga and reach your lodge.

A fully equipped tent awaits you there.

Once settled and familiarized with these places where adventure and safety go hand in hand, you can then opt for a new outing on the river to enjoy your first Amazonian sunset.

Overnight at Mandari Panga Lodge

*NOTE* *: ground transportation: 2 hours. River transportation: about 1h30.*

*NOTE 2 :* *your activities during your stay in the Amazon Rainforest may be subject to change depending on weather and group conditions.*

Day 4 : Mandari Panga

After breakfast, you will take the pirogue to reach the Maquisapa trail. This walk will allow you to observe some mammals including howler monkeys with an impressive cry.

The forest conceals an immense genetic heritage, especially concerning medicinal plants. In addition, a native guide will accompany you. Also do not hesitate to question him because his knowledge in the use of these plants is unique.

Return to the camp for lunch.

You’ll have time to relax in your hammock or tent, walk around the camp, and even cool off with a swim in a peaceful tributary of the Tiputini River. You will also enjoy a pleasant ride in a traditional canoe in the Pishña Lagoon for approximately 2 hours. This black water lagoon is a fascinating ecosystem, a black water lake where unique species live. You will enjoy the sunset before returning to the lodge for dinner.

Night at Mandari Panga Lodge

*NOTE: 4 to 5 hours trek, Difficulty: medium. If your boots size is over 43, please remember to bring your own boots.*

*NOTE 2 :* *your activities during your stay in the Amazon Rainforest may be subject to change depending on weather and group conditions.*

Day 5 : Mandari Panga

After breakfast, you will board your kayak for approximately 3 hours of excursion.

Through this walk, you will probably have the chance to see an anaconda and many other species from the Amazon region.

A box lunch is planned that day that you will enjoy on a river beach. After a short rest, you will return to the lodge. This will be the time to witness the magnificent sunset with the chance to discover the incredible night sky of the Amazon as well as its nocturnal fauna.

Night and dinner at Mandari Panga Lodge

*NOTE: 4 to 5 hours trek, Difficulty: medium. If your boots size is over 43, please remember to bring your own boots.*

*NOTE 2 :* *your activities during your stay in the Amazon Rainforest may be subject to change depending on weather and group conditions.*

Day 6 : Mandari Panga

Early in the morning, you will start your journey along the Tiputini River in a traditional wooden canoe and have breakfast during this ride while enjoying the sunrise. You will have many opportunities to observe birds and wildlife, monkeys and other mammals.

Return to camp for a refreshing drink and lunch.

In the afternoon, you will leave by motorized canoe for the Casa de la Abuela (Grandmother’s House), a traditional house where the founding grandmother of the community still lives. You will learn how to make traditional chocolate. You’ll enjoy stunning views of the sunset from this hilltop home before heading back to camp.

After dinner, you will take a night walk along a short trail known as the Tucán Trail near the camp; this walk takes about an hour.

Night and dinner at Mandari Panga Lodge

*NOTE :* *Activities during your stay in the Amazon may be subject to change depending on weather and group conditions.*

Day 7 : Mandari Panga

After your breakfast early in the morning, you will leave the camp to reach Coca. You will take a 40 minutes domestic flight from Coca to Quito. Night at La Palma Polo Club hotel in Standard room. You will be welcomed at the airport by the staff of La Palma Polo Club.

Day 8 : Puembo

You will be driven to the airport by the staff of La Palma Polo Club. You will take a flight of about 2 hours from Quito to Baltra. Arrival at Baltra airport, located on a small island next to Santa Cruz. It is the second largest and most populated island in the Galapagos archipelago. You will then pay the entrance fee to the Galapagos National Park before picking up your luggage.

Upon leaving the airport, you will be greeted by your naturalist guide, then cross the Itabaca Canal and the center of Santa Cruz to arrive at a restaurant located in the Highlands for lunch.

In the afternoon you will visit this area of specific vegetation and fauna due to its microclimate. You will then go to a farm where you will be able to closely observe the giant turtles living in complete freedom in their natural habitat. You will also discover one of the huge lava tunnels inside which you will be able to walk in a surreal mineral setting. Your arrival at the lodge is scheduled for the evening.

Dinner and overnight at the Safari Camp.

Day 9 : Santa Cruz

Today you will take a cruise to one of the neighboring islands (Seymour, Bartholomew, Plaza, Santa Fe, Floreana or Isabela). Each island has its particularities and you will have the opportunity to discover the natural wonders of their environment. Each visit will focus on either terrestrial or marine fauna, flora or geology. You will often have the opportunity to practice snorkeling in order to get a glimpse of the rich marine life of Galapagos.

Dinner and overnight stay at the Safari Camp.

*NOTE*: The island you visit will be specified at the time of booking, as it depends on the National Park authorities.

Day 10 : Santa Cruz

This second day will be based on the same principles as the day before.

On each island project yourself into this preserved universe that seems to have remained unchanged for thousands of years. It is a passage of the geological and biological history of our world. In short, a life-size history lesson for young and old.

Dinner and night at the Safari Camp.

Day 11 : Mesa Hill

In the morning, you will go to the eastern part of the island. At 490m. above sea level, the Cerro Mesa is the largest volcanic crater of Santa Cruz, from which you will have spectacular views of the island and can observe many endemic plants as well as the Galapagos finches.

After lunch, you will visit the site of Garrapatero. This beautiful white sand beach of 2km. is lined with mangroves and small lagoons that are home to flamingos and many other birds.

You will also be able to cross marine iguanas. It is an ideal place for swimming and relaxing on the sand. You will also be able to go kayaking or mountain biking as an option.

Dinner and overnight at Safari Camp.

Day 12 : Safari Camp

This morning, you can stroll to the Safari Camp to enjoy the various high points and enjoy the sunrise, or discover a cave known for owl nesting.

After breakfast you will reach Baltra airport where you will take your flight to the mainland. A Spanish-speaking driver will pick you up at your hotel to take you to the pier in Puerto Ayora. You will travel from Santa Cruz to Isabela aboard a public speedboat. The boat trip takes between 2 and 3 hours.

*NOTE:* *at your arrival in Isabela, you will take a taxi-boat (incluido) and have to pay the local tax (10$ per person, not included) at Isabela harbour.* You will arrive at Isabela Island through its port, Puerto Villamil.

There you will be welcomed and taken to the Scalesia Lodge which is located in the Highlands of the island.

You will have the rest of the afternoon free to enjoy the lodge’s facilities.

Dinner and overnight at Scalesia Lodge.

Day 13 : Tintoreras Rock

*AM*: visit to the Tintoreras, an islet formed by lava flows located 10 minutes by dinghy from Puerto Villamil. Its name comes from the white tip reef sharks called in Spanish Tintoreras” which are frequently seen in this area. Different species of animals can be seen in the area as sea lions, marine iguanas and penguins. This is a perfect place to practice snorkeling.

*PM*: visit to the Wetlands, a complex with various trails where you can find the four species of mangroves existing in Galapagos. This area is characterized by solitary beaches, lava tunnels, natural pools and estuaries where you can see flamingos and other birds. You will also visit the Turtle breeding center where the National park is breeding turtles in danger of extinction. Some of this giant turtles have been released by the park and can be found on the trails.

Overnight at Scalesia Lodge.

Day 14 : Sierra Negra

*AM*: you will visit some of Isabela´s best attractions, the Sierra Negra and Chico Volcano. Sierra Negra is one of the most active volcanoes of the archipelago, its recent eruption took place in 2005. The volcano’s crater is considered the second largest in the world with a diameter of 10kms. Volcan Chico is also an active volcano, sulfur vents can be seen in this area. This is an approximately 6 hour’s walk tour to appreciate all the splendor of the volcanoes. You will enjoy a snack in the area.

*PM*: free time to enjoy the magical beach of Puerto Villamil or enjoy one of the following activities for extra cost: biking, surfing or kayaking.

Overnight at Scalesia Lodge.

Day 15 : Isabela

Early transfer to return to Puerto Villamil. You will travel from Isabela to Santa Cruz aboard a public speedboat. The boat trip takes around 3 hours. A Spanish speaking driver will pick you up at the port of Santa Cruz and take you to your hotel. Night at Angermeyer Waterfornt Inn hotel in Standard room.

Day 16 : Puerto Ayora

You will be taken by private transportation from your hotel to Baltra airport.

On the way, you will stop to take a tour of Los Gemelos , a unique volcanic formation that was formed by the collapse of the surface due to volcanic activity. You will be able to appreciate the unique forest of *Scalesia*, an endemic plant of this region, and see the wizard bird. You will take a flight from Baltra to Guayaquil. Free connection with your international flight.