ECUADOR DUDE ITINERARY

 KEN CROSS - ECUADOR 'DUDE TOUR'

ITINERARY IN BRIEF

Day 1 / June 22: International arrival in Quito 

Day 2 / June 23: Afternoon city tour of colonial Quito Old Town 

Day 3 / June 24: Cultural and History Day in Quito 

Day 4 / June 25: Balcon Tumpiki – Mirador Guaycapi – Santa Elena Cock of the Rock. 

Day 5 / June 26: Refugio Paz de las Aves 

Day 6 / June 27: Frutitour - Milpe Bird Sanctuary 

Day 7 / June 28: Mitad del Mundo (Equator Monument) - Otavalo 

Day 8 / June 29: Otavalo Indigenous Market 

Day 9/ June 30: Otavalo to Cotopaxi 

Day 10 / July 01: Quilotoa to Banos 

Day 11 / July 02: Baños – Mera – Puño - Coca 

Day 12 / July 03: Sacha Lodge 

Day 13 / July 04: Sacha Lodge 

Day 14 / July 05: Sacha Lodge 

Day 15 / July 06: Transfer to Coca, return flight to Quito. 

Day 16 / July 07: Transfer to Galapagos as per next itinerary [See Galapagos Itinerary attached at back of this one!]

A Map of Ecuador showing our basic route for the first sixteen days. Note that the tour starts in the capital city and seems to finish in the eastern town of Coca. Coca is the town that welcomes visitors to Yasuni National Park – the Ecuadorian Amazonas territory.  After our three nights at an Amazonian Lodge we return to Coca before our return flight to Quito.

ITINERARY DAY BY DAY 

DAY 1: TRANSFER AIRPORT TO THE HOTEL 

Welcome to Ecuador, a small country but certainly charming and full of adventures. Our Guide will receive you at the Airport, will welcome you, and give you an introduction to the tour of Ecuador where we will visit the country for the next 20 days. The guide will transfer you to the hotel in Quito where you will spend the night. 

                                                                                        O/n at Reina Isabel Hotel, Quito  D

 QUITO CITY 

Quito: The Historic Centre of Quito was declared a Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO on September 8, 1978. It is the least altered and the best preserved in America. Mitad del Mundo. This is one of the most famous attractions in Quito, you can visit the monument or the in-situ museum called Inti-Ñan. You can discover the solar system's great details, the effect of the position of the equator and ancient cultures and much more...! 

DAY 2: AFTERNOON CITY TOUR OLD TOWN QUITO 

Our guide will pick you up at your hotel to visit some of the most famous squares, churches and colonial buildings in the city of Quito. The Independence square has a perfect Spaniard design with the main buildings of the city, that includes the Presidential Palace, the Archiepiscopal Palace, the Mayor's Building, and the Cathedral. We will continue to the churches of El Sagrario and La Compañía, and then the church and convent of San Francisco. We will take a look inside the church and be amazed at the amount of exuberant gold that was used to decorate the oldest church in Quito. Then we will move to Panecillo and the statue of the Virgin of Quito. From here we will have the opportunity to see both parts of Quito and the surrounding snow-capped volcanoes!                                                                                                O/n at Reina Isabel Hotel, Quito  BLD

DAY 3: QUITO CULTURAL AND HISTORY DAY – TELEFERICO  

We will visit the Teleferiqo (cable car) of Quito. This amazing trip will take you over 3,000 meters (above sea level) where you will reach the top of the Pichincha Volcano, having a great view of the city from the west side. The modern buildings of the north, the old town in the center, and a wide area of the south of Quito. After this visit, we will be dropped off at our hotel.  

                                                                                    O/n at Reina Isabel Hotel, Quito  BLD

 

 MINDO CLOUD FOREST 

With the highest density of bird species in the world, Ecuador is your best option for a bird watching tour, magnificent bird watching excursions. 

DAY 4: BALCON TUMPIKI - MIRADOR GUAYCAPI - SANTA ELENA - COCK OF THE ROCK 

Today we will travel to the Cloud Forest where we will visit some of the most famous Eco-tourism places to see birds: such as El Balcon Tumpiki is a family reserve located Via Nanegalito los Bancos km 69 San Sebastian neighborhood, Quito, it is a private reserve where they have patiently trained several Ant Pittas, who are normally very shy, when they leave the previously tangled forest with a whistle, they come to eat worms, and then leave. Within this property there are birdbaths where we can find many species of hummingbirds such as Velvet-crowned Hummingbird, Violet-tailed Silfo, Brown Inca, Puffed Spatulatail, and Ventilated Hermit, among others. 

Afterwards we will visit the Guaycapi viewpoint which is yet another great spot to observe Hummingbirds.                                               O/n at Sachatamia lodge, Mindo Valley  BLD.  

 SACHATAMIA LODGE 

is located on a private ecological reserve of 120 hectares in the heart of the tropical rainforest (cloud forest). By staying in Sachatamia lodge you will also have the opportunity to be next to the protected “Mindo Nambillo” forest. The area is renowned as one of the most biodiverse sites in the country. Indeed, the largest number of birds in the whole world by area has been recorded in Mindo.

DAY 5: REFUGIO PAZ DE LAZ AVES FULL DAY 

We will drive about 30 minutes to reach Refuge Paz and enjoy the famous 06:00 am Cock-of-the-rock mating ritual at the lek, where males put up a show filled with wing flapping, and all kind of macho dancing and singing since the best performer will get the girl. 

Around 07:30 am we will watch Ángel, the reserve’s owner, whistle the antpittas out of the forest. He has developed an amazing connection with these wild birds and you will witness it all. There are 5 antpitta species in this reserve. Ochre Breasted, Giant, Moustached, Yellow Breasted and Chestnut Crowned. 

After having a delicious breakfast in Refuge Paz and a few more sightings, we will make a short stop at San Tadeo Garden, a beautiful community start-up with some interesting and endemic to this area species such as Beryl-spangled and Black-capped Tanagers, then we will continue to the Milpe bird sanctuary where we will spend the rest of the afternoon. 

 Here we could see a variety of Toucans: the Pale-mandibled Aracari, Chestnut-mandibled, Choco Toucan, and sometimes the Crimson Rumped Toucanet. Up to 3 Manakin species can be found here: Club-winged, and Golden Manakin are some of the highlights. 

At the feeders we can easily see up close some beautiful species such as Red-headed Barbet, Green Honeycreeper, Rufous Motmot, Orange-crowned and Thick-billed Euphonias, Rufous-throated, Lemon-rumped, Palm, Whiteshouldered, White-lined, Flame-faced, Golden-capped, Blue-gray Tanagers. There are so many species we can also find in the forest among those are Crested, Black and White Owls, around 20 Tanager species in total and so many more.                      O/n Sachatamia lodge, Mindo Valley  BLD.  

 

DAY 6: FRUTITOUR - MILPE BIRD SANCTUARY 

This day we will visit the Frutitour Which is a tourist venture for bird watching and tropical fruit trails where numerous groups of birds come to take advantage of the delicious fruits. In this wonderful place you will find different types of hummingbirds. 

Milpe Bird Sanctuary, at 1100 meters altitude, is birders paradise with many Chocó endemic species and well-kept trails to look for Club-Winged and Golden Manakin, as well as the elusive and endangered Umbrella Bird. As well as the amazing birds the Mindo Valley is home to a variety of mammals, including Northern Tamadua, Nine-banded Armadillo, Hoffman’s Two-toed Sloth, White-throated Capuchin, Mantled Howler Monkey, Agouti, Tayra, Collared Peccary, Neotropical Red Squirrel, and White-tailed Deer – to name a few….             

O/n Sachatamia lodge, Mindo Valley  BLD

 

 

DAY 7: CIUDAD MITAD DEL MUNDO - INTINAN MUSEUM TRIP TO OTAVALO 

Today we leave the Mindo Valley. As we re-approach Quito we will visit the Mitad del Mundo, one of the most famous attractions in Quito [pictured previous page], located about 10 km north of the capital. The "Mitad del Mundo City" surrounding the monument includes several restaurants and folk-lore shops, museums about the mission that measured the Earth, the "Solar Cuture Museom" (with a display of the latest investigations about the real middle of the world), and a Planetarium. Inside the monument is an interesting Ethnic Museum which has information about Ecuadorian cultures of the Andes and the Amazon basin, also their customs and traditions. You can shop and place one foot on the northern Hemisphere and the other on the southern Hemisphere. 

In the afternoon we will continue to the town of Otavalo through the Pan-American North Highway until arriving at Cayambe town, where we'll have the opportunity to taste the delicious “Bizcochos”, a type of biscuit baked in a clay oven. Then we'll reach the viewpoint of Lake San Pablo for photos and take some drinks.                                                                                          O/n Pinsaqui Hacienda, Otavalo BLD

  

OTAVALO 

Otavalo is a city in the Andean highlands of the province of Imbabura, northern Ecuador. It is surrounded by volcanoes, such as the Imbabura volcano. It is known for its Otavalo market in the central Plaza de Ponchos, where locals dressed in traditional indigenous clothing sell colourful textiles and crafts. 

 

DAY 8: OTAVALO INDIGENOUS MARKET AND SURROUNDINGS  

We will visit some of the town’s attractions, chief of which is the indigenous market of Otavalo, one of the largest in America. In this market, the people of the zone sell their textiles and handicrafts. After free time in the market, we'll continue the trip to the town of Cotacachi, recognized for leather clothing and crafts. 

 

                                                                                                                                                            We'll continue with our final visit of the day, the Ecological Reserve Cuicocha, where the main attraction is the lagoon located inside the crater. It's possible a short walk around the lagoon or a short trip in small boats on the lagoon. (With additional cost).        

                                                         O/n Pinsaqui Hacienda, Otavalo BLD

 

COTOPAXI AREA 

In it we can find the largest active volcano in the world (5897 mts.) Also a lagoon where we can see animals typical of the Andean area and with luck the most emblematic animal of Ecuador, the condor. 

DAY 9: TRIP TO COTOPAXI FULL DAY – LOCAL HACIENDA 

Our trip will continue today to the Cotopaxi National Park. The Cotopaxi is considered the largest active volcano in the world at 5897 meters high (19,347 feet high). During our stay in the National Park, we will admire its natural environment, its Flora and Fauna with the explanations of your naturalist guide. 

We will try to ascend to the refuge located at 4,810 m (15,392 ft). Since the Cotopaxi Volcano is currently active, the ascent will be granted by the National Park authorities.

 We will also take a walk around the Limpiopungo Lake which is located at the foot of the volcano to observe some birds of the Páramo region (Andean Grasslands). On a clear day, the view of the volcano reflected on the surface of the lake, is magnificent. We may make a short visit to the small museum that talks about the park, its nature, wildlife, and the eruptions of the park's centerpiece. We will be able to visit the refuge where we will be able to enjoy the wonderful views that this place offers, be sure to bring warm clothes since the wind is strong in the thermo-stops, if we are lucky, we will be able to observe the fauna that inhabits the Cotopaxi National Park. 

                                                                                                O/n Hacienda La Cienega  BLD

QUILOTOA LAGOON 

Quilotoa: Quilotoa or "princess diamond" in Kichwa, is one of the colossi of the avenue of volcanoes in whose crater lies a spectacular lagoon, hence you will always hear stories of the Quilotoa Volcano and the Quilotoa Lagoon. 

DAY 10: QUILOTOA LAGOON - BAÑOS 

On this day we will make a fantastic visit to explore the mystic and colorful lagoon of Quilotoa. You will be able to see a lot of indigenous towns in the road, and beautiful landscapes after that you will reach the Quilotoa Volcano, which has its crater a stunning turquoise lagoon, making it one of the most beautiful and photographed landscapes of Ecuador.

 We take a short hike to appreciate the magnificent view of the volcano (if weather conditions allow). Then we’ll have the option to hike to reach the banks of this marvelous lagoon.                                                                                                           O/n Sangay Hotel, Baños. BLD

 

 BAÑOS 

Also known as "Piece of Heaven", "Gateway to the Amazon", "Puerta de El Dorado" or "City of the Volcano". It is the land of rivers to practice extreme sports. 

 

DAY 11: BAÑOS - "PAILON DEL DIABLO" WATERFALL - TRIP TO COCA  

After breakfast, we will head to Coca City. Along the way you can enjoy the magical views, along the way you can see small waterfalls and the magical landscapes of the tropical jungle. While we advance towards Coca City, where we will spend the night. This city is the main stop before entering the deep jungle. 

O/n Auca Hotel, Coca BLD

 

DAY 12: TRIP TO SACHA LODGE FOR JUNGLE TOUR. 

Canoe trip from Coca to the Yasuni National park. 

 

DAY 12 TO 15: SACHA LODGE TOUR  4D/3N PROGRAM (FULL BOARD) SAMPLE OF A DAY: 

After arriving at Sacha Lodge around lunchtime and meeting your guide – who stays with you for the entirety of your trip – you will take your first excursion into the forest. Once you have returned and had dinner, you will set out for your first nighttime adventure. A typical day at Sacha begins at sunrise or earlier, taking advantage of the cool morning hours when the rainforest’s animals are most active. Each group agrees on a wake-up time, when their guide will knock on their door for a rude awakening! Breakfast will begin half an hour after that. Wherever the destination, our excursions proceed slowly in order to appreciate the fascinating details that our guides point out around you. You might begin the day paddling dugout canoes along tanninrich black-water creeks and lakes, where luxuriant lianas, orchids, bromeliads and palm trees thrive, always with the possibility of spotting animals, from the tiny pygmy marmoset to the feared ocelot or puma. Then, you could board the motorized canoe for a short ride along the Napo River to visit the Providencia Community of Yasuní, learning about their jungle way of life and testing out their cooking techniques, stopping to watch the parrot disco of the clay lick along the way. You will return to the Lodge in the late morning, in time for a 1PM lunch. In the time between lunch and your afternoon adventure, you are free to enjoy the Lodge, lounging on sun chairs with a book on the Balsa, or cooling off in the Lake Pool. Activities begin again between 3:00PM and 4:30PM and often continue into the evening, when the nocturnal insect and frog chorus begins. An afternoon excursion might see you trekking through pristine Terra Firme forest, where 150-foot kapok trees tower above and roots form huge buttresses to give trees support, your guide pointing out the crest owl territory and calling to the howler monkeys. You could then climb 94 feet (30 meters) up to the Canopy Walk, a 940-foot (275-meter) bridge across the treetops from where you can spot dozens of animals and birds. 

 

Days at Sacha Lodge do not end with the fading of the light, or even with dinner. Night walks and canoe trips, with the aid of flashlights, often reveal creatures seldom seen during daylight. Caimans (of the alligator family) and giant insects rule the jungle after sunset. Do you dare search for them? 

 

*Please note: activities are subject to weather, though Forest Walks, the Kapok Tower, and Canopy Walk are the keystones of the Sacha Lodge experience. 

 

  YASUNI NATIONAL PARK 

Napo Wildlife Center: Located in the heart of the Yasuní National Park, a UNESCO a Biosphere Reserve, the Napo Wildlife Center provides visitors with great opportunities to explore the treasures hidden in the sacred lands of the Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador. 

 

DAY 15: DEPARTURE FROM SACHA LODGE – FLIGHT TO QUITO 

Depart from the lodge at 5:00 a.m. for the last canoe ride and encounter the flora and fauna of the Amazon jungle to board the canoe and get on time for your flight back to Quito. Packed breakfast will be served on the way. Transfer to your hotel in Quito. Lunch at noon. Free time in Quito for shopping of souvenirs.  

 O/n at Reina Isabel Hotel, Quito  BLD

 

DAY 16: TRANSFER TO AIRPORT FOR FLIGHT TO GALAPAGOS

Breakfast. The guide will pick you up at your hotel at assigned time according to the time of our flight to the Galapagos. Transfer to the airport. B

 

 YOUR ACCOMMODATION  

 

The Reina Isabel Hotel & Suites brings design and sophistication to your life. Each of our 100 rooms and suites offers you eclectic style and extraordinary comfort. Bedding made especially for us, original works of art, imported marble bathrooms, and more, combine with our characteristic hospitality for an unforgettable stay in one of the best hotels in Quito. Address:  Av. Amazonas N23-44 Vintimilla, Quito – Ecuador  

Website: https://hotelreinaisabel.com/ 

QUITO– ECUADOR 

 

Sachatamia is a marvelous, private, ecological reserve exceeding 120 hectares of cloud-rain forest. Other areas include recuperated forest, as well as, forest undergoing processes of reforestation. Sachatamia has the privilege of being located next to the Procted Forest of Mindo-Nambillo. The zone is renowed as one of the foremost in terms of the wealth of biodiversity that is rich in flora and fauna. it has attained first place in the annual count of bird species on a global level. Serenity. Peace. Spiritual Balance. The natural paradaise of Sachatamia offers an undisturbed world where guests can escape from noise, pollution and stress imposed by larger cities. Whether your visit is short or long, it will be sure to rejuvenate your senses. Address: Km. 78 de la Vía Quito - Calacali, Mindo 170751 

Website:  https://www.sachatamia.com/ 

MINDO– ECUADOR 

 

With three centuries of existence, the traditional Hacienda Pentaquin offers the possibility of feeling part of the magic and legend. The Hacienda Pinsaquí Hostel has the necessary amenities to make your stay a unique and unforgettable event. 

Address: Panamericana norte km 5, Otavalo, Ecuador 

Website:  https://www.haciendapinsaqui.com/ 

OTAVALO – ECUADOR 

 

 

Hosteria La Cienega is one of Ecuador's oldest colonial haciendas. Situated near the slopes of the majestic Cotopaxi volcano and its National Park, this mansion has been the scene of important happenings in the scientific and social history of the country.

Tastefully converted into a first-class hotel, La Cienega offers visitors the unique experience of staying within its two-meter thick volcanic stone walls which stand as silent witnesses to the history of a people and the poetry of an era.

The hacienda has 34 rooms. Among our services: a restaurant with fine national and international cuisine, a bar, two seminar rooms, a chapel (especially for weddings), sports facilities, trout fishing, horseback riding and beautiful gardens. Address:  

Website:  https://www.haciendalacienega.com/en/ 

 

Sangay Spa Hotel in 'Banos' Tungurahua Ecuador, British run family hotel, a thermal bath destination which offers peace and quiet during week days. It faces the waterfall which can be admired from its balcony rooms, some with baths. We offer three Restaurants; Rumi Wuasi with Ecuadorian food, Picadilly Café with Alice in Wonderland ambiance and Chozón Bar & Grill with BBQ, Pizzas and good Mojitos. Ayurvedic Therapies from India and Massages facilities are our specialty.

Website:  https://www.hotelsangay.com/en/inicio/

BANOS – ECUADOR

 

We are the first hotel in town with more than 48 years, we are located in downtown Coca next to the central park and 3 blocks away from the river walk. We have diferent types of accomodations from our wood cabins to standard rooms, all of them with all the services you expect to find in a modern hotel. Our biggest asset is our inside garden wich will be your first contact with the rainforest... come and enjoy staying in a different enviroment! 

Website:  https://www.hotelelauca.com/ 

COCA – ECUADOR

SACHA LODGE 

 The Lodge is so seamlessly blended into the wildlife environment that it is just another part of the forest. The accommodation Sacha combines the highest comfort for the traveller with the preservation of the environment and the habitat of the rainforest. 

 With high thatched roofs and private shaded terraces with hammocks, all of our cabins are built with traditional materials,  subtly immersed in the lush surroundings. Each of the 26 cabinsoffer a spacious private bathroom with a hot water shower.  

 Address: Julio Zaldumbide, Quito 170517 

 Website: https://www.ecuadorgreentravel.net/amazon/lodge

YASUNI NATIONAL PARK – ECUADOR

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS 

 ITINERARY IN BRIEF 

 

Day 1 07/07/2025 – Arrive in San Cristobal Island BLD

Day 2 08/07/2025 – Kicker Rock – snorkelling and birding BLD

Day 3 09/07/2025 – Espanola Island – hiking, birding and snorkelling BLD

Day 4 10/07/2025 – Ferry to Santa Cruz – Tortuga Bay & Highlands – hiking and birding BLD

Day 5 11/07/2025 – Day visit to Bartolome Island - hiking, birding and snorkelling BLD

Day 6 12/07/2025 – Day visit to North Seymour Island - hiking, birding and snorkelling BLD

Day 7 13/07/2025 – To Baltra Island and return flight to Quito B

Day 8 14/07/2025 – To airport or continue with Ecuador Birding Tour B

ITINERARY IN DETAIL 

DAY 1 TRANSFER IN – GALAPAGUERA, TIJERETAS AND PLAYA MANN 

Today we fly to the Galapagos, flying from Quito into San Cristobal Island (SCY) 

(I will instruct participants on the flight they need to book in order to arrive all together to Galapagos). 

Although San Cristobal is the second most populous island in the Galapagos, it has its fair share of natural attractions. The Chatham Mockingbird nests only on San Cristobal, and several species of Darwin's finches can be seen there including Medium Ground-Finch, Small Ground-Finch, Vegetarian Finch, Small Tree-Finch, Woodpecker Finch, and Warbler Finch. The shallow waters of the bay are a good place to see Elliot's Storm-Petrel. A variety of seabirds can be seen in surrounding waters, including various petrels, Blue-footed Booby, and Nazca Booby.

 

After checking into the hotel, we will begin our explorations. We will visit the interpretation centre, which explains the Galapagos islands and its ecosystems. We will explore the Frigatebird Hill (Cerro Tijeretas) where we will be in search of Magnificent Frigatebird, Blue-footed Booby and Common Noddy, along with Sea Lions, Sea Turtles, Lava Lizards and Sea Iguanas. Those in the group that wish to go for a first experience snorkeling will have the opportunity.

                                                                                We should also visit Junco Lagoon, which is a great place to admire the change in vegetation that covers the islands. 

Later in the afternoon we will visit Playa Mann for swimming and snorkelling among sea lions before returning to the hotel for dinner.                                                

           O/N Blue Marlin Hotel LD

DAY 2: KICKER ROCK 

After breakfast, we head to the pier to take the boat that will take us to the Kicker Rock, where we will have the opportunity to snorkel with exotic species such as sharks, rays, sea lions, and tropical fish. We will have lunch on board our vessel before we visit Cerro Brujo Beach, where we will have some time to explore and photograph the wildlife, such as Sea Lions, Galapagos Warblers, Lava Gulls and Lave Lizards. We will then head back to our hotel and have a free afternoon to relax and explore the town. O/N Blue Marlin Hotel LD

  

 

DAY 3: ESPANOLA ISLAND 

The meeting point will be at the Puerto Baquerizo dock at 07:30 a.m., where the adventure will begin with a 2 hour cruise to the wonderful and isolated, Española Island. 

 

And we will be visiting at the best time of the year to see the endemic Waved Albatross and the Bluefooted Bobbies in breeding season. We will have chances for seen them doing their display dances and taking care of their nest. We will also see Espanola Mockingbird, Galapagos Dove, Swallow-tailed Gull and Nazca Booby. The Galapagos Hawk is relatively common here as well. Also of interest, this is the only island that has marine iguanas showing green and red colours on their skin (they are known as Christmas Marine Iguanas). This colouration is apparently thanks to the algae they feed on, in the very unique ecosystem that surrounds Espanola. 

We will explore the island, while we capture images of the beautiful landscapes and impressive wildlife all around us. Then we return to our boat for lunch, and those who wish it, can go for a snorkeling on the clear waters of the bay with sea lions, Galapagos sharks, Tropical Marine fish and Marine Iguanas.

We will return to San Cristobal in the mid-afternoon. 

                                                                                                 O/N Blue Marlin Hotel BLD

DAY 4:  TRANSFER TO SANTA CRUZ – TORTUGA BAY – HIGHLANDS 

This morning we will catch an early ferry to the island of Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz Island is the second largest and most populated island in the Galapagos. 

We will drop our luggage at the hotel before a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station which is located at Puerto Ayora. The research centre has a variety of captive Galapagos  animals and birds, including a few that are the only remaining individuals for the species or subspecies. Darwin Station is an excellent place to learn about the different preservation programs developed to help restoring endangered populations of several unique species of the Galapagos Islands. 

In the afternoon we will visit the highlands where a number of birds such as Galapagos Dove, Barn Owls, Galapagos Flycatcher, Small Tree-Finch, and Woodpecker Finch. 

The Woodpecker Finch, pictured left, is famous for its habit of using cactus spines to probe insects out of tree crevices, a rare example of tool-using in birds. 

Lava tunnels formed naturally during volcanic eruptions are also visited as well as the outstanding sink holes resulting from the collapse of underground structures. To finish up the day we will spend time at the Giant Tortoise Sanctuary where these massive reptiles roam free, a wonderful opportunity for photography.

 

DAY 5: NAVIGATION TO UNINHABITED ISLAND (BARTOLOME OR NORTH SEYMOUR - ) 

 

We will drive early across the island to get to the harbor and board our boat to sail the two hours from the Itabaca Channel to Bartolome Island. Upon arrival, we will take hike to the island’s highest viewpoint (approximately 115meters above sea level), a truly spectacular  360º view of the archipelago, volcanic formations, lava tunnels. The hike up the steps offers plenty of amazing landscapes to admire. Aside from its beauty, Bartolome is interesting because the exact age of the formation of this island is unknown, its geological composition and characteristics are believed to be very young. 

Some of its vegetation includes Chamaesyce spp, Tiquilia nesiotica and Tiquilia fusca. From the top and east part of the viewpoint we can catch a sight of some spatter cones, formed by drops of thick lava. Two beaches joined by a walking path adorn the islands on the side. 

On the south beach you can take walks with the possibility of observing rays and the Galapagos white-tipped sharks (an endemic Galapagos shark), activities like swimming or snorkeling on this beach are forbidden. You can swim and snorkel, however, around the Pinnacle Rock. This underwater experience is truly impressive. Snorkelers are surrounded by the local marine fauna (Galapagos Penguins, marine turtles, white-tipped sharks, and tropical

marine fish). After our visit we will start heading back to Santa Cruz. 

Lodging at La Isla or simila

DAY 6: NAVIGATION TO UNINHABITED ISLAND (BARTOLOME OR NORTH SEYMOUR) 

Today we will transfer by bus across the island towards the place where we take our boat for our day trip. Beautiful landscapes and lots of wildlife awaits today. We will first visit North Seymour Island, where there are nesting colonies of both species of Frigatebirds, Magnificent and Great, both making displays with their bright red gular sacs. Also, the Blue-footed Boobies, Swallow-tailed Gulls and Brown Noddies will be close by. 

Marine and Land Iguanas will be part of the reptile wildlife. On our way back to the north side of the island there is a white sand beach, Las Bachas, where we will stop to explore and do some snorkelling.

Birds found in the nearby lagoons include American Flamingo, White-cheeked Pintail, and a variety of shorebirds. Colourful Sally Lightfoot Crabs are common on the rocks, as they are throughout the islands. Another rather difficult bird to see is the Painted Crake, a beautiful rail also found on the mainland of South America. We will return in the afternoon and enjoy some relax time to explore the town.

 

Double accommodation in double/twin rooms at Ninfa Hotel. 

DAY 7: TRANSFER OUT 

Breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport. Return to Quito.

O/n Quito hotel.

 

• Meals included: Breakfast.