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Ecuador Galapagos |
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Mainland EcuadorThe AndesRunning the length of the country and rising to over 6000m (20,000 feet), the Andes dominate the geography and climate of Ecuador, creating a landscape of snow-capped volcanoes, open plateaus and verdant valleys. With an altitude of 2,850m and a pleasant spring-like climate, Quito is the world’s second highest capital city. It has a beautifully renovated Spanish colonial heart with a 16th Century cathedral, central plaza and many museums, galleries and restaurants. To the north lies the town of Otavalo with its vibrant market, farming terraces and exquisite colonial haciendas. Heading south from Quito, the valley of the Avenue of Volcanoes extends 325kms, flanked by farmland and spectacular snow-capped mountains. Cotopaxi Volcano (5,897m) boasts a perfect cone capped with glaciers and snow fields, while the surrounding national park holds a number of high altitude species of birds (including condors), plants and llamas. Hot springs, good walking and rafting can be found at the towns of Papallacta and Banos and in the far south are the beautiful colonial city of Cuenca and the Inca ruins of Ingapirca. Accommodation in this region is mainly in working haciendas and colonial houses.
Cloud Forest ReservesTo the west of the Andes, the mountains descend to the Pacific, becoming covered by cloud forests of stunted trees cloaked in a profusion of mosses, bromeliads, orchids and lichens. Thought to have the highest diversity of epiphytic plants in the world, the region is recognised as one of the worlds’ biodiversity hotspots. Mammal sightings are rare but can include spectacled bear, puma, mountain tapir, Andean coati and tayra. Birds dominate, with over 30 species of hummingbird, the rare plate-billed mountain toucan and a number of leks where the brightly coloured cock-of-the-rock displays to females. Each valley has a subtly different micro-climate favouring particular species: Mindo, known for cock-of-the-rock sightings, has long been a favourite of birdwatchers; Tandayapa and Bellavista valleys have private cloud forest reserves, good accommodation and superb birdwatching along a comprehensive networks of trails. Amazonian RainforestTo the east of the Andes lies the mighty Amazon basin, home to the largest rainforest in the world and containing around a third of the world’s species of animals and plants. Known locally as the Oriente, the Ecuadorian part of Amazonia has some remarkable rainforest lodges most of which are dotted along the banks of the Napo River close to the Yasuni National Park.
The Pacific CoastFounded in 1535, Ecuador’s largest city Guayaquil is a useful stopping-off point for the Galapagos Islands and has some good modern hotels, a colonial centre and vibrant waterfront area, the Malecon. Further up the coast is the Machalilla National Park offering good beaches, seabirds and, from May to September, humpback whale sightings. |
Incorporating the prime wildlife highlights of mainland Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, this comprehensive yet well-paced itinerary provides plenty of time to enjoy each location, uses exceptional naturalist guides throughout and features accommodation of a high standard. The Amazon rainforest is complemented perfectly by the Andean cloud forest, and a superb seven-night luxury cruise of the Galapagos islands rounds off what is probably the ultimate Ecuador and Galapagos wildlife holiday. Find out more... Appealing to those with limited time and budget yet wishing to experience something special, this compact itinerary focuses on two exceptional natural wonders: the species-rich rainforests of Amazonia and the enchanted isles of the Galapagos. With excellent guides, good mainland accommodation and a charming schooner in which to cruise the islands, stimulation and enjoyment in the Amazon and Galapagos are assured. Find out more... We have designed this extra-special itinerary for those wishing to tour the Ecuadorean Andes in style and visit the Galapagos in comfort, staying on land rather than aboard a boat. The stylish, distinctive colonial haciendas we have chosen are redolent of Ecuador’s rich Inca and Spanish colonial past, and our pleasant Galapagos hotel offers the highest degree of comfort to be found on the islands while providing daily excursions by boat. No seasickness, but plenty of island enjoyment is assured. Find out more... |
‘The holiday was wonderful. It probably exceeded our expectations and was exactly the right itinerary. The seven night option for Galapagos was just right... [Your representatives] were excellent and [our guide] was wonderful.. .once again, thanks for a great holiday.’ Mr R D - Herefordshire |
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Hacienda San Agustin De Callo
