EcoAdventures, Inc. 2009 Travel Agents' Fam Trip #1 To Ecuador & The Galapagos Islands 7 Days/6 Nights - Quito and the M/V Galapagos Explorer II Cruise with a Special Optional 5-Day Pre-Trip Extension to Kawpawi Jungle Lodge Detailed Itinerary - Rates - Application form - Terms & Conditions These are unescorted 'FIT' Fams. On each of the departure dates we have two cabins reserved, so space is extremely limited. An optional pre- or post-trip extension is also quoted to Kapawi Jungle Lodge, with a special travel agent discount, and other pre- or post-trip extensions can be quoted upon request. 5 Departure Dates: Jan 19-25, 2009 Feb 09-15, 2009 Mar 30-Apr 05, 2009 Apr 06-12, 2009 Jun 08-14, 2009 Cruise nature's laboratory, the Galapagos Islands, “where nature left the book open.” Your deluxe, 100-passenger cruise ship will take you around this ecological wonder. You will also experience the colonial past of Ecuador, exploring the magnificently restored Old City. Then you will have the opportunity to extend your adventure for further ecological exploration into Ecuador’s vast rainforests, staying in the upscale Kapawi Jungle Lodge. Click here for Galapagos Weather Conditions and Wildlife Cycles

Special Features      •3 nights Quito in the deluxe JW Marriott Hotel with tax and breakfast      •All airport/hotel/airport transfers via private vehicle with guide      •All tips to porters at the airport and hotels      •Half-day Colonial Quito City Tour via private vehicle with hotel inspections      •4-day/3-night Galapagos Cruise on board the deluxe M/V Galapagos Explorer II, Classic Cabin      •Round-trip airfare Quito/Galapagos/Quito      •Galapagos tax and INGALA Visa fee      •Galapagos Fuel Surcharge      •Trip Interruption Insurance

Day by Day Itinerary

Day One, Monday: Home City to Quito
International Airfare is NOT included. You will be met by our local representative upon arrival at the airport and transferred to the deluxe JW Marriott Hotel Quito.

Day Two, Tuesday: Colonial Quito City Tour
Quito's new image delights all visitors. Quito's Colonial downtown area, the largest and best preserved architectural space in all of the Americas, has been completely restored and has just celebrated the 25th Anniversary of its declaration as a World Cultural Heritage Site. A slow drive will take you through romantic plazas and past impressive public and religious buildings. You will visit the highlights of old Quito, including Independence Square, La Ronda, and La Compania. Finally, drive up Panecillo Hill for a panoramic view of the city and surrounding snow-covered volcanic peaks (weather permitting). Special hotel site inspections will also be provided. (B)

Day Three, Wednesday: Quito to the Galapagos Islands
You will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to the airport and assisted with checking in for your flight to the Galapagos islands. Arrive at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno Airport, San Cristobal Island, where your crew will meet you and escort you to the M/V Galapagos Explorer II. Once on board, you will have an orientation followed by a lifeboat drill. In the afternoon, you will have a wet landing on wet landing on the beach at 'Wizard Hill', or Cerro Brujo. This is a nice introduction to the wildlife of the Galapagos as you encounter sea lions, crabs and a few interesting birds, such as the yellow warbler, ground finch, plover, oyster catchers, lava heron and diving Blue-footed Boobies). You will have an opportunity to wander along the beach or swim and snorkel. You will return back to the ship for a welcome cocktail and dinner.
NOTE: The $100 per person Galapagos National Park Tax is included in your tour cost. (B, L, D)

Day Four, Thursday: Espanola (Hood) Island & Santa Cruz Island
In the morning, make a dry landing at Suarez Point on Espanola (Hood) Island, where barking sea lions and curious mockingbirds will greet you. Then, take a substantial hike along the coast of rocky Suarez Point to observe one of the most diverse and impressive colonies of sea birds on the islands. On the southern shore, cliffs jutting up from the sea set a spectacular scene for the island's soaring birds and famous blowhole. Although some bird life is seasonal, many species, such as the Blue-footed and Masked Boobies, make this their home all year long.

Gardner Bay
After lunch on the ship, enjoy this long beach that is among the most magnificent in all of Galápagos. It is home to many sea lion colonies and the turquoise colored water makes a beautiful contrast to the white sand that consists of shell dust. Mocking birds fight for their territory and inspect the backpacks of the tourists. About 50 meters off the coast is a rock where you can encounter tropic fish and rays while snorkeling. But more spectacular is the Gardner Rock that can be reached by a panga. It is home to white-tipped reef sharks, cactus finch and other colorful sea dwellers and very popular among snorkelers. (B, L, D)

Day Five, Friday: Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz (Charles Darwin Station) & Radida Island
On this island, you will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station for an excellent overview of the ecology of the Galapagos Islands and of the conservation efforts to protect them. If time permits, wander through the small village of Puerto Ayora (Academy Bay), and mail your postcards with Galapagos Island postmarks.

Rabida Island
In the afternoon you will have a wet landing on Rabida Island. This is a small island covered by dry and coastal vegetation and has a central volcano of 367 square meters. It contains the largest variety of lava types, red being the dominant color. A salt-water lagoon provides occasional sights of flamingos. While the beach holds a large sea lion colony, fur seals also may be seen here. Red sands and teal waters characterize this island. Sea lions cover the waterfront, and the bull is always making a show of his bravado. There's a short walk to the top of the trail where you can take fabulous photos of the clear waters and volcanic peaks. There's also great snorkeling. Keep near the rocks and keep your eye out for sharks and rays. (B, L, D)

Day Six, Saturday: Bachas Beach & Baltra Island
This morning you will visit Bachas Beach on San Cristobal Island. The sand at Las Bachas is made of decomposed coral, which makes it white and soft, and a favorite site for nesting sea turtles. Sally Lightfoot crabs are abundant on the lava rocks along the water's edge. These crabs will eat anything they can get their claws on. You will also see flamingos, hermit crabs, black-necked stilts, and whimbrels. Afterwards you will sail into Baltra and transfer to the airport for your flight back to the Ecuador mainland. (B)

Day Seven, Sunday: Homeward bound
Transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)

Click here for Galapagos Weather Conditions and Wildlife Cycles

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