Ecuador and The Galapagos Islands
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Ecuador is a small country with diverse regions and changes dramatically from its eastern to western borders, from the low-lying rainforests of the Amazon basin to the Andes mountains, and on to the beaches and tropical plantations of the lush coastal area.
Ecuador Highlights
Quito & Cotopaxi National Park
Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the capital of Ecuador. Steep cobbled stone streets, ornate churches and fine plazas are all to be found in the old district of the town. The modern new town is the business district and is where you will find the best restaurants and shopping. The city sits at the base of the Pichincha Volcano, and lies just south of the Equator - visit the Mitad del Mundo through where the imaginary line passes. The snow capped peak of Cotopaxi and its surrounding national park can easily be seen in a day, the Cotopaxi Volcano is nearly 6000 metres high.
Cuenca
Cuenca is an atmospheric renaissance town with a relaxed feel. 16th century churches, grand balconied houses and ornate squares await you. The important Inca site of Ingapirca is nearby; it offers a fantastic insight into their culture and way of life.
Guayaquil
Guayaquil is Ecuador's main coastal town and offers interesting museums, grand sculptures and beautiful botanical gardens. Travel south to Machala, the self styled banana capital of the world that plays host to the bizarre annual World Banana Festival.
Otavalo
The Andean market town of Otavalo is the place to visit if you are looking for a set of pan pipes, a Panama hat, or an alpaca poncho. To the north of Quito, Otavalo comes alive every Saturday when the town is transformed into South America’s largest open air market. Artisans from across the continent pack the streets, and the town has a carnival feel to it.
The Amazon
As you fly east from Quito the mountain ranges give way to lowland primary rainforest, viewed from the air, the landscape is a carpet of green with the occasional blue ribbon of water flowing through it. A number of lodges have been established deep in the rainforest allowing you an amazing opportunity to immerse yourself in this tropical wilderness. Experience guided walks, observation aerial walkways, canoe safaris and visits to local indigenous tribes
Mindo Cloud Forest
Two hours north from Quito, experience the lower level tropical cloud forest. Ecuador is renowned as a prime birdwatching destination and Mindo has a large number of species, several of which such as the Choco Toucan are endemic to the region - butterflies, orchids and bromeliads also abound on the verdant hillsides.
Riobamba and the Devils Nose Train
Riobamba is a traditional Ecuadorian market town. Four hours south of Quito it is the starting point for one of the world's most exciting rail journeys. Today only the 100 km stretch between Riobamba and Sibambe remains. Enjoy a couple of hours chugging through the high Andes followed by a rapid descent toward the Pacific Ocean. In order to facilitate the drop of 800 metres a series of switchbacks were built, these have come to be known as the ‘Devils Nose’.
Machalilla National Park
The mainland section of the national park is famed for its birdwatching, whilst off the coast the Isla de la Plata is renowned for its Galapagos like wildlife. Between July and September large migratory Humpback Whales pass along the coast - whale watching vessels can give you a close up of these mighty creatures.
The Galapagos Islands
Far out to sea, and reached from Quito by sea or air are the submerged volcanic peaks of the Galapagos Islands. Made famous by Charles Darwin the Galapagos are a stunning archipelago of islands, a sanctuary for unique and exotic wildlife which has developed free from human interference. A cruise is the best way to experience the diversity of the islands, but there are also hotels for those who prefer their holiday in the Galapagos Islands to be land based.
The Finch Bay Hotel is located on Santa Cruz island at Punta Estrada, a 5 minute water taxi ride across the bay from the small town of Puerto Ayora. A modern ecologically orientated hotel, it has 21 bedrooms with private facilities. The spectacular scenery and unique wildlife of the area can be enjoyed by taking walks or hikes in the vicinity, or during a range of activities available at the hotel. This comfortable hotel is a good option for those who do not want a yacht based stay in the Galapagos.
Beluga Galapagos Cruise Itinerary, from £1895 per person, based on 2 adults sharing a double cabin.
The Beluga is a first class, 110 foot, fully air conditioned motor vessel which accommodates 16 passengers in double staterooms, each with a private bathroom and shower. The vessel is spacious and comfortable with plenty of deck space and the experienced crew of 7 take very good care of guests both on board and ashore.
- Cruise to North Seymour which contains the largest colony of Magnificent Frigate birds on Galapagos, as well as nesting Blue Footed Boobies and Swallow Tailed Gulls
- Espanola - Visit Punta Suarez on the west coast of the Island , offering opportunities to see marine Iguanas, the endemic Long Billed Mocking bird, Finches, both Masked and Blue Footed Boobies, Oystercatchers, Sea Lions and Lava Lizards. Espanola is also the only island where you can see the Waved Albatross, during the breeding season from April to December. Additional stop at Gardner Bay on the north eastern coast which is an excellent swimming and snorkelling site.
- Floreana - Disembark at Punto Cormoran to visit a Flamingo Lagoon and snorkel at the Devil’s Crown, a submerged volcanic cone. At Post Office Bay passengers can leave letters in a post box made from a wooden barrel as used by whalers in the 18th century.
- Isabela - The largest of the Galapagos Islands, Isabela is hone to Flightless Comorants, Brown Pelicans, Rays, Marine Turtles, Sea Lions and Lava Herons, as well as containing a large area of giant red Mangroves, At Punta Moreno on the West coast the main attractions are Blackish water lagoons, Flamingos and White Cheeked Pintail Ducks.
- Fernandina - the largest pristine island in the archipelago (it contains no introduced species) Punta Espinosa on the north coast is considered one of the must see sights of the Galapagos due to the huge number of marine Iguanas found on its volcanic shores. Galapagos penguins and flightless cormorants are also frequently seen, as well as Pelicans, seal lions and Sally Light Foot Crabs.
- Santiago - At Puerto Egas Galapagos Fur Seals can be seen lying in pools cut into the lava cliffs. There is also a good chance of spotting the Galapagos Hawk, the Galapagos Dove and Vermillion Flycatchers. Tucked behind Espumilla Beach are salt water lagoons where Flamingos and White Cheeked Pintail Ducks can be found, whilst Bartolome on the east coast has some of the most impressive volcanic scenery in Galapagos
- Santa Cruz - Black Turtle Cove on Santa Cruz is a red mangrove lagoon which is a nursery for many white tip reef, black tip and scalloped hammerhead sharks, as well as schools of both golden and spotted eagle rays. As its name suggests it is also a great location to observe Black Sea Turtles mating in the mirror calm waters.
Galapagos Luxury Cruise - Eclipse
The Eclipse is a luxury 48 passenger, 210 foot schooner. There are usually 27 staff on board; departing on Saturdays, the Eclipse offers week long Galapagos expeditions. Cabins are a mixture of deluxe outside doubles and staterooms. There are also four suites. The Eclipse has an observation deck, pool, library and al fresco dining area. This is a high quality luxury mid size vessel
The Santa Cruz
The 90 passenger Santa Cruz is a comfortable vessel offering week long and shorter stay Galapagos expeditions. If you wish to spend three or four nights in the archipelago the Santa Cruz fits the bill perfectly. The crew of 52 will ensure you have a memorable stay. There are different classes of cabin, ranging from standard twins to master suites. All rooms have private facilities, there are four decks, an outdoor bar, library and Jacuzzi.
Weather
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | 32 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 32 | 31 | 29 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 32 |
| Rainfall (inches) | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 3 |
