Amazon Basin & Galapagos Islands Family Adventure

Amazon Basin & Galapagos Islands Family Adventure Itinerary:

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• Day 1 Welcome to Ecuador where our Amazon Basin and Galapagos Islands family adventure begins in Quito!

  Arrive in Quito any time today and REI provides the transfer to our hotel for the evening. All meals on your own.

• Day 2 Travel to a remote Amazon jungle lodge, then boat the Rio Napo to a secluded community where we learn about Amazon Kichwa traditions.

  We depart early from Quito and head east on a scenic road over a high Andean pass in the Eastern Cordillera (13,335') that descends into the upper Amazon Basin and the small Kichwa town of Tena. Continuing a short distance beyond the town, we arrive in time for lunch at our remote and comfortable riverfront jungle lodge. After a hearty meal we travel by motorized canoe along the Rio Napo to visit a local Shiripuno Kichwa village where we learn a bit about their way of life and their traditions. There's the opportunity to witness and participate in community activities that may include such things as making the traditional Amazon Kichwa drink "Chicha de Yuca", storytelling with a local shaman, visiting an ancient petroglyph site, and a demonstration of the use of the "serbatana," a traditional blowpipe used for hunting. Enjoy dinner back at the lodge and fall asleep tonight to the sounds of the jungle and the river. All meals included.
  
  Driving time: 4 hours.

• Day 3 Explore Llanganates National Park with its swimming holes and thrilling whitewater rafting adventure.

  Today we visit Llanganates National Park, which extends from the high Andes to the Amazon Basin and has been declared a Biosphere Zone by the United Nations. Llanganates is singularly beautiful for its undisturbed nature and its colorful history. Legend has it that the fabulous gold treasure of Atahualpa (El Dorado) was hidden within this area by Rumiñahui, the famed 15th century Inca warrior. Since the first recorded history, adventurers in search of the treasure have ventured into the park – to no avail. Ours is an easier journey! A begin with a short hike to naturally formed swimming pools for a quick dip before our whitewater rafting adventure. Rafting the Rio Jatunyacu offers spectacular jungle scenery, crystal-clear water and glimpses of indigenous communities that live along its shores. Rock-and-roll waves make for an exciting several hours. Return to our jungle lodge for the evening. After dinner, we explore a nearby trail to learn about howler monkeys, bats, and other mammals that make up the incredible nocturnal wildlife of the Amazon basin. All meals included.
  
  Rafting: Class III / II river(s), 1/2 day. Depending upon water conditions and other factors we may raft the Anzu River, Class ll. Your guide will discuss this with the group. Hiking: up to 1 hour; Terrain: flat, dirt trails with muddy sections.

• Day 4 Say goodbye to the Amazon with a dip in the Papallacta Hot Springs high in the cloud forest, ending our day in Quito.

  We depart the Amazon this morning, climbing from the lush jungle and over the Andes. We stop for lunch at Papallacta Hot Springs, located in verdant cloud forest between the Antisana and Cayambe volcanoes. Enjoy a soak in the mineral-rich thermal pools before continuing to our hotel in Quito. Breakfast and lunch included; dinner on your own.
  
  Driving time: 4 hours.

• Day 5 We’re Galapagos Islands bound! After our flight, we travel to the Chato Reserve to find the Galapagos tortoise in the wild.

  This morning it's up and out to the Galapagos Islands! After flying to Baltra Island we drive to the lush highlands of the Chato Reserve on Santa Cruz Island, the natural habitat of the Galapagos tortoise. In addition to sighting these lumbering giants, we also enjoy great bird watching. There are finches, egrets, flycatchers and many, many more. If you haven't started a "bird life list," now is the time! Enjoy a delicious lunch at a highlands hacienda before heading to Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz's lively town, to check into our hotel. Late this afternoon, a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station is a must in order to appreciate the current and ongoing efforts to manage and conserve this archipelago. Overnight on the waterfront in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz. All meals included.

• Day 6 A kayak is a great way to explore the Galapagos, and today we’ll paddle out to find iguanas, sharks, rays and more!

  After breakfast we settle into our kayaks to paddle Santa Cruz Island's turquoise waters. Exploring the quiet side of Divine Bay, we paddle through waters that wind through high-walled lava channels where blue-footed boobies, herons and marine iguanas perch along jagged cliffs. Keep your eyes open for white-tipped sharks and rays below the waves. This afternoon we have the option of hiking to Tortuga Bay, a beautiful white sandy beach and nesting area for thousands of marine turtles. There's the possibility for a swim here as well. Overnight in Puerto Ayora. All meals included.
  
  Sea Kayaking: 2-3 hours in protected waters. Hiking: 3 miles (option up to 5 miles).

• Day 7 Today we explore Isabela Island in search of wildlife. Enjoy a bike ride along the rugged coast to an interesting historic site.

  We take a fast boat or fly (weather dependent) to Isabela Island, the largest in the Galapagos. Isabela is formed by five volcanoes and is one of the most volcanically active places on earth. After lunch we head to Las Tintoreras, a set of small islets within Isabela Bay, to explore this otherworldly, lava-formed landscape. The islets are filled with wildlife - marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, sharks, marine turtles and much more. Late this afternoon we hop on mountain bikes for a ride along the scenic coastline and to the historic El Muro de las Lagrimas (Wall of Tears). This wall was built with lava blocks during the time when Isabela was used as a penal colony (1946-1959). Living in such an isolated area, the wall building project was implemented to keep prisoners busy. Overnight in Puerto Villamil. All meals included.
  
  Walking: 1 mile, flat, rocky terrain. Snorkeling: 1-2 hours. Biking: 5-10 miles on unpaved gravel and sand road with some hills; van supported.

• Day 8 Hike to the top of Sierra Negra volcano. Then, look forward to great snorkeling and marine life sightings before our farewell dinner.

  We start the day with a hike in the highlands, up to and then along the rim of the Sierra Negra volcano which is roughly 6 miles wide. This huge, lava filled crater is the 2nd largest intact caldera in the world after the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania. The views from the top can be awesome – out to the Perry Isthmus, Fernandina Island and beyond! Next we head to the lovely white sand beaches in front of our hotel or to Concha y Perla for more snorkeling and marine wildlife viewing. We enjoy a final dinner together to celebrate our time in Ecuador. All meals included.
  
  Hiking: ~3 miles. Longer hiking option available.

• Day 9 Today we return to Quito where you can enjoy a free day to explore this unique town before saying goodbye to Ecuador.

  This morning we transfer by boat or take a flight (weather dependent) to Baltra Island, where we board our flight to Quito. After checking into our hotel, the remainder of the day is free for sightseeing. Breakfast and lunch snack on flight included; dinner on your own.

• Day 10 Our Amazon Basin and Galapagos Islands Family Adventure ends today in Quito.

  You can depart anytime today. REI provides the transfer to the Quito airport for flights home. Breakfast included.

Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.

Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip has the necessary minimum number of participants required to operate.

In order to purchase airline tickets from Quito to the Islands on your behalf, we must have all family members' valid passport numbers as soon as possible after your initial trip sign-up and no later than 45 days prior to departure. Any delays in submitting your passport information may result in our inability to procure airline tickets for you on the trip dates. Standard trip cancellation penalties apply if your passport information is submitted after the deadline and airline tickets cannot be purchased.

If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted above.  If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign a roommate if one is available.  If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee, which is one-half of the full single supplement.  Please be advised that there are a limited number of single rooms available.

Accommodations and meals as noted in the daily itinerary; private transfer to the Amazon Basin; airport transfers Quito-Galapagos-Quito; transit fee Quito – Galapagos; Galapagos transit card; boat transfer (or internal flight) from Santa Cruz-Isabela Island-Baltra Island; equipment necessary for itinerary including white water rafting, sea kayaks, bikes, snorkel/mask/fins; services of a skilled bi-lingual guide/naturalist throughout the trip.

International airfare to and from Quito; airport transfers on international flights in and out of Quito; round trip airfare from Quito to Galapagos (mandatory– subject to change); Galapagos National Park Fee(to be paid in U.S. dollars, cash, at the airport on arrival in the Galapagos Islands); 3 dinners; cost of medical immunizations as needed; insurance of any kind; cost of optional activities; optional wet-suit for snorkeling; excess baggage charges; airport taxes (if any); alcoholic beverages or soft drinks; optional gratuities to your guides; items of a personal nature.

In addition to the required $400 deposit to reserve your space on this trip, the cost of the internal flight to the islands (Quito-Galapagos-Quito) is also due at the time of registration. The deposit and flight fee are non-refundable 90 days prior to departure. If you needed to cancel your participation on this trip for a reason covered by your optional Travel Insurance plan, this flight cost would be reimbursable by that plan.

This trip is rated Moderate [3]. It contains a variety of activities including moderate hikes, mountain biking, Class II / III rafting and sea kayaking. In general, the island hiking is moderate in both length and terrain. We are not moving at a fast pace as our primary objective is to take time to enjoy the abundant and unique wildlife. The biking on Isabela Island is on relatively flat terrain with some rolling hills (unpaved roads of gravel, dirt, and sand). You can choose not to bike this portion. Sea kayaking on Santa Cruz is in a bay with protected waters. Rafting is on a Class III river (although guides may determine that the Anzu Class II river is more appropriate for a number of reasons) – and, while you will be outfitted with the appropriate PFD, you should know how to swim and be comfortable in moving water.

Quito is at 9,200 feet above sea-level and maintains a spring-like climate year round. The temperature ranges from 55° at night to 70° at midday, with the average temperature being in the mid-60s. The average temperature in the Amazon Basin is in the low 80s with daily highs reaching the low 90s and nightly lows in the upper 60s. An occasional cold front during the "dry" season (May-October) can occur, bringing daytime temperature down into the upper 60s. You are in the tropics and in a jungle rainforest – showers are always a possibility. The Galapagos have two seasons. The warm and rainy season lasts from January to June, and the average air temperature ranges from the low 80s to the low 90s with the average water temperature around 75°. There are many warm, often hot, sunny periods interspersed by rain showers. From July to December, the cooler and dryer months, the average air temperature is in the 70s with an average water temperature hovering between 64-68°. There may be occasional mist and overcast skies due to the garúa (fog) that sometimes pervades the islands at this time of year. A sweater or jacket is often needed at night. Note that at any time of year, the highlands on the islands are often enveloped in mist and fog keeping them much greener than areas near their shores.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

The key to staying comfortable during this trip is layering.  To obtain maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection.  This gear list has been created to help you choose your clothing and gear for this trip.  Bring only what is necessary, as this will help you and the field staff.  

Weather

Quito is at 9,200 feet above sea-level and maintains a spring-like climate year round. The temperature ranges from 55° at night to 70° at midday, with the average temperature being in the mid-60s. The average temperature in the Amazon Basin is in the low 80s with daily highs reaching the low 90s and nightly lows in the upper 60s. An occasional cold front during the "dry" season (May-October) can occur, bringing daytime temperature down into the upper 60s. You are in the tropics and in a jungle rainforest – showers are always a possibility. The Galapagos have two seasons. The warm and rainy season lasts from January to June, and the average air temperature ranges from the low 80s to the low 90s with the average water temperature around 75°. There are many warm, often hot, sunny periods interspersed by rain showers. From July to December, the cooler and dryer months, the average air temperature is in the 70s with an average water temperature hovering between 64-68°. There may be occasional mist and overcast skies due to the garúa (fog) that sometimes pervades the islands at this time of year. A sweater or jacket is often needed at night. Note that at any time of year, the highlands on the islands are often enveloped in mist and fog keeping them much greener than areas near their shores.

Gear Checklist

Things to Consider

• Always pack essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, medications, hiking shoes and one set of spare clothes in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed.
• Copies of birth certificates – It's become quite common these days for a family to have more than one surname. Maybe a mother has kept her maiden name, or perhaps the children are from different unions. Whatever the reason, you'll want to be able to prove that, yes, these kids are yours. (Even if you are the nuclear family, birth certificates aren't a bad thing to have along if your passports are lost or stolen.)
• Parental permission – If you're traveling with your kids without your spouse, you may need proof that the absent parent has given permission for the child to travel with you. It's simple enough to write up a letter, sign it, have it witnessed and notarized.
• Pack lightly. Quick-drying, synthetic items are recommended; laundry facilities are available in the Galapagos allowing for a 24-hour turn around.
• The sun is particularly strong on the equator, so a good sun hat and a long-sleeved, light-colored shirt are important. Bring plenty of water-resistant sunscreen.
• A short 2 or 3 mm wetsuit is highly recommended for snorkeling. While it is possible to snorkel without one, you will be much more comfortable and be able to snorkel and enjoy the marine life longer while wearing one (especially from June - December).
• Sarongs make excellent lightweight, quick-drying and compact travel and beach towels. Another good option is the REI MultiTowel Lite (available in various sizes) or similar. See www.rei.com for details.
• NOTE: If the weather dictates the need to fly rather than to boat between islands, the flight(s) between the islands have a strict luggage limit of 25lbs. If luggage exceeds this limit, luggage may be transferred by sea transportation with possible delay.