Amazon Basin & Galapagos Islands Family Adventure

Amazon Basin & Galapagos Islands Family Adventure Itinerary:

• Day 1

  Arrive in Quito any time today, pass through customs, gather your luggage and transfer on your own to our hotel for the evening. Dinner on your own.

• Day 2

  This morning 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 on a short distance beyond the town, we arrive by early afternoon in time for lunch at our remote and comfortable riverfront jungle lodge. After lunch 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" (traditional blow pipe 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

  After breakfast we transfer to 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 today – a short hike to naturally formed swimming pools for a quick dip before our whitewater rafting adventure begins. 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. (Depending upon water conditions and other factors we may raft the Anzu River, Class ll. Your guide will discuss this with the group.) Still have energy? Join us for a nighttime jungle hike! All meals included.
  
  Rafting: Class III / II river(s) one-half day.

• Day 4

  After breakfast we depart for Quito, climbing from the lush jungle of the Amazon back high over the Andes. We stop at Papallacta hot springs, located in verdant cloud forest between Antisana and Cayambe volcanoes, for lunch and to enjoy a soak in the mineral-rich thermal pools. Overnight in Quito. Breakfast and lunch included; dinner on your own.
  
  Driving time: 4 hours.

• Day 5

  This morning it's up and out to the Galapagos Islands! After flying to Baltra Island we head 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 enjoy great bird watching as well. 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

  After breakfast we slip into our kayaks and head out for a paddle on 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 Puerto Ayora. All meals included.
  
  Sea Kayaking: 2-3 hours in protected waters. Hiking: 3 miles (option up to 5 miles).

• Day 7

  This morning we will either 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. The islets are filled with wildlife - marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, sharks, marine turtles and much more- and we explore its otherworldly, lava-formed landscape. Late this afternoon we jump 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 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

  Today it's off to the highlands! We hike up to and then along the rim of the Sierra Negra volcano which is roughly 6 miles wide. Its 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! We spend our final afternoon enjoying the lovely white sand beaches in front of our hotel or at Concha y Perla for more snorkeling and marine wildlife viewing. We enjoy a final dinner together on the islands. All meals included.
  
  Hiking: ~3 miles. Longer hiking option available.

• Day 9

  This morning we navigate back to Baltra Island (flight or boat transfer) for our flight back to Quito on the mainland. Evening on your own. Breakfast and lunch snack on flight included.

• Day 10

  You can depart anytime today. Transfer on your own to airport and flight 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.

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; 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.

This trip is rated Moderate [3]. It contains a variety of activities including moderate hikes, mountain biking, horseback riding, 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.

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