Galapagos, Amazon & Andes 15 Days / 14 Nights
4 nights in Quito, 5 nights in Galapagos, 3 nights at Sacha Lodge and 2 nights in Hacienda Piman
ITINERARY 15 DAYS / 14 NIGHTS
Morning visit to the Tintoreras, an islet formed by lava flows located 10 minutes by dinghy from Puerto Villamil. Its name comes from the white tip reef sharks called in Spanish “Tintoreras” which are frequently seen in this area. Different species of animals can be seen in the area as sea lions, marine iguanas and penguins. This is a perfect place to practice snorkeling. Return to the hotel by lunch time. In the afternoon visit los Humedales, a complex with various trails where you can find the four species of mangroves existing in Galapagos. This area is characterized by solitary beaches, lava tunnels, natural pools and estuaries where you can see flamingos and other birds. You will also visit the Turtle breeding center where the National Park is breeding turtles in danger of extinction. Some of this giant turtles have been released by the park and can be found on the trails.
NOTE: Itineraries in Galapagos subject to change without notice. The sequence of visits might be altered depending on arrival of flights to Baltra or Isabela, weather conditions, or other unexpected circumstances beyond our control.
Upon arrival to Sacha Lodge’s private reserve, guests will take their first walk along a raised boardwalk through dense flooded palm forest where several species of monkeys are often sighted. Dugout canoes await to carry you across the Pilchicocha lake to the Lodge. You will arrive with time to settle in, bird-watch, swim, or take a walk under the canopy before dinner.
One of Sacha Lodge’s highlights is our Canopy Walk. It is one of only a few rigid, self-standing suspension canopy walkways in the world. Two of the three towers have observation platforms every 12 meters, making the towers accessible for everyone. The 275 meters, (900 feet) long canopy walkway is suspended at 36 meters (120 feet) above the forest floor.
Our newest attraction, the Treetop Walk, allows us to explore the rich life of the rainforest understory. We have built 5 observation platforms around tree trunks under the canopy, at heights between 20 and 65 feet, all connected by bridges. The Treetop Walk leads us on a 240 feet long path through this rainforest layer so rarely observed by human beings before.
A favorite activity of our guests is to paddle dugout canoes along tannin-rich black-water creeks and lakes, where luxuriant lianas, bromeliads and palm trees thrive. There is also a 43 meter (135 feet) observation tower that allows guests to climb into and above the rainforest canopy for a magnificent view of the surrounding area.
Located ten minutes across de Napo River, the Nueva Providencia Interpretation Center, an offers our guests the opportunity to share with the women from the community and learn about the Kichwa lifestyle. The visit culminates with a tasting of the local cuisine!
For adventurous souls, the day does not necessarily end with dinner. Night walks and canoe trips, with the aid of flashlights, often reveal creatures such as caimans that are seldom seen during daylight.
Pick up at Quito airport at noon to head north through the winding roads of the Andes, reaching the fertile province of Imbabura. On the way stop in Cayambe, visit Quisato monument right on the Equator line, lunch and visit a rose plantation (no Sundays). Arrive in Hacienda Piman at late afternoon.
After lunch return to Piman via backroads. Arrive at Piman at 4:30 PM.
Note: The train operates from Thursday to Sunday. In case we cannot fit the excursion on a train day we will offer an alternative excursion to El Angel Reserve where we will explore its strange and beautiful plants, forest and lakes.