Galapagos and Amazon 13 Days / 12 Nights
4 nights in Quito, 05 nights in Galapagos, and 3 nights at Sacha Lodge
ITINERARY 13 DAYS / 12 NIGHTS
Transfer to Quito´s for flight to Baltra in the Galapagos Islands. Flight from Baltra to Puerto Villamil. Transfer to Scalesia Lodge. Scalesia is situated in the highlands of Isabela Island on the slopes of a volcano, about 20 minutes from the town of Puerto Villamil. The modern, luxurious, safari-style tent resort is in the middle of 16 hectare (40 acre) property of a magical forest with a spectacular view of the coast of Isabela Island, the Pacific Ocean, and other Islands of Galapagos dotting the horizon. In the afternoon visit to Sucre´s cave, and enjoy a short walk to appreciate the typical vegetation and endemic plants. Continue to Mirador de Mango from where you have panoramic views of southern Isabela and the agricultural area. This is also a place for finch birds’ observation.
Today you will visit some of Isabela´s best attractions: the Sierra Negra and Chico Volcano. Sierra Negra is one of the most active volcanoes of the archipelago, The volcano’s crater is considered the second largest in the world with a diameter of 10kms. Volcan Chico is also an active volcano, sulfur vents can be seen in this area. This is an approximately 6 hour’s walk tour to appreciate all the splendor of the volcanoes. For those who do not wish to do the hike an alternative activity is visiting the Tuneles: a 30 to 40 minute ride on a small fast boat will take us to this unique place where lava flow has been impacted for many years by the oceans waves. This visiting site is a marine paradise for white tipped reef sharks, Galápagos green sea turtle, the Galápagos sea lions, manta rays, parrot fish, yellow tail surgeon fish among many others. Return to the Lodge for lunch. In the afternoon enjoy Concha Perla where you can swim and snorkel alongside tropical fish, sea lions, penguins and turtles and it is also possible to observe up to 20 bird species.
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 a historic site of Isabela, El Muro de las Lagrimas (Wall of tears); this wall was built from huge blocks of lava by exile inmates during 1945 to 1959 as a punishment while Isabela was a penal colony.
Early in the morning transfer to the airport to take your flight back to Baltra. Pick up and transfer to Puerto Ayora. Visit to Las Grietas. Las Grietas means “the Crevasses,” a simple name for one of the Galápagos Islands’ most enchanting locations – a series of three elongated, almost rectangular pools amid tall lava cliffs. In the afternoon visit Tortuga Bay beach. Tortuga Bay is located to the southwest of Puerto Ayora, on Santa Cruz Island. Its name means turtle, since it is the favorite place for sea turtles to lay their eggs. After the visit you will be taken to Finch Bay Hotel.
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.