Galapagos & Amazon Rainforest

Join MPR News meteorologist, Mandy Thalhuber – on an unforgettable journey to the legendary Galápagos Islands and Amazon Rain Forest of Ecuador. While based on the island of Santa Cruz explore the many nearby islands of North Seymour, Santa Fe and Plaza Islands. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and encounter remarkable species unknown anywhere else on earth. Certified naturalists will enlighten and expand your understanding of the amazing creatures and unparalleled diversity of the Amazon Rain Forest. Come commune with the iguanas and snorkel with sea lions on this amazing adventure with MPR! Space is very limited and this trip will sell-out…so don’t wait, reserve your spot today for this trip of a lifetime!

JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS
Explore the Galápagos Islands with naturalists
Charles Darwin Research Station
Unequalled diversity of wildlife
Snorkeling with marine life
Opportunities for short hikes on the Galápagos Islands
Historic walking tour of the old colonial town of Quito, a World Heritage Site
Knowledgeable, experienced local guides
Intimate dining experiences
A full day excursion to local markets and hot springs

Itinerary

Day 1: Saturday, February 20 - Depart for Quito, Ecuador

Your exciting expedition to Ecuador begins today as you board your flight. After a late evening arrival in Quito, meet your local tour director at the airport and transfer to your deluxe hotel in central Quito. Overnight in Quito

Day 2: Sunday, February 21 - Discover Quito and the Botanic Gardens

On a guided mid-morning tour of Quito, you'll learn about its colonial past, history and culture. Visit the old town and see the Church of San Francisco, the first religious building constructed in South America by the Spaniards. See the facade of La Compania, the city’s most ornate church. Admire the spectacular views of the Valley of Tumbaco. And on a clear day, you can see the impressive volcanoes surrounding the city. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Afterwards continue your visit to the local botanical gardens to observe a diversity of plants from different altitudes and ecosystems. Overnight in Quito (B, L)

Day 3: Monday, February 22 - East to the Amazon

After breakfast, transfer by bus to La Punta Ahuano on the Napo River where you will board a canoe that will take you to your Amazon lodge. Enjoy the tranquility of the lodge and prepare to be amazed by both the wildlife and the Amazon culture. In the afternoon, visit Ahuano village for the opportunity to meet a local Quechua family and learn about their way of life before returning to the hotel. In the evening, dine together at the lodge. Overnight in the Amazon Rainforest at Casa del Suizo (B, L, D)

Day 4: DAY 4: Tuesday, February 23 - A Full Day in a Private Nature Reserve

This morning, after a canoe ride you can hike in the Misicocha Private Nature Reserve for approximately two hours while viewing the beautiful flora and fauna up-close. The Amazon Rainforest is the world's largest ecosystem, so be sure to keep an eye out for the innumerable species of tropical plants and insects. Enjoy the views as you cross suspended bridges and fly through the rain forest on a short zip line basket ride. At the end of the hike, take a rafting trip on a traditional balsa log raft. The balance of the day is at leisure. You may choose one of the optional tours, including such as the Rescue Center or Canopy Adventure Park. Tonight, savor dinner with the group at the lodge. Overnight in the Amazon Rainforest at Casa del Suizo (B, L, D)

DAY 5: Wednesday, February 24 - The Andes Cloud Forest and Natural Hot Springs

This morning, board a canoe for the return trip to La Punta Ahuano and enjoy a scenic drive through small villages, stopping for lunch in Tena. After lunch, continue to the hot springs at Papallacta, tucked away in the Andes Mountains. After relaxing at Papallacta hot springs, we continue on to the Wyndham Quito airport hotel for an overnight and dinner. Overnight near Quito airport (B, L, D)

DAY 6: Thursday, February 25 - Fly West to the Galapagos Islands

After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight to the Galápagos Islands where you will spend the next five days island hopping with your naturalist. Upon arrival in Baltra, you'll board the ferry for a short transfer to Santa Cruz Island and then continue by motor coach to Puerto Ayora. Passing through the highlands of Santa Cruz, you'll see the enormous change in vegetation from dry areas full of cacti to rainforest and fern zones. This afternoon visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about island conservation and the huge efforts to preserve this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy an independent lunch at a local restaurant. This evening we'll have a "welcome to the islands" dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Puerto Ayora (B, D)

DAYS 7, 8 & 9: February 26, 27 & 28 - Explore the Galapagos Islands

Over the course of the next four days you’ll enjoy full day boat excursions to many of the nearby islands. Each of these islands has its own unique beauty to offer. North Seymour is a flat island and home to magnificent frigate birds like the Blue-Footed Boobies. South Plaza Island is home to a large colony of sea lions and offers excellent examples of the typical flora like towering cacti “trees” which form the principal diet for land iguanas and cactus finch. Bartholomew Island is a tiny island which boasts one of the most spectacular views of the archipelago from Pinnacle Rock. Climb to the 375-foot peak to enjoy this stunning view. Santa Fe is one of the oldest islands of the Galápagos and in its tranquil bay, one can find green sea turtles and spotted eagle rays while sea lions bask in sun on the beach. Overnight in Puerto Ayora (B, L, D)

DAY 10: Monday, March 1 - Relax on Santa Cruz Island

Today explore Tortuga Bay and a local beach near the town of Santa Cruz. Here you can just enjoy the beach and have a relaxing time. There is also the option to rent a kayak here. Later this morning, transfer by a local boat to the pier where a bus will be waiting to take us to the highlands of Santa Cruz. Along the way there is lunch at a local ranch, a visit to a lava tunnel, and visit to see the famous giant tortoises in their natural environment. Return to the hotel in time for a farewell dinner. Overnight in Puerto Ayora (B, L, D)

DAY 11: Tuesday, March 2 - Fly from Galapagos to Quito

This morning is at your leisure. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Quito. Upon arrival in Quito, you’ll be met and transferred to a nearby 4-star hotel. Relax, rest, and enjoy dinner at the hotel before returning to the airport for your internation flight home. Most flights to the US, depart very late in the evening and you’ll arrive home on March 3. (B, D) *Note: Please book your return flight for the evening of March 2 (11:00 PM or later). If you are unable to find a suitable flight that night or in the early hours of March 3, your hotel room will remain available until 1:00 PM on March 3 for your convenience.

Pricing and Terms

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Reservations and Deposits: A $1,000 per person deposit is needed to confirm your space on this journey. You can make a credit card deposit online or by phone. Deposits are refundable, minus a $250 per person cancellation fee, for 60 days from the processing date or 90 days prior to departure, whichever comes first. Deposits made 90 days prior to a trip departing are not refundable. Final payment is also non-refundable, which is why we strongly urge guests to purchase travel insurance.

Not Included: International airline tickets, alcoholic beverages, room service and gratuities for
hotel staff, travel insurance, meals not listed in brochure, $200 per person Galapagos National
Park entrance fee and any activities or items not listed in your itinerary.

Physical Requirements: It is the responsibility of each guest to be aware of their physical abilities
or limitations and to be in sufficient good health to undertake the trip. Visit earthboundexpeditions.com to read “Is an Earthbound trip right for you?” or call the Earthbound office for more details.

Active Days on Shore and at Sea:
This journey includes transportation by boat (in the islands) and motorized canoe (in the Amazon). Walking tours/hikes in may last 2-3 hours and could include gentle walks of up to two miles, often on uneven or cobblestone surfaces. Now is the time to prepare by ensuring you’re comfortable being on your feet for extended periods. You’re always welcome to relax at a café or opt out of any activity. Additionally, there may be times when you need to handle your own luggage so pack light and make sure your bags are easy to carry. A little preparation will go a long way in making your Ecuador adventure comfortable and enjoyable!

Travel Insurance: Earthbound Expeditions strongly encourages the purchase of travel insurance coverage. We include information on trip insurance in your deposit information.

Events and Hosted Journeys: If a planned event is cancelled for any reason, another event will be included in its place. This is not cause for refund. Events are subject to change. Also, if a host or special guest is unable to attend as planned, Earthbound Expeditions will do its utmost to find another host who has similar
interests, talents, and expertise. The inability of a host to participate in a tour is not grounds for a full or partial refund.

Terms & Conditions: Read the full terms and conditions at earthboundexpeditions.com