Join MPR News chief meteorologist Ben Cathey 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
Trip Host
Ben Cathey
Ben Cathey is the chief meteorologist for MPR News, leading daily weather coverage
including Climate Cast and the Updraft weather blog.
A nationally recognized science communicator, Cathey holds certifications from both the American Meteorological
Society and the National Weather Association. He came to MPR News from a Ted Scripps Fellowship in Environmental Journalism at the University of Colorado
Boulder, the first meteorologist selected in the program's 30 -year history. Before joining MPR News, Cathey spent time reporting in Tierra del Fuego for the Pulitzer Center, documenting climate impacts on wildfires for a
multimedia project. His television career includes positions at WVLT -TV in
Knoxville, Tenn. and WTVG-TV in Toledo, Ohio, where he covered heat
waves, droughts, endangered wildlife and natural disasters including floods,
tornadoes, derechos, and wildfires.
Cathey has earned four Emmy Awards, seven Edward R. Murrow Awards, and was named AP's Weather Anchor of the Year for Tennessee's Large Markets in 2020. He holds a bachelor's degree in meteorology and broadcast journalism from the University of Miami.
Itinerary
DAY 1: Sunday, January 9 – Arrive in Quito, Ecuador
Your exciting expedition to Ecuador begins today. 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: Monday, January 10 – Highlights of Historic Quito: A World Heritage Site
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, one of the first religious buildings constructed in South America by the Spanish. See the facade of La Compañía,
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. Afterward, 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: Tuesday, January 11 – East to the Amazon Jungle
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: Wednesday, January 12 – 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, such as the Rescue Center or the 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: Thursday, January 13 – The Andes Cloud Forest via 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, continue on to the Wyndham Quito airport hotel for an overnight and dinner. Overnight near Quito airport (B, L, D)
DAY 6: Friday, January 14 – Off to the Galápagos 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 motorcoach 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: January 15, 16 & 17 - Explore the Galápagos Islands
Over the course of the next three 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. Bartolomé 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 the sun on the beach. Overnight in Puerto Ayora (B, L, D)
DAY 10: Tuesday, January 18 - 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, enjoy lunch at a local ranch, a visit to a
lava tunnel, and an opportunity 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: Wednesday, January 19 – Fly from the Galápagos to Quito
This morning is at your leisure. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Quito.
Upon arrival in Quito this afternoon,you’ll be met and transferred to a nearby 4-star hotel.
Relax in a private room and enjoy dinner at the hotel before returning to the airport for
your international flight home. Most flights to the US depart very late in the evening or in
the wee hours of the early morning. (B, D)
*Note: Please book your return flight for the evening of January 19 (11pm or later). If you are unable to find a suitable flight that night or in the early hours of January 20 your complimentary hotel room will remain available until 1pm on January 20 for your
convenience.