Eco-Zone Explorers

Featuring cloudforest visit,  high Andes paramo eco-zone, Incan culture, Amazon ecolodge, Huaorani indigenous experience, Galapagos 3 island stay and Avenue of the Volcanoes. You will make a connection with local people, contribute directly to conserving precious and threatened environments, help foster respect for native and traditional peoples and cultures, and support local projects that provide benefits for the communities you visit. This is the Ultimate Ecuador Eco-Zone Explorer Tour.

Day 1: Arrival to Quito

Meet your driver at the airport and be welcomed into Ecuador. From here you will be transferred to your night’s hotel.

Day 2: Mindo

This morning the first destination is in the Mindo Cloudforest. Cloud forests are at mid altitude and frequently become misty, creating a cool humid environment that supports an abundant biodiversity. You will travel through a kaleidoscope of landscapes and, upon arrival, you will have a brief introduction to the ecolodge facilities. This is a very interesting place where the owners have created a mini micro hydro site, and organic vegetable garden, a lovely main lodge with expansive sitting areas open to the cloud forest. The individual bungalows are self contained units with two bedrooms and one bathroom. Rough hewn construction, very comfortable and secure feeling. There are daily guided hikes and a tour of the facility included. (BLD)

Day 3: Mindo An optional 6:30 wake up call begins the day that starts with a guided walk to observe wildlife. You might see toucans, quetzals, parrots and sometimes small mammals, like squirrels and agoutis. After breakfast is another guided nature walk and several other optional activities: mountain biking, river tubing, zip lining, and horseback riding. Make a point to visiting the town of Mindo to try out the freshest chocolate you will ever taste at the Quetazal Cafe. They offer a free tour of the mini-plantation and show you the magic transformation from seed to elixir. Cacao pods actually originated from this region and were traded and then cultivated by the Azteca in Mexico. For many years, Ecuador was the world’s largest producer. (BLD)

Day 4: Otavalo

If you are inclined, you can take a very early morning excursion to see the rare courtship display of the cock o the rock. The trip involves a steep hike into a reserve, and then sitting in a blind to see the birds. They appear daily, but you must be quiet and unobtrusive. The display is quite riotous and colourful, although the air can also be quite misty. You come back to the lodge for breakfast. After breakfast you will travel to Mojanda, a mountainside ecolodge and organic farm, located near the town of Otavalo. (BLD)

Day 5: Otavalo (You can also read more in detail about Otavalo market by searching this blog for posts.)

Today, see the famous Otavalo market. Lunch is in a local indigenous-owned restaurant after which you will participate in a guided tour of local craft workshops, homes and nearby villages. Later, back at the lodge, you can take a walk in the amazingly beautiful hills, along foot paths adjacent to local farms. If you are lucky, you can be led by the lodge’s mascot to a pretty waterfall. (BLD)

Day 6: Cotopaxi

Today we’ll continue touring the highlands area, taking a scenic route south and east In the heart of Ecuador’s “Avenue of the Volcanoes”, just one hour south of the historic colonial city of Quito. Here travellers can choose between hiking and mountain biking in the clouds, riding horses with the local ‘chagras’ or Andean cowboys, and ziplines that will take you soaring over the spectacular mountain scenery.

Close to the truly majestic snow capped Mount Cotopaxi, the world’s highest active volcano, visitors will experience an authentic taste of Ecuador’s colonial past during their stay in the comfortable accommodation provided by a real working ranch house built in colonial style, and nestled in the unsurpassed beauty of this region of the Andes.

Before we arrive at the lodge there will be a chanced visit to Cotopaxi National Park where the interpretation centre will give you an opportunity to get to know something about the plants and animals that populate this lush green mountain region. You will also learn about ancient eruptions of this truly majestic, snow capped, cone shaped volcano that have left an indelible imprint on the area.

After driving slowly up through the park and enjoying the mountain we will start our climb to the Padre Rivas mountain climbers´ refuge, situated at an altitude of 4,800m (15,744 feet) above sea level. Here you will be above the clouds, and the scenery is absolutely spectacular. This is truly the land of the gods. In the afternoon we will explore some of the other interesting areas of this important national park: the beautiful Limpiopungo lagoon situated in the mountain peaks, and 15 km beyond the lake, located on a small hill, we will explore the ruins of ancient Inca fortress (pucara) of Salitre.

And at the end of day, a delicious dinner, a warm fireplace and conversation in cheerful company will be waiting for us at our Mountain Lodge.

Day 7: Horse Riding on the Volcano
After a good breakfast an expert ‘chagra’ (Andean cowboy), who will also be our local guide, will show us how to ride a horse provided by the lodge. The ´chagras´ their colourful clothes and their well groomed horses are a reminder of the days when the horse was the main form of transport in the area. Our ride starts in the foothills of the craggy Rumiñahui volcano, named after a famous Inca general who lead the first uprising against the Spanish conquistadors. During the ride our local guide will share with us his knowledge of the ancient lore and myths of the region.

We will be back for lunch at the lodge and in the afternoon we will walk around the hacienda and visit the Manto Blanco waterfall. Or if you prefer, we can relax in the Hacienda take part in some of the activities or just settle in front of the fire and relax before the evening meal. Night: Mountain Lodge (BLD)

Day 7: OPTIONAL

For the traveller interested in a more active day we offer an optional, more adventurous excursion, that will take you across these beautiful Andes highlands:

The journey starts with a visit by horse back, mountain bike, hike (or if you prefer, drive) to El Tambo, a pre-colonial Inca refuge and stockyard that hosted and supplied Inca travellers that moved from the mountains to the coast and vice versa.

The journey up to El Tambo (the word signifies Travellers Rest), is truly impressive, the mountains, the llamas, the local communities, the Quichua culture. All these we can take in on the way up and back, accompanies by our local guide who will give us some insights into the culture and this beautiful part of the country.

At night we will stay at a hacienda where you can still see the original handcrafted stone floor of the Inca Tambo. This magical place is surrounded by volcanic sand and has fantastic views of Mt. Cotopaxi.
Alternative night: El Tambo, Cotopaxi

Day 8: Ecological Reserve and Ziplines
Today we will visit the Santa Rita private ecological reserve

We make our way up to the Hacienda Santa Rita Ecological Reserve to explore the forest canopy by zipline. This system was originally used by scientists who were doing research in the forest canopy and includes five cables between 100 and 480 meters long. The zipline provides a great vantage point for bird watching and enjoying the scenery, and will give you a real adrenaline rush as you soar above the trees. After a good picnic lunch, the group will be lead by the Reserve’s park rangers as they perform trail maintenance and rehabilitation.

The reserve is located on the slopes of Mt. Pasochoa. The trail we will take crosses high mountain forest at 3,300 m (10,824ft) above sea level. During our walk we will pass native forest until we get to the open grassland locally know as paramo, at 3,700 m above sea level. From here you will be able to view a magnificent panorama that includes the Antisana, Cayambe, Cotopaxi and Sincholagua volcanoes.

In the afternoon we will head further down the Avenue of Volcanoes to the town named Banos, in the shadow of the active volcano Tungurahua . (BLD)

Day 9: The Avenue of the Volcanoes and flight over the Amazon Rainforest

Getting to the Huaorani’s world is an amazing part of the experience. We drive from Banos to the town of Shell, a town named after the oil company, and we board a small plane, flying for 35 minutes to Quehueri ́ono over spectacular rainforest panoramas. A dug- out canoe will then take us to the Lodge where, after settling in, you will get your first taste of the Amazon, and explore one of the short forest trails close to the Lodge. Night: Huaorani ecolodge (BLD)

Day 10: Getting to know the Community
This is the day we get a chance to know the people of the Huaorani Community of Quehueri’ono. You will be able to join them in some of their daily activities and have a chance to share some of their history, myths and magic. Later, in the warmth of the evening we will relax in the company of the sounds of the Amazon rainforest. (BLD)

Day 11: On the Trail With the Huaorani
On the Hunting Trail. Accompanied by our guide and a member of the community equipped with lance and blow pipe, we explore the ways of the forest and the animals, entering the world the Huaorani share with them. You will be able to try your hand (or mouth) at the blow pipe and get to know more about this marvellous world that is now threatened by oil fields and palm plantations. (BLD)

Day 12: Reality Tour and Back to Quito
We travel on the Via Auca to the town of Coca (the formal name is Puerto Francisco de Orellana after the Spanish conquistador/explorer) where we will board the flight back to Quito. The journey will be revealing. The road was constructed by Texaco in the nineteen seventies as a way to access the oil fields and as we move along its eroded surface we will experience what the oil industry brochures don’t show, and appreciate why the Ecolodge is so important to the rainforest , the Huaorani and their way of life. (BL)

Day 13: Flight to Galapagos Islands
Fly to San Cristobal Island, and transfer to your hotel. After a tasty lunch, we’ll ride bikes to the Interpretation Center, and then on to the Loberia, a great spot to see colonies of sea lions. (B, L)

Day 14: Kayak and Snorkel
Today is the perfect day for taking to the water. We start with a great intro to kayaking, paddling from the Puerto Baquerizo beach to Cerro de las Tijeretas or Frigate Hill, which gets its name from the large number of Frigate Birds (Tijeretas) that live and nest there. Later we’ll snorkel at Leon Dormido, enjoy some fantastic kayaking next to a cliff filled with Galapagos birdlife (experienced paddlers can catch a big wave), and then try some snorkeling, with the chance to see dozens of harmless sharks and a colorful rock channel teeming with tropical fish. (B)

Day 15: Island of Isabela
Today we’ll take an early morning flight to Isabela Island and check into our hotel. After breakfast we’ll head to the small Tintoreras islands, a Galapagos in miniature. Here we’ll see white tipped reef sharks, sea lions, turtles, rays and Galapagos penguins. There’s also the chance to snorkel in the clear, turquoise waters of the bay, where we’ll be able to get a close up of the islands’ famous underwater life. In the afternoon we’ll visit the giant tortoise breeding centre. (B)

Day 16: Volcano Crater Hike
Today it’s time to stretch our legs. We’ll visit Sierra Negra, the largest crater of all the Galapagos volcanoes. It is a spectacular hike, and a perfect primer on the geology of the archipelago. We’ll enjoy some spectacular vistas over the island before returning to our hotel. (B)

Day 17: Wildlife and Water
This morning we’ll leave from the white sandy beach in front of our hotel and paddle to Villamil Bay, passing rays, penguins, and blue footed boobies, and watching the friendly sea lions that paddle along with us. In the afternoon we will walk the Wetlands Trail, through the mangroves and marine iguana colonies, to the Wall of Tears, built in the late 1940’s by WWII prisoners housed at the island’s US base. (B)

Day 18: Island Santa Cruz
We’ll leave in the early morning sun and travel by speedboat to Santa Cruz Island. After checking into our hotel we’ll head to the Highlands to see Giant Tortoises, and then explore lava tunnels and the ‘Los Gemelos’ a pair of giant volcanic craters. In the afternoon we’ll head to the spectacular white sand beach at Tortuga Bay where we can swim, snorkel, walk on the beach, and paddle amongst marine iguanas, sharks, and sea turtles. (B)

Day 19: Charles Darwin Research Centre and Mainland
After a morning visit to the Charles Darwin Research Center, we transfer to Baltra for our return flight back to mainland Ecuador. Of course, if you’ve fallen in love with these ‘enchanted’ isles – many people do – you can decide to extend your stay for a few days. There’s lots of scuba diving and naturalist day trips you can take to explore some of the other fascinating Galapagos islands. (B)

Day 20: Return Home
This morning the tour finishes with a transfer to the airport. You may want to extend your stay a few days and explore Quito. If so, be sure to ask about adding on some nights.

DETAILED ITINERARY
19 Day World in One Country – Mpumalanga Panorama Route, Game Drives in Kruger National Park, Kingdom of Swaziland, Cultural Experience and Game Drives in Zululand, Walking in the Drakensberg Mountains, Lesotho 4×4 Route, Garden Route, Cango Caves & Karoo, Cape Town

A semi-participation safari from Johannesburg to Cape Town through South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho.

Meal Key:
B – Breakfast L – Lunch D – Dinner

Itinerary
DAY 1: Johannesburg to Mpumalanga, South Africa LD
Departing from Johannesburg at 06h30 we head east towards Mpumalanga. A landscape characterized by mountains, panoramic passes, valleys, rivers, waterfalls and forests. We spend the night just outside the old gold rush town of Pilgrims Rest, a living museum dating back to 1873. We explore the quaint town and visit the Mac Mac falls.

Distance: 500 km
Accommodation:Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge (chalets with en-suite bathrooms)

DAY 2 – 3: Kruger National Park, South Africa BLD
This morning we stop at the “God’s Window” viewpoint before heading to the Kruger National Park. Big game country – exciting game drives provide us with excellent game viewing. Spot lion, elephant, rhino and other animals in one of the last African wildernesses. Early morning & afternoon game drives get us close to the wildlife.

Distance: 200 km
Accommodation: Berg en Dal Camp (Bungalows with en-suite bathrooms)

DAY 4: Kingdom of Swaziland BLD
The mountainous Kingdom of Swaziland, lead by King Mswati III, is one of 3 monarchies in Africa. Swazi’s are proud of their traditional lifestyle & cultures. Hlane is a home to white rhino, zebra, giraffe, elephant, ostrich, crocodile, wildebeest and impala as well as small populations of lion, cheetah, leopard and hyena.

Distance: 150 km
Accommodation: Ndlovu Camp (Huts with en-suite bathrooms)

DAY 5-6: Zululand, South Africa BLD, BLD
After visiting a craft market en route, we re-enter South Africa. Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve is a safe haven for the white rhino. We have an afternoon and the following morning to do game drives in our vehicle and stop at hides and waterholes to watch game come down to drink. The first afternoon we visit a local Zulu village to learn about their culture, traditions and lifestyle.

Distance: 350 km
Accommodation: Hluhluwe Hilltop Camp (chalets with en-suite bathrooms)

DAY 7: Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa BLD
Moving further south to the base of the Drakensberg (Dragon Mountains). We spend one night here allowing time for walking along beautiful mountain stream paths the next morning.

Distance: 450 km
Accommodation: Underberg Region (Cottages with en-suite bathrooms)

DAY 8: Sani Pass, South Africa BLD
Early this morning we explore the picturesque Drakensberg Mountains on a short guided walk. Afterwards we make our way up the scenic Sani Pass in direction of Lesotho. The Sani Pass is a spectacular mountain road that is a well-known entry point into Lesotho from South Africa. It is the gateway to the ‘Roof of Africa’ scenic route that links the spectacular scenery of the Drakensberg with the mountains of northern Lesotho.

Distance: 100 km
Accommodation: Sani Top Chalet (Rooms with en-suite bathrooms)

DAY 9 & 10: Lesotho BLD
Today we cross the border into Lesotho and make our way down the Sani Pass along an adventurous 4×4 route towards the western border of Lesotho. After a long day we arrive at Malealea Lodge, where we spend two nights. Malealea is situated in a remote part of Western Lesotho that is breathtaking in its beauty. This is a chance to experience traditional Basotho life. On Day 10 we enjoy pony trekking through the magnificent landscapes that Lesotho has to offer.

Distance: 520 km
Accommodation: Malealea Lodge (Rooms with en-suite bathrooms)

DAY 11: Cradock, South Africa BLD
We leave the beauty of Lesotho behind us and cross the border back into South Africa. We drive to the historical Karoo town of Cradock. Founded in 1814 as a frontier stronghold, the town is an important agricultural centre with traditional Karoo hospitality, situated close to natural sulphur springs.

Distance: 395 km
Accommodation: Die Tuishuise (rooms with en-suite bathrooms)

DAY 12-13: Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa BLD
A conservation success, Addo Elephant N.P. offers a unique wildlife area, famous for the Addo elephants. We head out on game drives in search of elephant, black rhino, lion, buffalo and leopard. Evening viewing at the floodlit waterhole allows us to watch the nocturnal animals.

Distance: 600 km
Accommodation: Addo Elephant Campsites (Bungalows with en-suite bathrooms)

DAY 14-15: Tsitsikamma, South Africa BLD, BLD
Indigenous Tsitsikamma forests surround the campsite at Storms River mouth, and there are walks up the Storms River Gorge and along the rocky coastline. There is an option of world’s highest bungi jump (own expense). Whale watching in season (July to November).
Distance: 260 km
Accommodation: Storms River Campsite (Bungalows with en-suite bathrooms)

DAY 16: Karoo, South Africa BLD
After visiting ‘The Heads’ in Knysna, a town nestled on a tranquil lagoon we travel over the Outeniqua Mountains into the Little Karoo. In Oudtshoorn we visit the famous Cango Caves. We camp outside Oudtshoorn and enjoy our final night under Africa’s starry skies.

Distance: 400 km
Accommodation: Kleinplaas Campsite (Chalets with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool & cafeteria)

DAY 17 – 18: Cape Town, South Africa B, B
Visit Stellenbosch, for wine tasting and a cellar tour. Explore Cape Town and the ‘Mother City’s’ many attractions; visit Cape Point, the Cape of Good Hope, Chapman’s Peak drive, the harbour at Hout Bay, enjoy the famous beaches and the V&A Waterfront. Optional visit to Robben Island (own expense). Meals at a variety of local restaurants (own expense).

Distance: 410 km
Accommodation: Hotel or Lodge in Cape Town (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, close to restaurants & shops)

DAY 19: Cape Town, South Africa B
We climb Table Mountain in the morning admiring the views over Table Bay and Cape Town. Spend the afternoon catching up on last minute curio shopping or just lazing on the beach absorbing the Cape’s sunshine.
Tour ends at +/-18h00 at your hotel.

Please note that there will be 2 additional hotel nights on this tour, one pre tour night and one post tour night. These will be prearranged for your convenience.

Sukau Rainforest Lodge Experience

The 20 room lodge was built in 1995 in traditional Malaysian architecture using several Borneo hardwood species. It is built on stilts with a lounge, gift shop, education centre, Hornbill Boardwalk with two elephant passes, three open deck for wildlife viewing, an enclosed garden, a riverside Melapi restaurant, open sun-deck, river jetty. Electricity is supplied by acoustic generator, and hot water by solar heaters. All rooms are twin bedded, with ceiling fan, mosquito netting, attached bathroom, hot shower and toilets. River tours are conducted by boats powered by electric motors and four stoke outboard engines. Birdlife is especially rich here including eight species of hornbills, kingfishers, egrets, darters, owls, kites, eagles, broadbills, doves, storm storks, herons, hawks, ospreys, falcon, pheasants, parakeets, bee eaters, woodpeckers, pittas, bulbuls, forktails, babblers, warblers, flycatchers, orioles, flowerpeckers, spiderhunters, among others.

Day  1

Arrive  Kota  Kinabalu meet and  transfer to  hotel for  overnight.

Day  2

Depart from your hotel early morning for a 2 ½ hours journey to Kudat, the land of the last longhouses in Sabah. After lunch, we set off our journey to the ‘Tip of Borneo”. Witness the picturesque view of South China Sea meeting Sulu Sea, an exceptionally breathtaking scene you would ever come across. Proceed to longhouse homestay for check in. Cycle (optional) through scenic villages, oil palm estates and farms to Mompilis Village Longhouse. Enjoy fresh coconut drink and witness cultural activities while mingling with the friendly local folks and children. Return to longhouse homestay for shower. Enjoy a traditional-style dinner followed by colourful cultural performance by local Rungus community. Overnight in Twin Share room. Mattress and mosquito net are provided. (BLD)

Day 03

Wake up to the calls of roosters and enjoy the tranquility of the village. Take your breakfast before we trek to the nearby rubber estate. Test your skill at rubber tapping before continuing your journey to Kinabalu Park with lunch en route. Drive approximately 3 hours overland (88 km) through paddy-fields and Dusun villages over the ridges of the Crocker Range to the foothills of Mt. Kinabalu at 5,000 ft, to arrive at the park headquarters at Kundasang. Overnight at nearby lodge. (Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner)

Day 04

Visit the Visitor Centre and Mountain Garden; home to some of the 24 species of flowering rhododendrons, 10 species of carnivorous pitcher plants, estimated 1,400 species of orchids, over 600 species of ferns, more than 40 species of oak trees and over 300 species of birds. Proceed to Poring (130km), 450m, above sea level, east of Kinabalu Park HQ. Vegetation here is tropical lowland rainforest. Explore the jungle trail leading up to the treetop canopy walkways, 41m above the forest floor. Visit Kipungit Waterfall and soak in hot sulphur pools before we return to Kota Kinabalu in mid afternoon. (BL)

Day  5

P/up and proceed   to  airport  for  flight  MH2042 at 0730/0810hrs.

On arrival at Sandakan Airport by morning flight, transfer to Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre for video show. Trek ten minutes through the rainforest on wooden plank walks to witness the feeding of the orang utans at 1000hrs. Continue to Sandakan jetty for boat journey to Sukau Rainforest Lodge along Sabah’s longest river, Kinabatangan with opportunity to view birds and wildlife in virgin mangrove, wetland and rainforest habitats. Late afternoon take a river cruise using electric motor in search of some of the 10 primate species including Proboscis monkeys as they settle down on treetops along the Kinabatangan River. Return for solar heated hot shower, candle light dinner and slide show conducted by naturalist guide. Overnight at Sukau Rainforest Lodge. (LD)

Day 6

Wake up to the calls of gibbons and hornbills. A 0600hrs morning river cruise up the Kinabatangan River to view more birds and wildlife. Proceed to the Kelenanap ox-bow lake for a short jungle walk (if weather permits). Experience the wilderness of Borneo. You have the option to participate in our Kinabatangan Wildlife Corridor Regeneration Programme (KWICORP) by planting trees at our 64 acres adopted land.  In the afternoon, we proceed for another river cruise for more wildlife. After dinner an optional night safari cruise (at a surcharge) spotting nocturnal animals, crocodiles and birds. Overnight at Sukau Rainforest Lodge. (BLD)

Day 7

After breakfast, return to Sandakan by boat journey. Have lunch before we proceed for a short tour of Sandakan town including the Australian War Memorial. Transfer to airport for late afternoon flight to Kota Kinabalu.  (BL)

Day  8

Transfer to jetty for 20 minutes boat journey to Gaya Island. Explore the 2km jungle trail and learn about some of the unique medicinal plants, tropical hardwood trees, coastal vegetation, tropical dipterocarp rainforest and the ecology of the mangrove forest. Transfer across to Manukan Island for a picnic lunch.  Relax, snorkel and free at leisure before returning at 1500 hours. (Snorkeling gear available for hire at a surcharge).Please bring along towel, hat, walking shoes, insect repellent, water bottle, swim wear and sun block lotion. (BL)

Day  9

Free  at  own  leisure. (B)

Day  10

P/up  at  hotel  and  transfer to airport for flight onward.  (B)

This tour is one for people looking for that once in a lifetime trip to Kenya. It is leisurely paced and suitable for any age. It is privately guided throughout. Ask about family rate.

Day 1: Nairobi
Arrival at the airport at night and transfer from the airport to La Mada or equivalent hotel in Nairobi.

Day 2, 3, 4:  Masai Mara
This tour starts with the very best of Kenya’s national parks, Masai Mara the Africa that every one dreams of. For the 3 days we will explore the open savannahs plains, the riverine forests and meandering rivers for elephants, rhinos, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, gazelles, crocodiles and hippos.

Wildlife viewing in Masai Mara is an all year-round affair and not restricted to the July-Sep period of wildebeest migration. There is a resident population of wildebeests and plains game throughout the year. The cats, which by nature are territorial, are also permanently there defending their corners. You will possibly see a wide variety of game in Mara outside the migration period as most animals move out with the high stress of the wildebeest “invasion”.

On day 4, after a game drive in the morning, Masai Morans will guide us on a soft walk in the rolling hills and grasslands, out of the park boundaries where we will have close encounters with gazelles, zebras and giraffes. En route we will visit a Masai village.

3 nights at Mara Simba Lodge / Sarova Mara Tented Camp / Keekorok / Mara Leisure Tented Camp. BLD

Day 5: Menengai Crater – Nakuru
We arrive at the Maili Saba tented camp, our base for 2 days, in the late afternoon. With 10 luxurious tents built on the edge of the dormant Menengai Crater, Maili Saba offers all what a nature traveler would want in an African holiday: silence, tranquility, one-off scenery, unique accommodation and food worth traveling for, all rendered in a level of service that is professional and non-intrusive. With a limit of only 20 guests, this is a place for anyone who wants to be away from mass tourism. BLD

Day 6:  Lake Nakuru
We will spend the day in the nearby Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its thousands of flamingos as well as vast herds of buffaloes and tens of rhinos. There is a good chance to see cats such as leopard, cheetah and lion. Back to Maili Saba tented camp for overnight. BLD

Day 7:  Swara Conservancy
For wildlife seekers, birders, walkers as well as anyone looking for a nature based tour in Kenya, Swara Plains is ideal for all the right reasons: one-off wildlife viewing experience, guided nature walks, colorful and easily found birds.

Just 30 minutes out of the city of Nairobi, the 20,000 acres ranch is old wild Africa at its very best: wide open savannah grasslands, tall yellow fever trees, endless views.  Swara Plains is part of the Tsavo-Amboseli eco-system and with exception of elephants, rhinos and buffaloes all the other plains game found in Tsavo and Amboseli are found here. You will see big herds of oryx, elands, wildebeests, giraffes, monkeys, hartebeests, zebras, impalas, Grant’s and Thompson’s gazelles, warthogs and the occasional gerenuk in total absence of mass tourism.

There is also a good number of cheetahs and leopards but unlike the cats in other national parks which are now socialized to act for visitors (a cheetah sitting on a car’s hood is not natural!) Guided walks and game drives.
Overnight at Acacia Camp BLD

Day 8, 9 & 10: Amboseli
We drive south to Amboseli national park at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. The magic of Amboseli is seeing the big game including huge herds of elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, impalas, Grant’s gazelles and elands with the backdrop of the snow-capped Kilimanjaro.

Should you be a birder Amboseli has +425 species of birds recorded. There are water birds, birds of prey as well as dry scrub birds. 3 nights at the Kibo Tented Camp. BLD

Day 11: Transfer To Nairobi
Leave Amboseli in the late morning and drive back to Nairobi and your evening flight out or onward travel. Lunch At Acacia Camp  BL

Includes: 10 nights accommodation, Guided walks and tours as described. all transfers, meals as noted (BLD = breakfast, lunch, dinner), all local taxes. Flying Doctors Evacuation cover. Can be modified to suit your time and interests. Airfares not included.

Costa Rica has an amazing variety of habitats from lowland humid forests to misty cool cloud forests. This program designed by one of Costa Rica’s top ornithologists, Leo Chavez, covers the top birding sites in Costa Rica, including the Costa Rican Birding Route.

Day 1: San Jose
Meet driver at the airport and then transfer & overnight Don Carlos Hotel in San Jose.

Day 2: Cerro de la Muerte
You will meet your driver this morning for your transfer to Savegre Lodge. Savegre Mountain Lodge’s Private Biological Reserve is located in the environs of the Cerro de la Muerte in the Talamanca Mountain Range. It consists of Cloud Forest with elevations varying between 1,220 and 2,560 metres above sea level. The area is frequently visited by eco-tourists from around the world who come to enjoy the large diversity of plant life, including oak and laurel trees, orchids and bromelias. This animal life includes more than 170 species of birds – including the magnificent Quetzal – as well as numerous mammals, amphibians, and insects. (B)

Day 3:  Birding Tour
This morning you’ll meet your guide for a 5 hour birding tour.  You then transfer to the Caribbean foothills.  Rancho Naturalista is considered to be one of the finest birding lodges in Central America. Rancho is known for its peaceful forest surroundings, comfortable well-kept rooms, excellent meals, family style atmosphere, knowledgeable resident bird guide(s), extensive trail system in pre-montane rainforest, banana and hummingbird feeders for the birds, bird bathing pools, and a bird list for the area of over 400 species. (BD)

Day 4: Full day birdwatching with a local resident guide. Overnight at Rancho Naturalista (BLD)

Day 5: La Selva de Sarapiqui
Free morning and transfer to Sarapiqui area. La Selva was originally established in 1954 by Dr. Leslie Holdridge, as a farm dedicated to experimentation on mixed plantations for the improvement of natural resources management. It was purchased in 1968 by the Organization for Tropical Studies and declared a private biological reserve and station. Since then, it has become one of the most important sites in the world for research on tropical rain forest. Over 240 scientific papers are published yearly from research conducted at the site.  La Selva’s juxtaposition of protected ecosystems and state-of-the-art laboratory facilities is unique in the world’s wet tropics. An extensive trail system of more than 50 kilometers provides access to a wide range of terrestrial and aquatic habitats. Thousands of arthropod species are being currently recorded at La Selva, and more than 400 species of resident and migratory birds have been sighted in the reserve, representing almost half of Costa Rica’s bird species.(BLD)

Fday 6:
Full day birdwatching at La Selva with resident guide. Overnight OTS La Selva Biological Station (BLD)

Day 7: Transfer to Maquenque Lodge
Located on the Northern Territory of San Carlos near the Nicaraguan border this reserve, along with La Selva, forms part of the Costa Rican Birding Route.  The Costa Rican Bird Route is the first of its kind in Central America. Located in the northeastern region of Costa Rica, this eco-tourism project offers a variety of bird watching and nature tourism opportunities. The Bird Route consists nature reserves within 12 official sites, specifically chosen for their high avian diversity. This region also supports the last remaining habitat of the endangered Great Green Macaw (Ara ambigua), and the Costa Rican Bird Route offers the greatest viewing opportunities on the planet of this rare species as well as Scarlet Macaws. Excellent bungalow style  accommodations, surrounded by tropical rainforests, and bordering the Majestic San Carlos River, it has become famous for being a unique region for ecology, wildlife observation, unique birding tours. (B)

Day 8: Birdwatching Tour
Morning birdwatching tour. Free afternoon for optional tours: Overnight at Maquenque (B)

Day 9: San Jose
Free morning by the afternoon transfer back to San Jose. Overnight at Hotel Don Carlos. (B)

Day 10:
Departure transfer (B)

This is a full service semi-private tour program using local lodge  based guides and drivers . There may be other guests sharing the rides from time to time. Accommodation is in a variety of small, specialised lodges. OTS La Selva is the most basic being a research station, however meals are very good and the chance to meet students and scientists makes the stay well worth it for anyone interested in birds.

Price includes: 9 nights accommodation and taxes, meals as noted (BLD), all transfers, all guided tours as noted.

This expedition voyage explores some of the most untouched rainforest in all of the Amazon. It is an 8 day trip where we travel by riverboat far up the Rio Negro to an area very rarely visited, exploring the mysterious life of the wilderness that stirs in the forest and in the heart of wild nature. We visit quite remote forest that has very few settles so the flora and fauna is very little disturbed.

Sailings Every Second Monday Year Round, 8 days/7Nights

Day 1 This morning all guests board the vessel the Motor Yacht TUCANO and depart upstream on the Rio Negro. Through the morning we will cruise through the world’s largest river island system, the Anavilhanas Archipelago. From the observation deck we scan the magnificent tangle of vegetation at the water’s edge. By mid-afternoon the vessel has gone beyond the frontier of settlement and entered a wilderness area. Both shores are covered by dense rainforest. Though we never know what we will see, we have a good chance of observing pink river dolphins and a large collection of exotic birds. Most certainly we will be treated to magnificent forest vistas and the spectacular trees themselves. In the late afternoon we embark in the launches and hunt for wildlife. We may also go for a swim in some of the world’s most clean and refreshing water. (LD)
Day 2 Early this morning we explore the rainforest along the waters edge in our launches. We should hear and perhaps see howler monkeys along with a morning serenade of toucans. After breakfast we go for a walk in the forest where we will get a good start on understanding Amazon ecology. Around midday we return for lunch and the vessel will get underway, perhaps stopping at a place to swim. In the late afternoon we will explore the forest in our launches and listen to the sunset chorus of birds and frogs. (BLD)

Day 3 This morning there will be an early exploration of the waking forest. We will keep our eyes open for monkeys- on most trips we see them often. We return for breakfast followed by either a walk in the forest or an excursion in the launches. TUCANO will travel during the middle of the day and we stop in the afternoon for an excursion. Tonight the vessel may travel a bit more as we marvel at the night sky crowded with stars. (BLD)

Day 4 After our two morning excursions TUCANO will navigate along the heavily forested shore, scouting for wildlife. We may stop for a visit at a settler’s home carved out of the forest. In the early afternoon we will be near an extraordinary river called the Rio Jauaperi. Here we will see a kind of forest known as the varzea. We will scout along the shoreline for some of the extraordinary creatures found only in this unique environment. Weather permitting we will do a night excursion to observe nocturnal creatures. (BLD)

Days 5 Today we depart the Rio Jauaperi and for the next two days proceed downstream on the Rio Negro exploring a new collection of rainforest habitats. In the daytime we will continue to scout in our launches, walk in the forest, and at night hunt for nocturnal wildlife. (BLD)

Day 6 After a walk in the forest we cross to the West bank of the Rio Negro, exploring as we go. We will stop at the substantial boat building village of Novo Airão. As we walk through the streets we’ll marvel at how the 19th Century thrives in this remote corner of the globe. Tonight TUCANO goes downstream to arrive at daybreak near the confluence with the Amazon River. As we glide through the starry darkness this is a good night to sip the national drink of Brazil, the “Caipirinha”. (BLD)

Day 7 This morning we explore the Lago Janauari Ecological Park where seasonally the thick brown water of the Amazon flows swiftly through the forest. This area is usually a very good place to observe wildlife. Around midday the vessel will travel to the “Encontra das Aguas” a stark several mile long line where the world’s two largest rivers, the Amazon and the Negro, join in a turbulent maelstrom. Here the dark water of the Negro runs beside the opaque brown water of the Amazon. In the afternoon we scout one of the hidden streams in the area to try to see more of the Amazon’s beautiful and bizarre creatures. Tonight there will be one last excursion looking for nocturnal life. (BLD)

Day 8 In the morning all guests disembark from TUCANO. Some guests will participate in an optional tour of the city of Manaus before transferring to the airport. (B)

Meal Codes: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner/ Please note that the day to day schedule must be considered approximate. The exact order of the days and specific features may be altered due to navigational consideration

Take a journey through Costa Rica’s diverse ecological and climatic zones. First travel from the productive central valley to the cool mountains and cloudforests of The Los Angeles Cloudforest Reserve.  Then travel to the dry lava flows, hot springs and forest trails of Arenal Volcano National Park.  Drop deep into the lush Caribbean lowlands for a night in the rainforest before continuing to the east coast and the turtle nesting grounds of Tortuguero National Park.  This trip is a semi-independent tour with a mix of guided tours and unstructured time.

Day 1 – Arrival San Jose

Arrive San Jose and transfer with driver to your hotel.  The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 2 – San Jose – Los Angeles Coud Forest Reserve (Eco-spa and hotel)

This morning you will transfer to the cloudforest lodge. With a similar ecosystem to the reserve at Monteverde but located just one hour from San Jose (compared to 4.5 hours), discover a new world destination for eco-conscious travelers:a boutique hotel  and eco-spa surrounded by the spectacular Los Angeles Private Biological Reserve. Conveniently located within this 30 Ha. (75 acre) property, is a very user-friendly 3 Kilometer trail network was carefully engineered and designed by professional nature guides. It has no steps or obstacles to compete with the enjoyment of observing the countless variety of tropical flora and fauna along the specially designed self-guided and interpretive trails. With only 2.5% of the planet’s cloud forest remaining, the unique energy of this cloud shrouded forest habitat continues to marvel both scientists and novices alike. Balance of day free to take optional tours. B)

*Please inquire before coming for optional tours : Canopy Ziplines, Morning Quetzale Hike, Poas Volcano Tour, Scarlet Macaw Hike, Horse back Riding Tour.

Day 3 – Half day Tour to Historical San Ramon

Nestled in the rolling hills of Alajuela Province, this charming municipality has much to offer. This unique half day guided tour is both educational and picturesque at the same time. It features a visit to a traditional sugar cane mill and includes stops at all the cultural and historical attractions of San Ramon, the city of poets and birthplace of three previous presidents. Most famous was Don Pepe Figueres, the president who abolished Costa Rica’s military and established its current democracy. A photo gallery in his honor, plus the nearby Cathedral of San Ramon and Central Market, are part of this illuminating half-day excursion. Return to ecolodge for the night. (B)

Day 4 – San Ramon – Arenal Volcano National Park

Today you’ll transfer to a Costa Rican volcano lodge set high on a ridge a mere 1.7 miles from Arenal Volcano. This  offers the adventurous traveler front-row seating for one of the world’s most thrilling fireworks displays – a volcanic eruption. After having lain dormant for over 400 years, Arenal Volcano erupted violently on July 29, 1968, wreaking havoc on the local population and creating a “lava-scape” for miles around its base. Tropical flora and fauna abound about the Arenal lodge, and while here there are many self guided hiking opportunities as well as optional guided tours. Please inquire locally upon arrival if you wish to see a list and to arrange on your own for the next day.(B)

Day 5 – Arenal

Today visit the Arenal Hanging Bridges, entrance fees included. The Hanging Bridges are a complex of 6 hanging suspension bridges rising above the jungle canopy, and almost 2 miles of brick & concrete trails through the lush Rain Forest. The bridges provide an excellent vantage point to observe the flora and fauna from the ground level to the top of the trees. The chain link fence on either side of each bridge is about 50″ high, so there is little chance of anyone slipping through. Walk the trails where you will see many varieties of heliconias, flowering ginger, hear howler monkeys, and see many varieties of butterflies, as you learn about the complexity and beauty of the Rain Forest. Afternoon visit Ecotermales (Hot Springs) it has about 5 different pools of Natural Hot Springs including a soothing waterfall for a natural massage. (B)

Day 6 – Arenal – Sarapiqui

Transfer from Arenal to Sarapiqui area.  You go from high mountain terrain to lowland Caribbean rainforest. This is a lush warm land of  bromeliads, butterflies, bats, and birds. There are a number of things worth doing here and at your lodge have access to a butterfly “farm” with amazing blue morphos and walking trails along the river. Included in this day is a visit to an organic pineapple plantation. (B)

Day 7 – Sarapiqui – Tortuguero National Park

This morning you’ll transfer by land to a coastal estuary for a boat trip to Tortuguero.  Here you will be taken to your lodge.  This area exists to protect the most important breeding areas in Costa Rica for marine turtles.  Of the 8 worldwide species, 4 nest here.  You can see leatherback turtles between April and June and green turtles from July to mid October.  Tropical wildlife is incredibly abundant and the area is a major migratory bird route for North American birds. (B/L/D)

Optional Turtle Nesting Tour at night, approximately US $25.00 per person.

Day 8 – Tortuguero National Park

This morning you will board one the flat bottom boats to explore the watery creeks and canals that make up the highly productive coastal zone of the Caribbean lowlands with an expert guide.  In this trip you will see an incredible assortment of tropical wildlife before returning to your lodge.  Balance of day is free, you might want to take a trip to the local village and meet some of the people of Tortuguero.  (B/L/D)

Day 9 – Tortuguero – San Jose

Today take a boat back to dock and then a ground transfer back to San Jose and your hotel.  (B)

Day 10 – Depart San Jose

Departure transfer to International Airport.  (B)

Special Package Features:

All transfers with a private or semi-private van and driver.

All accommodation (3-4 green leaf rating)

9 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches and 2 Dinners

Guided walks and tours as described with entrance fees included.

Take a journey through Costa Rica’s diverse ecological and climatic zones. First travel to the dry lava flows, hotsprings and forest trails of Arenal Volcano National Park.  Drop deep into the lush Caribbean lowlands for a night in the rainforest before continuing to the east coast and the turtle nesting grounds of Tortuguero National Park.  This trip is a semi-independent tour with a mix of guided and optional tours.

Day 1 – Arrival San Jose
Arrive San Jose and transfer with driver to your hotel.  The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 2 – San Jose –Volcano National Park
Scenic drive with our driver/guide to Arenal Volcano, stop en route at La Paz Waterfall Gardens for an up close view at a system of 5 different waterfalls and also for lunch. After lunch continue to Arenal. From the Observatory, which is situated only 1.6 miles south of the volcano, visitors have an impressive view of this “giant which rumbles” and erupts with spectacular displays of vapor and lava. The Observatory is the only lodge situated within the Arenal Volcano National Park, which encompasses thousands of acres of pristine rainforest and teems with tropical birds and wildlife.  This offers the adventurous traveler front-row seating for one of the world’s most thrilling fireworks displays – a volcanic eruption. After having lain dormant for over 400 years, Arenal Volcano erupted violently on July 29, 1968, wreaking havoc on the local population and creating a “lava-scape” for miles around its base. Tropical flora and fauna abound about the Arenal lodge, and while here there are many self guided hiking opportunities as well as optional guided tours. Overnight at the Arenal Observatory Lodge or similar. (BD)

Day 3 – Arenal and Sarapiqui
This morning will be a guided hike from the lodge to see some of the forest and local effects of volcanic activity. Transfer from Arenal to Sarapiqui area.  You go from mountain terrain to lowland Caribbean rainforest. This is a lush warm land of  bromeliads, butterflies, bats, and birds. There are a number of things worth doing here and at your lodge have access to a butterfly “farm” with amazing blue morphos and walking trails along the river. (BD)
Day 4 –  Sarapiqui
Today we have some interesting and fun activities.  This morning you may want to take part in your choice of some optional activities:  river rafting trip on a fun Class l-ll (more mild) river, a thrilling canopy zipline tour through the forest, or a tour of the nearby organic pineapple plantation. You may also elect to just enjoy a little rest time at the pool or try tubing along the river that goes past the lodge. Later this afternoon you will be taken to La Tirmbina Nature reserve for their very interesting  Origins of Chocolate Tour and then dinner. After dinner, a naturalist from the reserve will do a show and tell about the really amazing nightlife in the rainforest. (BD)

Day 5 – Sarapiqui – Tortuguero National Park
This morning you’ll transfer by land to a coastal estuary for a boat trip to Tortuguero.  Here you will be taken to your lodge.  This area exists to protect the most important breeding areas in Costa Rica for marine turtles.  Of the 8 worldwide species, 4 nest here.  You can see leatherback turtles between April and June and green turtles from July to mid October.  Tropical wildlife is incredibly abundant and the area is a major migratory bird route for North American birds. (BLD)

Optional Turtle Nesting Tour at night, approximately US $30.00 per person.

Day 6 – Tortuguero National Park
This morning you will board one the flat bottom boats to explore the watery creeks and canals that make up the highly productive coastal zone of the Caribbean lowlands with an expert guide.  In this trip you will see an incredible assortment of tropical wildlife before returning to your lodge.  Balance of day is free, you might want to take a trip to the local village and meet some of the people of Tortuguero.  (BLD)

Day 7 – Tortuguero – San Jose
This morning you may take another  included tour with the naturalists into the creeks before returning to the lodge for a boat back to main dock and then a ground transfer back to San Jose and your hotel.  (B)

Day 8 – Depart San Jose
Departure transfer to International Airport.  (B)

Special Package Features:
All transfers with a private or semi-private van and driver.
All accommodation (3-4 green leaf rating)
7 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches and 6 Dinners
Guided walks and tours as described.
****B (breakfast), L (lunch), BL (box lunch, D (dinner)

On this journey you will see Panama’s stunning beaches, experience an unforgettable encounter with the Chocoe-Embera Indians, then hike the mountains of Chiriqui to observe the elusive, long-tailed Quetzal. The exotic Bocas del Toro Archipelago is located in the Caribbean of West Panama near the border with Costa Rica. It is a diver and outdoor lover’s paradise with unspoiled coral reefs, deep-sea fishing and boating, kayaking, snorkeling and long sandy deserted beaches.  This package introduces you to the very best of Panama’s diverse geography and cultures.

Day 1: Panama City, arrival and transfer.

Day 2: Chagres National Park, visit Chocoe-Embera people. After breakfast visit a paradise found in its purest form. This tour leaves Panama City at 8:30 AM and begins with a ride in a “piragua” (a native boat) following the route commonly used by the Indians for their daily transport along the Chagres River. Then hike through the forest with a local indigenous guide and an expert who will explain the botanical aspects of the trail and the culture of this authentic Chocoe-Embera village. In the village, members of the community will share their culture through dances, rituals, food, etc. You will have the opportunity to partake in “jagua” body painting with vegetable ink. Arrival back to Panama City is estimated at 4:00 PM.  BL

Day 3: Fly to David, visit Chiquiri cloudforest coffee plantation and stay in private estate farm. Finca Lerida is a 10 minute drive from the center of Boquete and located in a exclusive private nature reserve at an altitude ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 feet above sea level. This unique ecolodge is a preferred destination for visitors interested in exploring rich flora and fauna, for birders, nature photographers and nature lovers.The ecolodge has 11 very comfortable double rooms with private bath, each with its own porch overlooking the untouched forests of the highland and the surrounding coffee plantation. Each room is individually decorated and named after the native birds found on the property. BLD

Day 4: Walking in the clouds-near Boquete and Baru volcano. This rarely visited area allows even casual birdwatchers to enjoy the chance of seeing the hard to find quetzales.  There are many other bird species as well and beautiful orchids, heliconia dn bromeliads. BLD

Day 5: Transfer to Bocas del Toro on the Caribbean, transfer to nature lodge at Punta Vieja on Bastimentos island. Here you will experience the Afro-Panamanian culture and the Teribe indigenous group. Between jungle and sea, Al Natural Resort has created a comfortable and private retreat, perfectly integrated into the lush tropical environment of Isla Bastimentos.
This resort elegantly combines the ancestral craftsmanship of the Ngobe-bugle Indians with new technologies that allow us to use energy from the sun and limit our impact on the ecosystem.

In order to provide each guest with maximum privacy, and to maintain an intimate setting for the resort, there are only nine bungalows. All the bungalows are stilt houses and provide occupants with uninterrupted views of the sea and surrounding flora and fauna. BLD

Day 6: Visit the Zapatillas Cays, famous for beautiful beaches and protected reefs.  Glide through the mysterious mangrove forest in a cayuco (indigenous canoe). BLD

Day 7: Return flight to Panama City,

Day 8: Transfer and flight out.

UNIQUE ADVENTURES IN A UNIQUE WORLD

Contributed By Jascivan Caravalho

The Galapagos Islands, a world heritage site and one of the most famous places on the planet, is a must visit for every adventurous traveler. The story of this exceptional archipelago is intertwined with the history of the human race itself. It’s a tale of violent eruptions and the formation of the volcanic islands that played a major role in Charles Darwin’s ground breaking theory of evolution, one of the most important moments in the human journey.

From barren volcanic outcrops these islands slowly developed into the home of a stunning variety of unique wildlife, and thanks to careful control, that wildlife is still here for you to see today.  The islands retain their original untamed nature, offering discriminating travelers the chance to enjoy an exciting and challenging voyage of discovery.

With our Galapagos Ecological Adventures program you can design and follow your own path into this fascinating environment. It’s a unique experience that’s not only more dynamic and adventurous – with spectacular hikes, kayaking, snorkeling and biking – it’s the way to spend quality time with the family, actively exploring the islands on a path less traveled. With this special program you’ll have more time to explore your extraordinary surroundings, and more time to enjoy the enchanted atmosphere.

But Galapagos is more than spectacular wildlife and scenery. It offers you that little bit extra. The human touch. Here you’ll be accompanied by local guides who are knowledgeable about, and devoted to their island home. And they’re passionate about preserving it. They’ll show you life here on the islands as they know it. As no one else can. And with us you’ll have more time to get to know some of the friendly people who will make this a really personal experience. This is a truly special way to experience the enchanted isles, the way to get the most out of your stay.

Your exploration can be as adventure filled as you want. As part of our flexible program you’ll be able to kayak, snorkel and bicycle on the islands, avoiding the throng of visitors and the crowded trails. Here you’ll get a closer, more active view of the place that fascinated Charles Darwin and has played an unequaled role in human history.

Galapagos Ecological Adventures offers experiences that go beyond the limits of the traditional one week boat tour with its problems of being confined amongst strangers, the risk of sea sickness and the rush hour traffic of the tour boats. This is a more independent program, with a wide range of accommodation that will suite everyone’s taste -  families, couples or groups of friends – and the flexibility to operate any day of the week, and if you choose, to adapt to extensions to your cruise.

GETTING UP CLOSE TO THE ISLANDS’ UNIQUE WILDLIFE

As part of this program you’ll visit three islands and get a chance to spend time with the unique wildlife that inhabits the islands: the sea lions, the giant tortoises, the marine iguanas and much, much, more.

First stop is the impressive Island of San Cristobal. This is the place to see sea lions. There are thousands on the Island, in colonies and small groups, and you’ll have a chance to see them close up as we walk and bike alongside. The animals are surprisingly tame and will let you approach with no problem. The colonies of Frigate birds that inhabit the island and have occupied a small bay are also something to see, and you’ll have a chance to get up close to these spectacular birds with their red chests, as we kayak and snorkel in the nearby waters. Also on the menu is the impressive Leon Dormido,  a rock formation that is a great place to snorkel amongst dolphins and sharks, and to be dazzled by a myriad of brightly colored fishes.

Next is Isabela island, not only the largest, most volcanically active and most interesting of the chain, but also the least visited and the most relaxed. It’s four times the size of the next largest island, yet has only 20% of the Galapagos population. Here you’ll be able to get a close look at the very source of the Galapagos spectacular history; you’ll see five active volcanoes and hike into the second largest volcanic crater in the world, Sierra Negra. It’s an awe inspiring site.

On Isabela you’ll get close up to the archipelago’s famous wildlife. It’s all here: giant tortoises, sharks, marine iguanas, sea lions, manta rays, boobies, penguins and flamingoes (this is the only place in the world you can see both at the same time).  And for good measure the island also boasts the most extensive wetlands in the archipelago – recognized as a globally important site -  where you can visit the ‘Poza del Diablo’ with its brilliantly colored flamingoes.

And as a fitting end to a memorable trip you’ll visit the island of Santa Cruz. Here you can relax and soak up the atmosphere in the charming port of Puerto Ayora, the major link between the islands and the mainland. You’ll swim in Tortuga Bay, one of the largest fine sand beaches of the entire chain, where you’ll also be able to kayak in the turquoise waters. There are lava tunnels and rock fissures to explore, where you can snorkel amongst the fishes in the crystal clear water.

The highlands also have a lot to offer.  You’ll find huge tunnels and strange sunken areas formed by subterranean activity and volcanic activity the islands are famous for.  On the surface are the farms where you can see Giant tortoises in their natural habitat. And speaking of Tortoises, a trip to Santa Cruz would not be complete without a visit to the home of ‘Lonesome George’, the most famous tortoise in the world.

 

PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT

The Spanish bishop Tomás de Berlanga, who discovered the islands in 1535 when his ship was blown off course, was the first to call these the enchanted isles. This is an exceptional place, and one that must be preserved for all humanity.

Here conservation is not a luxury, it is essential, and that’s why this ecological adventure is designed to generate minimum environmental impact. It’s a program planned for those who care about limiting environmental and social impacts on these unique islands, and support the conservation of this fragile world heritage site.

This is the pleasant, unhurried, and responsible way to visit the Galapagos. And what’s more, the friendly islanders will help you enjoy it even more.