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.

The beautiful “White City” of Arequipa and the nearby Colca Canyon is the perfect place to start or finish a trip to Peru and is ideal for acclimatising oneself to the rarefied air of the Andes or for relaxing in Hot-springs following your Amazonas Explorer adventure. The road to Puno has now improved sufficiently to make the overland journey to Puno and Lake Titicaca a viable extension.

DAY 1: Arriving in Arequipa, you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your centrally located hotel. Arequipa is known locally as “The White City”. You have the rest of the day free and we recommend you visit the Santa Catalina Monastery. First opened to the public in 1970, it is a maze of intricate architecture and a photographer’s paradise. You can also take in Juanita – the Inca ice maiden, the impressive Plaza de Armas with its earthquake damaged Cathedral and sample the delights of local cuisine in a typical ‘Picantaria’.

DAY 2: Your guide will pick you up from your hotel and then, by private minibus you head inland to the Colca Canyon, climbing high into the Andes, hopefully spotting vicunas, flamingos and other rare wildlife, before descending to Chivay. You stay the night in a charming lodge, built in traditional Colca style with near-by perfect temperature hot-springs. (B/L/D)

DAY 3: Early this morning you head to the very rim of the Colca Canyon, Cruz del Condor where, if you are lucky, you can see condors soaring in the thermals created by the deep gorge. From here you return to your Lodge including several stops to visit local towns and many beautiful photo opportunities. From the lodge you can visit pre-Inca ruins, an ancient cemetery and explore the surrounding hills, or simply relax in near-by hot-springs. (B/L/D)

DAY 4: Today you drive back to Arequipa. On arrival in Arequipa you are transferred to your hotel with free time for sightseeing and shopping. Arequipa is famous for its reasonably priced, high quality, Alpaca and Vicuna garments. (B/L)
Alternatively you could drive to Puno for a lake Titicaca Extension.

DAY 5: Transfer to Arequipa airport for your on-going connection.  (B)

INCLUDED:  Airport transfers in Arequipa, two nights in 3 Star Hotel in Arequipa, private minibus with guide to Lodge, two night in Lodge, minibus to Cruz del Condor and return to Arequipa, meals where indicated. Entrance to Colca National Park ($12). Local English speaking guide

NOT INCLUDED: Internal flights to and from Arequipa, meals where not indicated, tips and personal expenses.

The largest, and least known country in Central America is also the safest according to the Nicaraguan tourist board. A beautiful country awaits you with friendly smiles and few tourists.

Day 1
Arrival at Managua Airport and welcoming by local guide. Transfer to a local hotel in the city centre.

Day 2
After a liesurely breakfast a city tour of historic sites of Managua, then a private transfer to Hotel La Gran Francia in romantic Granada, where you will be welcomed with a cocktail on the balcony. (B)

Day 3
This morning a private city tour by horse drawn carriage, followed by a visit to the Isletas (little islands) de Granada, where you will enjoy lunch. The tour takes you by boat amongst a small archipelago of tropical islands dotting the freshwater Lake Cocibolca. (B,L)

Day 4
This morning visit to Mombacho Volcano Natural Reserve and its tropical cloud forest. Explore the nature trail around one of the craters, with incredible views to Granada , Lake Nicaragua & the “Isletas”. This afternoon to explore the amazing artisan workshops and markets available in the nearby towns.  (B)

Day 5
Private transfer to coastal region of San Juan del Sur and the amazing Morgan’s Rock Ecoresort. Morgan’s Rock is part of a 1,000-hectare tree farming and reforestation project as well as an 800-hectare private nature reserve which is actually one of the last, large natural sanctuaries along the Pacific Coast of Central America. The conservation of this area is crucial for maintaining the habitat of the animals living in this region. These reforested lands, together with the nature reserve and the estuary, host a variety of forest animals such as howler monkeys, sloths, white tipped deer and many birds native to the subtropical region. The beach is a nesting ground for giant sea turtles and during your stay. This entire property is yours to enjoy and explore with onsite guides. (B,L,D)

Days 6
Each morning you may take one of the several tours available such as kayaking a nearby estuary, guided hikes in the forest. After this you may want to take one of the other many activities (optional, book on site at extra cost) or just enjoy the time on your own. (B,L,D)

Day 7
Morning trip to Masaya market. Afternoon drop-off in Managua. (B)

Day 8
Transfer to airport.

Included
- Lodging at hotels as mentioned or similar.
- breakfasts and meals as noted (B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner)
- all overland transportation with private transfers.
- driver / local guide (bilingual) where mentioned
- touring as described
- entrance fees National Park
- Isletas tour on day 02.
- information package with a detailed itinerary.
- services of local agent (English / Spanish spoken).

Not Included
- other meals.
- customs and immigration fees .
- airfair expenses.
- personal expenses.
- optional touring.

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.

Get to know local people, and their customs and traditions.  Join in the world of the Alpaca and Llama herders, and wander in the same space where the Andean culture originated

INTRODUCTION
Two indigenous Andean communities in conjunction with a Cusco tour outfitter have designed a hiking-route with four mountain lodges to satisfy travelers from all over the world in search of a challenge with comfort and style.

The “Camino del Apu Ausangate” provides a unique trekking experience, off the beaten path, in the Cordillera Vilcanota, a remote and unspoiled high mountain paradise in the Andes department of Cusco.  It offers a rare opportunity to enjoy a few days in harmony with nature and isolated Andean shepherds, combined with the comfort of cozy, eco-friendly Andean Lodges. After a catch up day in Cusco, a spectacular rail tour to Machu Picchu.

Day 1: You will arrive at the airport and be met by our local representative and transferred to a hotel in Lima.

Day 2: An early morning flight will take you to Cuzco. A leisurely day in town, where you can buy souvenirs and adjust to the high elevation. (B)

Day 3: Today will be the day for exploring ruins with a visit to the Koricancha, Tambomachay with their water fountains; Kenko, the religious center; Puca-Pucara, the red fortress, and finally the fortress of Sacsaywaman. (B, L)

Day 4: Full day tour to the Sacred Valley of the Incas to visit the Indian Market of Pisac in the morning and Ollantaytambo fortress in the afternoon. This site, including the village at it’s base, exemplifies the best of Incan engineering. (B,L)

Day 5: We start in city of Cusco, with an interesting bus-ride along the Vilcanota Valley, on the paved main-road from Cusco to Puno (Lake Titicaca).  After a stop at the town of Checacupe and a visit to its beautiful colonial church, we ascend the Japura Valley that leads to the communities of Osefina and Chillca, the final stop of the bus-journey, where the groups are received by the locals.  From there it’s only a 20 minute walk to the first lodge, the Chillca Tambo (4,300 m / 14,000 ft).  Upon arrival, have time to explore the surroundings, or just to relax, enjoying the beautiful views and sceneries.  In the evening people from the village will entertain our groups with traditional music.

Day  6, 7, 8 : The actual trekking begins early in the morning after breakfast. The distances on the trail vary from around 6 to 11 miles/10 to 16 km per Day. The lodges are all within daily walking distances, easily reachable in six to seven hours, considering regular hiking-speed and plenty of stops for taking pictures and enjoying the landscapes.
While on the trail, hikers will need to carry a day pack (camera equipment, water bottle, extra layers, rain gear, and other accessories they might need on the trail). The hike itself is rather demanding, mostly due to the altitude, ranging from 14,000 to 16,700 ft/4,300 to 5,100 m at the highest pass. There are also some significant changes of altitude during the course of the day. (BLD)

Day 9: When we reach the road halfway between Chillca and Checacupe.  It ends with a picnic lunch, before boarding the bus back to Cusco, on the above mentioned road. (BL)

Day 10:  Today is a free day to relax back n the city. (B)

Day 11: Today you will embark on one of the most exciting journeys in the world – the train to Machu Picchu. Not known to exist by the Spaniards, Hiram Bingham brought Maccu Picchu to world attention in 1911, when he was searching for the last Incan stronghold of Vilacamba. (B)

Day 12: Today will be your return trip to Cuzco by train with time to revisit Machu Picchu on your own if you wish (the second day entrance fee is not included). (B)

Day 13: Transfer and flight back to Lima and onward flight home.

Besides the llamas, that carry a large part of the clients luggage, our groups are also followed by horses.  Weary participants have the option to continue the trip on horseback. AN option exists to ride horse the whole trip at a small extra cost of US$250 pp. This is to pay for the extra horse guide.

Tour Includes: 12 nights accommodation, all local airfares, and transfers from airport, fully guided, breakfasts daily and all meals while trekking.

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)

Lakes to cross, birds, wildlife and of course volcanoes:  this program explores a variety of distinct ecosystems ranging from the dry tropical regions of Rincon de la Vieja National Park, the cloudforests of Monteverde, the tropical humid area of Arenal Volcano National Park, and the watery world of Palo Verde National Park.

Day 1: Liberia to Rincon del Vieja. Today you’ll be met at the airport by our representative and made welcome to Costa Rica. You will then be transferred to the Hacienda Guachipelin mountain ecolodge. The hacienda borders the popular Rincon de la Vieja National Park. The hotel is surrounded by lush gardens with native trees, exotic flowers and many types of birds, and it has views to both the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano and the Pacific Ocean.

Day 2 : You will have a guided tour into Rincon de la Vieja National Park with a naturalist guide. Rincon de la Vieja with Natural hot springs, virgin forests, jungle waterfalls and volcanic mud pots is considered by many to be the most diverse ecozone in Costa Rica being at the transition between the drier Guanacaste plains and the lush Atlantic rainforests.(B)

Day 3: Day Tour. Palo Verde National Park is one of the richest sites for birding on this continent. Besides the abundant birds, Palo Verde is a showcase of native wetland vegetation and is also home to many exotic animals, such as 3 kinds of monkeys, sloths, caimans, lizards and bats.

Situated at the mouth of the Tempisque River and acting as a watershed for all major area rivers, Palo Verde National Park is a slice of wetland sanctuary in the middle of Costa Rica’s driest province. The 45,500-acre park is a mosaic of 15 different habitats, including mangrove swamps, grassy savannahs, marshes, salt ponds, pastures and evergreen forest, all bordered by sloping limestone hills. It is considered a migratory and resident waterfowl refuge, and its lands are therefore protected by law.

Palo Verde’s myriad of ecological niches makes it an ideal host for plant and animal life. More than 300 bird species have been seen in the park, and it contains the greatest concentration of shorebirds and waterfowl in Central America. Up to 250,000 birds reside here at once, with the most common being egrets, herons, storks, spoonbills, ibis, grebes and ducks. Forest birds like parrots and toucans can also be seen in the trees. Palo Verde hosts the only native colony of scarlet macaws in the dry Pacific . Return to Lodge for the night.(B)

Day 4: Today, you will transfer to the Monteverde and the Cloudforest. This cool, misty location is a beautiful environment for many birds, not seen in the lower elevations. After your transfer here you will have the balance of the day free. There are several small attractions like the butterfly farm and the nocturnal animals exhibit you can visit (all optional)

Day 5: This morning you will meet a local guide who will take you on a guided walk into the cloud forest reserve to spot birds. He or she will also provide a good explanation of this special ecosystem and the protections in place to preserve it. After this you will the small interpretive centre at the park’s entrance. (B)

Day 6: This morning you will explore the Selevatura park with its suspended walkways. Then later today you will travel by van and by boat to cross Lake Arenal (formed by a hydroelectric dam) to you hotel near the town of La Fortuna, near Arenal National Park. (B)

Day 7: Arenal: Today visit the Arenal Hanging Bridges. The Hanging Bridges are a complex of 6 hanging suspension bridges rising above the jungle canopy, with about 3km of 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. Walking the trails 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. This afternoon you will take a guided walk on the dry lava beds of Arenal volcano. The evening is topped off by a soothing visit to the 4 pools at Ecotermales hotsprings and a dinner. Ecotermales Hot Springs is a sanctuary of nature and beauty that has been the life work of the local Hidalgo family. The smallest of the Arenal Hot Springs, Ecotermales is geared toward privacy and relaxation. This intimate and exclusive resort limits daily visitors to 100 and is by reservation only. (B,D)

Day 8: This morning you will be taken to the airport for the flight out to Canada, or to your resort hotel by our transfer service. (B)

Daily Year Round Includes 7 nights accommodation, all transfers, meals as noted (BLD = breakfast, lunch, dinner), all local taxes, tours as noted. Can be modified to suit your time and interests.

RELAXING TOGETHER OR WITH THE FAMILY IN A BEACH FRONT HOTEL.

Isabela is the only island of the Galapagos chain that actually spans the equator. You’ll be based in Villamil, a sleepy fishing village situated in a sheltered cove on the South Eastern end of the island. Your hotel, a comfortable modern two story building, sits on a spectacular three kilometer long palm studded white sand beach. The hotel has a family atmosphere and no effort is spared in making you feel at home. In the morning you can enjoy a stroll along the sand before breakfast, read a book during the heat of the afternoon, and finish off the day with a cocktail while enjoying the warm equatorial night. And all this with the murmur of the Pacific Ocean in your ears.

Day One: First on the menu is a visit to the breeding centre where the Islands’ Giant Tortoise population is presently recovering. Expert guides will explain the process of breeding and then releasing these giant slow moving creatures whose Spanish name (meaning saddle) gave the Islands their present day name.

Day Two: We start the day by visiting el Cura and then move on to El Mango with their stunning views of the southern part of Isabela. The walk then takes us up to the spectacular crater of the Sierra Negra, the second largest in the world, and then on to Volcán Chico (little volcano) at the eastern rim of the crater, where you’ll get a glimpse of the fascinating process that formed the Galapagos. Two recent eruptions have laid the geology of the islands bare, and you can see and explore massive lava flows, small cones and miniature tunnels. Here you’ll be able to picnic on the top of the volcano and enjoy truly spectacular views over the central and northern parts of Isabela, as well as Fernandina, Pinzón and Santa Cruz Islands.

Day Three: Today we’ll take a short tour of the small islands of Tintoreras, a Galapagos in miniature. Here we can see white tipped sharks at rest, plus sea lions, turtles, rays and penguins. We’ll also have the chance to snorkel in the bay. In the afternoon we’ll walk the Wetlands Trail through the mangroves (all four types of mangrove tree can be seen) and marine iguana colonies, and enjoy the network of paths, beaches and historic sites. At the end of the Trail is the Wall of Tears, built in the late 1940’s by Second World War prisoners held at the US base that existed here at that time.

Day Four: Today we say goodbye to Isabela and fly over the spectacular island scenery once more to Baltra, where we board our return flight to Quito.

For those who just hate to leave this paradise, there’s the option of adding another day for a visit to the island’s spectacular tunnels:

Optional Day:

This is the chance to have your second encounter with Galapagos underwater life.

The day starts with a visit to Roca Unión, a small island full of life, where we’ll  snorkel amid clouds of brightly-colored fish and watch sea lions and blue footed boobies from the surface. At Turtle Cove, a secret spot used by fishermen, that today is considered one of the island’s major attractions, there are plenty of opportunities to snorkel through a maze of small islands and arches (and for the experts, tunnels) in the company of fish, sea turtles and occasional white tipped sharks and rays. There are more opportunities to snorkel with sea turtles at Finado, and from our boat out on the open water, the chance to watch sea turtles and manta rays against a background of varied coastal beaches and rocky shores where sea turtles nest.

The afternoon is free for wandering about or relaxing in a hammock and reading. A delicious evening meal will be served in one of the village’s friendly restaurants.