Galapagos & Volcanoes
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Trip Highlights
• Volunteering Project with Galapagos Foundation
• Quito and Equatorial monument tour
• Chiva Express Chimborazo Adventure to Riobamba
• Galapagos 7 nights programme
• Otavalo’s handcraft market tour
• Sailing
• Snorkelling
Your "Taste of Volunteering" Project
Environmental Cleanup in the Galapagos Islands
You will be a part of the Galapagos Foundation and work alongside local fishermen who are hired to go around the various islands to collect debris and waste from coastal areas and beaches. This includes the entire islands because in addition to preserving the eco-systems, these activities protect wildlife.
Trip Summary
Starting in Quito, you will have six days exploring the mainland’s highlights, including the Chiva Express train Riobamba, trekking on the slopes of Ecuador’s highest volcano, the Chimborazo, the most famous indigenous market-town – Otavalo and Peguche, an Indian village, very near Otavalo that is home to the artisans where you can learn about their culture and beliefs.
On Day 7 you fly to the Galapagos Islands, where you quickly get your first sighting of Giant Tortoises in their natural habitat. You then have three awe-inspiring days of yacht excursions where you can expect to see spectacular flora and fauna. Swimming and snorkelling is also available.
Your Community Development volunteer project starts on day 11 where you get to spend three days working alongside local fishermen collecting rubbish from the coastline, in exclusive parts of the islands normally off-limits to foreigners. After saying farewell to your new friends, we fly back to Quito, for one more night before your onward flight.
We have a relaxing day after arriving in Quito, with a tour the next day of this city’s highlights, including the Equatorial monument. Then, it’s all aboard the Chiva Express train for your three day Chimborazo Adventure Tour to Riobamba.
Trekking and riding on the slopes of Ecuador’s highest volcano, the Chimborazo, rising to 20,700 feet (6,310 meters) is a fantastic adventure that allows you to experience the moorland landscapes, learn about the culture of the ancient Andean highlanders, and explore the "Reserva de Produccion Faunistica Chimborazo" which was created in October of 1987 to protect the extensive moors, the flora and the fauna of the region and the habitat for the Andes’ camelids vicuña, llama and alpaca.
From Riobamba we return briefly to Quito and head north through dramatic mountain scenery to South America’s most famous indigenous market-town – Otavalo. Here Otavaleños barter in silence, in marked contrast to the raucous noise of other markets; take your time to negotiate the best bargains. Then, proceed to Peguche, an Indian village very near Otavalo that is home to the artisans who do the weaving in their homes; guests can learn about their culture and beliefs.
On Day 7 we fly to the Galapagos Islands, where you quickly get your first sighting of Giant Tortoises in their natural habitat. After visiting some volcanic craters, it is on to Finch Bay Eco Hotel to enjoy its multiple attractions: pool, sea kayaks, and the white coral beach in front of the hotel or rest in your hammock.
We then have three awe-inspiring days of yacht excursions to the nearby islands of Santa Fe, Plaza and Bartoleme, where you can expect to see: penguins, sea lions, land iguanas, swallow-tailed gulls, Opuntia cacti and vegetation that changes colors with the seasons. Swimming and snorkelling is also available.
The highlight of the trip is next, where you get to spend three days working alongside local fishermen and collecting rubbish from the coastline, in exclusive parts of the islands normally off-limits to foreigners.
You will return to the hotel in the afternoon each day for relaxation, at the hotel's swimming pool, Jacuzzi and beach. Additional activities will be available on spot at an extra cost, such as excursions on mountain bike, sea kayaking, bird watching, and hikes to Tortuga Bay or Las Grietas.
After saying farewell to your new friends, we fly back to Quito, for one more night before your onward flight.
* Notes Comfort Level
(3-4* hotels and lodges used throughout)
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