Anne Martin tour to Ecuador

ANNE MARTIN'S TOUR
ECUADOR & THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
10 – 21 July 2010

3 NIGHTS IN QUITO, 1 NIGHT IN RIOBAMBA, 1 NIGHT IN CUENCA,
2 NIGHTS IN GUAYAQUIL, 3 NIGHTS IN GALAPAGOS

Highlights:

• Quito
  A visit to the second highest capital city in the world with a setting that few cities can match with its monasteries and mansions, creating an urban jewel designated by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site.
• Otavalo
  A journey through the landscapes of the volcanoes and lakes of the Northern Andes to visit this colourful local market town.
• The Chiva Express
  A railway journey through spectacular Andean mountain scenery with many stops to appreciate the local cultures and cuisines.
• The Galapagos Islands
  A cruise around the Galapagos Islands with the opportunity to see the wildlife of hese remote volcanic islands.

Saturday 10 July London- Quito

Depart Heathrow Terminal 2 on Iberia flight IB3161 at 07.25 hours. Arrive Madrid at 10.45 hours. Depart Madrid on IB6463 at 12.00 hours. Arrive Quito at 17.10 hours.
You will be met and transferred on arrival to your hotel in Quito. 3 nights in Hotel Colon

Sunday 11 July Quito B, L

A full day tour of Quito.
The tour starts with a city tour in the heart of Quito, founded by the Spanish on the ruins of an Inca settlement. An opportunity to see Baroque art gems, observe the restoration processes and the brilliantly restored Jesuit church. Immerse yourself in the life of the city, mingling with the locals in its many plazas and enjoy a taste of Ecuadorian delicacies for lunch. Stroll along the romantic La Ronda cobble stoned street with flowery balconies. Drive up to an observation point for a bird’s-eye view of the city’s layout.

Monday 12 July Otavalo B, L

A day tour to visit the Otavalo area.
Experience dramatic mountain scenery travelling by coach along the Panamerican Highway to the bustling textile market of Otavalo. Here Otavaleños barter in silence, in marked contrast to the raucous noise of other markets. Then on to Peguche, an Indian village near Otavalo that is home to artisans where we will learn about their culture and everyday life. After take the cobblestone road to San Pablo, with a stop along the way at a weaving workshop specialized in fine backstrap loom woven textiles. Lunch is at one of the charming country inns or haciendas of the area.

Tuesday 13 July Chiva Express railway B, L, D

A three-day trip along the Avenue of the Volcanoes from Quito to beautiful Cuenca in the south. See spectacular scenery from the roof of the CHIVA EXPRESS with many stops along the way for close contact with the indigenous cultures, haciendas, plantations and a taste of the products of the land

The journey starts at the Station of Chimbacalle in southern Quito, which has been recently restored to its old glory, to commemorate the centenary of the arrival of the first steam train of the Guayaquil & Quito Railway Co. to Quito in 1908. Here we board Metropolitan Touring’s unique "Chiva Express", a colorful one coach train, like a bus on tracks, ready to take you on a trip along the stunning Andean region of Ecuador. The first leg of the Chiva Express ride goes from Quito to the Tambillo Station, where we will be transferred to a bus for a short ride to a dairy hacienda with cows, horses and llamas, where a snack is served. Then continue along the Pan American Highway up and down the slopes of Cotopaxi volcano and into the fertile Valley of Latacunga for a visit to a rose plantation and a taste of the products of the land. Continue by bus to Riobamba, and at the foot of imposing Chimborazo Volcano, visit a

Tagua workshop and warm up with a canelazo by the fireplace. Dinner and overnight at Riobamba.

Wednesday 14 July Chiva Express, B, L, D

After an early breakfast, transfer to the train station to board the Chiva Express. A highlight of the trip is to 'ride the roof' with a panoramic view of the stunning Andean region of Ecuador. You will be able to enjoy the ever-changing scenery as the "Chiva Express" advances along the ancient tracks in an astonishing ride, twisting and turning over the Andes, along bridging ravines and river gorges. Stop at Guamote, an Indian town, for a short visit to an Educational Center for Adults’ Development and Sustainability. Continue aboard the Chiva to Alausí, and prepare to go down the Devil’s Nose switch backs, one of the most impressive feats of rail engineering in the world, and back to Alausí, where a snack is served. Continue south along the Andes by motorcar to Cuenca, visiting the Inca Ruins of Ingapirca to arrive at dusk, with a stop for lunch. Accommodations and all meals at the hotel in Cuenca

Thursday 15 July Chiva Express, B, L, D

Today guests will enjoy a full day to discover, at a leisurely pace, the beauty and charm for which Cuenca has been recognized as a World Cultural Heritage Site. Its red tiled roofs, cobblestone streets, flowery plazas and museums make it very special. Lunch is served at a cozy restaurant. Late afternoon transfer to the airport to take the flight to Guayaquil. Escorted transfer between airport and hotel in Guayaquil.
2 nights in Hotel Hampton Inn

Friday 16 July Guayaquil B

Enjoy a day of rest in Ecuador's natural port, Guayaquil. This is a tropical city is the financial and commercial center of the country, which lies on the banks of the Guayas River, thirty miles inland from the Gulf of Guayaquil. This will give you the opportunity to visiting sites on your own and enjoy the magnificent Ecuadorian cuisine on a restaurant of your choice.

Saturday 17 July Galapagos B, L, D

Escorted transfer between Hotel and airport. Flight from Guayaquil to San Cristobel Island. Transfer to the MV SANTA CRUZ anchored at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the provincial capital of the Galápagos Islands. Cabin assignment and lunch. After lunch, introductory welcome talk and boat drill.
For information about the boat see www.mvsantacruz.com

A dinghy ride along the shores of tuff-stone layers will bring us to Cerro Brujo's white coraline beach. Wet landing. The area will show us good views of seabirds like blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, herons, frigate birds, and some shore birds. Also, look for Galapagos sea lions. The beach is a great open walking area, with rewarding birdwatching. Highlights ashore include the Chatham (San Cristobal) mockingbird, Chatham lava lizard. Both species are endemic to this island, and seen nowhere else in Galapagos. We may also spot yellow warblers, Galapagos flycatchers and with luck a vermillion flycatcher (endemic subspecies to San Cristobal). These are the same shores that Charles Darwin walked upon, back in September 1835, as San Cristobal was the first island where he set foot in the Galapagos. Back on board for a briefing on the next day's activities, followed by a cocktail offered by the Captain and dinner.

Sunday 18 July Galapagos, B, L, D

Morning outing to Punta Suarez Island (dry landing) for an exciting walk on lava/boulder terrain to visit its unique sea bird colonies, including the waved albatrosses, nazca (masked boobies), blue-footed boobies, swallow-tail gulls, and the famous blowhole. Among its land birds, the Hood island mockingbird, and three species of Darwin’s finches are common highlights. Also, look for red-green-black marine iguanas, and of course a rookery of sea lions right at the landing site. Back on board for lunch.
Disembark at Punta Cormorant (wet landing) at an olivine-crystal beach for an easy walk that includes a brackish water lagoon where bird species like greater flamingos, pintail ducks, common stilts, herons, sandpipers, and others may be observed. Possibility of snorkeling from the beach, or join our Glass Bottom Boat or advanced snorkeling panga if conditions permit. Briefing and dinner.
Monday 19 July Galapagos B, L, D

This morning brings us to the youngest island, Fernandina. Disembark (dry landing) for a one-mile walk. Punta Espinoza has an amazing combination of barrenness with lots of wildlife. Having no introduced mammals, Fernandina has a very unique environment with the highest density of marine iguanas, sharing their island habitat with sea lions, sally-light foot crabs, and hawks. Lava terrain calls for good walking shoes. Back on board for lunch. As we sail along the Bolívar Channel, astonishing views of the Galápagos’ youngest volcanoes can be seen. The nutrient-rich waters of the west can also bring surprises like encountering sea birds feeding, dolphins, and possibly whales.
In the afternoon, depending on the conditions of the ocean, we will schedule a snorkeling outing along the cliffs of partly-sunken Ecuador Volcano, in the northern tip of Isabela Island. Since there is no landing site at this location, we will include a coastal exploration by dinghy, where our naturalist guides will explain the dramatic geology of the area with remains of lava flows and tuff stone layers. This is the nesting place for flightless cormorants, the only existing marine birds in the world other than penguins that have changed their condition of flying birds to diving birds. Wildlife here also includes sea lions, Galápagos fur seals, Galápagos penguins, blue-footed and nazca boobies and noddy terns. This area has a very rich marine life, and is seasonally visited by green sea turtles. Details about the next day’s activities before dinner.

Tuesday 20 July Galapagos , B, L
Visit the famous Charles Darwin Research Station. This outing is an optional program and an early one. We arrive at the Itabaca Channel, between the islands of Baltra and Santa Cruz and disembark at the public dock (dry landing) for a 30-minute bus ride along the highlands in route to Puerto Ayora where changes in vegetation can be witnessed. Upon arrival, we proceed to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the rearing in captivity of the famous giant tortoises. Here we will get to understand the conservation efforts promoted by this institution, and stroll among an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest where endemic land birds can be seen. After an hour visit, return via the same route to cross the Itabaca Channel by ferry and take the bus to Baltra Island airport.
Guests not taking this optional excursion may stay on board for a later wake up call, and then disembark directly at Baltra Island and transfer to the airport. Depart Baltra at 12.45 hours, arrive Guayaquil 15.15 hours. Depart Guayaquil on flight IB6464 at 20.00 hours

Wednesday 21 July – Madrid – London
Arrive Madrid at 13.45 hours. 15.15 hours- Depart Madrid at 1515hours on flight IB3172 Arrive Heathrow Terminal 2 at 16.35 hours.
All flight times quoted are local and may be subject to change.

Cost : £3995 per person sharing

The cost includes :

• Return economy class flights with Iberia from London Heathrow to Quito, via Madrid
• Airport taxes
• Accommodation in twin/double rooms throughout
• Meals as specified in the programme (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)
• Transfers and transportation by air-conditioned coach throughout the programme
• Services of English speaking guide/escort throughout the programme
• Domestic flights and airport tax during the tour
• Entrance fees as applicable
• Full briefing information pack
  
  

NOT INCLUDED:

• Insurance - it is a requirement that you have insurance for your holiday
• Items of a personal nature (e.g. laundry, drinks, gifts)
• Single room supplement £1487 (including sole occupancy of double/twin cabin on the Galapagos cruise)
• Optional tips for the guides, drivers and hotel porters

Upgrades on the Galapagos cruise :
For any passenger who wishes to upgrade their cabin on board of M/V Santa Cruz the following options may be requested upon availability

Prices are per person

Passports & Visas
A valid passport is required with a minimum validity of 6 months from the date of departure from Ecuador. Holders of British and EU passports do not require a visa.

Health
At the time of writing no inoculations are compulsory. However the following are recommended: Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Tetanus & Typhoid. For further information contact your Doctor well ahead of your departure for the latest advice.

Consumer Protection
The air holiday in this leaflet is ATOL Protected, since we hold an Air Travel Organiser’s Licence granted by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is ATOL 2429 (G. Burnett trading as Interchange.) In the unlikely event of our insolvency, the CAA will ensure that you are not stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advance booking. For further information, visit the ATOL website at www.atol.org.uk

Booking
Contact us here or write to us:

Interchange Croydon office,
27 Stafford Road,
Croydon,
Surrey CR0 4NG
Tel: 020-8681-3612

E-mail: interchange@interchangeworldwide.com quoting the reference ANNE/ECUADOR

We reserve the right to change the information in our leaflet.
This leaflet is issued on the sole responsibility of the Tour Operator. It is not issued on behalf of and does not commit the Airline(s) mentioned therein, or any Airline whose services are used in the course of the tour. The liability of any Airline involved in the carriage of passengers and their baggage shall be limited by the terms and conditions of carriage of the Airlines.



Or contact us directly to discuss your requirements.