DAY 1 | BIENVENIDOS TO ECUADOR!
Fly into Quito. You will be met at the airport and escorted to your hotel. As you settle in to this South American city, prepare yourself for the trip upriver. Overnight Caf� Cultura.
DAY 2 | OFF TO THE JUNGLE WE GO: KAPAWI ECOLODGE
The charter flight takes off early, heading over a green sea of trees, with views of snow-covered volcano peaks and the twist of the mighty Amazon. As we arrive on the banks of the Kapawi Lagoon, we meet our home for the next couple of days, the Kapawi Ecolodge, Ecuador's model rainforest lodge. Built by the Achuar nationals using traditional techniques, combined with low impact technologies (solar energy, biodegradable soaps, four-stroke and electric outboard motors), Kapawi is actually 20 thatched huts, each with private bath, sun-heated showers, and photovoltaic electricity. We may be a ten-day walk from any town, but you will feel at home when the local Achuar Indians introduce you to their homeland--the jungle is their domain, and they know each tree, bird, and sound that flutters or squawks near your deck. (Most of the staff are Achuar, who receive a monthly rent from the lodge; the business will be theirs outright by 2011). Get ready for three days of discovery, customized to your interests: rainforest hiking, birdwatching, kayaking, jungle camping, interactive visits to the Achuar communities, and one of our favorites – lolling in a hammock. [B,L,D]
DAY 3 | IN THE AMAZON AT KAPAWI LODGE
Breakfast may get passed over when you know the pink river dolphins are waiting (spot them up close from your kayak). A visit to the Achuar village may appeal to you more, or a hike into the rainforest to find poison-dart frogs, wild orchids, parrots and macaws in brilliant palettes, or leaves the size of platters. Fill your day up, or head back to the hammock for some more rainforest gazing--your choice. We will gather for meals, then disperse for the activities. The evenings will be no less active, even if its just hearing the tales of the day or informal discussions of local cultural mores. A jungle night hike will get your heart beating, and the view of the southern sky is no idle star-gazing (and you thought the Big Dipper was fun to spot!). [B,L,D]
DAY 4 | IN THE AMAZON AT KAPAWI LODGE
Perhaps today will be the day you'll find the pink dolphin, or meet the Achuar villagers. Spend the full day drinking in all the Ecuadorian rainforest has to offer. [B,L,D]
DAY 5 | BACK TO QUITO
Our jungle time feels much too short, but it's time to head back into the city for a bit of evening exploration and a relaxing dinner in Quito. Or, perhaps you'll want to explore the "wild life" in town. Overnight Caf� Cultura. [B,L,D]
DAY 6 | A DAY IN OTAVALO
Cultural pursuits are the agenda for today, though the natural surroundings will still make you stop in awe. The Otavalo Market, held in a small town in the highlands surrounding Quito, is known for its colorful textiles and hand-worked leather goods. On the way north, though, we first stop at Calderon, to see intricate marzipan figurines. We will cross the equator, as Mt. Cayambe (at almost 19,000 feet) and San Pable Lake spread out before us. Once at Otavalo, you'll have ample time to stroll and pick up a tapestry, a pillow, the region's emblematic blue poncho, or even a Panama hat--actually made in Ecuador! We will stop once on the way back to Quito, in the town of Cotacachi, known for its intricate leather crafts. Quito will lay out is Ecuadorian cuisine for us tonight at Restaurant La Choza. Overnight at Caf� Cultura. [B,L,D]
DAY 7 | CRUISE THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS: GALAPAGOS EXPLORER II
Today, we take to the skies for another trip back in time to meet Darwin's favorite creatures. We will fly to the Galapagos Islands, a naturalist's dream 600 miles off the coast. The unique plants and animals species that inspired his Origin of Species remain in this highly conserved region; indeed, new species, both marine and land, are still being discovered! Spend the next few days indulging in the rare opportunity to mingle with blue-footed boobies, sea lions and frigate birds--because they have no enemies, they seem almost tame as we respectfully visit their isolated home. Swim with marine iguanas, peek at the mating ritual of the waved albatross, and marvel at the biggest tortoises on earth. And experience all this from our luxurious homebase ship, the Galapagos Explorer II. Built in 1990, Explorer II carries 100 passengers in spacious suites complete with air-conditioning and marble bathrooms. The dining room offers international and Ecuadorian cuisine; a reading room, sun deck, and Jacuzzi pamper us after our daily hikes and swims. This floating hotel has been specially equipped and has implemented procedures to minimize the impact on the Archipelago. Naturalist guides, who keep each group small at no more than 15, turn their passion for these islands into an unforgettable nature experience. Overnight on Galapagos Explorer II. [B,L,D]
DAY 8 | CRUISE THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS: GALAPAGOS EXPLORER II
Today’s voyage takes us to Espanola Island. Be ready for a wet landing, and seabird colonies like nowhere in the world. Blue-footed boobies dance, albatross perform elegant mating rituals. The other side of the island (where snorkeling is best), is home to nesting sea turtles and playful sea lions. Overnight on Galapagos Explorer II. [B,L,D]
DAY 9 | CRUISE THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS: GALAPAGOS EXPLORER II
We hit two islands today: Genovesa in the morning and Baltra-Santa Cruz in the afternoon. The lava fields and extinct volcano of Genovesa may seem inhospitable to man, but keep flocks of indigenous birds and iguanas happy; this time, see the red-footed booby and the amazing frigate bird. Santa Cruz hosts the Charles Darwin Research Center, the Galapagos National Park, and those giant tortoises. It's your opportunity to experience Darwin's discoveries, and pick up some memories and gifts, along the way. Overnight on Galapagos Explorer II. [B,L,D]
DAY 10 | QUITO PANORAMIC CITY TOUR
We spend our last morning in the Galapagos Islands on San Cristobal, the capital of these islands and airport departure point. We'll be back in Quito for an afternoon panoramic city tour. Drive the pathways of Simon Bolivar and many of the more recent explorers, through the modern section of the city, past La Alameda Park and Bolivar's statue into the historic district. We’ll continue on to Independence Square, flanked by the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace and City Hall. Pass by El Sagrario Church and marvel at the exquisite stone fa�ade of La Compania Church. San Francisco Square, with its 16th century monastery and church, is another stop, before we head though Santo Domingo Square, down ancient streets to the old Quito. Overnight at Caf� Cultura. [B,L,D]
DAY 11 | HASTA LUEGO!
At our last breakfast together, we'll argue about whether Otavalo, the giant tortoises, or the Kapawi Lodge amazed us more! Then, we head off to the airport--and home. [B]
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