ECUADOR
28 May - 16June 2018
Highlights:
- Middle of the world, Quito
- Hiking tours in few volcanoes
- Interesting wild animals in Galápagos Islands
Map of our roadtrip:
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Day 1 - LIMA-QUITO
We arrived in Quito from Lima, taking TAME airlines. Both our checked in luggages were damaged and TAME refused to take responsibility and pay us for replacement. NEVER fly TAME again. Our guide picked us from the airport and the drive to our hotel took about 40-50 mins. |
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Day 2 – 29th of May: Quito City Centre, Teleferico Hike & Middle of the World
Begin our journey with a city tour to the capital of Ecuador, Quito. Placed at 2,850 meters above sea level, settled in a fertile Andean valley and spread along the hills of the Pichincha volcano. Quito has the best-preserved, least altered colonial downtown center in South America, including buildings, monuments and artistic treasures of the Spanish colonial period. For that reason UNESCO declared the “colonial centre of the city” as a World Heritage site in 1978. We visited the historical center. In the afternoon, visited the famous Equator Monument "Middle of the World", located on the northern outskirts of the city. Visited the Indigenous museum Inti Ñan, which in indigenous language means ‘path of the sun’. This museum exhibits different indigenous cultures of Ecuador. During this visit we saw evidence that demonstrates the exact location of the equator line. |
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Day 3 – 30th of May: Papallacta
Depart early in the morning from the hotel for Papallacta, a small town located at an altitude of 3,250 m (10600 feet) in the Andes near the Eastern mountain range, which leads to the Amazon rainforest. Here we started our day with a hike along the “La Isla” trial, in the private reserve. The hike lasted approximately 1h30, and get into the Paramo landscapes. Here we spotted many species of birds. This small town is also known for its volcanic hot springs. Therefore, after a tiring morning, we enjoyed the rest of our day in Termas Papallacta, following a Spa thermal path in the hot pools and hand lunch here. In the evening you will return to Quito to spend the night. |
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Day 4 – 31st of May: Otavalo & Cuiocha Hike
We started our day early in the morning. The direction is the northern zone of the Andean Region, to the city of Otavalo. This city is famous worldwide for its Indigenous market, fabrics, its ancestral culture and traditions, and its privileged natural environment. Indigenous Market of Otavalo, the most famous fair in the country; Although the market has its busiest day on Saturdays (including animal exchange market), you can find it there every day with an impressive variety of handicrafts, tapestries and hand-made fabrics by the indigenous people of the area. After lunch in a typical restaurant, we went for a hike along the Cuiocha Lake, an impressive volcanic lagoon of blue-crystalline water, adorned in its center with two islets covered with vegetation. We had the chance to admire beautiful views from its top and trails, especially from the Imbabura and Cotacachi volcanoes. |
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Day 5 – 1st of June: Mindo & Cloud Forest Hike
Leaving the hotel after breakfast, our drive towards Mindo took about 2h. Mindo Reserve has one of the largest bird counts of the north-western area of Pichincha, with 322 species of birds. Several species of mammals had been found such as puma, spectacled bear, black howler monkey, capuchin monkey Andean coati, armadillos, white tailed and brocket deer, two toed sloth to name some. Also an incredible amount of reptile and amphibian species had been found, plus an overwhelming number of plant species. The region has one of the most delicate, but rich and complex ecosystems known in the Mindo region. The hike will take you in the heart of the Cloud Forest, where we also see a series of waterfalls and enjoy the singing of the birds. Had a quick lunch, before continuing the hike and then heading back to Quito in the evening. |
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Day 6 – 2nd of June: Hiking Quilotoa
On this day we visited Quilatoa, the western furthermost volcano in Ecuador. Inside this majestic volcano lays a turquoise water lagoon that can be visited from the crater rim. We walked down to the lake shores, but took horseback to return to the top. We had lunch here while enjoying the unique views and beauty of this crater lagoon. Thereafter, we continued our journey to the traditional Hacienda la Cienega to have dinner, relax, and spend the night. |
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Day 7 – 3rd of June: Cotopaxi National Park & Baños
In the morning, we crossed the Panamerican Highway and entered to the National Park Cotopaxi. The park itself affords spectacular views of the Paramo while center stage is of course the 5897m cone-formed, snow crested volcano Cotopaxi, normally only viewable by climbers ascending the volcano. From the car park we undertook a hike until the refuge Jose Ribas (4800m). While Jean rested in the refuge, the guide and me climbed up to 5200m to reach the glacier. Took us about an hour to ascend and descend the tough hike. We stop for lunch in Tombopaxi, and visited a Rose Farm before heading towards Baños, where we spend the night. |
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Day 8 – 4th of June: Baños & Riobamba
Early in the morning, we visited Cascades Avenue, known for the great number of waterfalls. Later during the day, we headed to Riobamba. This city is the capital of Chimborazo Province in central Ecuador. It is 200 km south from Quito and located at 9,000 feet (2,700 m) on the Avenue of the Volcanoes. The city is surrounded by mountains and volcanoes, and while sitting at the foot of the Volcano Chimborazo, one gets the world’s highest view from the center of the Earth. Late in the evening, we spend time in the Hotel Casa Real and had dinner here |
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Day 9 – 5th of June: Devil’s Nose Train Ride & Cuenca
Early morning departure to reach Alausí’s train station, passing through picturesque landscapes and small villages. Hop on board one of the most famous trains in the world, known as the ‘Devils Nose’, is an unforgettable train ride down an almost sheer mountain cliff; the train makes switchbacks all the way down the cliff and then back up again. After this, enjoyed a box lunch on the way to the next highlight: Ingapirca, the largest Incan archaeological complex in Ecuador. Learn about the Inca and Cañari cultures by touring the beautiful temples and fortifications. In the late afternoon, continue to Cuenca, and stay at the Hotel Victoria. Before turning in for the night, have a delicious dinner at the hotel restaurant to try the region’s specialties. |
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Day 10 – 6th of June: Cuenca City Tour
After breakfast, start the city tour of Cuenca. The city was declared as a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999. The promenade along the Rio Tomebamba, the new cathedral, and the flower market are few of the highlights offered by the city. The tour includes a visit to a workshop and museum of the famous Panama hat, the finest braided hats in the world. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant which specializes in fusion cuisine, called Los Tiestos. The afternoon was left free to explore this charming and historical city. Accommodation for the night is provided, like the night before, in the Hotel Victoria, located in the heart of Cuenca. |
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Day 11 – 7th of June: From Cuenca to Guayaquil
After breakfast, continue west to cross El Cajas National Park. This reserve has an astounding variety of plant and animal life. In addition to rugged ridges and deeply incised, box-shaped valleys, there are nearly 240 different-sized lagoons. Drive to an altitude of almost 4,200 meters above sea level to reach the most western watershed between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. There is a short stop to appreciate the surrounding landscape and take amazing pictures. After this, the route starts descending to the coastal region, passing through changing landscapes as the altitude drops and the vegetation grow in size and variety. We enjoyed a typical lunch at the 2 Chorreras, and then drive through extensive cocoa, bananas, rice, and sugar cane plantations to enter the bustling metropolis of Guayaquil. |
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Day 12 – 8th of June: Guayaquil Half Day City Tour
After breakfast, we left the hotel for a walking city tour in Ecuador’s main port. Start from Parque Bolivar to then continue by the Plaza de Administración, the Moorish Clock Tower and finally the "Malecón 2000" with the artist district of Las Peñas. With its spectacular view of the Guayas River and it's green mangrove belt. Also visited the Historical Park, a recreational park with a wildlife and cultural space that exhibits species of flora and fauna of Guayaquil, as well as old houses in the urban area that were dismantled from their original location and rebuilt in this place. It was inaugurated on October 21, 1999, and has 8 hectares of land. Overnight: Hotel Macaw Guayaquil Standard Room |
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Day 13 9th June - Galapagos Cruise on Board the M/C Treasure**
After breakfast, at around 5:30 am escorted to the airport for flight to the Galapagos Islands. On arrival at the airport in Baltra, a luggage check is carried out first, ensuring that no foreign plant and animal species are introduced on the islands. Furthermore, our TCC (Transit Control Card) is stamped; This must be kept safe during our trip, as it has to be presented again on our return flight. In addition, entrance fee to the Galapagos National Park is due before entering (US $ 100), if this has not yet been paid. Our package included the entrance fee. Our guide met us at the airport, assist us with the luggage and the airport, assist us with the luggage and accompany us on the bus trip to the port of Puerto Ayora. Day 13 - 9th of June. PM: Charles Darwin Station (Santa Cruz) First stop in the afternoon was Charles Darwin Research Station. Here biological research and indispensable conservation management of this unique archipelago are carried out. The complex houses interpretation and information centers about the National Park and the Galapagos Marine Reserve around. Most memorable from our visit will probably be the successful breeding center and the enclosures with Galapagos giant tortoises. Afterwards we had about 45 mins of free time in the cozy town, before having dinner aboard. |
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Day 14 - 10th of June. AM: Whale Bay (Santa Cruz)
The Wal Bay is a small cove of green sand at the foot of Dragon Hill on the west coast of Santa Cruz. The sandy beach contains large parts of olivine crystals originating from volcanic material. They were formed when there was still magma under the earth. Near the beach you can find remains of ceramics, witnessed by the settlements near the beach in 1846. According to the records of a French captain, there is a path leading from this island to the highest point of the island, which was used to collect fresh water. 14 - 10th of May. PM: Dragon Hill (Santa Cruz) The Dragon Hill has been open to the public since 1993 and is located in the north-west of the island of Santa Cruz. A path leads to a salted water lagoon behind the beach, which is visited by flamingos, ducks and other bird species. This place was re-populated with land iguanas of Seymour, Isabela and Santa Cruz. From the top of the hill you have a beautiful view of the bay. |
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Day 15 - 11th of June. AM: Las Tintoreras & Volcano Sierra Negra
With the small motorboat a magnificent place called "Tintoreras" is reached. Tintoreras consists of several small islands off the coast of Puerto Villamil; from a viewpoint you can see herons on mangrove branches and on land Galapagos penguins and sea lions can be observed. Reef sharks are also relatively common in the archipelago. Their name in Spanish is "tintorera" (Blauhai), which is the name of these islands, because these blue sharks rest here in the shallow waters. From Puerto Villamil it goes through the Bergländer up to the Sierra Negra rise. Mostly you will walk on uneven ground until you reach the Sierra Negra volcano edge. From there, look down into the second largest active crater in the world. From this exact spot you will have a fantastic view of the 8 x 9.5 km wide crater, the rest of the volcanoes and Perry Isthmus, a 12 km wide lava field. Day 15 - 11th of June. PM: Wetlands & Wall Of Tears From Puerto Villamil, the path leads to the Flamingo Lagoon; This place is one of the largest coasts of the Galapagos Islands and is one of the main points of contact to discover the elegant flamingos. Afterwards visit the breeding center for giant tortoises, where you will get to know all the subspecies. From 1946 to 1959 Isabela was designated as a criminal colony by the Ecuadorian government. Prisoners were obliged to build a wall with huge lava stones. Because of the hard work and the bad conditions under which the prisoners lived, this place was known as the Wall of Tears "El Muro de las Lagrimas". |
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Day 16 - 12th of June. AM: Punta Moreno (Isabela)
Punta Moreno is located between the volcanoes Sierra Negra and Cerro Azul, on the north coast of Isabela Island. The trail leads along the lava river Pahoehoe to a complex of several coastal lagoons. The main attraction are various bird species which can be found in lakes and mangrove forests. Day 16 - 12th of June. PM: Urbina Bay (Isabela) On the west coast of the island Isabela, between Elizabeth Bay and Tagus Cove, we can find the Urbina Bay; The next destination Near Alcedo volcano. This place invites you to discover many calcareous organisms, including corals and shells. Urbina Bay is also home to large and colorful land iguanas and giant turtles of the Alcedo volcano population. You can also watch Darwin Fins |
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Day 17 - 13th of June. AM: Punta Espinoza (Fernandina)
Espinoza Point is the only place of the island Fernandina on which visitors are allowed on mainland. Let yourself be carried away into Darwin’s world and experience evolution up close. In addition to the flightless cormorant ("the holy grail of evolution") you can also find penguins; Both are considered to be the rarest and most endangered bird species in the world, each with less than 2000 individuals. Apart from the endemic species, the landscape is also very impressive. Inspiring views, dominated by the peak of the volcano La Cumbre ("The Summit"), offer a spectacular scenery. There are black rocks, plants like lava cacti and mangroves, and seafarers are teeming here in large groups. They make themselves warm in the sand and swim near the coast. Day 17 - 13th of June. PM: Tagus Cove (Isabela) Tagus Cove, a dinghy tour along the cliffs gives you good chances of seeing Galapagos penguins, cormorants and other seabirds. From the pier you can take a 30 minute walk to the highest point of the island; you will have a great view of Darwin Lake, a salt lake which is as salty as the sea. Also different volcanoes can be seen from here. In the surrounding cliffs of the bay you can also discover characters that have been installed in the past centuries by pirates, whalers and pirates. |
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18 - 14th of June. AM: Puerto Egas (Santiago)
Dominated by Sugarloaf Hill (395m) and named after a former salt mine (1960), Puerto Egas is the southern site most tourists visit along James Bay. The shoreline of black basalt and multi-colored ash shadows with broken lava tunnels, natural bridges, caves and blowholes like the "Darwin's toilet" represent unique photogenic landscapes. In the shadows of the bridges and caves you can often find sunbathing seals. Especially at low tide, Puerto Egas hosts extremely varied animal abundance. The tidal pools are filled with small fish, octopuses, starfish, snails, sea urchins, mussels and green algae. 18 - 14th of June. PM: La Rabida The island of La Rabida is considered unique due to the red color of its sand and stones. The volcanic material of this island is very porous and external factors such as rain, salty water and sea breezes have contributed by oxidation during color formation. A short walk will lead you to a coastal lagoon behind the beach, where you can observe land birds such as finches, pigeons, gold-forest-goers and mockingbirds. There are also many flamingos in the lagoon, while sea lions are usually found on the beach where there is the possibility to snorkel. |
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Day 19 - 15th June: Santa Cruz – Airport Transfer These two small beaches are located in the west of the Turtle Cove on Santa Cruz. Their sand consists of decomposed corals, which makes it white and soft. This makes it the favorite nesting site for sea turtles. Behind one of the beaches there are small water lagoons, where one can occasionally observe flamingos and other coastal birds, such as black- necked stilt birds and rainbows.
On the second beach, the wider one, you can explore the remains of two abandoned warships. In the second world war these were left by the US, as the island of Baltra was used as a strategic point for the protection of the Panama Canal. After this excursion, you will be escorted to the airport for your flight to Quito. You will be picked up at the airport by a driver and brought to the Hotel Vieja Cuba, where you will spend the night. |
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Day 20 – 16th of June: Airport Transfer
After having your last breakfast in the hotel, a guide will pick you up to accompany you to the Airport; here you will take your flight back home. |
TRIP PHOTOS - ECUADOR