Andes and the Galapagos
Description
Activities:
Trekking, train ride, walking, snorkeling, wildlife watching, cultural experiences
Who is it for?
Travelers who want to combine the thrilling challenges of Andean trekking with a rewarding high-caliber cruise.
What is it?
A 17-day exploration of two of Latin America’s most dramatic destinations designed to provide you with a cross-section of Andean trekking and Galapagos expedition cruising. Breathtaking hikes, colourful markets, awe-inspring national parks, ancient ruins, and an enchanting cruise make up the foundation of this comprehensive itinerary, which includes explorations of Quito, the bustling Saquisili Market, Ecuador’s largest Incan ruins at Ingapirca, hikes around Limpiopungo Lake, camping, train rides at sunrise, glaciers, lagoons, and eight days aboard the 16-passenger Beluga yacht.
Included/Excluded
Tour Amenities
Tour Duration
Duration
Starting Price
From
Contact Us for pricing
Travel Style
Tour Type
Day by Day Itinerary
Arrival in Quito and transfer to Hotel Patio Andaluz (boutique hotel situated in the colonial part of the city.)
Arrival in Quito and transfer to Hotel Patio Andaluz (boutique hotel situated in the colonial part of the city.)
Visit the authentic Saquisili animal market, one of the most colorful and complete Indian markets in Ecuador. The whole town is a market on this day and one can walk around, shopping for handicrafts of all kinds. Especially attractive is the animal market. From here we drive to Cotopaxi National Park and go for a hike around Limpiopungo Lake. Depending on the group’s interest and the weather we continue hiking (about 2 hours) towards the Tambopaxi for our lunch stop; or we drive up to 4600 meters and walk up to 4800 meters to the Cotopaxi refuge. If the weather is good the view is stunning of the surrounding mountains; one can get very close to the glacier. Descent and stop at Tambopaxi for lunch. Drive to Hacienda Abraspungo, which is on the outskirts of Riobamba, overnight at Hacienda Abraspungo. (B/L/D)
Early morning train ride departing from Alausi, to travel the “devil’s nose” switchback portion Alausi/Sibambe/Alausi. Drive to Achupallas (where the trekking portion of the trip begins.) We trek for about two or three hours to Cuchicoral and set camp for the night. (B/D/L)
Today we trek to “Tres Cruces”. We will pass hilly countryside on the way up to the lagoon where we are going to set camp. For those that are up to it, they can do side hikes to the Inca trail viewing points. (B/D/L)
Cross the mountainous pass (4200 meters/13700 ft) and follow the ancient “road” to Lake Culebrillas to the ruins of Paredones (6-8 hours of trekking.) Pitch camp near the quarry from which the Incas mined Diorite, the igneous stone used in the construction of Ingapirca. (B/D/L)
Conclude our trek at the ruins of Ingapirca. Exploration of ruins, visit the on-site museum and later continue journey to the city of Cuenca for overnight at Santa Lucia colonial hotel.. (B/D/L)
Morning City tour of Cuenca and afternoon flight back to Quito. Upon arrival in Quito, overnight in Quito at Hotel Patio Andaluz. (B)
Fly to Quito and begin 8 day cruise aboard the Beluga (8 Days / 7 Nights.) Itinerary dependant on dates. (All meals included while on board)
Return to Quito, transfer to Hotel Patio Andaluz for overnight and that ends our Galapagos tour from Quito. (B)
Optional extension:
3-night stay in the Amazon Rainforest at Sacha Lodge (can be added before or after the Galapagos cruise)
Explore Tours
Activities:
Trekking, train ride, walking, snorkeling, wildlife watching, cultural experiences
Who is it for?
Travelers who want to combine the thrilling challenges of Andean trekking with a rewarding high-caliber cruise.
What is it?
A 17-day exploration of two of Latin America’s most dramatic destinations designed to provide you with a cross-section of Andean trekking and Galapagos expedition cruising. Breathtaking hikes, colourful markets, awe-inspring national parks, ancient ruins, and an enchanting cruise make up the foundation of this comprehensive itinerary, which includes explorations of Quito, the bustling Saquisili Market, Ecuador’s largest Incan ruins at Ingapirca, hikes around Limpiopungo Lake, camping, train rides at sunrise, glaciers, lagoons, and eight days aboard the 16-passenger Beluga yacht.
Included/Exclude
Tour Amenities
Tour Plan
Arrival in Quito and transfer to Hotel Patio Andaluz (boutique hotel situated in the colonial part of the city.)
Arrival in Quito and transfer to Hotel Patio Andaluz (boutique hotel situated in the colonial part of the city.)
Visit the authentic Saquisili animal market, one of the most colorful and complete Indian markets in Ecuador. The whole town is a market on this day and one can walk around, shopping for handicrafts of all kinds. Especially attractive is the animal market. From here we drive to Cotopaxi National Park and go for a hike around Limpiopungo Lake. Depending on the group’s interest and the weather we continue hiking (about 2 hours) towards the Tambopaxi for our lunch stop; or we drive up to 4600 meters and walk up to 4800 meters to the Cotopaxi refuge. If the weather is good the view is stunning of the surrounding mountains; one can get very close to the glacier. Descent and stop at Tambopaxi for lunch. Drive to Hacienda Abraspungo, which is on the outskirts of Riobamba, overnight at Hacienda Abraspungo. (B/L/D)
Early morning train ride departing from Alausi, to travel the “devil’s nose” switchback portion Alausi/Sibambe/Alausi. Drive to Achupallas (where the trekking portion of the trip begins.) We trek for about two or three hours to Cuchicoral and set camp for the night. (B/D/L)
Today we trek to “Tres Cruces”. We will pass hilly countryside on the way up to the lagoon where we are going to set camp. For those that are up to it, they can do side hikes to the Inca trail viewing points. (B/D/L)
Cross the mountainous pass (4200 meters/13700 ft) and follow the ancient “road” to Lake Culebrillas to the ruins of Paredones (6-8 hours of trekking.) Pitch camp near the quarry from which the Incas mined Diorite, the igneous stone used in the construction of Ingapirca. (B/D/L)
Conclude our trek at the ruins of Ingapirca. Exploration of ruins, visit the on-site museum and later continue journey to the city of Cuenca for overnight at Santa Lucia colonial hotel.. (B/D/L)
Morning City tour of Cuenca and afternoon flight back to Quito. Upon arrival in Quito, overnight in Quito at Hotel Patio Andaluz. (B)
Fly to Quito and begin 8 day cruise aboard the Beluga (8 Days / 7 Nights.) Itinerary dependant on dates. (All meals included while on board)
Return to Quito, transfer to Hotel Patio Andaluz for overnight and that ends our Galapagos tour from Quito. (B)
Optional extension:
3-night stay in the Amazon Rainforest at Sacha Lodge (can be added before or after the Galapagos cruise)
