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From the rich biodiversity of the Amazon to the exotic species of the Galapagos, this tour of Ecuador will take you on a fascinating adventure!
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Intermediate Tours require a moderate level of activity. On certain days passengers may encounter long travel days, while other days they will be standing or walking for extended periods of time (sometimes over difficult terrains) during sightseeing excursions.
This small-group tour of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands will take you on a mesmerizing journey through one of the most beautiful and diverse countries in Latin America! Between indigenous markets, natural hot springs, and incredible opportunities to search for exotic wildlife, this tour will show you it all! Begin your trip in Quito, the capital city of Ecuador, where you will discover famous landmarks such as La Ronda and the Middle of the World. From there you will visit the Otavalo Indian Market and Cuicocha Crater Lake before you travel to Papallacta, known for its breathtaking scenery and Natural Hot Springs. Next, you will explore the Amazon Island Park, the perfect place to learn about the Amazonian ecosystem and discover many species of fauna. Travel to Baños and visit Manto de la Novia and Pailon del Diablo, two of the most breathtaking waterfalls in Ecuador, and discover the Tungurahua Volcano with its magnificent views. Continue your journey to Quito and have views to Cotopaxi Volcan, and then catch your flight to the Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival in Baltra, you will travel to Santa Cruz Island and get the opportunity to see Giant Tortoises! Finally, make your way to Isabela Island, known for its sea lions, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, Sally Lightfoot Crabs, sea turtles, pelicans, and Galapagos Penguins, before you travel back home for the perfect end to your tour of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands!
Prices for this tour are per person, based on a twin/double room sharing basis.
Single supplement is available for $849 USD per person.
MANDATORY HEALTH INSURANCE:
Please note all travelers visiting Ecuador must have health insurance coverage. Proof of coverage may be/can be requested upon arrival by immigration/customs officials. Should you not have proof of coverage you can be denied entry to Ecuador. Indus Travels offers insurance and can provide you with a quote.
Yellow Fever Vaccination
Please note that proof of yellow fever vaccination is now mandatory for entry to Ecuador when travellers are arriving from having spent more than 10 days in Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, or Brazil. We recommend that you travel with your Yellow Fever vaccination certificate to ensure ease of travel. Travellers aged 60 and above are exempt from this requirement under Ecuadorian regulations.
Make your own way to the airport for your international flight to Quito, the capital city of Ecuador. Enjoy inflight meals and services. Upon arrival in Quito, you will be met at the airport by your guide and transferred to your hotel. Quito is the largest colonial town in the Americas and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you will see extensive architecture ranging from modern skyscrapers to colonial churches.
Overnight in Quito
After breakfast, set out on a fully guided city tour of Quito. The tour begins visiting Quito`s downtown, one of the biggest and best-preserved colonial centers in South America. Our first visit will be Independence Square or “Plaza Grande”, surrounded by important historical buildings, followed by a visit to the iconic La Compañia de Jesus church, which dates to the 17th century and is considered one of the most beautiful baroque churches in South America. Among these attractions, other must-see highlights are The San Francisco Church and Monastery, built a few months after the arrival of the Spaniards in the 16th century and the Virgen of the Panecillo, an enormous statue built atop the Panecillo hill overlooking all of Quito, a truly unique view. After our visit to Quito’s historic district, our journey continues toward the Middle of the World and a drive of about 30 km (18.6 mi) north of Quito, where the equatorial line divides the northern and southern hemispheres. First, we will visit the main monument built in honor of the French scientific expedition that arrived in Ecuador in the 18th century, and we will also visit the correct location of the equator line at the Inti Ñan Museum. After the visit we will return to Quito.
Overnight in Quito
Enjoy breakfast at hotel before you depart Quito and drive north to the mainly indigenous town of Otavalo driving north towards Imbabura, also known as the Lake Province, while enjoying an exciting trip by tasting exotic fruit in the Guayllabamba valley. Cross the Equatorial Line in Cayambe, where on a clear day, it is possible to admire its majestic snow-capped volcano (5,790 m. / 18,996 ft), the world´s highest point crossed by the equator. This is an ideal spot to try Cayambe’s famous salt biscuits with leaf cheese, this region’s traditional snack. At the base of Imbabura volcano, you will be able to enjoy the picturesque view of Ecuador's largest lake - San Pablo. When we arrive in the town of Otavalo, it will be time to visit its world-famous Indigenous Market, the largest in South America. Here is where vendors proudly offer a stunning variety of weavings such as the famous ponchos, among other textiles like rugs, mittens, and scarves. This market is like a rainbow due to the colors of the textiles exhibited. Without a doubt, it is an ideal place to find handicrafts, jewelry, and other artisanal craftwork. Our trip will continue by visiting the small town of Cotacachi, which is well known for its hand- crafted leather products. Methods of tanning, stretching and molding the leather skins have been passed down through the generations and perfected into an art. In the afternoon drive to Papallacta.
Overnight in Papallacta
This morning after breakfast, you will travel the same route which was taken by Francisco de Orellana on his way to explore the legendary “El Dorado”, in the Ecuadorian Amazon Region, towards the moors of the Eastern Mountain range. During this trip, you will see a radical change in scenery due to the changing altitude. Surrounded by a beautiful landscape at 3,300 m above sea level, you will discover the Papallacta Hot Springs, where you can enjoy a relaxing bath in the natural hot waters.
Overnight in Papallacta
Begin the day with a breakfast at the hotel. The remainder of the morning is free for you to relax. After lunch, depart Papallacta and we will continue to Misahualli an interesting tourist place in Ecuador located in the Amazon region of the Napo Province. Enjoy nature, adventure and gastronomy. The road will end at Punta Ahuano, a tiny port town on the northern bank of the Napo River, where canoes will await you for a short ride downstream to your lodge. Enjoy a refreshing welcome cocktail and unwind in the beautiful gardens full of jungle plants and flowers before enjoying a delicious dinner, accompanied by the nightly sounds of the Amazon Jungle.
Overnight in the Amazon
We begin the day with an early breakfast. Walking through primary and secondary forest trails, we observe distinct species of birds and insects as well as a great variety of trees and medicinal plants. The guides explain how such plants are used not only in medicine, but also in construction and other local activities. Along the trails, there are several opportunities to up the adventure factor, with hanging bridges and vines for swinging from tree to tree like Tarzan. We go on to experience the true adventure of explorers past, building and navigating a raft! On a small river island our guide shows us how to bind balsa logs together with rope to form a ‘vessel’, so those who wish can float down the Napo for about an hour, en route back to La Casa del Suizo. The duration of this visit is around 4 hours. Lunch at La Casa del Suizo, followed by “The Island”: a one-hour walk around a totally flat river island where we can spot a great variety of plants and insects. Later we visit the Mariposario (Butterfly House) where we witness the awesome life-cycles of butterflies.
Overnight in the Amazon
Enjoy breakfast at hotel before your transfer for the trip up the mountains and continue to Baños. We will visit Baños, which is a small city is located in a valley with waterfalls and hot springs. One of the main attractions is the Tungurahua volcano and a variety of adventure sports. Baños’ waterfall route is one of the best natural attractions in Ecuador. Along a 20-kilometre stretch of the Pastaza River, there are over eleven waterfalls all worthy of seeing. The first waterfall we will see directly on the Pastaza River is the Agoyan Waterfall. This double waterfall is certainly impressive, but the best part is definitely the cable car that carries you over the top. Translated as Bride’s Veil Waterfall, the “Manto de la Novia” waterfall makes it easy to see how this it got its name. The 40-metre-tall, thin, and veil-like waterfall is best seen up close as the River Chinchín flows into the Pastaza. The “Pailon del Diablo” (Devil’s Cauldron) waterfall is easily the most impressive around Baños, if not the whole of Ecuador! Water flows forcefully over the 80-metre drop leaving everything and everyone around soaking wet.
Overnight in Baños
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast, we will then continue to the Cotopaxi National Park During the journey, we can enjoy the marvelous view of the Cotopaxi Volcano, one of the highest active snow-capped volcanoes in the world, which stands at 5,897 m (19,347 ft.). To enter the national park, we will drive along the Pan-American Highway, until we reach the entrance of Cotopaxi National Park and drive on a dirt road through a pine forest until we arrive at the Limpiopungo Lake, a glacial Andean Lake located at 3,800 m (12467 ft) above sea level. From this site, we can have a magnificent view of the impressive Cotopaxi volcano and its surrounding Paramo landscape. Then continue to Quito.
Overnight in Quito
Enjoy breakfast at hotel before your transfer to the airport for your flight to Baltra Island, one of the famous Galapagos Islands. Upon arrival, you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel on the island of Santa Cruz. In the afternoon you will head on a tour of the highlands where you will get the opportunity to see the Giant Tortoises in their natural environment. After lunch in the Highlands, you will be transferred to Puerto Ayora to check in to your hotel.
Overnight on Santa Cruz Island
Start the day with a vibrant breakfast buffet, at the scheduled time, you will travel on a public speedboat with your guide to Isabela Island, where you will head on a short boat ride to Tintoreras Islet. There, you may discover sea lions, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, Sally Lightfoot Crabs, sea turtles, pelicans, and Galapagos Penguins. Since the island is one of the main breeding sites for the marine iguanas, this is an excellent place to see these creatures from up close. After a hike through the islet, you can snorkel* in the nearby waters with multicolored fish, sharks, sea lions, and maybe even manta rays.
*Note that masks and tubes will be provided. Wetsuits will be available for rent.
Overnight on Isabela Island
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast, later your guide will take you to visit the Flamingo’s Lagoon, the largest coastal lagoon in the Galapagos. This is an approx. 2km trail where you will get an explanation of the vegetation and geology of the young Isabela Island. Arriving in the Flamingo lagoon, you may be able to see flamingos feeding in this lake. This is an artificial lake, as due to the excavation for construction the lake was made up by the rain. From there, the trail will end in the tortoise breeding center. In this place you will learn more about the reproduction and breeding of the Tortoises. The Tortoise Center of Isabela was completed in 1994 and houses tortoises from the populations of Southern Isabela, many of which have experienced relatively high levels of poaching within the last 10-20 years. Visitors can see both hatchlings, tortoises, and the older breeding animals. In the afternoon you will return to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz by boat.
Overnight on Santa Cruz Island
Optional: The Tunnels (on SIC basis): USD 210, min 2 paxPlease note this tour must be booked in advance. It cannot be booked locally.
Instead of visiting the flamingo’s lagoon and tortoise breeding center, you may choose to visit “the tunnels”. We will visit a unique place in Isabela Island called “Los Tuneles” (The Tunnels). Our path starts on board our speed boat on a 45 minutes trip. Our experienced captain will securely lead us across the waves that normally hide this treasure. The Tunnels were formed millions years ago when rivers of liquid lava ran across the island reaching the coast shore. The cold water froze their superficial layer isolating the interior while liquid lava kept flowing into the sea. When the eruption finished, a hollow structure was formed and its wall later broke allowing water to come inside and creating a tunnel. Our guide will join us along hundreds of tunnels while we snorkel and discover the marine life such as sharks, lobsters, penguins, sea lions, boobies, marine turtles among other endemic species from Galapagos. A snack will be served on board our boat. If we are lucky enough, we will have the chance to witness giant mantarays feeding in open waters. We will return to Isabela in the afternoon.
Passengers taking this optional tour will enjoy a lunched box served during the return boat ride from The Tunnels.
Have breakfast at hotel and be transferred back, at scheduled time, to the airport for your flight back home.
Situated in Quito, 700 metres from Atahualpa Olympic Stadium, Hampton By Hilton Quito La Carolina Park features accommodation with a terrace, free private parking and a shared lounge. This 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and a tour desk. The hotel has family rooms. At the hotel, the rooms have a desk. All rooms will provide guests with air conditioning, a safety deposit box and a flat-screen TV. Popular points of interest near Hampton By Hilton Quito La Carolina Park include La Carolina Park, Quicentro Shopping Mall and Iñaquito Mall. The nearest airport is Quito Mariscal Sucre International Airport, 37 km from the accommodation.
Termas Papallacta is a Hot Springs Spa and Resort located in a magical High Andes landscape. More than a destination, it is an integral holistic experience that will awake all your senses. The hotel boasts 32 rooms made of preserved wood, with private bathrooms and under-floor heating,
La Casa del Suizo is a peaceful and relaxing lodge in the Amazon, located on the shores of Ecuador's majestic Napo River which is just a stone throw away from the eastern slopes of the Andes Mountains. The lodge itself is situated right above the riverbank and commands unbeatable views of the magnificent jungle surrounding it. The 75 modern rooms provide full electricity, hot water and ceiling fans to make your stay with us more comfortable. Each room has its own terrace as well, with an exquisite view that may be peacefully absorbed from a comfortable hammock. With a magnificent panorama of the Napo river, our guests may also enjoy our swimming pool, outdoor dining area and pool bar, which offer an array of delicious tropical drinks.
Located right in front of Cascada de la Virgen Cascade, Sangay Spa Hotel features a swimming pool, a tennis court, and a football pitch in Baños. It offers rooms with free Wi-Fi and cable TV. Baños de Agua Santa Basilica is 400 metres away. With large windows overlooking the cascade, rooms at Sangay Spa Hotel are very bright. All of them have private bathrooms. A buffet breakfast is served daily. Guests can make use of the Turkish bath or relax in the hot tub. They can also enjoy themselves in the games room, which features table tennis, or engage in tennis and basketball matches. Trampolines are featured.
Situated in Puerto Ayora and with Los Alemanes Beach reachable within less than 1 km, HOTEL AYRE By Baltra features a tour desk, non-smoking rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, free WiFi throughout the property and a garden. This 4-star hotel offers luggage storage space. Some rooms at the property have a balcony with pool view. At the hotel, the rooms include a patio. With a private bathroom fitted with a shower and free toiletries, some units at HOTEL AYRE By Baltra also feature a city view. At the accommodation the rooms have bed linen and towels. Guests at HOTEL AYRE By Baltra can enjoy an American breakfast.
Set in Puerto Villamil and with Puerto Villamil Beach reachable within a few steps, Isamar Hotel offers express check-in and check-out, allergy-free rooms, a restaurant, free WiFithroughout the property and a garden. Among the various facilities are a terrace, a bar, as well as a private beach area. The accommodation features room service, a business centre and organising tours for guests. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bath. At Isamar Hotel the rooms come with bed linen and towels. A continental, American or vegetarian breakfast is available every morning at the property.
MANDATORY HEALTH INSURANCE:
Please note all travelers visiting Ecuador must have health insurance coverage. Proof of coverage may be/can be requested upon arrival by immigration/customs officials. Should you not have proof of coverage you can be denied entry to Ecuador. Indus Travels offers insurance and can provide you with a quote.
Yellow Fever Vaccination
Please note that proof of yellow fever vaccination is now mandatory for entry to Ecuador when travellers are arriving from having spent more than 10 days in Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, or Brazil. We recommend that you travel with your Yellow Fever vaccination certificate to ensure ease of travel. Travellers aged 60 and above are exempt from this requirement under Ecuadorian regulations.
Please refer to the following link(s) for important information about your specific destination.
Ecuador
Click here to check our recommended travel protection plan.
All children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Minimum age for children on escorted tours is 8. Minimum age on Safaris is 8. Minimum age for game drives in Kruger National Park (South Africa) is 12. Minimum age for Uganda programs is 15.
Please note that many countries have adopted practices to prevent international abductions of children. If a person under the age of 18 years will be travelling with an adult other than his/her parents, or with only one parent, a notarized letter, granting authorization to travel, including the dates of travel should be carried.
We offer many Solo-Friendly trips with no mandatory single supplement. For all other tours, a single supplement will apply for solo travelers.
For the rates on these tours, please refer to the Price and Dates section on each tour page.
Please refer to the following link(s) for important information about your specific destination.
Ecuador
How do I book a tour with Indus Travels?
You can review How to Book a Tour page for more details.
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Go to our website and click on the register button found on the upper right hand side to create your Indus Travel account and start booking tours!
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Click the Forgot Password? link in the login form and it will lead you to a form to change your password. Simply enter your registered email address and you will be emailed a link to reset your password.
How do I view my invoice?
You will not be able to access your invoice immediately upon booking. You will be notified by email when it is available for you, normally within 48 business hours of booking. You can find your invoice and all other details of the tours you booked by logging on to your account and going to the Tour Booking History page.
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Simply login to your Indus Travel account, go to your tour of choice and click on Book Now. You will then confirm the details and your preferences about the tour and finally pay through our secure online payment platform.
What forms of payment does Indus Travel accept?
We accept US & CA Dollar check, bank check, money order, direct deposits, wire transfer, Visa, and Master credit cards. Third-party credit cards are not acceptable. Payments made by wire transfer must include an additional $30 wire transfer fee. There is a $50 fee for returned checks.
Where do I mail a cheque?
Cheque payments should include your Reservation number in the memo section and be made payable to Indus Travels Ltd and mailed to:
233 - 11951 Hammersmith Way,
Richmond, BC, V7A 5H9,
Canada
When is my final payment due?
Your exact final payment date is indicated on your invoice which may be viewed by signing into your account. In general, final payment is due 75 days prior to departure with some exceptions where payment is due earlier.
How much is my final payment?
The amount of your final payment will be noted on your invoice and can be accessed by logging into your account online.
Can I send a bank cheque or money order?
Yes. Indus accepts US & CA Dollar cheque, bank cheque, money order, direct deposits, wire transfer, Visa & Master credit cards. Third-party credit cards are not acceptable. Payments made by wire transfer must include an additional $30 wire transfer fee. There is a $50 fee for returned cheques.
To whom should I write the cheque?
Cheque payments should include your Reservation number in the memo section and be made payable to Indus Travels Ltd.
Can I pay with a debit card?
No. Indus does not accept payments with Debit card.
How do I know if Indus received my payment?
You will be notified by email that your payment was received and applied to your reservation. You may also access your reservation by logging into your account online
When will I receive my e-Documents?
Once final payment has been received and processed, documents will be sent via email approximately 21 days prior to the beginning of your tour services.
Can I get paper documents?
Paper documents may be sent upon passenger request. There is a shipping and handling fee of $30 for each set of paper documents: These paper documents will be delivered between 14-21 business days prior to the beginning of your tour. In some instances, a paper voucher/ticket is required by our vendor. In these instances, the costs for shipping and handling will be shouldered by Indus Travels.
How do I access and print my documents?
Your documents may be accessed by logging into your Indus Travel account and checking your Tour Booking History.
Do I receive anything else with my e-documents?
Indus e-document package includes all local contact details, daily itinerary, airline e-ticket information, service vouchers, and travel tips which should be everything you require to go on your trip.
How do I know where to find my airline ticket?
With a few exceptions, international airline tickets are issued electronically. The airline confirmation number and ticket numbers stated in your documents represent your airline "ticket(s)." Some domestic Arline tickets which can only be issued at destination will be given to you upon your arrival in the local destination.
If I need one, who is responsible to obtain my visa?
You are responsible for obtaining the proper travel documents for the destinations on your itinerary, including having a passport that is valid for at least 6 months before the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the Visa section in the Know Before You Go document for the countries you will be visiting.
Please note: Passengers who are not U.S. or Canadian citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passengers who enter, leave and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa.
How do I know if I need a visa?
Please check the Before You Book section found on every tour to access the country specific Know Before You Go document to know about Visa and other important information about the countries you will be visiting.
How do I obtain a visa?
A visa may be obtained by using a visa service or by contacting the embassy or consulate of the nation you are visiting prior to departing from your home country.
Please check the Before You Book section found on every tour to access the country specific Know Before You Go document to know about Visa and other important information about the countries you will be visiting.
How much does a visa cost?
There will be different costs that will be specific per embassy/consulate and whether you have used a visa service or not. These costs often change with little notice. We recommend that you contact the appropriate embassy or consulate directly for the most up to date information.
You may find the contact information for consulates/embassies in the Visa section of the Know Before You Go document available for the country you will be visiting.
What are optional sightseeing tours?
Optional tours are offered to travelers interested in additional experiences, sightseeing, meals or activities to supplement the included components of our tours. You may choose to participate in some, all or none of the optional tours which are priced individually. Complete descriptions and prices for each optional tour are listed on the itinerary section of the tours on our website.
When can I add optional tours?
Optional tours are available for purchase any time up to 45 days before departure.
Can I purchase optional tours locally?
Yes. When traveling on an escorted tour, optional tours may be purchased locally from the Tour Manager. However, Indus cannot guarantee the rate and availability of these services when purchased locally. Please note that tours purchased locally are subject to current exchange rates and may cost up to 10% more.
Can I add optional tours for only select individuals on my reservation?
Yes. For assistance on this matter, please contact Indus Travel sales and reservations staff.
What coverage does Travel Insurance provide?
For complete details on Travel Insurance, check our Travel protection page.
When can I purchase Travel Insurance?
American Residents can purchase Trawick Insurance with us at the time of booking or anytime prior to departure. After booking, Canadian Residents will receive an email with a referral to TuGo Insurance which can be purchased anytime prior to departure.
When is Travel Insurance active?
Travel Protection coverages will take effect on the later of 1) the date the plan payment has been received by the Policyholder; 2) the date and time you start your Covered Trip; or 3) 12:01 A.M. Standard Time on the Scheduled Departure Date of your Covered Trip.
I need to cancel my trip and have not purchased insurance, what do I do?
Penalties for cancellation will depend on the tour you have purchased and how close to departure you are at the time of cancellation. For more information, visit our terms and conditions.
Why is it important that I give my name as it appears on my passport when booking a tour?
Due to increased travel security and policies around the world, it is now a requirement that your airline ticket matches your first and last name exactly as it reads on your passport. Please note that any changes to the details of your air booking, could be subject to a change fee, penalties or cancellation.
Can I reserve a seat assignment?
For our packages that include flights, we do not usually assign seats. In most cases, you can request specific seats, but this may incur a small fee payable to the airline. For more information, contact our sales and reservations staff.
Once confirmed, are airlines seats always guaranteed?
In most cases, seat assignments are firm. However, airlines may sometimes reassign seats for operational reasons. This often happens at the last moment and is controlled by airline staff, with Indus Travel not being notified. Passengers are encouraged to reconfirm their seat assignments and any other special requests directly with their airline prior to departure.
Should I check-in online?
It always recommended and more convenient to check in online. It will shorten your waiting time at the airport, secure your seat assignments and other reservations.
Can I request a special meal on the flight?
Requests may be made for special meals. These requests will be sent on your behalf to the airline so long as Indus receives these request prior to your documents being issued. The availability of special meals will be based upon the specific airlines and will be at their discretion.
Can I use my frequent flier miles?
Accrued frequent flier miles cannot be used toward the purchase of Indus Travels’ airfare or used for class upgrades. However, airfare purchased through Indus Travels may qualify to earn you additional miles.
What is required when I check-in?
Ticketed passengers must show correct identification at check-in. Children must have a parent present at check-in and all tickets must be in each passenger's name.
What is required with International travel?
An international trip may require valid travel documents such as passport, visa, re-entry permit, health certificate, inoculation record, a ticket for the return journey or continuance of your trip, or ANY combination thereof. Passengers are responsible for the proper documentation. Concerns about the required travel documents may be resolved by contacting the appropriate consulate or embassy.
