TrailFinders Personal Journeys

ECUADOR, GALAPAGOS & PERU

This trip is available on any date and for any number of travellers

Ecuador, Galapagos Islands and Peru
Independent Pre-planned 22-day Journey

Starts in Quito on any Thursday

Visiting Quito, Otavalo, Galapagos Islands, Lima,
Cuzco, Ollantaytambo, Machu Picchu and Pisac
including five UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Can't do the whole trip? Consider...
15-day Ecuador only
7-day Peru only

Your Trip, Your Way

The trip described below is one which we have previously offered as one of our own Private Journeys. Since we are not offering this trip as a group departure this year, we have made it available as a custom-designed itinerary.

Although the trip normally begins on a Thursday, we can adjust that. The itinerary can be followed exactly as shown or we can add or subtract days as required to suit your exact needs.

Along the way we will provide expert guides and private air-conditioned vehicles in all locations. We'll pre-arrange all breakfasts and any other meals that you require. We have suggested meals in the itinerary below, but we can adjust this to suit your tastes.

And while we show recommended hotel names in many of the locations on the itinerary as well, we can also adjust the hotels to suit whatever comfort level you prefer.

In short, we'll start with this itinerary and modify it in any way you like.

We'll take care of the details. Then all you have to do is arrive and enjoy your journey.

Introduction

Leaving the familiar world behind and spending a few weeks in a totally new place like the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador and Peru is a rejuvenating and rewarding experience. Unique cultures, historic sights, local ambiance, unfamiliar surroundings and interesting people all make you feel more alive. Add comfortable accommodation, delicious food and a photograph around every corner and you’ve created a great journey!

Travel independently through Ecuador, its Galapagos Islands and Peru as you wander through exciting cities, local villages, busy markets, historic and cultural sites and more, all in comfort and safety. At all times, TrailFinders support remains with you - there when you need it! Personal guides and drivers will escort you throughout this wonderful part of the world - to offer advice, to smooth any bumps in the road and to make sure your experience is the best it can possibly be.

Visit with local people and experience their lifestyles. Examine some of the most interesting wildlife you could imagine. Travel in comfortable cars, vans, a chartered yacht, in zodiacs and pangas, on the vista-dome train, on modern aircraft and on foot. Converse in Spanish, in Quichua and by hand gestures. Sample the local delicacies from north to south. Watch the sun set over the second-highest mountain range on earth. Do hundreds of things you have never even thought of.

If you can't get away for the entire 22 days, perhaps you may wish to do only the Ecuador (15-day) or Peru (7-day) parts. If so, we can design these pieces the way you want.

The Journey

For the 22-day trip you'll visit the Ecuadorian capital city of Quito, the market town of Otavalo and its surrounding villages, the fascinating Galapagos Islands, the cities of Lima and Cuzco, the market towns of Ollantaytambo and Pisac, and, of course, the majestic site of Machu Picchu.

The tour starts in Quito, Ecuador and ends in Lima, Peru. Some highlights...

Leisurely pace - including free-time
Grade is "moderate"
All accommodation as you like it. Our recommended hotels and haciendas are first-class and our yachts are comfortable.
All airport transfers
On-board naturalist in the Galapagos
Carefully-selected guides in other locations
All five local flights including Quito - Galapagos return, Quito - Lima and Lima - Cuzco return
All tours and entrance fees (except Galapagos Park and card fee paid locally)
All transportation within Ecuador and Peru
All breakfasts and as many lunches and dinners as you wish

If you wish to extend your time in South America we can offer optional extra days anywhere in the area.

And, if the itinerary is not exactly what you need, of course we can adjust it according to your wishes. Longer? Shorter? In different places? In different hotels? Whatever...

Let us create a special journey just for you. Come in and talk to us or call us soon. We can be reached at 613-789-1900 in Ottawa or Toll-free at 888-765-7662. Alternately, you can click here to send us e-mail.

The Recommended Itinerary (for a map of this journey click here)

THURSDAY

ARRIVAL IN QUITO

Upon arrival today at Quito's Mariscal Sucre airport (9200 feet elevation) you'll be met and transferred to the hotel.

Overnight at the beautiful Casa Aliso.

FRIDAY

QUITO - OTAVALO (B,D)

Breakfast at the hotel.

After breakfast, enjoy a city tour of colonial Quito (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) including the San Francisco Plaza area.

Lunch will be on your own in the old town.

In mid-afternoon drive north, crossing the equator, to the famous village of Otavalo where you check in to your hacienda.

Dinner and overnight at the Hacienda Pinsaqui.

SATURDAY

OTAVALO (B,D)

Breakfast at the hacienda.

Today is the big market day in Otavalo. First, head to the animal market since this only operates in the morning. Afterwards spend time in and around the many streets which surround Poncho Square, all of which are full of venders selling goods for both tourists and locals.

After lunch, visit the Laguna de Cuicocha, an eroded volcanic lake with a scenic walk around the rim. This is near the leather village of Cotocachi, so you can do a bit more shopping (or just looking) if you wish. Arrive back at your comfortable hacienda in time to relax before dinner.

Overnight Hacienda Pinsaqui.

SUNDAY

OTAVALO AREA (B,D)

Breakfast at the hacienda.

There are numerous villages in the area within a short drive of the hacienda, each specializing in a different kind of local handicraft. Today you will visit Peguche, famous for its wool weaving and tapestries and possibly a local wood carving village as well. If there is time you can visit the home of a Andean flute maker.

Dinner and overnight at Hacienda Pinsaqui.

MONDAY

OTAVALO - QUITO (B,L)

Breakfast at the hacienda.

Return to Quito via the equator, visiting one of the monuments or museums en route. Lunch at El Crator – a wonderful restaurant sitting on the edge of an extinct volcano crater.
Dinner will be on your own at one of the many local restaurants in Quito.

Overnight at Casa Aliso

TUESDAY

QUITO (B)

Breakfast at the hotel.

This morning, visit the Teleferico, a cable car which takes you from Quito's altitude of 2950 meters up to a level of 4050 meters, high above the city. Once you catch your breath, the view is wonderful and for the adventurous, there are walks at the top or optional horse trekking to explore even further up.

This afternoon is free for exploring on your own, visiting local museums or repacking for the Galapagos tomorrow.

Overnight at Casa Aliso.

WEDNESDAY

QUITO TO GALAPAGOS ISLANDS (B,L,D)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to the airport to check-in for the flight to the Galapagos, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, transfer to your yacht and begin the eight-day, seven-night stay on board. All meals and activities are included during the week.

A stay in the Galapagos Islands is truly a unique and precious experience. You'll have ample opportunity to experience the islands' diverse plant and animal life close-up, both on land and underwater, if you wish. Galapagos offers some of the best snorkeling on earth. At night, the skies of the Southern Hemisphere will amaze you!

You'll see blue and red-footed boobies, Galapagos penguins, finches, warblers, frigate birds, flamingo, albatross, Nazca boobies, fur seals and sea lions, marine iguana, Sally Lightfoot crabs, giant tortoises and hundreds of other species. No need for a telephoto lens since the animals will come to you and have absolutely no fear of man. Your naturalist guide is available at all times to enhance your experience.

The planned itinerary will generally include visits to San Cristobal, Playa Bachas, Plaza, Santa Fe, Espanola (Hood), Floreana, Devil's Crown, Post Office Bay, Santa Cruz including the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Highlands, Rabida, Bartholome, Tower and Seymour North.

Each morning you'll awaken at a different island and will have several opportunities for wildlife visits throughout the day.

Get ready for a spectacular week!

After lunch today, make a short stop to visit Playa Bachas.

(Please note that all itineraries in the Galapagos may be subject to changes en-route due to possible circumstances beyond our control such as government direction, weather, harbour congestion and so on.)

THURSDAY