Guayaquil– Day 1
I’ll meet you at the airport for a Reception to answer your many questions. As our small group gathers, we will enjoy a lovely meal at our hotel (Generally a Holiday Inn style is not my first choice… you will have a pleasant surprise). I suggest you plan a flight that arrives in the very early afternoon. It will help your jetlag, give you time to acclimate, and allow you to settle into your hotel prior to an overview of our coming trip. In the morning we will walk across the street and board our bus to Olon.
Guyaquil EC
Olon – Day 2-5
This morning will start with an air conditioned bus to the village of Olon. The road crosses some of the driest of Ecuador. However, this doesn’t last long as we hit the western beaches. We will pass through the small town of Montanitas, a throwback to the hippy times of California. Taxis back and forth to this town from our beach front home will make you want to move to Ecuador – $1.50 each way!
The next morning our start will take us on the trip to Isla Plata – the Small Galapagos islands. You will see nesting blue footed boobies, turtles, and sanctuary wildlife everywhere! At the end of this glorious expedition we’ll peruse the little fishing village that is adjacent and beachside. Tonight we’ll head to Montanitas for a beachfront dinner at a superb restaurant.
Following the day of discovery at Isla Plata, we’re heading to an exploration of the Agua Blanca ruins. You may speculate the demise of this old village. By evening we’ll have had a leisurely day in the waters of the ocean, cerveza on the beach all while noshing on lobster treats.
Olon Hotel
Olon – Day 3
This morning will take us on the trip to Isla Plata – the Small Galapagos island. We will leave from the fishing village of Puerto Lopez.
Isla de la Plata is home to many peculiar birds: blue-footed, red-footed, and Nazca boobies, magnificent frigatebirds, waved albatrosses, tropicbirds and peruvian pelicans. Isla de la Plata has established trails that our guide will walk you through. Afterwards, we will have lunch and snorkel.
If we bump into whales, dolphins, or sea turtles to or from the island our captain will stop so we can observe them.
Olon Hotel
Olon – Day 4
Today we will travel to the old ruins of Aqua Blanca. A tour guide escorts you through the museum. Even if you’re not a big fan of museums, you’ll find this very interesting. The guide then takes you to archeological site where there will be excavating for the next decade.
The project is mainly funded by tourism to the community, so we will join a dig.
Our guide will then take us to the sulphur pool, which could be the best part if it’s a hot day. We’ll get mud massages – $10 for 20 minutes (optional). Bathrooms, shower facilities, and food is available as well. We will stay until we’re ready to leave.
Olon Hotel
Quito – Day 5
Bus trip to Quito. Brand new Air Conditioned Bus with reclining seats, nutty TV, and big view windows. We will go high up in the Andes Mountains – give yourself time to acclimate to the altitude.
We will visit the home of the world famous artist, Oswaldo Guayasamin. This will be a bit of a leisurely day as it’s good to get used to the altitude. A little city sightseeing and a hearty dinner tonight.
Tomorrow we bus up to Mindo. This is the jungle rainforest area best known for waterfalls, trout, butterflies, flora, nature robusto and world class sporting resorts.
Local Hostal
Mindo – Day 6, 7
We will be in the heart of the Rainforest. Inhale deeply… the Oxygen rich environment will cleanse your airways of old toxins.
Rapid waters flow outside our cabins and the morning teak dining area. The feeling of life abounds here. Today we will hike to 11 Waterfalls, Ride a Crazy tram across a ravine, and see rainbow colored butterfly habitats.
Mindo Hotel
Rio Napo | Amazonia – Day 8 – 11
We will fly on the National TAME Airlines from Quito to Coca. This intimate 4-Star cruise could change your life.
We will take powered canoes upriver to our home on the river. The Air conditioned suites, gourmet meals, tour guides, side trips with the indigenous tribes, and overall visual stimulus will either make you a newfound environmentalist or an accelerated activist tree hugger.
Amazon Cruise
Banos – Day 12 – 13
After departing Coca we will tour to Banos. This small village is on the Rio Negro where will will shoot class 3 & 4 whitewater rapids. A trout lunch will highlight an exhilarating day.
We’ll relax in the naturally heated mineral baths of Agua Santos volcanic waters. Families bring their eldest members, disabled siblings, and immerse for the general relief of daily stress. This is hard to beat when coupled with the relaxed village pace.
Banos Hotel
DISCLAIMERS AND TERMS OF TRAVEL
INCLUDED ITEMS
Schedule is subject to unforeseen change without notice as elements of the tour are not certain. Substitution may be made unilaterally by Nicholas Varzos.
14 Days and 13 nights include: Double Occupancy room (unless single supplement is paid). 2 Meals per day with 2 glasses of wine, beer and non-alcoholic beverages per meal. Extra beverages will be at traveler’s own expense.
Small group size – 10 or less.
All entrance fees to museums, tours, trains, taxis, and coaches are included. Private guide or Nicholas Varzos.
Fresh bottled water while touring. Airport transfers.
NOT INCLUDED
Extra Tips, gratuities for waiters, drivers, porters, and guides.
Souvenirs, gifts, personal expenses.
Extra beverages beyond meal inclusions.
No Drugs are allowed to be carried by travelers unless prescribed by their physician and traveler should carry such prescriptions with their valuables.
Individual Personal Travel insurance for trip interruption, medical and accident issues is required. Each traveler should purchase insurance through their airline, insurance agent, credit card company or other source of their choice at their own expense. Repatriation for any reason is the responsibility of the traveler.