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Home > Destinations > South
America > Ecuador > Galapagos Wildlife Odyssey: Photographic Adventure
Galapagos Wildlife Odyssey: Photographic Adventure
Join nature photographers, Diane Kelsay and Bob Harvey and native Ecuadorian guides on an exploration of the natural and cultural wonders of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, designed with the photographer in mind. Discover a blend of indigenous and Spanish culture in Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the Otavalo Highlands, wander through colorful markets as you photograph and observe local craftspeople at their trade. Voyage among the Galapagos Islands, a showcase of evolution, aboard a deluxe yacht chartered for the group's private use. As you travel from island to island, our on-board, expert naturalist guide points out the unique behavioral and physical characteristics plants and animals have developed as they evolve and adapt to each unique island habitat. No where else on Earth can you observe, photograph and commune so closely with exotic wildlife while you venture among cinder cones, lava flows, white and black sand beaches, rocky cliffs and shorelines. Plan to hike and snorkel daily. Complete your photographic adventure with a visit to the cloud forest outside of Quito where you can capture over 300 species of birds, including 16 species of hummingbirds on film.
DAY 1 : QUITO
Arrive in Quito and transfer to Patio Andaluz, a 4-star boutique hotel dating to colonial Quito. The hotel affords a setting in the middle of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of colonial Quito. Patio Andaluz or similar.
DAY 2 : OTAVALO HIGHLANDS
After breakfast, your personal guide will take you north into the Andean highlands, stopping at small villages to experience local culture along the way. Lunch at a local hosteria. You'll stay at a one of the areas beautifully restored colonial haciendas. This afternoon the guide is at your disposal and can escort you to the nearby village of Cotacachi for excellent photographic opportunities. Overnight at Hacienda Pinsaqui or similar. [BLD]
DAY 3 : OTAVALO MARKET/ QUITO
After breakfast, visit the world-famous market at Otavalo. These traditional meeting points have been a vital link of the highland indigenous cultures since pre-Incan times. This is a magnificent opportunity to photograph native costumes, animals, flowers, fruits, vegetables and pottery displayed in colorful arrays. Be prepared to get involved in the excitement of bargaining and buying. This afternoon, join your guide for a hike to either the Laguna Cuicocha on the flanks of Volcan Cotacachi, featuring spectacular views of the surrounding peaks; or take a gentler path above lovely Lago San Pablo, meandering through fragrant eucalyptus groves, skirting fields where farmers work with their draft animals. Return to Quito for an overnight at the Patio Andaluz or similar. [B]
DAY 4 : QUITO CITY TOUR
Enjoy a half-day photographic tour of colonial Quito. Your tour will focus on Old Quito, where you will spend time photographing the colonial architecture, mosaics and panoramic vistas of the entire city. You can also visit the bustling Plaza San Francisco and the Cathedral. Colonial Quito is ideal for photographers with a variety of colors and textures in its cobblestone streets, ornate wooden balconies and tiled fountains. Overnight at Patio Andaluz or similar. [B]
DAYS 5-12 : GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Private transfer in the morning to the domestic airport for the 2 hour flight to the Galapagos. Upon arrival, meet your naturalist guide and transfer to the Samba, your vessel. The ships crew will greet you on board, take care of your luggage, and run through safety drills. Enjoy fresh fruit drinks as the yacht makes her way to the first site visit. As the sun sets, enjoy a typical Ecuadorian meal, the nightly briefing and formal presentation of the captain and crew. During the rest of this week, you will leisurely voyage through the stunning Galapagos Islands, among a varied landscape and diverse flora and fauna. [BLD]
DAY 12 : GALAPAGOS/QUITO
Disembark in the morning. Your guide accompanies you to the Galapagos airport for your afternoon flight to the mainland. Transfer in from the Quito airport and overnight at Patio Andaluz or similar. You may have time on your own this afternoon to visit the botanical gardens, a museum or shop for gifts. [B]
DAY 13 : BELLA VISTA
Depart after breakfast for an 1 hour drive to the cloud forest northwest of Quito. With a private guide, explore the lush environs of Bellavista Cloud Forest Lodge, a haven for exotic birds and wild orchids. After lunch, spend time in the hummingbird house where you can get incredible up-close shots of these little creatures. At the end of the day transfer back to Quito for an overnight at Patio Andaluz or similar. [BL]
DAY 14 : QUITO/HOME
Transfer to the airport for your return flight home or extend your trip to explore more of Ecuador or Peru's natural wonders. [B]
| - Prices, Departure Dates and Included Services - |
Days: 14 | Grade: I, Easy Hiking (click for grades definition) | 2008 Price: From $4450 per person | | | | | 2008 Departure Dates | 2009 Departure Dates | | | (Please call for availability) | (Please call for availability) |
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| | | Included: Services as specified in the itinerary above include first class/deluxe (where available) lodging and accommodations; Galapagos Park Entrance Fee; chartered, private yacht; English-speaking certified naturalist guides; privately guided tours and excursions; private airport-hotel transfers and land transportation; meals as specified [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner]; services of in-bound land operator offices for airline reconfirmation; and tour operations and Wildland Adventures travel consultation and pre-departure services. | | | Not Included: Services unless specified otherwise in the itinerary above such as international air transportation; airport taxes; tips and gratuities; optional or suggested services that are on your own; insurance of any kind; personal expenses; extra beverages and alcoholic drinks; medical costs; and hospitalization and evacuation and any other extra expenses due to unanticipated changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond control. You will need to carry about $300-$500 extra cash (must be in local currency or US dollars cash, not travelers checks nor credit cards) to cover the fees, taxes, tips and meals not included in your itinerary. Meals, souvenirs and other local and personal expenses not specified in the above itinerary are also not included. | | | Trip Notes: Bob Harvey and Diane Kelsay of Egret Communications specialize in planning, developing, and promoting sustainable tourism. They merged their photography careers in 1986 to form a company that made strong use of photography to accomplish communications issues for tourism and conservation. They became experts in and strong advocates for sustainable tourism and work with tourism and conservation clients from around the globe. To learn more visit: www.egret.us and www.naturephotography.us
Due to weather conditions, vessel operation, and Galapagos Park management, cruise itineraries are subject to change. On rare occasions, an assigned yacht may become unavailable at the last minute and you may be transferred to another vessel. If we are advised in advance, we will certainly notify you. If it is a last minute decision, you may not be notified until you reach the Galapagos. If you are transferred to another yacht, the new vessel should be of equal or better class (comfort, services, amenities, equipment, etc.) at no extra charge to you. All yacht owners reserve the right to change vessels prior to departure. | |
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