Travel to Ecuador, Galapagos: Galapagos Wildlife Odyssey: Photographic Adventure

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Galapagos Wildlife Odyssey: Photographic Adventure

			DAYS: 14 GRADE: I, Easy Hiking define PRICE: From $4795 per person HIGHLIGHTS: Historic Quito the Otavalo Highlands Bella Vista the Galapagos Islands. ACCOMMODATIONS: Yacht/Ship MEALS: As noted  [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch,   D-Dinner] Prices, Departure Dates and Included Services Send to a Friend Print this Itinerary

Join professional nature photographers Diane Kelsay and Bob Harvey, along with native Ecuadorian guides, on an exploration of the natural and cultural wonders of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. This trip has been designed to maximize photographic opportunities.

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 working at their trade. Voyage among the Galapagos Islands, a showcase of evolution, aboard a deluxe yacht chartered for the group's private use. During an 8-day expedition, you will visit all the major sites in the archipelago, including outer islands. Plan to hike and snorkel daily. Complete your photographic adventure with a visit to the cloud forest outside of Quito where you can capture the images over 300 species of birds, including 16 species of hummingbirds.

For more information on Diane Kelsay and Bob Harvey Photography see: http://www.naturephotography.us/gallery.ecuador08.1.htm

DAY 1 :  ARRIVE QUITO
We are met upon arrival in Quito and transferred to Patio Andaluz, a 4 star boutique hotel situated in the heart of the refurbished colonial center of Quito. Overnight Patio Andaluz or similar. [Meals on your own]

	The market place in Otavalo is filled with colorful scenes and abundant opportunities for composing the perfect portrait.

DAY 2 :  OTAVALO HIGHLANDS
Travel north up into the Andean highlands with your private guide this morning, stopping at small villages along the way. Eat a traditional lunch at a local hosteria. This afternoon the guide can escort us to the nearby village of Cotacachi for excellent photographic opportunities. Our stay overnight is at a one of the areas beautifully restored colonial haciendas. Overnight at Hacienda Pinsaqui or similar. [BLD]

DAY 3 :  OTAVALO MARKET & QUITO
After breakfast, visit the world-famous market at Otavalo. These markets are traditional meeting points of markets and have remained a vital part of the highland indigenous cultures since pre-Incan times. This is a magnificent opportunity to photograph local traditional attire, 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 our guide for a hike to the Laguna Cuicocha on the flanks of Volcan Cotacachi which features spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. Or we will take a gentler path above lovely Lago San Pablo that meanders through fragrant eucalyptus groves and skirts fields where farmers work with their draft animals. Return to Quito for an overnight at the Patio Andaluz or similar. [B]

A stunning view of the city can be had on top of El Panecillo, a hillside near the Plaza San Francisco where La Virgin de Quito casts her protective gaze over the city.

DAY 4 :  QUITO CITY TOUR

We begin our Ecuador vacation with a half-day city tour of colonial Quito, including the bustling Independence Plaza, the dazzling gold-leafed altars of La Compania Church, and the impressive San Francisco Church. Visit the Mitad del Mundo Equatorial marker and ethnographic village and museum. Afternoon and evening are free to explore this beautifully restored city with its busy pedestrian plazas, shops, coffee bars, pubs, and many excellent restaurants. Overnight Patio Andaluz or similar. [B]

	The Galapagos Marine Iguanas live in harmany with their fellow ecto-thermal reptiles, the smaller lava lizards.

DAYS 5-12 :  GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Private transfer in the morning to the domestic airport for the 2 hour flight to the Galapagos. Upon arrival we are warmly greeted by our naturalist guide and transferred to the Samba, our privately charted cruise vessel. As the sun sets, enjoy a typical Ecuadorian meal, the nightly briefing and formal presentation of the captain and crew. The Galapagos is one of the few places on Earth where we can observe and photograph exotic and bizarre wildlife close-up as we venture among cinder cones, lava flows, white and black sand beaches, rocky cliffs, and shorelines. We will leisurely voyage through these remarkable areas for the duration of the week. The Samba is classic steel-hulled motor yacht built for just 12 passengers, with an exellent crew and naturalist guide.[BLD]

DAY 12 :  RETURN TO QUITO
After one last breakfast on the yacht disembark with your guide, who will accompany you to the Galapagos airport for your afternoon flight to the mainland. Transfer in from the Quito airport and overnight Patio Andaluz or similar. We may have time on this afternoon to visit the botanical gardens and a museum or spend the afternoon shopping for gifts. [B]

DAY 13 :  BELLAVISTA CLOUD FOREST
After breakfast we head northwest during a one hour drive to the cloud forest. With a private guide we explore the lush landscape of Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve, 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 gorgeous little creatures. At the end of the day transfer back to Quito for an overnight at Patio Andaluz or similar. [BL]

DAY 14 :  DEPART
Transfer to the airport for your return flight home or extend your trip to explore more of South America's natural wonders. [B]

Questions? Ask Our Program Directors.

. C o n t a c t Jeff Stivers 1(800)345-4453