Travel to Ecuador, Galapagos: Galapagos Photographic Adventure

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Galapagos Photographic Adventure

			DAYS: 14 GRADE: I, Easy Hiking define PRICE: From $5795 per person * $395 Internal Flights * HIGHLIGHTS: Historic Quito Private Galapagos Islands Charter Otavalo Highlands Historic Haciendas Huarmi Maqui co-op Mindo Cloud Forest ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels/Lodges 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 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, South America's oldest capital city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Voyage among the Galapagos Islands, a showcase of evolution, aboard a deluxe yacht chartered for the groups 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. During an 8-day voyage, you visit all the major sites in the archipelago, including outer islands. 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. In the Otavalo Highlands, wander through colorful markets as you photograph and observe local craftspeople at their trade. 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.

For more information on Diane Kelsay and Bob Harvey Photography see: http://www.naturephotography.us/workshop.photo.galapagos.htm

As if sculpted from the cold night air, colonial monuments speak to the illustriousness of bygone era.

DAY 1 :  ARRIVE QUITO
Arrive in Quito and transfer to Patio Andaluz, a 4-star boutique hotel dating back 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 :  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 3-9 :  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 10 :  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 11 :  OTAVALO MARKET
After breakfast, your personal guide will take you north into the Andean highlands to 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. Youll 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]

Local womens co-op weaving and producing colorful textiles.

DAY 12 :  OTAVALO
Take your time this morning in the gardens and fields of the hacienda photographing the beautiful pastoral landscapes of the area. In the early afternoon we will depart to have lunch with the Huarmi Maqui, a local Quechua womans artisanal co-op and learn about their fascinating textile tradition. Founded in 1999 by women in the neighboring towns, the Huarmi Maqui are dedicated to improving the lives of poor woman through education in traditional artisan crafts and offering classes in womens rights and health. Overnight at Hacienda Pinsaqui or similar. [B]

DAY 13 :  MINDO CLOUD FOREST
Set among spectacular scenery a couple hours drive from Otavalo, Mindo is now a protected area in Ecuador. Among the waterfalls and cloud forest you can observe numerous species of butterflies, birds, orchids and bromeliads in this diverse microclimate. We will have lunch at Sachatamia lodge which is a private ecological reserve exceeding 120 hectares of cloud rainforest. The area has a wealth of the biodiversity and well spend time photographing our surroundings at a pleasant pace before returning to Quito for an overnight at Patio Andaluz.  [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