11-Nights Independent Galapagos At The Finch Bay Resort With Ecuador's Amazon - Independent Tour from $8,749

Globus

OFFER ID 1488336

How deep is your love of adventure? Is it deep enough to follow the course of Charles Darwin to discover your own love affair with the wildlife paradise of the Galápagos Islands? If so, this Independence by Globus vacation in Ecuador is pointing you in the right direction. Ignite your independent spirit on a canoe trip downriver from Coca to the comfort of your lodge the Amazon Rainforest, where you’re in good hands with a Naturalist guide to explore the jungle from its rainforest canopy to the forest floor. Be awestruck by the wealth of wildlife that thrives in this tropical wilderness. Explore the historic heart of Quito and depart for parts unknown where blue-footed boobies, giant tortoises, and diving iguanas of the Galápagos give new meaning to mind-blowing discoveries. You’ll stay at the award-winning Finch Bay Eco Hotel on Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos, offering a private, seaside location to kayak, snorkel, bike, and take boat excursions to the various Galápagos Islands with expert Naturalists. Sail upon pristine waters to discover the perfectly evolved creatures who thrive on this volcanic archipelago. Stroll the sand where sea lions bask and albatross brace against the updrafts above the cliffs. Sail, snorkel, and simply stay in a state of astonishment through the sanctuaries of spectacular species on North Seymour, South Plaza Island, and Santa Cruz Islands. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station where conservationists work to protect the gentle giants for which the islands are named. You’ll also find the I-time you deserve to fall in love with adventure again!

11 nights from $8,749 per person

Itinerary

Independent Galapagos At The Finch Bay Resort With Ecuador's Amazon

Day 1 ARRIVE IN QUITO, ECUADOR
Welcome to Quito, where your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.

QUITO-COLONIAL-CITY-VIEW.jpg

Day 2 QUITO–COCA–AMAZON LODGE
• Fly to Coca where you will be met by your Naturalist.
• Travel by motorboat down the Napo River with opportunities to spot birds like herons, kingfishers, and others.
• Next, transfer to a canoe and float through narrow channels looking for monkeys as well as large birds like toucans, parrots, or even macaws.
• Arrive at your Amazon lodge located on Añangu Lake surrounded by pristine rainforest.
• Tonight, enjoy a welcome drink, briefing, and dinner.

(B,L,D)

AMAZON-LODGE-NAPO-RIVER.jpg

Day 3 AMAZON LODGE
• After an early breakfast, journey to a parrot clay lick where 11 different species of parrots, parakeets, and macaws can be seen on a daily basis.
• Later, walk to a local community where you are invited to join families of the Anangu indigenous community on their daily activities, such as harvesting bananas, coco, and manioc.
• Take a Naturalist-guided walk through the jungle in search of interesting plants and vibrant or well-camouflaged insects.

(B,L,D)

AMAZON-LODGE-MACAWS-CLAY-LICK.jpg

Day 4 AMAZON LODGE
• This morning, ascend a canopy tower over 100 feet above the forest floor at the top of a Ceiba tree. From here, you can view spider monkeys, aracaris, toucans, blue and gold macaws, numerous species of tanagers, and the red-rumped cacique.
• After lunch at the lodge, explore lakes and creeks on a dugout canoe in search of river otters, potoos, kingfishers, hoatzins, jacamars, hawks, and monkeys.

(B,L,D)

AMAZON-CANOE.jpg

Day 5 AMAZON LODGE–COCA–QUITO
• Depart your Amazon lodge and fly from Coca to Quito today.
• The remainder of your afternoon is at leisure.

(B)

AMAZON-MONKEY.jpg

Day 6 QUITO
• Your included private city tour showcases the rich legacy left by the Incas and the Spaniards. See Independence Square, dominated by its formidable cathedral, San Francisco Plaza Church, and the Basilica with its marvelous stained-glass windows.

(B)

QUITO-SAN-FRANCISCO-PLAZA.jpg

Day 7 QUITO–BALTRA–NORTH SEYMOUR–SANTA CRUZ
• Fly to Baltra in the Galápagos.
• Upon arrival, board a yacht bound for North Seymour, an island teeming with life. You might have to give way to a passing sea lion, marine iguana, or blue-footed boobies that nest here. As you walk along the shore, see large flocks of pelicans in a dive-bomb feeding-frenzy, and one of the Galápagos’ largest nesting sites of the magnificent frigatebird. In the bushes you can see the males up close with their puffed-up scarlet throat sacs.
• Return to the yacht and continue to the Finch Bay Hotel.

(B,L,D)

NORTH-SEYMOUR-FRIGATE.jpg

Day 8 SANTA CRUZ. EXCURSION TO THE HIGHLANDS
• Transfer to the lush highlands of Santa Cruz to a farming area called El Manzanillo on the edge of the Giant Tortoise Reserve. Here, tortoises can be seen grazing year-round, along with woodpecker finches, mockingbirds, and flycatchers.
• After lunch, visit a local farm, where coffee, sugar cane, and cocoa beans are grown, harvested, and prepared.
• Return to the hotel and perhaps spend time on the private beach.

(B,L,D)

SANTA-CRUZ-GIANT-TORTOISE-RESERVE.jpg

Day 9 SANTA CRUZ. EXCURSION TO PUNTA CARRION & SOUTH PLAZA ISLAND
• This morning, travel to Punta Carrion on Santa Cruz Island for some time to snorkel. The shallow reefs and mangroves make this an ideal site to snorkel with plenty of reef fish as well as occasional sea lions and sharks.
• Next, sail to South Plaza Island, a small island full of fascinating wildlife, both along its shore and along its dramatic, wind-swept cliffs. Here you will see large, yellow land iguanas, swallow-tailed gulls, masked and blue-footed boobies, sea lions, and much more during your guided walk.
• Return to the hotel this afternoon.

(B,L,D)

SOUTH-PLAZA-ISLAND-IGUANA.jpg

Day 10 SANTA CRUZ. EXCURSION TO DIVINE BAY
• Today’s adventure takes you to wildlife-rich Divine Bay on Santa Cruz Island. Marine iguanas, herons, noddy terns, blue-footed boobies, and tropicbirds are commonly seen here. You may explore by boat or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can take to the sea by kayak. Keep an eye out for sea turtles, rays, and reef sharks as you cruise the tranquil waters.
• Return to the hotel for lunch, followed by an afternoon visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station, established to help conserve the Galápagos’ natural habitats and protect the area’s famous giant tortoises.

(B,L,D)

SANTA-CRUZ-KAYAKING.jpg

Day 11 SANTA CRUZ–BALTRA–GUAYAQUIL
• Depart the hotel this morning for the airport in Baltra. Then, fly to Guayaquil on Ecuador’s Pacific coast and transfer to the hotel for your final night in Ecuador.

(B)

SANTA-CRUZ-SEAL.jpg

Day 12 GUAYAQUIL
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

(B)

GUAYAQUIL-DOOR.jpg

Featured Destinations

Isla Santa Cruz

Amazon Lodge

Guayaquil

This tropical city of over two million people spreads out along the banks of chocolate-colored Guayas River, about 12 miles from Gulf of Guayaquil. The river, navigable for the largest of ocean vessels, makes this one of the Pacific's most important and best-protected ports. Visitors find the city itself is primarily valued as a gateway for the Galapagos Island and the rest of the country. Ecuador's scenic capital Quito can be reached via a 45-minute flight from Guayaquil. Lush green hillsides, snow-capped volcano cones and brilliant sunshine combine to make the city a charming surprise. Guayaquil offers a rich and interesting history. The meeting of Bolivar and San Martin is commemorated with the colonnaded La Rotunda facing the river. Other attractions include Colon Park where the city was founded, the Santo Domingo Church and the cemetery, often called the White City. With its elaborate tombs and monuments, this is one of South America's most striking burial grounds.

Excursions

Ride Like a Local - 4 hours

One of the best ways to truly get to know a city is by using its public transportation systems. Be it buses, trains, subways or airways, they all give a real taste of what it really is to live in a specific city. Today you are welcome to be part of the experience of the locals and admire Guayaquil from above onboard the recently inaugurated Guayaquil Airway, an environmentally friendly project that seeks to reduce the emission of carbon dioxide into the air.

You will be picked up from the port and driven onboard the coach towards Parque Centenario Station where you will take the airway and, along with your guide board one of the cabins and go all the way through the Guayas River in a 20 minutes ride towards the station of Daule, where we will disembark and take the ride back to Guayaquil where you will debark at Four Mosqueteros station.

Adding the final touch to this exciting half-day visit the Anthropological and Contemporary Art Museum of Guayaquil (MAAC) that has an area of more than 9000 square feet. The museum is a pleasant surprise, not only because of its display of modern art, but because of the size and extent of its archeological collection. The MAAC is a great way to see more of Ecuador’s culture and history – and spend some time out of the sun.

At the end, board the bus and drive back to the quayside.

DURATION
4 Hours

ACTIVITY LEVEL
Easy (Limited Walking – under 500 meters over flat terrain with some steps)

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

Touring in luxury private vehicles with A/C & PA-system
Airway entrance fee (roundtrip)
1 Bottle of water per person
Local English-speaking tour guide

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?

Any other services not mentioned above.

IMPORTANT NOTES, OBSERVATIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS

This tour is not suitable for guests in wheelchairs or those with mobility issues.
Few vendors accept credit cards; we recommend that guests bring cash (USD) if they wish to purchase anything. In Ecuador $50 or $100 notes are not easily accepted, so guests should try to bring small change. Travelers’ checks are not accepted.
All timings are approximate and subject to change.
It is recommended guests wear lightweight clothing, including long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, along with sunblock, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent (it is a must) and flat, comfortable walking shoes and a camera.

Cerro Blanco Wildlife and Forest Trail - 4.5 hours

Introducing the "Cerro Blanco Wildlife and Forest Trail" - a tour of the largest and best-preserved dry forest in Ecuador. Explore the protected forest, located in the extreme Southwest of the Chongón Colonche mountain range, just outside the city. This adventure departs early in the morning and takes you on a 1.2 km trail, showcasing the breathtaking biodiversity of the area, the trail is called “Canoa”

The Cerro Blanco Protected Forest boasts an impressive number of endemic vascular plants, which protect approximately 100 of the 500 species registered in the tropical dry forest region. If we are lucky, you'll discover the magnificent range of wildlife that includes 54 species of mammals, such as monkeys, peccaries, agouti, 6 species of wild cats, including the majestic Jaguar, and 34 species of bats. Bird lovers will have the opportunity to spot a few of the 221 species of birds registered in the area that includes the endangered Great Green Macaw (Papagayo), which is the symbol of Cerro Blanco. Not to mention the 8 species of amphibians and 12 species of reptiles. It is important to note wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

During your walk along the trail, you will experience a variety of landscapes, including the forest and mangrove. The route is divided into two sections. The first section is a mountainous terrain, where you will find small slopes, rocky paths, and a native vegetation of the dry forest. This part of the trail offers the perfect vantage points to take in the stunning scenery. The second section is a second-growth forest, where you can appreciate the beauty of the forest and its natural regrowth.

After returning from the hike, a delicious picnic will be waiting for us to refresh and recover energy before heading back to the pier.

SUGGESTED TOUR TIMINGS

TIMING	ITINERARY & POINTS OF INTEREST	TERRAIN	W/C FRIENDLY
00:00 – 00:45	Depart the quayside and drive to Cerro Blanco	Paved	This tour is NOT suitable for guests in wheelchairs; and those with mobility issues, however, they must be able to board the coach on their own
00:45 – 02:45	Walk around the Canoa Trail	Uneven, slippery, muddy
02:45 – 03:45	Deluxe Picnic	Flat
03:45 – 04:30	Drive back to the pier for embarkation	Paved

DURATION / MIN/MAX NO. OF PAX
4 ½ Hours
MIN 10 guests per departure
MAX 90 guests per departure

ACTIVITY LEVEL
Strenuous (walking over 1 km over uneven terrain with many steps)

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

Touring in luxury private vehicles with A/C & PA-system
1 Bottle of water per person
Local English-speaking tour guide
Deluxe Picnin
1 ship’s escort free of charge per vehicle

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?

Any other services not mentioned above.

IMPORTANT NOTES, OBSERVATIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS

This tour is NOT suitable for guests in wheelchairs or those with mobility issues.
Few vendors accept credit cards; we recommend that guests bring cash (USD) if they wish to purchase anything. In Ecuador $50 or $100 notes are not easily accepted, so guests should try to bring small change. Travelers’ checks are not accepted.
All timings are approximate and subject to change.
It is recommended guests wear lightweight clothing, including long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, along with sunblock, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent (it is a must) and flat, comfortable walking shoes and a camera.

Quito

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges

12/31/2024 - 01/11/2025

from $8,749 per person

* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.

Prices Start At

from $8,749 per person

Length

11 Nights

Air City

Call for airfares from your city.

Vacation Rating

Deluxe
Fine dining, on-site bars or lounges and room service with extended hours are characteristic of deluxe establishments. Guest services usually include valet parking, concierge services, baggage assistance and laundry services. Other on-site facilities often include shops and boutiques, full service spas, full fitness facilities with pools and tennis courts. Business amenities may include available up-to-date technology and support staffs available for services. Attention to detail is apparent in the guestrooms which typically have stylish furnishings, quality bedding and bath products and often provide an evening turn down service.

Remarks

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID

1488336

Reference this number when contacting our agency so we may better serve you. Also keeping this number handy will allow you to locate this document again quickly.

The Carefree Traveler

Main Office - 7171 Cave Creek Road
Carefree, AZ 85377
USA

(480) 488-3111