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Program Cost: $3960 March 10 - 18, 2012 (Dates subject to change)
Are you ready for an incredible experience in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands?......Join us for an incredible journey that will takes us to Ecuador to experience a country that is home to more biodiversity per square kilometer than any other place in the world!
Our group will visit the colonial town and new regions of Quito and drive to the colourful city of Otavalo to explore the bustling markets and historic sites while the locals go about their daily lives. To experience the amazing landscape we drive through the mountainous region of the Andes which boast some of the largest volcanoes in the world, hike up and around a volcano, and visit local communities living in the lush mountains.
Finally we fly into the Galapagos Islands for the remainder of our trip and be transported by boat daily to various islands all of which are unique - some barren, some with black craggy shorelines and white silky sand, and some with lush vegetation.
The Galapagos Islands, known as the "Enchanted Islands", are considered to be a ‘living laboratory’, home to species that are not found anywhere else on the planet and they encompass one of the most important National Parks in the world, with 97.5% of the land area devoted to conservation and home to the Charles Darwin Research Station.
We hike around these islands to explore the landscape, visit sanctuaries and view the protected inhabitants: playful seals, enormous sea lions, unusual marine iguanas, hundred year old tortoises, and spectacular birds. Our base will be in San Cristobal, Galapagos Islands which gives us the opportunity to also go on an optional full day snorkeling trip bringing the amazing underwater marine life up close and volunteer at a Biological Research Station in the highlands dedicated to conservation.
SAMPLE ITINERARY:
DAY 1: Depart Toronto Late Arrival in Quito and transfer to Hotel in Quito
DAY 2: Breakfast Visit Cotopaxi National Park and hike around mountain Visit Indigenous markets in the area Lunch at Tambopaxi Dinner Guided Night Tour of Colonial Town of Quito to see impressive architecture, Cathedral, and the entire valley lit up Accommodation at hotel
DAY 3: Breakfast Visit colourful markets of Otavalo On return stop at a local community to experience '"village life" in the Andes Lunch in the community Enroute visit Orphanage, where we will also have a soccer match with the children Accommodation and late dinner at Hotel Quito Meeting with Foundation staff at Hotel to prepare for Galapagos Trip
DAY 4: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included throughout on islands or on boat Pick up by Foundation Staff and Transfer from Hotel to Airport for Flight - Quito to San Cristobal Galapagos Island Visit Galapaguera (Tortoise Reproduction Facility) Walk to Puerto Chino Beach for observation of a dry-forest cactus habitat, lava lizards, shore birds and sea lions Lunch and Swimming at Beach Return to hotel for Dinner Accommodation at hotel Internet cafes and access to phones are available on this island.
DAY 5: After breakfast transfer by Boat to visit islands of Loberia, Dormido Island and La Isla Lobos to see Sea Lions, Marine Iguanas, Turtles and other incredible Marine Life Snorkeling time available - and yes you can swim with the playful sea lions! (Which islands we visit will depend on weather conditions) Return to hotel on San Cristobal Island
DAY 6: Full Day of Volunteer Work – Removal of Invasive Species & Reforestation Project at Biological Research Station in highlands; discussion on unique ocean currents and geological history of Islands Dinner, Campfire and Folklore Music Accommodation at hotel
DAY 7: Breakfast Departure for Santa Cruz Island Visit Charles Darwin Research Station & Tortoise Sanctuary Lunch in Santa Cruz and free time to explore Departure for Lava Tunnels, Crevices and snorkeling at beach Dinner and Accommodation at Hotel in Santa Cruz
DAY 8: Breakfast and Depart Santa Cruz Island for Island of Baltra Take Flight to Quito Transfer to Hotel Quito Farewell Dinner in city of Quito with time to visit markets and town on your last day
DAY 9: Breakfast Transfer to airport in Quito for Return to Toronto
March Break Program includes: • Round Trip from Toronto Pearson Airport to Quito, Ecuador & Internal Flights to Galapagos • All Airport Transfers • Private Coach Transfers for activities when required • Transfer to each island on speed boat • Guided tours, boat trips, island visits and entrance fees as per itinerary including Tortoise Reproduction Facility, visiting marine and terrestrial lava tunnels, ocean swims, and snorkeling in coves • Accommodation in twins or triples in hotels • Full Breakfasts, Lunches and Dinners with juice/water daily
Volunteer in Reforestation Projects at Bio Station on Galapagos Islands - Hours can be used for Community Service Diploma Requirements
March Break Program does not include: Applicable Departure Taxes & Airport Service Fees & Galapagos Taxes Vaccinations/Medications where applicable Optional Comprehensive Travel Insurance (Cancellation & Medical): $175 Or Optional Cancellation Insurance:$125
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