This escorted tour promises to be a true journey of discovery not only of the rich, indigenous culture of Ecuador, but the real adventure of exploring the most biodiverse ecosystems on earth, through the Amazon Rainforest and the Galapagos Islands.
Arrive by motorised canoe for your 3-night eco-lodge stay in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest where you will be immersed in the natural world. Then fly on to the Galapagos Islands to board a private exclusive cruiser from which you’ll explore this archipelago of 19 islands. For 7 days explore this living museum and melting pot of marine species found nowhere else in the world. Why not join us for a truly remarkable tour that will leave you with a lifetime of memories.
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Depart Auckland on an evening flight to Santiago. Cross the International date line and arrive in Santiago mid-afternoon for an overnight stay.
An early morning flight to Quito (2,850m, 9,350ft). On arrival rest at the hotel to acclimatise. Dinner in the hotel tonight.
Quito – perched high in the Andes amongst snow-capped mountains and misty volcanoes, Quito is a breath-taking destination. Spanning two hemispheres, its dramatic setting has always lured visitors, but its best kept secrets are hidden in the candlelit monasteries, leafy plazas and narrow cobblestone streets.
This morning’s tour of Quito highlights the well-preserved colonial centre blending European, Moorish and indigenous styles. Including the San Francisco Church, Independence Square and the Virgin of Quito statue.
This morning fly from Quito to Coca, a small town in the Amazon. A two-hour boat journey in a motorised canoe up the Napo River transports you to Sacha Lodge for an all-inclusive three-night stay.
Your time here will be unique and may include a forest canopy tree-top walk, climbing the giant Kapok tree tower, night-time Caiman spotting, guided forest walks during the day or after dark, the Butterfly House, paddling dugout canoes guided silently through forested creeks or swim in the safe Lake Pool.
All activities and meals are included during your stay.
We travel back to Coca for the flight to Quito. On arrival transfer to your overnight hotel.
A day of high altitude. First visit the colourful Otavalo market for handicrafts that will dazzle you (2,532m) before continuing to Peguche waterfall. Lunch is at a local restaurant and serves typical local food. Return to Quito late afternoon.
This morning we fly to Baltra Island and transfer to our exclusive private cruiser ‘Galapagos Angel. After lunch onboard we will cruise to Pinnacle Rock. Enjoy a trail of stairs to the summit for spectacular views. A swim or snorkel to finish the day with the Galapagos Penguins, rays and schools of colourful fish.
Galapagos Islands This isolated group of volcanic islands and its fragile ecosystem has taken on an almost mythological status as a showcase of biodiversity. Yet you don’t have to be an evolutionary biologist to appreciate one of the few places left on the planet where the human footprint is kept to a minimum.
This morning we visit Vicente Roca Point with spectacular sea life. We take time for a snorkel and have the chance to see sea turtles, rays and sea lions, before continuing to Espinoza Point. We step ashore to see a colony of marine iguanas and a group of sea lions, before witnessing the spectacular flightless cormorant nesting site.
Today we visit Tagus Cove and take a hike past Lake Darwin to the ridge for wonderful views. We continue onto Elizabeth Bay to take a coastal dingy ride and the area is perfect for a snorkel.
This morning we explore Urbina Bay including two short walks to see the largest land iguanas and giant tortoises. After lunch we cruise to Moreno Point and step ashore with the chance to view pink flamingo’s white-cheeked pintails and common gallinules.
Today we travel to the Sierra Negra Volcano and step ashore to observe up to seven species of finches, a rich display of vegetation and stunning views. This afternoon we continue onto the Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center with over 330 juvenile and adult tortoises bred in captivity on display.
This morning we snorkel around the Devils Crown, a volcanic outcrop, to see an array of marine species. We continue and explore Cormorant Point which hosts flamingos, common stilts and white-checked pintails, before completing the day at Post Office Bay.
This morning we enjoy our final snorkel at Mosquera Islet which is home to one of the largest populations of sea lions and many shore birds. Later transfer to the airport for the flight to Guayaquil.
A leisurely start today before we transfer to the airport for our flight to Santiago. Arrive and change planes for our journey home.
Cross the international date line.
An early morning arrival into Auckland
• International flights Auckland - Santiago // Santiago – Quito // Guayaquil – Santiago // Santiago - Auckland
• Domestic air flights – Quito – Coca // Coca – Quito – Galapagos // Galapagos - Guayaquil
• All transfers / assistance and transport as outlined
• Transportation by air-conditioned private vehicles
• 4-star hotel accommodation in Santiago and Guayaquil
• 4-star + accommodation in Quito
• 3 nights / 4-day all-inclusive package at Amazon Sacha lodge
• Galapagos National Park entrance fees
• Meals as specified
• 6 nights aboard ‘Galapagos Angel’ in a cabin of your choice including all meals, purified water, coffee and tea on board
• Use of wetsuits and snorkelling equipment on board ‘Galapagos Angel’
• Sightseeing and entrance fees as specified
• Professional English-speaking bilingual guides throughout
• Pukekohe Travel escort subject to 14 persons travelling
ESTIMATED Cost Per Person * Auckland - Auckland | Twin Share | Single |
---|---|---|
Upper Deck Suite (18m2) King Size Bed | $21,995 | $32,997 |
Main Deck Stateroom (14m2) | $20,465 | $29,997 |
Business Class Upgrade |
T.B.C |
Early Booking Discount (01 December 2024) | $150 |
Previous International Pukekohe Travel Tour Discount | $100 |
*This is a cash price. Credit cards will incur a 1.5% fee
*Itinerary and costs subject to change, airline and fuel charges and currency fluctuations prior to final payment
• Items of a personal nature
• Travel Insurance - please ask us for a quote.
• Airline and Security Taxes (approx. NZD225)
• Tipping and gratuities
• Porterage
• Meals not indicated in the itinerary
• Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages on board ‘Galapagos Angel’
• A non-refundable deposit of $2000 per person secures a place on the tour
• Full payment is due no later than 01 June 2025
• From date of booking until 01 June 2025 – loss of deposit
• After 01 June 2025 – no refund
• It is highly recommended that clients take out Travel Insurance – please ask us for a quote
Documentation
• A current passport is required – valid six months beyond return date of travel
• All other passports – please ask
• Visas are not required for NZ passport holders for Chile or Ecuador
Climate/Temperatures – Min. Max
Santiago 5˚c 19˚c
Quito 9˚c 21˚c
Coca, Amazon Rainforest 16˚c 27˚c
Galapagos 18˚c 24˚c
Water
• Clean drinking water is available while touring.
• Please take your own re-useable water bottle
Currency/Money
• The currency in Chile is the Chilean Peso.
• The official currency in Ecuador is the US dollar.
• In both countries, ATMs are widely available in the cities and credit cards (Visa & MasterCard most popular) are accepted in most established businesses.
• A good standard of fitness and health is required. The ability to walk unaided on uneven, steep surfaces and negotiate steps for a period of time are part of many daily activities on this tour.
• Ability to step onto a small zodiac craft for shore landings in the Galapagos
• Ability to walk across island tracks for up to 3km on uneven ground
• No obligatory vaccinations are required for this tour.
• We recommend that you consult your GP regarding recommended health precautions for the countries and areas visited
Remote yet accessible, unspoiled yet comfortable, Sacha Lodge has protected the fabulous wildlife for more than 20 years, enabling it to flourish. Our all-inclusive jungle lodge is the ideal base to explore the fascinating rainforest in small groups, led by expert guides.
CANOPY WALK - Explore the rainforest canopy along a 94-foot high (36m) bridge above the treetops! This 940-foot long (275m) sturdy walkway offers an astounding opportunity to spot dozens of animals.
KAPOK TOWER - You'll feel like you're on the very top of the world on our 135-foot (43-meter) observation tower, a platform built on the highest branches of a giant kapok tree.
CANOPY CRANE - Take a high-flying ride up 150 feet (45 meters) above the forest floor into the canopy of the amazing Amazon Rainforest in a hot air balloon-like basket. Explore early 2 acres (.78 hectares) of rainforest canopy with its 150 foot (45 meters) long boom.
MORNING FOREST WALKS - Creeping along jungle paths, your naturalist guide might take you through the territory of crested owls or howler monkeys, mimicking the creatures' calls to win their trust and coax them out of hiding.
CAIMAN SPOTING - A nighttime expedition to look for caimans on the lake is a magical experience filled with wonder. You will take a canoe out onto the water under the cover of darkness, your way lit by glittering stars.
BUTTERFLY HOUSE - The Butterfly House was designed as a live exhibition conservatory, where guests will be shown how these beautiful insects are bred and raised. Later, roam through "the flying room" where hundreds of colourful butterflies flutter from flower to flower.
LAKE POOL - Our plunge pool, the only one of its kind in the Amazon region, is protected on all sides by a mesh cage that allows you to cool off in the black waters of Pilchicocha Lake without fear of encountering the unknown. You may even spot a caiman or giant otters swimming by on the other side of the net!
NIGHT FOREST WALKS - When darkness falls, have your flashlight ready to spot creatures of the night such as tarantulas, frogs, boas and stick insects while the rainforest symphony unfolds around you.
CREEK PADDLING - Creek paddling in dug-out canoes is a fabulous adventure, with the bonus that it requires little physical exertion. Paddling down the streams is like entering a tunnel leading into a lost world.
The Galapagos Angel An exclusive private charter
• Built in 2023
• 35 meters long
• Ten crew for 16 passengers ( 8 cabins )
• Al fresco dining area and bar
• Sundeck with jacuzzi
• Snorkelling gear and wetsuits included
• All meals and excursions included
• Bilingual National Park Guide
• All cabins are air conditioned with private bathrooms
• Bar, dining room and separate social area
Galapagos Flora and Fauna Highlights
• Blue- Footed Boobies
• Nazca Boobies
• Land and Marine Iguanas
• Frigate Birds, Finches, Audubon’s Shearwaters, swallow tailed gulls, Mocking Birds, Pelicans, Swallow Tailed Gulls, white – checked pintail ducks, Herons, Sort Eared Owls, Storm Petrels, Galapagos Doves
• Sea lions
• Fur seals
• Reef Sharks, Rays, Sea Turtles
• Penguins
• A range of tropical fish
• Wild Tortoises, Giant Tortoises
• Sally Lightfoot crabs
Galapagos Activities
• Numerous snorkelling opportunities
• Walking up to 3km along tracks including stairs
• Swimming
For full terms and conditions please visit our website www.pukekohetravel.co.nz/termsandconditions or please ask our tour consultant for a copy
Travel Insurance is essential. Please feel free to contact us for a quote.
Note:
Pukekohe Travel reserves the right to correct errors and omissions on our website without recourse.
* Itinerary subject to change