Extending your stay for even a short time can render rich rewards in Ecuador and nearby Peru. Both are home to some of the world’s most spectacular mountains, colorful and ancient indigenous cultures and the western edge of the Amazon basin. You may want to arrive a day or two early to rest up for your trip to the Galapagos while taking time to explore the old colonial section of Quito.
The Ecuadorian highlands are just a couple of hours outside of town and you can spend time bargaining at the world famous Indian craft market in Otavalo, as well as the surrounding highland villages. Once there, you will probably wish you had more time to enjoy this lush area of volcanoes, lakes and agricultural land by staying at a local hacienda. The hacienda system formed the backbone of Spanish colonial agrarian society. Some have been converted into gracious hotels, which embody the flavor and hospitality of the region.
For an added rainforest wildlife-viewing bonus, Ecuador possesses some of the best eco-lodges the Amazon has to offer. You can extend your stay in the Amazon either before or after the trip. You may also want to consider a trip to Peru’s Cusco Valley — the Valley of the Inca — with a trip to Machu Picchu. We can help you customize your choices and make your arrangements. Following are a few suggestions:
You can also combine a visit to the Galapagos with a trip to Peru and the land of the Inca. Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca, offers a number of impressive sites just above the town, like Sacsayhuaman with its enormous tightly fitted stones forming the head of a jaguar. This trip includes a visit to Machu Picchu where you will overnight in a nearby hotel/spa, so you can watch the sunrise over Wayna Picchu. Some trips may require an extra night in Lima, Peru. 4 days, 3 nights including accommodations, transportations, guides and all meals. Contact us to reserve Machu Picchu & Galapagos Cruise
Imagine yourself drifting down a narrow, winding jungle waterway surrounded on all sides by an endless sea of lush tropical greenery. The sky is alive with vibrant colors as a pair of scarlet macaws soars overhead. Or climbing to the top of the trees for a magnificent view of the surrounding area where you can observe toucans, parrots, and dozens of other colorful bird species in the treetops. With luck, noisy howler monkeys or the gentle three-toed sloth will also be seen. Sacha is a favorite destination of both professional and amateur ornithologists, with over 500 species of birds in the area. A short distance from Sacha Lodge is Ecuador’s most accessible parrot lick, an exposed clay bank where brightly colored parrots of several different species gather in the early morning. Explore the best of Ecuador’s wildlife by combining a visit to Sacha with your trip to the Galapagos. Contact us to reserve your trip to the Rainforest with your Galapagos Cruise
A fascinating visit to the world famous markets and craft villages of Otavalo. With your expert guide you will enjoy the opportunity to visit these legendary craftspeople at their homes and workshops where they follow their ancestral traditions in the creation of handicrafts. Each village has their own “specialty” from weaving, hat making, leather goods, woodworking and embroidery to name a few. As you wander through these fabulous villages and markets by day then reward yourself with a stay at a historic hacienda at night. This is a fabulous opportunity to shop for exquisite crafts while enjoying a rich cultural encounter with local villagers. 2 days and 1 night including accommodations, transportation, 2 x breakfast, 2 x lunch, dinner. Contact us to reserve your visit to Otavalo & Galapagos Cruise
The Galapagos Islands have been consistently voted one of the world's top dive sites. Explore in depth the grandeur and incredible underwater life of the Galapagos Marine Reserve our tour has you comfortably spending the nights ashore in Galapagos while your days our spent diving with hammerhead sharks, sea lions, manta rays, tuna, eels, sea turtles and so much more! Discover the underwater world of Galapagos. 3 days and 2 nights including accommodations, all equipment, transportation, 2 x breakfast, 2 x lunch. Contact to reserve Galapagos Diving & Galapagos Cruise