Family Encounters at the Middle of the World

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Price from:
2,588.00 USD
per person

Information

This journey  is great for families with kids of all ages, couples,  or  small groups  seeking special moments of discovery, learning, and fun.  It includes river cruising in the Amazon basin rainforest, sea and land explorations to the  Galapagos Islands, and visits to a native textile market,  World Heritage Sites and much more: this is the Adventure Associates way!

Journey Description

Summary of the trip:

Thursday:         Home-Quito,  overnight in Quito, Hotel Mercure  or similar, with breakfast included.
Friday/Monday:  Amazon rainforest expedition  on board the 30-guest Manatee Amazon Explorer exploring the Napo river, a tributary of the Amazon river.  3 nights, including accommodation in double cabin, all meals, excursions and activities on board
Monday: Flight back to Quito and free afternoon. Overnight at Hotel Mercure or similar for 2 nights with breakfast included.  On Tuesday,  visit to the Otavalo textile market with lunch at a cozy hacienda.
Wednesday/Sunday:  Galapagos Islands by sea and land program at the 26 room Finchbay  Hotel, 4 nights,  includes accommodation in a double room, garden view room,  all meals and  daily excursions to the Islands.
Sunday:     Quito, overnight at Hotel Mercure or similar.
Monday: :  Quito-Home 

About Quito city
At 10,000 ft (2850 m), Quito is breathtaking in more ways than one. Situated  twenty-two miles from the equator, Quito was the first city in  the world to be declared World Heritage Site by Unesco.  The declaration states: “Quito forms a harmonious ensemble sui generis, where the actions of man and of nature are brought together to create a work unique and transcendent of its kind.” . The city inhabitants are proud  to have what many believe is  the best preserved and largest colonial center  in the Americas. 

The Amazon Rainforest Experience
The Amazon Region contains the world’s largest tropical rainforest, the world’s largest river, and perhaps the greatest diversity of wildlife to be found anywhere. More than 4000 species of birds, 2000 species of fish, 60 species of reptiles, including the Caiman and the Anaconda, the world's largest non-venomous snake, and a great variety of mammals such as the Jaguar, Peccary, Giant Anteater, Tapir, Capybara and Pink River Dolphin.
Interact with forest residents, who will open their homes. Explore the waters in a silent canoe. Be amazed by the Naturalist findings while walking in the rainforest.   The struggle for survival of all species in the rainforest will create a refreshing sensation of closeness to earth and mankind.
The Manatee Amazon Explorer  is a very well appointed  river boat navigating the Napo River, a tributary of the great Amazon.  Its  30 guests,  in  14 cabins with private bathrooms and  air conditioning,   enjoy an experience  full of local flavors and surprising close encounters with nature.

The Galapagos Islands Experience

Situated 600 miles off the west coast of Ecuador, the world’s most wondrous group of Islands is yours for unhurried exploration.  This unique and complex ecosystem played a key role in Charles Darwin’s development of the theory of natural selection.  The Galapagos are not only a National Park and a World Heritage Site but a Biosphere Reserve, a Whale Sanctuary and the second largest Marine Reserve in the world. 
 
We’re proud to have been the pioneers of  Galapagos Islands organized trips.. That's almost 40 years of experience !  On our expedition cruise, you’ll do so much more than observe the Islands. You’ll interact with it in many ways.   Our hand picked Naturalists will be with  you to discover the Archipelago’s wonders at shore and in the water.  

The Finchbay Hotel is a beautiful small property  located in the central island of Santa Cruz in a  secluded beach front area  where no motor vehicles are seen.   The program combines visit to the nearby Islands while staying at the hotel, providing opportunities to taste, live and share with the local population of the Archipelago.
 
Dates and prices 2010: : 

Departures:  All year long, subject to availability

Price:  $ 2,588.00 per adult in double accommodation. Single accommodation: $ 3,877.00.  .  Children under 12 $  1,942.00 (one per adult).  Minimum group size: 2.

-    Included:  Accommodations, all transfers, meals  and tours as described in itinerary.
-   Not Included : Air tickets(*) , Fuel government tax,  National Park entrance fees, gratuities, meals and services not listed, beverages and personal items. 
(*):  We will be happy to assist with total or partial air arrangements.

Note:  Itinerary is subject to change due to weather, order of authority or any other factor beyond our control.

 

Information Price per Person (USD) Children Under 12 1,842.00 Double Rate 2,588.00 Single Rate 3,877.00