While researching for clients we sometimes come across some things we were not looking for. Recently I came across a cruise tour that included both the Galapagos and the Amazon Rainforest. I am sure there may be others that would put these two incredible sights together, but this I found to be interesting.
The Galapagos have been a hot spot to visit in recent years, especially since some of the bigger cruise lines have added the area to their expedition itineraries – giving these incredible islands a much larger audience. This also has in some ways given a boost to those who made it their business to protect this environment allowing for more people to be aware of how fragile a place like this can be.
The Amazon Rainforest is another natural phenomenon with over 18,000 species of life living together under the canopy of trees. There's a heightened awareness of how big business is effecting these natural wonders and thankfully many of the countries where they are located are getting more protective.
Here is a 11-day Cruise & Tour “Galapagos & the Amazon” that offers an insight into both of these ecological wonders. Here are the highlights of this incredible journey:
Day 1 – After your flight you will check into your JW Marriott Hotel in the center of the city of Quito, Ecuador. Afternoon and evening at your leisure
Day 2 - Fly to the a remote airstrip in the Amazon Basin where you will be met by your hosts and ride up river in dugout canoes to the spectacular Kapawi Ecolodge located in the deep Amazon Rainforest.
Days 3 & 4 – Your days will be filled with exploring the tropical rainforest – the most complex ecosystem on earth. Each day is offers something different and new i.e., jungle walks, dugout canoe journeys, bird watching and visits to the Achuar (indigenous people) communities who are your guides. You may be lucky enough to see some of the more elusive monkeys, giant otters, and fresh water dolphins along with various species of birds including toucans, macaws, parrots, hawks, kingfishers, orioles, and flycatchers.
Day 5 – Leave Kapawi in the afternoon for your journey back to Quito arriving in time for a late dinner.
Day 6 – Today you tour the colonial section of Quito founded in 1534. Along the way you will drive by the Parliament Building, and stroll downtown, visiting colonial churches and monasteries.
Day 7 – Your late morning flight to San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos where you will embark on your cruise ship the Explorer II. As you slip by Cerro Brujo you can catch a glimpse of pelicans and other Galapagos seabirds. Dinner is followed by the presentation of the ships crew and the staff of naturalist that will be your hosts for the cruise.
Day 8 – Espańola Island one of the oldest islands in the Galapagos and is noted for its bird life. At Punta Suárez you will see an incredible variety of wildlife including iguanas, Galapagos doves, blue-footed boobies, red-billed tropic birds, sea lions and the Galapagos albatross which can only be seen on this island. After lunch enjoy a visit to Gardner Bay – a tranquil white sand beach where sea lions bask in the sun.
Day 9 – A short trip to Santa Cruz Island and you'll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the important Galapagos tortoise breeding program. In the afternoon you will visit Rabida Island, dominated by the red lava formations and home to flamingos, colonies of sea lions and pelicans.
Day 10 – Today you can enjoy a morning walk to see the nesting sights of sea turtles on Bachas Beach an hike along to observe flamingos, marine iguanas, and blue herons. In the afternoon you disembark in Baltra for your return flight to Guayaquil. This evening enjoy your farewell dinner at the Hilton Hotel located in the center of this lively Pacific port.
Day 11 – Your program finishes after breakfast.
You may extend you experience with an additional 4 nights cruise to Bartolomé, Santiago, Fernandina, Isabella, and North Seymour, Islands.
You do not need to be a naturalist or bird watcher to enjoy this cruise tour. There is so much to see and explore that most of us would only see in National Geographic or Smithsonian Journeys.
Its up to you to get out and explore the world. Here is a start.
