Ecuador and Galapagos

November 2 - 20, 2016

19 Days • 44 Meals

Escorted by Ross and Lucy McLean

Giant Tortoise, Galapagos Islands

Pre

limin

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Bro

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Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands provide for a

fascinating and extremely varied experience. In Ecuador

we shall discover Quito and the high Andes, an ancient

Indian culture and a Spanish colonial history, magnificent scenery and delightful crafts. This is a photographer's

paradise with village and market scenes contrasted with

the majestic peaks of the Andes Mountains. We visit the

incredible Amazon Basin on a 4 day excursion to La Casa de Suizo on the Napo River, a tour highlight!

From Ecuador we shall journey 600 miles across the

Pacific and discover the mysteries of the Galapagos

Islands, their volcanic origins, the stark beauty of their

landscapes and the unique flora and fauna that inhabit their

shores. The native population, consisting of seals, iguanas, tortoises, and a vast array of bird-life, play freely in the

security of their environment, as if on show for us.

As we have very limited space (for just 24 members) on

this very special tour, we encourage you to enroll early.

This unique journey is truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

INCLUSIVE FEATURES & HIGHLIGHTS

Return economy class airfare to / from Quito, Ecuador with Copa Airlines plus all domestic flights in Ecuador

6 day / 5 night Galapagos cruise on the mv Santa Cruz in superior Explorer Deck outside cabin

Stay in the heart of old Quito, UNESCO Site

Three nights in the heart of the Amazon

Cuenca, colonial UNESCO Site

13 nights first class hotels, as shown (or similar)

44 meals included as noted in the itinerary (B - 18 breakfasts, L - 14 lunches, D - 12 dinners) Services of your tour leader and professional guides

All gratuities, taxes and fees for included services

Airport transfers in Canada or equivalent value

TOUR ESCORTS

We are pleased to have Ross and Lucy McLean escorting this exciting adventure to Ecuador. Having travelled extensively (they have visited six continents and lived/worked abroad), they currently reside in Muskoka, one of North America's most scenic regions. Lucy is a retired educator and Ross worked for an international consultancy. Travel's greatest appeals for them is experiencing the people and cultures of diverse destinations and sharing these experience with fellow travellers. After ten years escorting groups to a wide variety of destinations, they look forward to sharing each new travel destination with both old and new friends alike. Ecuador has long been on their bucket list and they look forward to sharing it with all who are able to join them!

November 2, Wednesday Depart Canada / Arrive Quito, Ecuador Our journey begins as members from across Canada gather in Toronto for flights to Quito, capital of Ecuador. The northern capital of the Incas, and a 16th century Spanish colonial city, Quito has had a varied and fascinating history. Today it is a storehouse of elegant churches, ancient monasteries, colonial mansions, fascinating antiques and hand-crafted Indian artefacts. Hotel Patio Andaluz (3 nights)

November 3, Thursday Quito, Ecuador Our morning tour will introduce us to the highlights of this beautiful Andean city. Visit impressive San Agustin Church and the Monastery of San Francisco followed by a panoramic view of the city from Panecillo Hill. A delight will be a visit to the Archaeological Museum, covering 10,000 years of history. This afternoon we return to our hotel with some free time. Our hotel is a delightful restoration of the colonial era set on the city’s main square. This evening we gather for our Welcome Dinner. BD

November 4, Friday Quito Quito’s artistic trails offer some of the most rewarding roads you can follow: Pre-Inca peoples created among the South American continent’s oldest and finest artifacts and jewelry; the Spanish conquest brought new skills and religious fervour to the creation of superb religious sculptures; while 20th Century artists have produced dramatic, expressionist paintings. We will uncover three eras in the country's history: pre-Colombian, colonial and contemporary, by visiting the iconic sights of Casa del Alabado Museum, the church of La Compañía de Jesús, and La Capilla del Hombre (Chapel of Man), a striking modern structure housing the works of Ecuador's most celebrated painter, Oswaldo Guayasamín. BL

November 5, Saturday Quito / Riobamba Today we begin our exploration into the Andean World and the awesome scenery of the Ecuadorian Andean Region. Our first stop will be at the village of Sangolqui to visit the traditional local market. Visit Cotopaxi National Park for close-up views of its unique flora and fauna. Continue up the slopes of Cotopaxi Volcano for lunch. We continue along the Pan American Highway, up and down the slopes of the famous Avenue of the Volcanoes, to Urbina, at the foot of imposing Chimborazo Volcano. Visit a Tagua nut workshop and warm up with a canelazo and biscuits by the fireplace while enjoying an amazing sunset (weather providing). On our way to quaint Riobamba, watch for grazing vicunas and marvel at the well-tended mountain fields. Hacienda Abraspungo (1 night) BLD

November 6, Sunday Riobamba / Cuenca Our morning drive takes us through spectacular scenery, surrounded by mountains and farmlands. At Alausi we transfer to rail for the breath-taking descent (800 metres) to the Devil’s Nose, a certain highlight of this adventure. At the station of Sibambe we visit the local museum "Condor Puñuna" built and run by the Nizag community. Returning to Alausi we rejoin our coach exploring the Andean world to the south, visiting the Inca Fortress of Ingapirca en-route to Cuenca. Hotel Santa Lucia (2 nights) BLD

November 7, Monday Cuenca With red tiled roofs, cobblestone streets, flowery plazas

and museums Cuenca, Ecuador’s third largest city is filled with beauty. We will visit the Plaza of San Sebastian and the Museum of Modern Art, the flower market and stroll in the Main Square. Then enjoy a relaxing drive along the Tomebamba River to admire the overhanging houses. After lunch, we will visit a ceramics handicraft shop. BL

November 8, Tuesday Cuenca / Guayaquil Today offers us another wonderful experience as we drive from the highlands to the coast, crossing through a series of climatic and vegetation zones. En route we will visit El Cajas National Park, a highland park noted from its many lakes and scenic beauty. On arrival in Guayaquil, we shall be taken on an afternoon tour of Ecuador’s second city and major port. Hotel Oro Verde Guayaquil (1 night) BL

November 9, Wednesday Guayaquil / Galapagos This is the day that we have been anticipating, as we fly westward across the Pacific to the Galapagos Islands, some 600 miles away. On arrival we transfer to the mv Santa Cruz, the best-equipped vessel sailing these islands. Designed to hold just 90 passengers, our ship is fully air-conditioned, has a lounge and dining room, and all cabins have private facilities. This afternoon starts with a dry landing for a view of the coast and the interior of North Seymour Island, one of the few uplifted islands in the Galapagos Archipelago. We’ll explore colonies of blue footed boobies, magnificent frigate birds, and swallow-tail gulls. The sandy shore teems with Galapagos sea lions and marine iguanas. mv Santa Cruz (5 nights) BLD

November 10, Thursday Isabela / Fernadina At Punta Vicenta Roca, Isabela, fauna includes the largest marine iguanas of the Galápagos and a healthy population of flightless cormorants. Galapagos is the only place where one can find penguins above the Equator. Nearby we can spot great blue herons and brown pelicans nesting. This afternoon visit Punta Espinoza, on the youngest island of the archipelago, Fernandina. Disembark (dry landing) for a one-mile walk over dark lava. Having no introduction to mammals, Fernandina boasts a very unique environment with the highest density of marine iguanas, sharing their space with sea lions, sally-light foot crabs, hawks, penguins and the flightless cormorant. BLD

November 11, Friday Isabela Island After breakfast disembark (wet landing) at secluded Tagus Cove which provided a favourite anchorage for pirates and

whalers over the centuries. The vegetation in the area includes the fragrant palo santo trees – they most often appear to be dead, coming to life only during the wet season. Hike to Darwin Crater, filled with salt water. Darwin is one of Isabela’s six volcanoes, a remarkable contrast to the lower islands to the east of the archipelago. Following lunch on board we disembark (wet landing) at Urbina Bay, located at the foot of two active volcanoes. Nearby we may find some very colourful land iguanas, giant tortoises and a good spot to observe Darwin’s finches. Along the shoreline, we may see penguins while snorkelling. On the northwest coast there are places to swim, snorkel or ride kayaks. BLD

November 12, Saturday Santa Cruz Island This morning visit the Darwin Research Station and the rearing in captivity program for the giant tortoises. Here we will witness the efforts and results of all the field work done in the name of science. There may be an opportunity to stroll along the main street of Puerto Ayora. After lunch we will venture to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island where we may see the islands’ most famous reptile, the giant tortoises, in their wild habitat. BLD

November 13, Sunday Floreana Island Morning visit to Post Office Bay, where mail can be left for other travellers. Explore the north shore of Floreana where narrow channels teem with life. Rays, turtles and sea lions can be seen gently swimming next to our pangas. On shore walk to the Baroness’s Tower, with wonderful views of the island. At Punta Cormorant (wet landing) the beach walk includes lagoons where bird species like greater flamingos, pintail ducks, common stilts, herons and others may be seen. This outing also includes a white-sand beach where sea turtles come out at night to nest. BLD

November 14, Monday Baltra / Quito Disembarking at Baltra, we catch our flight back to Quito, with the afternoon free to explore the city or simply relax. Hotel Patio Andaluz (1 night) B

November 15, Tuesday Quito / Amazon Departing early we proceed east climbing into the mountains to Papallacta, a small village noted for its natural hot springs. Upon arrival we can take some time to visit the springs for a soothing swim in their thermal waters. This afternoon we continue across the majestic Andes highlands and into the Oriente - the Amazon region. At Punta Ahuano, a tiny port town on the Napo River, canoes

Credit - K Jaxa-Debicki

Tour / Cruise Cost in Canadian Dollars (per person)

Preliminary Pricing

Land / Cruise Only (Join / Leave Quito) .................... $8,895 Toronto ...................................................................... $9,995 Ottawa / Montreal .................................................... $10,265 Halifax / Winnipeg .................................................... $10,515 St. John’s ................................................................. $10,655 Regina / Saskatoon ................................................. $10,595 Calgary / Edmonton / Vancouver ............................ $10,595 Victoria ..................................................................... $10,725 Single Supplement ............................ Please Ask For Rates

Land/Cruise Only rate includes all internal flights. Rates are per person based on sharing an Explorer cabin - outside twin on Main Deck. Airfares from other gateways are available on request. Airfares and air carrier are subject to change and will be confirmed prior to final payment. Refer to Inclusive Features for details.

Stateroom assignment is subject to availability at time of booking - book early for best choice. See Deck Plan for full details - superior categories may be available but are on request. Please ask for single cabin rates. Single travellers can also request single rooms at hotels and shared accommodation on the cruise - subject to confirmation and availability. Singles are extremely limited.

Prices are based on taxes, surcharges, airfares and exchange rates effective October 2015 and are subject to change. Tour / Cruise price is based on sharing a twin-bedded room at hotels and a minimum of 20 participants travelling.

The prices above DO NOT INCLUDE the cost of comprehensive insurance which is available on a optional basis and is highly recommended. Insurance premiums vary with the cost of the trip and the age of the passenger. For passengers up to 74 years of age on departure date premiums will range from $493 to $ 528pp. Cost supplements will apply for members aged 75 - 85 years from $230 - $442pp. Clients 86 years and older and/or clients residing outside Ontario – please contact our staff for procedures. This insurance is effective from the date of confirmation and carries limitations on pre-existing medical conditions. Check our website for the most current information.

Final payment will be due on August 1, 2016

Deposit is $900 per person

To reserve your spot on this tour, complete the enclosed enrollment form, indicating the tour you wish to join and your home city, and forward it with your deposit to:

CRAIG CANADIAN GROUP TRAVEL LTD 1092 Mount Pleasant Road Toronto ON M4P 2M6

Tel: 416-484-0926 or 1-800-387-8890 / Fax: 416-484-8143 tours@craigtravel.com www.craigtravel.com

will take us downstream to our jungle lodge, arriving in time to enjoy the sunset from the swimming pool with a refreshing drink. La Casa de Suizo (3 nights) BD

Nov 16/17, Wed/Thurs Amazon Rainforest These two days are dedicated to exploring the rainforest and learning about the indigenous people who inhabit the Napo River region. Travel by foot and canoe with local naturalist guides through the rainforest to the homes and villages of the Quichua, where we will learn about farming, hunting, fishing and the lifestyles of these fascinating people. We shall explore some of the last remaining primary forests as well as the secondary growths of the Amazon. Learn about the flora and fauna and how many local plants are used for medicinal purposes. Always our guides will point out the great variety of birds that make the forest their home. Walks will last up to 4 hours (less active members will be provided with alternative activities). Members will have opportunities to use a blowgun and to build a balsa raft and float on it in the river. BLD / BLD

November 18, Friday Amazon / Otavalo After breakfast we will depart for the return trip up the mountains and back to the central highlands. About halfway we will enjoy a picnic lunch while enjoying views of the mountains. Continue through rich farmlands (this is the region where flowers are grown for export) and past dramatic mountain scenery, to the central highlands and the village of Otavalo. Hacienda Pinsaqui (1 night) BLD

November 19, Saturday Otavalo / Quito Visit the world famous silent market of Otavalo, where sellers barter with their hands - a marked contrast to the raucous babble of other markets, with ample time to bargain for handmade crafts. Enjoy lunch in a traditional hacienda before we make our way back to Quito for our final overnight. Hotel Patio Andaluz (1 night) BL

November 20, Sunday Quito/ Canada Our ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ journey draws to a close as w e catch our morning flights to our homes across Canada. B

CT RATING 4 - Very Challenging: Although we will spend most of our time close to the equator, the high altitudes in Ecuador and the cooling currents near the Galapagos will provide pleasant temperatures on most days. During the cruise we will travel to shore in small boats and will experience a number of wet landings. During the time in the central highlands we will be between 7,000 and 10,000 feet above sea level (altitude sickness may be a factor). In the Amazon, expect high temperatures and humidity and some difficult walking conditions. Because of the many different and sometimes difficult conditions, it is vital that all members be in good physical health.

PrelimBRX29OCT15