The Natural World

ECUADOR & THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

Among the most unspoilt countries in the world and with one of the greatest bio-diversities on earth, Ecuador enjoys a wealth of beauty, landscape, culture and wildlife coupled with a very agreeable year round climate. Climatic conditions are more to do with altitude, air and ocean currents than with seasonal changes. Within its boundaries Ecuador offers an amazing diversity of experiences:-
- Amazon rainforest containing the richest eco-system on the planet.
- Andes highlands dotted with colourful ethnic markets, towns and villages.
- The Avenue of the Volcanoes where fire and snow come together.
- Great Spanish colonial cities of Quito and Cuenca (both declared Heritage sites).
- The broad sea coast on the shores of the Pacific.
- The curious Galapagos Islands, home of bird and reptile species found nowhere else on earth.
Visitors to Ecuador should consider a multi centre trip, perhaps starting from Quito, touring south through the Andes and spending a few day cruising the Galapagos Islands; those with more time may wish to add on an extension to the Amazon basin.
Crusader Travel offer a full tailor-making service designed to meet your exact requirements.

The Galapagos Islands

Lying in a remote corner of the Pacific, 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, this cluster of volcanic islands emerged from the Pacific about six million years ago. Named after the giant tortoise ‘galapago’, the 19 islands and scores of islets are all part of Ecuador’s National Park system. Cruising the islands by boat, you can walk among marine iguanas basking in the sun and observe the elaborate mating rituals of boobies, albatrosses and frigate birds. You can swim and snorkel with playful seal lions making the destination perfect for younger and older travellers alike, including family groups. We can offer various boats for your cruise from small 6 cabin sailing yachts to 45 cabin cruise ships, although no boat exceeds the National Park limit of 90 passengers.

The Amazon Basin

The humid lowlands that surround Ecuador’s Amazon basin are a blend of colours and sound that offers an experience beyond compare. An ocean of green, this gigantic and mysterious jungle is alive with the constant movement of the water, air, birds and other marvellous creatures that make their home in this lush shelter. The infrastructure is such that it can support visitors with minimal impact on this delicate ecosystem, and the jungle, lagoons and waterways can be explored by canoe and by foot. Be prepared to meet giant armadillos, manatees, 30-foor anacondas, freshwater dolphins and countless monkeys, birds and reptiles. We can offer stays at both Sacha Lodge and La Selva Jungle Lodge to truly experience this incredible area.

Sample itinerary

Day 1 : Arrive Quito and overnight.
Day 2 : Depart Quito and travel through the Avenue of the Volcanoes to Cotopaxi, and then on to Riobamba to overnight.
Day 3 : Depart Riobamba by train to Alausi. Overnight.
Day 4 : Travel to Cuenca and fly back to Quito or Guayaquil and connect with flight to Galapagos. Transfer to Coral Yacht for 3 night naturalist cruise (full board) around the islands.
Day 7 : Fly back to Quito to overnight.
Day 8 : Depart for airport for international flight home.

Tour price

From £1199 per person including touring, cruise and accommodation as stated, domestic flights and guiding. 3 night Amazon side trip from £469.
International flight prices from £594 – please ask for details