Authentic, healthy and sustainable travel experiences for the discerning traveller
Home page Destinations Experiences Expert Guides Reviews Offers Become a friend About Us

Galapagos and Cloud Forest Adventure

South America : Ecuador

Tour name: Galapagos and Cloud Forest Adventure

Explore Ecuador - Santa Lucia cloud forest reserve, cruise through the Galapagos islands and admire volcano Chimborazo

Duration: 14 Days      Grading: MODERATE      Max Group Size: 12      Type: SMALL GROUP      Prices from: £3250

Add to Favourites Prices and Enquiries

Tour Summary:

Tour name: Galapagos and Cloud Forest Adventure

Prices from: £3250

Duration: 14 Days

Kind points from: 243

N&K Reference: NKT0002395
(Type this into the "Jump to" form at www.NatureAndKind.com to find this tour again)


Type: SMALL GROUP

Grading: MODERATE

Suitable for: OVER 50s, FAMILIES, SMALL GROUPS, SOLO TRAVELLERS, Couples

Experiences: ACTIVE, WILDLIFE

Environments: FORESTS, ISLAND, MOUNTAIN, WILDERNESS

Activities: Galapagos, ACTIVE - Multi-Activity

Max Group Size: 12

Add to favourites   Email this page
In order to use the Send to a Friend facility you must be logged in. Please either log in above, or register if you are not already a friend of Nature & Kind.

Tour Overview

South America is an assault on the senses, with landscapes, cultures, food and drink to blow you away around every corner. This adventure will give you a taste of all of the above, it will challenge your body and mind, but with that extra bit of comfort and luxury you expect from such a memorable holiday – be inspired!

Food & drink
Included in the cost of the trip are meals in some fantastic restaurants, sampling some of the best food South America has to offer. While we will cover drinks during meals, we may ask you to chip in if it turns out to be a particularly thirsty night... Also, there will be a couple of occasions while in towns, when the group will be free to explore and as such we will leave lunches to your own discretion. This will be only 2 or 3 occasions though.

Accommodation
We have carefully picked some real characterful hotels whenever we are in towns and cities, with all the comforts you would normally expect, but not in the cold characterless style of a high rise hotel block. Of course, while on the Inca Trail, we have 2 person tents, but again will make this as comfortable as realistically possible.

Preparation
Once you have booked onto the trip, we will be with you every step of the way in the build up for departure, helping to sort flights, insurance, providing recommendations on kit, anything you should need.

Travelling alone?
Not a problem. Our price is based on two people sharing, and if you are joining this trip on your own, you will be sharing a room or a tent with someone of the same sex. If you would prefer to have your own room and tent, you can pay our single supplement of £200.

Location

Continent or Region: South America

Country or State/County: Ecuador


SIGHTS
- Ecuador: Quito, the equator, the Santa Lucia cloud forest reserve, cruising through the Galapagos islands, volcano Chimborazo.

WEATHER
October is the end of the dry season, so the weather should still be stable and dry on the whole. As we are travelling from jungles to mountains to islands though, you should be prepared for a whole range of temperatures.

Activities

- trekking
- bird watching
- volleyball with the locals
- snorkeling,
- sunbathing
- enjoying good food and wine
- visiting project sites
- horse trekking,
- glacial walks

Guiding and support

Leaders - The opportunity to lead a parents expedition is a real privilege for our leaders, so as a result you will be accompanied by only our best and most experienced staff. We have always said that it’s our leader which bring the trip to life for you – and you will not be disappointed here!
Reviews

No reviews available yet...

Tour Highlights

- Introduce yourself to South America in Quito, a world heritage site
- Stretch your legs in the magnificent cloud forest, while trekking to our conservation project in Santa Lucia
- Spend an unforgettable 5 days swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing and island hopping through the Galapagos
- Give yourself the ultimate finale, staying in a beautifully refurbished Inca construction at the base of the mighty volcano Chimborazo!

Bored of hearing all those wonderful anecdotes from your friends? Green with envy after yet another set of mind blowing photos from their latest travels? Here’s your chance to experience it all for yourself, but with that little extra bit of luxury. This is an active adventure, trekking through the forests and mountains of Ecuador, but always coming back to some pretty special accommodation at the end of each day. Of course, let’s not forget about the Galapagos Islands – pretty damn special!

Team size: 6-12 people
For: All ages
Duration: Two weeks

Itinerary

Days 1-2 | Departure from London to Quito

Departing early from London, we have a long flight to Ecuador’s capital, Quito. Fortunately, our hotel is only a short drive from the airport, and the magical rooms awaiting us in Café Cultura are sure to take our minds off the jetlag. After a well earned sleep, we make our way out the next day into the colonial centre of Quito, a labyrinth of sumptuously decorated churches and squares, all combined with the modern day colour of the Ecuadorian people.

Days 1-2 | Departure from London to Quito on Galapagos and Cloud Forest Adventure at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Days 3-5 | Santa Lucia cloud forest reserve

A one hour drive from Quito takes us to “Mitad del Mundo”, the middle of the world – well we couldn’t come all this way without visiting the equator?! Moving on, we cross a mountain pass and start our descent into the cloud forest. With every turn our vehicle takes, the vegetation gets thicker, as does the humidity. Our first night we have it easy, the vehicles take us straight to the door of the Maquipucuna lodge, but don’t get too used to that... After a morning chorus of birds, frogs and cicadas, we have a 2 hour trek up to the Santa Lucia lodge – the view will make all that exertion worth it! For those of us with some strength left, our last day in the cloud forest will start with a trek to an andean cock of the rock lek – a quite unique experience. Then it’s back for breakfast and a downhill walk back to our vehicles via a pretty special waterfall. Arriving in Quito, you won’t believe it has only been 2 days since we left.

Days 3-5 | Santa Lucia cloud forest reserve on Galapagos and Cloud Forest Adventure at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Days 6-10 | Cruising through the Galapagos islands

Flying from Quito to Guayaquil on the Ecuadorian coast, then 600 miles out to sea, we are met by our crew which will be looking after us on our Galapagos experience. Travelling on a small motor yacht (maximum 16 people), we really will enjoy a personalised service and will feel as if we have these islands to ourselves. Travelling to a different island each day, and taking time to swim, snorkel and sleep in between, our expert guides will bring this place to life for us and explain just why it was and continues to be such a defining habitat for the entire living world – and your kids haven’t been here!

Days 6-10 | Cruising through the Galapagos islands on Galapagos and Cloud Forest Adventure at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Days 11-13 | Volcano Cotopaxi

Chimborazo is in fact one of the highest mountain on the planet, if we measure the distance from the centre of the earth... Either way, it is quite a sight to behold, particularly from the base. Sleeping in the Inca house of San Agustin, we will enjoy the magnificent national park surrounding it – horse trekking, glacier walking, and maybe time for a couple of drinks in the lounge!

Days 11-13 | Volcano Cotopaxi on Galapagos and Cloud Forest Adventure at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Day 13 | Quito, our farewell party

Anyone who has been on a Quest Overseas Expedition will tell you that the last night party is one of the highlights, we’re not going to make any exceptions to this. A last tour of the markets in town to pick up some gifts and souvenirs, and it’s time to start sampling the local delights – Pisco Sour anyone?!

Day 13 | Quito, our farewell party on Galapagos and Cloud Forest Adventure at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Day 14

Time to make our way back home, it had to happen sooner or later...

Day 14 on Galapagos and Cloud Forest Adventure at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)
From To Description Num Days Price Booking
03-Nov-2009 31-Dec-2012 From £3,250 pp

Includes all accommodation, food (except a couple of lunches), activities, permits, transport, your Quest leader and a £200 donation to Quest4Change. Excludes international flights and travel insurance.

Departure Dates

May and November

Please enquire for scheduled departure dates and availability
Tuesday 4th – Tuesday 18th May 2010
14 £3250.00
what's included?

Kind Points:731
Prices and Enquiries
Included in the price:
  • Accommodation
  • Activities
  • All meals and activities
  • Guide/ Tour leader
  • Internal flights
  • Transportation
NOT included in the price:
  • Insurance
  • International flights

Accepted Payment Types

• Visa

Nature & Kind Factor

Our Trusted Partner's Responsible and Sustainable Travel Policy

With our charity Quest4Change, we work to alleviate poverty and protect endangered environments. Over the last 13 years we have raised over £1.2million. 100% of this has been used to support worthwhile, sustainable projects in Africa and South America.


Add to Favourites

Prices and Enquiries

About our Trusted Partner

Quest Overseas runs worthwhile projects and challenging expeditions for teams of students in South America and Africa. Our long term partnerships with our local projects means that we have been able to put together some unique and inspiring shorter trips for "grown up gappers", combining visits to our project sites with some pretty spectacular adventures nearby.

Galapagos Islands : Galapagos and Cloud Forest Adventure at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Galapagos Islands
Galapagos Islands : Galapagos and Cloud Forest Adventure at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Virgin Jungle : Galapagos and Cloud Forest Adventure at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Virgin Jungle
Virgin Jungle : Galapagos and Cloud Forest Adventure at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

A View from Window of the Eco Lodge : Galapagos and Cloud Forest Adventure at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

A View from Window of the Eco Lodge
A View from Window of the Eco Lodge : Galapagos and Cloud Forest Adventure at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Amazing Galapagos Landscape : Galapagos and Cloud Forest Adventure at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Amazing Galapagos Landscape
Amazing Galapagos Landscape : Galapagos and Cloud Forest Adventure at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Cloud Forest - Wildlife's Paradise : Galapagos and Cloud Forest Adventure at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Cloud Forest - Wildlife's Paradise
Cloud Forest - Wildlife's Paradise : Galapagos and Cloud Forest Adventure at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Santa Lucia Cloud Forest : Galapagos and Cloud Forest Adventure at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Santa Lucia Cloud Forest
Santa Lucia Cloud Forest : Galapagos and Cloud Forest Adventure at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

The View from Above the Clouds : Galapagos and Cloud Forest Adventure at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

The View from Above the Clouds
The View from Above the Clouds : Galapagos and Cloud Forest Adventure at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Santa Lucia Lodge : Galapagos and Cloud Forest Adventure at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Santa Lucia Lodge
Santa Lucia Lodge : Galapagos and Cloud Forest Adventure at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Accommodation in Quito : Galapagos and Cloud Forest Adventure at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Accommodation in Quito
Accommodation in Quito : Galapagos and Cloud Forest Adventure at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Amazing Landscape of South America : Galapagos and Cloud Forest Adventure at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Amazing Landscape of South America
Amazing Landscape of South America : Galapagos and Cloud Forest Adventure at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Sun Setting Over the Jungle : Galapagos and Cloud Forest Adventure at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Sun Setting Over the Jungle
Sun Setting Over the Jungle : Galapagos and Cloud Forest Adventure at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Sunset : Galapagos and Cloud Forest Adventure at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

Sunset
Sunset : Galapagos and Cloud Forest Adventure at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)

The Perfect Gift for all occasions!

  • Redeemable against any N&K experience
  • £25, £50, £100 & £500 denominations
  • An ideal wedding gift!

Contact Nature & Kind

Tel: +44 (0)845 299 7776
Mon - Fri, 9am - 5pm (UK time)

Email Help Desk

facebook

Tour Summary:

Tour name: Galapagos and Cloud Forest Adventure

Prices from: £3250

Duration: 14 Days

Kind points from: 243

N&K Reference: NKT0002395
(Type this into the "Jump to" form at www.NatureAndKind.com to find this tour again)


Type: SMALL GROUP

Grading: MODERATE

Suitable for: OVER 50s, FAMILIES, SMALL GROUPS, SOLO TRAVELLERS, Couples

Experiences: ACTIVE, WILDLIFE

Environments: FORESTS, ISLAND, MOUNTAIN, WILDERNESS

Activities: Galapagos, ACTIVE - Multi-Activity

Max Group Size: 12

Add to favourites   Email this page
In order to use the Send to a Friend facility you must be logged in. Please either log in above, or register if you are not already a friend of Nature & Kind.
Eco Lodges (1) »
HOMESTAY / B&B (1) »
HOTEL / RESORT (2) »
Jungle & Rainforest Lodges (1) »
Lodges (1) »
SMALL GROUP (4) »
TAILOR-MADE (6) »
Scotland

Alladale Culinary Holidays
Antarctica

Classic Antarctica Cruise - Clipper Adventurer
Scotland

Wilderness and Wildlife Experience 2009

more »
Our Trusted Partners:

We Proudly Support: