If you are looking for a larger-than-life experience, consider exploring Ecuador with us. Despite its small size, Ecuador offers much more than you might ever imagine. The diverse landscape includes the Galapagos Islands; nearly 1400 miles of Pacific coastline, grasslands, and volcanic mountains, and the Amazon Rainforest and jungle. Also considered a multicultural wonder, it is home to many different indigenous and ethnic groups all adding up to one big adventure.
Whatever your choice of travel, Galapagos will be one of the most impressive places you have ever visited. Visiting each island is going across a natural laboratory. Galapagos tortoises can live more than 100 years, finches that use tools to feed themselves, iguanas that adapt to a marine world, snakes, lizards, blue-footed boobies, flamingos of the tropics, and penguins of the cold lands. The way to explore the Galapagos depends on your expectations. People who wish to visit several islands can board a comfortable boat with a capacity of between 16 and 100 passengers. It is an excellent option for those who would like to focus more on natural history. Generally, walks on the trails are short, and there are several options for snorkeling; of course, this option is not the most optimal for people who suffer from seasickness. People also must consider that the itineraries are not flexible since cruises must follow the strict itineraries regulated by the Galapagos National Park.
The second option is to stay in hotels as our program suggests on the populated islands of San Cristobal, Floreana, Isabela, and Santa Cruz. This option is perfect for active people who want greater flexibility in the itineraries without the limit of visit times. It is an option that combines sports such as hiking, snorkeling, and kayaking. In addition, crossings between islands are possible by boat or plane (there are airports in San Cristóbal, Isabela, and Santa Cruz islands). On the other hand, for those who wish to make exclusive diving trips, there are specialized boats for this purpose. Whatever your choice of travel, Galapagos will be one of the most impressive places you have ever visited.
Terrestrial Life
The lowlands and highlands are different ecosystems that also have very different facts that influence their nature. In the cold season, the lowlands turn completely dry, most plants die and most trees (the ones that are adapted to the dramatic change) lose their leaves creating a desert-like landscape. Land Animals in this season are put to the test and again, natural selection makes the most adaptable and lucky to survive. Reptiles have an advantage and most ants use complex strategies to make it through. On the tall islands, the highlands are usually covered by clouds and are often rainy and very humid.
Marine Life
Marine productivity is at its peak in this season, life in the ocean is the richest at this time of the year. The cold waters and the nutrients lifted by the upwelling create opportunities for all species to feed and reproduce. This also encourages Marine Birds to mate, so almost all of them have adapted their reproduction cycles to fit this season. Sea Lions, Sharks, Manta Rays, Fish, and many Marine Invertebrates take the chance to arise in all locations of the archipelago.
Cultural Experience
Head to Pijal, a small village located in the heart of the Andes to visit one of the sustainable projects called Sacha WarmiKuna (women from the mountain). This is a fantastic experience and the local women with the main purpose of supporting their families and encouraging the position of the women in the local society, providing them an alternative side work besides housekeeping, as a new option for an in-come. You will experience an unforgettable cultural encounter, immersing yourself in the true spirit of the South American woman and their skills for textiles and a deep culinary knowledge coming from the past generations. You will be part of the preparation of “Aji”, a local spicy salsa that is part of their identity, you will also share precious time with them and a tasty traditional lunch in which local women have used the fresh products harvested the same day from the surrounding organic fields. Later we will learn more about the weaving process of their textiles. Don’t miss the amazing opportunity to have the chance to give back, by buying handmade scarfs here. Also, you can enjoy a typical Andean cocktail as a welcome, and learn about the history of this place.
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