Cormorants to Condors: Ecuador Family Adventure
Destination
Ecuador & Galapagos
Travel Period
January-December
Duration
14 days | 13 nights
- 1 800 414 3090
- info@africansafarico.com
The capital of Ecuador sits just 26 km (16 mi) south of the equator. This well preserved city sprawls out from its historic city center, Plaza de San Francisco, which consists of over 120 historic buildings, including European style homes, ornate churches, and palaces once built for wealthy cacao landowners and former heads of state. The city was built on the ruins of an Inca city and declared a World Heritage site in 1978. Visitors can walk the cobblestone streets and local markets, and visit the privately owned archeology museum of Alabado. From the top of Panecillo Street, a 200 meter (655 ft) hill, visitors can take in sprawling views over the city with resident volcanoes Cotapaxi and Pinchinca forming a dramatic backdrop.
The Hotel Patio Andaluz is an elegant boutique hotel located just 150 meters (490 feet) from the Plaza Grande, offering a unique setting within the colonial center of Quito, the first city to be declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1978. Located in a 16th century colonial-style house, the Hotel Patio Andaluz, with its large arches and interior patios, is only a 7-minute walk from the renowned church and Plaza de San Francisco; 5 minutes from the famous church de la Compañía with its impressive interior bathed in gold leaf; 6 minutes from the Sucre Theater, the scene of many important events; and nearby to many other places of great interest in Colonial Quito such as museums, churches and other historical sites.
Known as the “Enchanted Isles,” the Galápagos Islands are an archipelago of 19 isolated volcanic islands off the coast of Ecuador and are considered a museum of marine evolution. Each island has its own distinct and unique ecosystem, with its own iconic resident species: from the lava fields of Fernandina with its primordial marine iguanas to the white sand beaches of Espanola with its playful sea lions to the flamboyant flamingos of Floriana and the dancing blue footed boobies of North Seymour.
Charles Darwin was inspired by the giant tortoises and finches to conceive his groundbreaking theories of natural selection and survival of the fittest. Although the most famous giant tortoise, Lonesome George, is no longer alive, having lived to be 102 and the last of his species, there are many tortoises that can still be found roaming the verdant hillsides of Santa Cruz and Isabela. The snorkeling sites present a unique opportunity to swim with colorful fish alongside penguins, turtles, and rays under a backdrop of cacti, lava fields, and Palo Santo forests.
Because of the evolutionary processes that can literally be seen in motion here, the trails and sites are heavily controlled by the Galapagos Parks Board – and rightly so.
Explore the best of Galapagos from the Angermeyer Waterfront Inn and discover the enchantment of the islands with comfort, privacy, and splendid amenities. Let all your worries disappear beyond the blue ocean and begin an exciting adventure of clear waters, breathtaking sunsets, and glorious beaches, enjoy the town from spacious rooms and signature suites, designed to provide guests with natural light and soft tones to create a clean aesthetic. The welcoming spaces are perfect to appreciate the moments you share with friends and family when you travel, a place to truly rest after a day of exploration.
Standard Rooms
All standard rooms have their own balcony or terrace, a perfect space to read, relax, or rest after a day discovering the islands. Enjoy your own private unwinding space and feel in contact with nature. Rooms are available for single, double, triple, and quadruple accommodation.
Superior Rooms
The superior rooms offer direct ocean and garden views, with amazing balconies facing the waterfront. Wake up every morning with the sounds of the ocean and enjoy Galapagos from these wonderful rooms, furnished to provide you with a privileged point of view to rejoice with the awe-inspiring scenery. Rooms are available as single, double, or triple options.
Suites
In these one of a kind suites you can enjoy balconies with direct ocean views, all comfortably furnished with a cozy space for taking in the beauty of the waterfront at Puerto Ayora. Relax and unwind surrounded by majestic sceneries in a suite designed to meet all your needs. Suites can be accommodated as single, double, or triple.
The famous bustling outdoor market of Plaza de Ponchos is where local artisans and farmers sell colorful alpaca wool textiles and clothing, jewelry, art, wood, stone and leather handicrafts, exotic fruit, produce, and even livestock. Here, true “Otovalenos” come dressed in handmade outfits of embroidered blouses, fedoras, and gold and red jewelry that distinguish their tribe. Many still speak their native language of Quichua and maintain strong traditions, folklore, and tribal identity.
Step away from the marketplace and hike to the beautiful Peguche waterfalls, walk along shimmering crater lakes or find your way to Lago San Pablo nestled at the base of Imbabura Volcano for an enjoyable day.
Welcome to the stunning 17th century hotel and working-farm of former Ecuador President Galo Plaza Lasso and his family. Created with his natural warmth, hospitality and community ties, Hacienda Zuleta is blessed with beautiful antique rooms, delicious home-grown Andean cuisine and a wealth of activities to choose from. With delightful surprises around every corner and bursting with Ecuadorean colonial charm, you could spend your whole holiday just exploring the main house and grounds.
The hacienda has 21 unique, beautifully appointed rooms, each with its own fireplace and queen-sized, king-sized, or twin beds. Relax in cozy antique salons, wander through blossoming gardens and plazas, or read one of the hundreds of books in the President’s Library.
As well as a beautiful hotel, the Hacienda retains its roots as a working farm, producing 6,000 liters of milk a day, wheat, barley, cheese in 14 varieties, cream, trout, wool, mutton, horses, wood, and even compost from the earthworm farm.
Hacienda Junior Suite
The seven junior suites have a king-size bed, a desk, two chairs, two sofa corners, a fireplace, a cupboard, and two luggage racks. Little touches, like plump anti-allergic bedding, embroidered linen, fresh roses, and hot water bottles, add to the charm. Wifi is available throughout most of the Hacienda along with satellite television, movies, and games in one of the living rooms.
Hacienda Deluxe Room
The eleven deluxe rooms feature a king- or queen-size bed, a desk, two chairs, a cupboard, a fireplace, and two luggage racks. Little touches, like plump anti-allergic bedding, embroidered linen, fresh roses, and hot water bottles, add to the charm. Wifi is available throughout most of the Hacienda along with satellite television, movies, and games in one of the living rooms.
Standard Room
The three standard rooms feature a queen-size bed, a desk, two chairs, a fireplace, a cupboard, and a luggage rack. Little touches, like plump anti-allergic bedding, embroidered linen, fresh roses, and hot water bottles, add to the charm. Wifi is available throughout most of the Hacienda along with satellite television, movies, and games in one of the living rooms.
Visit mountain lakes and vistas on the Hacienda’s own breed of horses, find hidden trails with centuries of history by foot or bike, see and learn about endangered species at the Condor Huasi facilities or take up a cookery or local embroidery class – all this and more is on offer to you at Hacienda Zuleta!
Experience the warmest of welcomes when you visit Wyndham Quito Airport hotel. It has a prime location at the Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO), as well as extensive meeting space for exemplary business conferences and flawless special events. Embrace the spirit of the Ecuadorian capital, with the hotel as a supremely comfortable and convenient home base, and spend your days exploring Quito’s many fascinating museums and breathtaking sites.
Each of the 150 non-smoking guest rooms is well-appointed with everyday necessities, including free high-speed wifi, 51-inch flat-screen TV, digital safe, and special extras such as an iPod docking station, ergonomic work space, and digital safe.
Everything about the Ecuadorian Amazon is awe-inspiring. Rivers so wide you can barely see the other side; supersized kapok trees and electric blue morph butterflies; tiny insects that roar and gentle giants who only venture out at night. Each acre of these forests along the banks of the Napo River has more biodiversity than almost the whole of North America, yet the thrill of spotting tamarind monkeys, giant otters, toucans, boa constrictors, caimans or owls never diminishes. Here, dark water creeks are the canals that lead you further away from civilization and deeper into the wild.
The astounding biodiversity of Sacha Lodge provides the opportunity to encounter those strange and exotic creatures prowling through your dreams. An incredible 600 species of birds and 50 of bats, tiny pigmy marmosets and giant otters call the reserve home, a space six times the size of New York’s Central Park.
Creatures of all shapes and sizes live happily around the lodge – look out for Lucy the Caiman on her morning patrol and the families of monkeys chattering by the rooms. We never leave food to attract animals. The Lodge has been in place for over two decades and we have protected against hunting to such an extent that the creatures have no need to fear humans.
Leave city life behind and escape to this eco-community for a life-altering experience you will cherish. Spanning nearly 2.5 million acres of lush Amazonian rainforest, Ecuador’s Yasuní National Park is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This is a mesmerizing place unlike any other! Napo Wildlife Center Ecolodge is the only one of its kind, located within the vibrant heart of one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on our planet.
The luxurious Napo Wildlife Center is nestled on a small ridge at the edge of a great jungle lake surrounded by the beautiful Amazon rainforest.
A central tower rises above it all to offer you magical panoramic views. This is only one of many observation platforms and common areas designed for guests’ recreational use.
Resting areas with comfortable seating options are made complete by splendid views of the surrounding landscape. The restaurant and bar are fully equipped to offer local and international cuisine as well as delicious and refreshing cocktails. A handmade souvenir from the boutique can be an emblem of your unforgettable vacation.
Standard Cabins and Suites
Cabins are built on the banks of the lake, which allows for spectacular views of the landscape. There are 12 standard cabins, and 8 suites. With a romantic jacuzzi in your ensuite bathroom and a panoramic glass floor in the living room, 4 of the boutique suites are ideal for couples and honeymooners. The other 4 connecting suites are ideal for families.
Typical jungle animals you can seek out while walking one of the many trails include birds such as hoatzins, macaws, toucans, parakeets, and parrots; turtles, anacondas, and other reptiles; many insects and amphibians; mammals such as monkeys, tapirs, ocelots, and so much more! Explore the black waters of the Añangu Lake and creeks on board a paddle-canoe or kayak. Motorized boats are also available to navigate the Napo River. In the Amazon jungle, you can discover hundreds of different aquatic animals such as fish, caimans, turtles, giant otters, and other exotic creatures.
Learn about the Kichwa Anangu community traditions and culture of the Napo Wildlife Center hosts. Women of the community will welcome you with typical dances, rituals, handcrafts food and drinks.
Let our Africa and Latin America travel experts start putting together the perfect itinerary for your next big adventure! Call or email us to schedule a meeting to discuss your dream safari or tour.
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