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Itinerary for Galapagos Island, The Amazon & Easter Island |
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Meals are included in the itinerary as B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner |
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16.04.09
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Australia - Santiago
Melbourne passengers depart Melbourne Airport at 7:00am on Flight QF 408, arriving in Sydney at 8:20am.
Brisbane passengers depart Brisbane l Airport at 6.55am on Flight QF 505, arriving in Sydney at 8.25am
Melbourne & Brisbane
passengers: make their way to the Sydney international airport connect to your next flight
Sydney passengers depart Sydney International Airport
on Lan Chile Flight LA 800, departing at 10:45am and arriving in Santiago de Chile at 12:45pm.
Chile's capital, Santiago, is located in the central valley,
approximately 1800 feet above sea level, framed by the majestic Andean
mountain range and only 120kms from the Pacific Ocean. First
settled in 1541 at the foot of the Santa Lucia Hill, it is now
the fifth largest city in South America and it is set in one of the
most beautiful locations. Although essentially a modern capital, it
still has some beautiful historic colonial buildings dating from the
16th century.
You should ask the hotel for a map of the city and visit the colonial
sector or maybe visit the Pre-Columbian Art Museum, a museum that has a
representative exhibition of objects from Pre-Columbian cultures of
Central America and Andean region
NB: Beginning in the month of March 2006, the "reciprocity
visa fee" for Australian citizens has changed, and comes to US$61.
This amount must be paid at the International Airport IN CASH or
CREDIT CARD (traveller's cheques are not accepted). Upon arrival in
Santiago de Chile, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation: Eurotel el Bosque Hotel
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17.04.09
(B) |
Santiago de Chile - Quito
This morning you will be transferred to the Santiago Airport.
Depart on Lan Peru Flight LP638 at 8.50am, arriving in Lima at 11.35am.
Depart on Lan Peru Flight LP580 at 12.50pm arrive in Quito at 3.05pm
Quito, capital of Ecuador and of Pichincha, the country's most populous
Andean province, is situated 116 miles from the Pacific coast at an
altitude of 9,350 feet, just south of the equator. It has a pleasant
climate that can be described as 'permanent spring'. The city is one of
the oldest in South America and is built in a small basin on the lower
slopes of Cerro Pichincha, a volcano that last erupted in 1666.
Formerly the capital of the ancient kingdom of Quito and for several
decades, prior to its occupation by Spaniards in 1534, it was a second
(northern) capital of the Inca empire.
The city's official name as given by the Spaniards, is Villa de San
Francisco de Quito, with a population of 1.3 million in 1989, is
Ecuador's second largest city. It is the political, administrative and
cultural capital but has lost its primary economic position to Guayaquil
with which it has had a railway link since 1908.
Quito, more than any other South American capital, has preserved its
colonial atmosphere, with squares, fountains, public buildings and
houses built in the typical Spanish or Moorish style. Most attractive
is the main square, Plaza Mayor, with its seventeenth-century cathedral,
government places, municipal hall and other buildings. Quito is well
known for its many small workshops producing native arts and for its
outdoor Indian markets.
On arrival you will be met be our guide and transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation: Grand Mercure Alameda Hotel |
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18.04.09
(B/D)
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Quito - Galapagos Islands
Our guide will meet you at the hotel foyer and transfer you to the airport in Quito. Air ticket from Quito to Baltra.
NOTE:
There is a restriction on your luggage to 20Kg.
A trip to Ecuador is not complete if a visit is not made to the
Galapagos Archipelago, located almost 1,000 kilometres from the
Ecuadorian continental coastline. It is made up of 13 large islands, 17
small ones and 47 rocky islets, which cover an area of 8,000 square
kilometres. The islands were discovered in 1535, by Brother Tomas de Berlanga. As
of 1959 they were declared a National Park and the Charles Darwin
Foundation was organized. In 1973 a law was passed creating the
Province of Galapagos. In 1979 UNESCO declared it a "Natural Heritage
of Humanity". Each year, tourists flock to the islands attracted by the natural
surroundings, and the flora and fauna that are unique in the entire
world. The environment is informal and itineraries are planned so that
two or more visits may be made daily to the islands.
The Galapagos Islands is one of the most spectacular places to visit in
the sub-continent of South America. It is a rare experience, a brief
trip to a paradise that really exists. Its name is derived from the
huge Galapagos tortoises inhabiting the islands. Isolated by 600 miles
from the nearest land mass, indigenous flora and fauna had the uncommon
opportunity to evolve without natural predators. Thus the response of
fear to intruders is virtually non-existent.
One can wander along
island trails, often passing within inches of one particular species
or
another. The islands consist of 13 major islands, dozens of small lava islets,
and reefs dotting about some 3000 square miles of the Pacific. Today,
the human population of approximately 12000 is confined to four major
islands and engaged in farming, fishing, raising cattle, and tourism.
Landings on the Galapagos are tow types: "dry", where the small boats
transporting the tourists from the larger ships to the island anchor
along rustic docks, and "wet" where the boats almost reach the shore
and tourists disembark while still on the water.
M/Y Galaxy is a first class yacht which accommodates 16 passengers in 9
double cabins with lower beds outside windows and private facilities. The boat has a sun deck areas, dining
room, bar-lounge services The air-conditioned rooms
also include DVD facilities and sound systems.
A visit to the Galapagos Islands is perfect for those with sense of
adventure with various treks, wildlife walks, picturesque swimming and
snorkelling spots.
NOTE:
The admission fee to the Galapagos National Park is
not included. It is currently $110 USD per person and payable in cash.
The airport exit tax from Galapagos is also not included. This is $25
USD.
The naturalist guide from your yacht or ship who will guide you on your
journey meets you at the Galapagos airport A short bus ride takes you from the airport to the
dock where your boat and crew await you for the trip of a lifetime.
From the dock, you get a glimpse of what your trip will be like.
Frigate birds soar high above the azure blue bay while blue-footed
boobies dive like shooting arrows from the heights and submerge after
fish below. After arriving aboard your yacht or ship you receive a warm welcome
from the crew and a brief introduction to safety and etiquette aboard
and while ashore on the islands. Don't forget your hat and sunscreen. Today you will visit Bachas Island.
NB:
The itinerary is only a guide and is subject to
change due to unforeseen weather conditions, permits etc. |
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19.04.09
(B/L/D ) |
Galapagos Islands
Floreana Island
Was the first inhabited island and it has an exciting human history. The island is
perceived as one of the most exotic islands of the Archipelago.
Punta Cormorant: The landing is on a beach with green olivine sand. Following a
100m long path you will soon reach a lagoon with flamingos,
white-checked pintail ducks and other shorebirds. The trail goes onto a
white beach made of ground coral, so it looks like fur. This is a nesting area for Green Sea Turtle's.
Post
Office Bay: A large wooden barrel was placed here in the
18th century by a group of British sailors to leave messages; the
barrel has been replace many times. From that time tourist have used it
as a post office. Visitors can check into the barrel, if they find one
letter or post card that they can hand deliver they can take it. This
is a non traditional post office service.
Devil's Crown: This sites is a volcano crater which has been
eroded by the waves. The shallow water provides one of the best places
for snorkelling in the islands, the inside of the crown is a perfect
environment for coral reef and marine life.
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20.04.09
(B/L/D) |
Galapagos Islands
Espanola Island
Espanola is the southernmost island of the archipelago, and being so isolated, a high percentage of its fauna is endemic.
Punta Suarez: This is on a promontory of lava boulders that
protect the sandy bay from rolling wavers. The trail passes a small
beach with sea lions, further along the low cliffs inland Nazca and
blue footed Boobies nest almost right on the trail. The trail
continues toward the cliffs and the blow hole, a fissure in the lava
where water spurts high in the air like a geyser. Further up the hill
is also the only place in the world
where the waved albatross nests. From March to January there are up to
12000 of these fascinating birds with a wingspan of about 2.4m. Along
the cliffs there are spectacular
views of a fantastic blow hole.
Gardiner Bay: Features one of the longest beaches in the
Galapagos, 2 km of white coral sand; this is a good opportunity to
enjoy some beach time. The activities that this place offers to you
are: walking, lie down and relax watching sea lions, curious
mocking birds, swimming and a fantastic opportunity for
snorkelling. |
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21.04.09
(B/L/D) |
Galapagos Islands
San Cristobal Island
This is the eastern most island and one of the oldest
geologically. Eroded volcanic peaks in the northern part of the island
and rich vegetation in the southern portion characterize the island.
This island hosts frigate birds, sea lions, giant turtles, blue and red
footed boobies, tropical birds, marine iguanas, dolphins,
swallow-tailed seagulls. In waters nearby are sharks, rays and
lobsters. Local boat tours also take visitors to two popular
nearby dive sites. "Kicker Rock" (the Spanish name is "Léon
Dormido") represents the remains of a lava cone, now split in two.
Lobos Island: Was one of the first nature areas to be designated as
'protected' by the Parque Natural Las Dunas de Cirralejo e Isla de Lobos
Declaration in 1982. A law passed in 1994 reclassified Lobos and the Cirralejo Dunes as separate
nature parks: Parque Natural Dunas de Cirralejo and Parque Natural Islote de
Lobos. The European Community Commission has now included Lobos in the Spanish areas
of special protection for birds.
Interpretation Centre: Offers visitors the opportunity to learn more about the natural and human history of the islands.
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22.04.09
(B/L/D) |
Galapagos Islands
Santa Fe Island
Santa
Fe's opuntias are the tallest of their type in the archipelago; the
island is covered with arid-zone vegetation and the trail takes to a
place where endemic land iguanas can be seen. The island offers one of
the best places to enjoy the time with the sea lions, most of sea lions
pups born in garua season. Snorkelling is also possible and you might
encounter the
white-tipped reef shark and the spotted eagle ray. In the sandy cove
nearby living sand dollars can be observed. The island itself is quite
dry and on account of this dominated by tall Opuntia cacti, scalesia
and palo santo trees. The Galapagos snake, mockingbirds and the
Galapagos hawk occur here.There is a choice of two trails: A short
loop leads you to a forest of opuntia cactus which is the home to the
Santa Fe island iguana (exists nowhere else on the islands). It varies
from its fellows on the other islands by being bigger and having larger
spines. The other trail takes you through sea lion colonies up to a cliff from
where you can observe various sea birds and Galapagos doves.
Caleta Tortuga Negra: (Black Turtle Cove)
It
stands out as one of Santa Cruz best coastal sites, this is one of the
best sites to see schools of spotted eagle and golden rays, red white
and black mangroves, herons and pelicans are also there. The place is
accessible only by panga.
LANDING IS NOT ALLOWED.
Bachas: It
is a white sand beach where we have the major egg - laying site for sea
turtles. Marine iguanas can be seen on the shore and in the lagoon some
flamingos (occasionally). |
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23.04.09
(B/L/D) |
Galapagos Islands
Genovesa Island
The north-eastern most island in the Galapagos
archipelago or Isla Genovesa or Tower Island is just 14 sq km in
size. A small island with no real tourist visitor sites, this
place is actually one of the best islands to go bird watching for
various sea birds.An outlying island, it is well worth making a trip out
here, as you can see not only large colonies of red-footed boobies, but
nests of frigate birds, swallow-tailed gulls, red-billed tropic birds,
storm petrels and masked boobies as well. Some other birds that have
been spotted here as well include the endemic Galapagos Dove and
short-eared owls.
Darwin Bay: Genovesa is geologicaly young, it is formed by the remaining
edges of a large sunken crater that forms Darwin Bay. Lava gulls will
probably be the first birds you will see and you will be surprised by
sea bird activity around the cliffs (Red Footed Boobies).
El Barranco (Prince Phillip's Step): Usually we referred to as
Prince Philip's Steps or El Barranco, here you will climb to a plateau
that is part of the stretch of land that surrounds Darwin Bay on its
eastern side. You will come across Red Footed Boobies nesting on the
Palo Santo trees, Genovesa supports some 140,000 pairs of red footed
boobies. The trail passes through Palo Santo and Muyuyo trees, you also
will see many Galapagos storm - petrels nesting in holes and flying all
over. Short-eared owls can be seen if you are lucky, they actively hunt
during the day for storm petrels and young red footed boobies.
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24.04.09
(B/L/D) |
Galapagos Islands
Bartolome Island
Bartolome Island is famous for its Pinnacle Rock
that is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the archipelago. You
can climb to the highest point of the island, the main reason to climb
the cone is get up close with the volcanic phenomena packed into this
small island, lava tunnels and lava flows, the view is spectacular.
Galapagos penguins live at the shores of the island; you can also swim
around the Pinnacle Rock and see them.
Sullivan Bay: On the east coast marks the edge of a vast lava flow which was
formed about 100 years ago. It is interested for its evidence of
volcanism; the lava you will see is of the pahoehoe type. Other
important attractive are the Mollugo, a small pioneer plant that grows
in the lava fissures. |
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25.04.09
(B) |
Galapagos Islands - Quito
Santa Cruz Island
Santa Cruz is the second largest island in the Galapagos.
The small town of Puerto Ayora is the economic centre of the
archipelago, with the largest population of the four inhabited islands
(approx 10,000). Santa Cruz is also the only island where six different
zones of vegetation can be seen; Coastal, Arid, Transition, Scalesia,
Miconia and Pampa zones.
The Charles Darwin Research Station and the Galapagos National Park are
based here. It makes a great introduction to see how the programs of
conservation are; here you will find the giant tortoises that give the
name to the archipelago and also the famous Lonesome George, the last
survivor of the Pinta Island. You will also see the Galapagos land
iguanas.
Return to Baltra for your flight back to the mainland.
On arrival you will be met by our guide and transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation: Grand Mercure Alameda Hotel. |
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26.04.09
(B)
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Quito
Half day city tour of Quito and Middle of the World Monument.
Today you will have a guided sightseeing of the Old city. Starting with
Guapulo, La Compania churches and San Francisco Monastery, then
continue to the Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, then to El
Panecillo Hill with the statue of the Virgin Mary where you can
appreciate the view of the entire city. You will then be visiting the
Equatorial Monument for a visit to the Ethnographic Museum and a chance
to stand in the two hemispheres at once, before returning back to your
hotel.
Accommodation: Grand Mecure Alameda Hotel. |
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27.04.09
(B/L/D)
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Quito - Sacha Lodge
NOTE:
There is a restriction on your luggage to 12Kg. You can leave your main luggage at the hotel.
Sacha only handles about 20 guests who arrive twice
weekly. The lodge overlooks Pilchicocha Lake, which was hidden for
millions of years and where there is abundant flora and fauna.
The lodge has double/single rooms with private bathroom, hot water
showers, excellent meals and more importantly, a 14 metre observation
tower. you can choose from activities such as swimming, fishing,
canoeing, and hikes on jungle trails to primary forest and lakes.
Jungle tours are escorted by guides with no more than 6 persons in a
group in order to properly enjoy the rain forest. Expect to see trees
that bleed, medicinal plants, flowers of all kinds, electric blue
butterflies, 500 plus species of birds (a bird list is available),
piranha fish, caiman and, perhaps, monkeys, tapir, jaguar and deer.
Activities are spread out over a wide area and allow visitors to
explore several distinct but equally fascinating habitats. Several
trails lead through pristine Terra firma forest, where 150 foot kapok
trees tower above and roots form huge buttresses to give trees support.
Others follow strategically raised board walks and other favourite
activity of guests is to paddle dugout canoes along tannin-rich black
water creeks and lakes, where luxuriant lianas, bromeliads and palm
trees thrive!
Wildlife: Anyone who has
ever planned to visit the rainforest has at least once asked. "What
animals will I see there?" There is an incredibly high diversity of
species found around Sacha Lodge, and we are sure that you will have
the opportunity to see many fascinating creatures here. However, the
wild is unpredictable and no two visits are ever the same! Monkeys are
seen quite frequently range in size from the tiny pygmy marmoset to the
noisy red howler monkey, and night monkeys can be found in groups as
small as 2 while squirrel monkeys can travel in groups of more than
150. And besides monkeys, there may be as many as 60 other species of
mammals within our reserve (not including up to 50 species of bats)! So
keep your eyes open, and maybe you'll spot an anteater, a 3-toed sloth,
or even an ocelot as you explore their natural habitat.
As the reptiles, be sure take advantage of our night activities to look
for one of Pilchicocha's resident spectacled caimans. Members of the
alligator family, caimans are often seen from canoes out on the lake,
and sometimes the babies even come to hide under our dining room! A
variety of lizards and snakes can also be found along our trails, if
you move quietly and keep your eyes peeled. Several different boas,
vine snakes and even the giant anaconda have been seen during many of
our excursions. There are a few poisonous snakes as well, but not to
worry they try to stay out of peoples' way and no one has ever been
bitten here.
Day 1
Depart Quito's airport at 10.20am for a 30 minute flight over the Andes
Mountains to a bustling oil town called Coca located in the Amazon
Basin. After a quick lunch in Sacha's private house, you will head to
the town docks where you will board Sacha's private canoes for the 2
hour journey down river to the site of Sacha's Lodge. A 30 minute hike
through the rainforest will lead you to lake Pilchicocha. Here you will
be met by native workers who will paddle you across the lake to your
final destination. You will arrive at Sacha Lodge around 2.30pm or
3.00pm.
Suggestions for your first afternoon:
- Swim in Lake Pilchicocha, which is a black water lake home to many
species of fish and animals. A refreshing swim after arriving may be
just what you need after being in the equatorial heat all day.
- Observe some birds from a top the mini tower where you may see
several species of birds common around the lodge. This is also a great
place to watch the sunset.
- Visit the butterfly house with your naturalist guide to see the beautiful colours of many different species of butterflies. |
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28.04.09
(B/L/D)
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Sacha Lodge
Sacha Lodge is located in the heart of the Amazon Basin.
Surrounded by ancient black water lagoons, winding creeks and towering
trees, Sacha would seem the least likely place to find any sign of
human beings, yet visitors here may search for monkeys and tropical
birds where very few have stepped before. A haven for nature lovers,
birdwatchers, scientists and adventure seekers.
The guests are divided into small groups, each of which will be led by
a native guide with expert knowledge of the rainforest's medicinal and
other useful plants, and a bilingual naturalist guide educated in the
biology and ecology of the area. A typical day at Sacha begins at
sunrise or earlier, in order to take advantage of the cool morning
hours when the rainforest's animals are most active.
Possible Day 2
Begin your morning activity between 6.00am and 7.00am and you will be
given a full day/box lunch for your journey. Begin walking on trail
Liana Chica and arrive at the canopy walk, for spectacular views of the
rainforest canopy and the many different species of vibrantly coloured
birds. This is designed to be a self-standing rigid suspension canopy
walk, one of only a few in the world. Located within Sacha's private
reserve, 2 miles from the shores of the Rio Napo and 1 mile from the
lodge, the bird walk gives guests the opportunity to get up close and
personal view of the rainforest canopy. Two of the three towers have
observation decks every 12 meters making them accessible for everyone.
The canopy walkway is 36 metres high and 275 meters long, giving guests
a 'Birds eye view' of all the wonders and beauty of tropical rainforest
has to offer.
After the canopy walk, travel through Liana Grande through terra firma
and igapo forest habitats where native guides will explain many
different species of medicinal plants that have been used in their
culture for hundreds of years. Liana Grande then turns into the trail
Higueron, which will take you through pristine primary forest with huge
Kapok and Fig trees towering hundreds of feet above your head.
Higueron then leads to the Finca where an excellent lunch will be
waiting for you, and you can listen to the soundtrack of the
surrounding species of birds that live around here.
From the Finca, you may choose to take a leisurely hike along the Rio
Nap, or choose a more challenging hike on the trail Leoncillo to try
and spot the elusive dusky titi monkey. Either way the trails will lead
you back to the main board walk for your final hike and canoe ride back
to the lodge.
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29.04.09
(B/L/D)
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Sacha Lodge
Day 3
Leaving the lodge
after breakfast, you begin your hike on trail Lagartococha. This trail
offers you the chance to learn more about the native people and their
relationship with the forest. learn about the trees where native people
believe the spirits of their ancestors live and the mysterious "dwende"
or devil-man of the forest. After arriving at lake Lagartocoha, take a
tranquil canoe ride through a natural swamp, which is the home of
anacondas, caimans and capybaras.
After the canoe ride, a walk on
the other side of Lagatococha may give you the opportunity to spot
capuchin or squirrel monkeys playfully jumping through the trees.
On
your return from the walk or canoe ride, head back to the lodge for a
refreshing dip in the lake, or a nice relaxing nap in your personal
hammock on your private balcony.
After lunch, your native guide
will teach you how to fish for the infamous razor-toothed piranha.
Keep in mind that piranhas will never attack a person and swimming at
the same time is perfectly safe and fun! In the afternoon, you will
begin what many think is the best trail at Sacha, a silent canoe ride
through the flooded Amazonian forest. Along here you have a good chance
of being surrounded by troops of squirrel, capuchin, and howler
monkeys. Keep your eyes peeled for the shy and elusive river otter as
well as the incredibly well camouflaged three-toed cloth!
After
your eye-popping ride through the flooded forest, you will arrive at
Sacha's 135 foot wooden tower built around at ancient Kapok tree. Get
close up views of vibrantly coloured birds through Sacha's powerful
scopes, and watch the sun set with an amazing view of Mount Sumaco, a
volcano and possibly a view of the snow-covered caps of the Andes!
Leaving
the tower just before or after sunset will give you an experience not
soon forgotten. A canoe ride back through the flooded forest at night
will be an awe-inspiring experience. Listen to the symphony of frogs
and insects as you navigate through the narrow flooded forest trail,
keeping your eyes open for caimans. Watch the several species of bats
flying over your heads and listen to the many species of nocturnal
birds making their eerie night-time calls. Finally, after your
mesmerizing canoe trip through the Amazon, you will arrive back at lake
Pilchicocha and the welcoming lights of Sacha lodge. |
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30.04.09
(B)
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Sasha Lodge
In recent years Sacha Lodge has become a favourite destination of both
professional and amateur ornithologists. So far there have been an
incredible 587 different species of birds found here! This is a
staggering number, especially if you consider that approximately 900
species have been registered in the entire continental United States
and Canada. in only 4 or 5 days, it is not uncommon for even the most
casual birder to see over 250 species here. With only minimal effort
you can expect to see dozens of colourful parrots, toucans,
hummingbirds, tanagers, hawks and oropendolas and of course there are
plenty of elusive "LBJ's" (little brown jobs) to keep the avid bird
enthusiasts occupied for days. Our guides will carry telescopes along
to bring your bird watching experience close-up and be sure to keep your
binoculars handy at all times!
Day 4
Sasha is close enough to Yasuni National Park that a
thirty minute motorized canoe ride down the Napo to the Parrot Lick is
well work it. Leaving at 6 in the morning from Sacha and arriving at
the lick around 7.30am will give you plenty of time to get close up
views of the parrots eating the clay to neutralize the acids which they
get from eating their many different types of fruits and leaves.
After the Parrot Lick, take a step back in time and visit a local
Qechua. This visit give you an experience and an appreciation of the
different lifestyle Amazonian people have been living for hundreds of
years. Learn about their customs and their diet as well as their daily
activities. The people from the house are very friendly and welcoming
and are always happy to communicate and participate with their guests.
Arriving back at the lodge around 11am or so gives you plenty of time
to swim or relax before lunch is served. Visit the butterfly house once
again to photograph the beautifully coloured butterflies.
For your afternoon activity, Pantano is the trail to take. Pantano
offers you several different types of rainforest habitats. From
secondary to primary forests as well as flooded forest and swampy
areas. An excellent trail for monkeys and birds in the afternoon, your
naturalist and native guides will intrigue you with their knowledge of
the jungle and its inhabitants as well as provide you with an
everlasting experience and memory of the neotropical rainforest. |
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01.05.09
(B) |
Sasha Lodge - Quito
Day 5
Wake
up is at 6.30am for breakfast and you are scheduled to leave the lodge
at around 7.30am. Go for your final easy walk on the board walk to watch
monkeys one last time before boarding the canoe for your 2 hour ride to
Coca.
Arrive in Coca and be escorted to the airport where all
plane tickets will be in the hands of Sacha employees waiting to help
you board the plane and a final farewell. You are scheduled to arrive
at Quito at approx. 11.50pm. Upon arrival you will be met and
transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation: Grand Mercure Alameda Hotel.
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02.05.09
(B/L) |
Quito - Santiago de Chile
Today you will be visiting one of the most famous markets
in South America; ponchos, wood goods, jewellery and Indians
handicrafts are sold here. This market is centred around 'Poncho
Plaza'. All day long, the whir of cotton candy machines, Andean Pipe
music and Quichua, the native tongue derived from the Incan tongue,
drift across the square. A blinding maze of coloured textiles spills
from the square out across town. As you stroll the streets, you'll find
everything from jumpers to armadillo shell guitars, wall hangings to
ceramic fried eggs. Don't restrict yourself to Poncho Plaza, as you
will probably get better bargains away from the main square.
On the stretch of Jaramillo between Quito and Quiroga, mothers and
infants share the street with geese, puppies, pigeons and cuyes
(guinea pig - popular local food). Down on Quiroga between Jaramillo
and 31de Octubre (in front of the Plaza de Toros), the ponchos and baby
wear are supplanted by potted plants, skinned calf heads and bleating
goat herds. The northern edge of the textile market is bounded by
Calderon, where salesmen extolling the joy of Tupperware stand between
stalls of snakeskin, herbal remedies, and bars of magical soap used to
ward off jealousy.
There may also be the option of visiting on route, the wood carving
centre of San Antonio de Ibarra. In the afternoon you will visit
Cotacachi city, which is famous for leather goods and then return to
Quito.
Please note the best day for the market is Saturday, however prices are
a little higher than Wednesday or Sunday, when the atmosphere is more
relaxed.
Our guide will meet you at the hotel foyer and transfer you to the airport in Quito.
Lan Chile Flight # LA 1447, departing Quito at 9.45pm and arriving in Santiago de Chile at 5.00am the next day.
On departure from Quito, a departure tax of $41 will need to be paid.
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03.05.09
(B)
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Santiago de Chile
On arrival in Santiago de Chile, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
This morning you will be picked up from your hotel for a sightseeing
tour of the city of Santiago and see the Civic Centre, La Moneda
Presidential Palace, the house of government that was originally built
to coin money. In 1846 and until 1958, President Manuel Bulnes had La
Moneda fitted out as the private residence of Chile's presidents. Now
the building has been renovated as government palace, seat of the
Presidency of the Republic. The Plaza de Armas,
originally and following Spanish customs is an open space where open
air markets could be held and it wasn't until 1860 that the first
flower gardens were planted together with trees that are still there to
this day. The Cathedral has three previous versions erected on the same
site, that have all fallen prey to fires or earthquakes. The fourth and
present building was completed in 1775. You will pass the
main Post Office, erected in 1882 using some of the walls from the
former Governor's Palace in colonial times, the pedestrian streets of
Huerfanos and Ahumada, indisputably the social, commercial and
functional axis of Santiago, the prestigious social Union Club, the
National Library, Santa Lucia Hill, the site of the foundation of
Santiago on February 12, 1541 before heading towards the Bellavista
district. This area is the home of much of Santiago's artisans, and is
lined with galleries, as well open-air cafes and restaurants, and
night-life. You will go to a lookout on San Cristobal Hill, its tallest
peaks rising 880m above sea level for a panoramic view of the city.
Continue towards the residential districts of Vitacura, La Condes and
Providencia, boasting modern high rise building and exclusive shopping
malls. On completion of the tour, you will have the choice of staying
at exclusive Parque Arauco shopping centre.
Accommodation: Eurotel El Bosque Hotel.
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04.05.09
(B) |
Santiago de Chile
Today you will visit one of the most well known vineyards
in Chile. Concha y Toro, located in the Maipo River Canyon, is planted
with grapevines of the noblest French grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon,
Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Pinot Noir and others. This
vineyard was founded din 1833 but today uses the most modern technology
in cooling equipments, stainless steel tanks, filters and oak casks
which has helped it produce exceptional wines such as the Don Melchor
Cavernet Sauvignon and Casillero del Diablo.
Accommodation: Eurotel el Bosque Hotel. |
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05.05.09
(B)
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Santiago de Chile - Easter Island
Depart
Santiago at 8:10am on Lan Chile Flight LA 841, arriving in Easter
Island at 11:50am.
Easter Island is one of the most isolated islands in
the world. 1200
years ago a double-hulled canoe filled with seafarers from a
distant culture landed upon its shores. Over the centuries that
followed a remarkable society developed in isolation on the island. For
reasons still unknown they began carving giant statues out of volcanic
rock. These monuments known as 'Moai' are some of the most incredible
ancient relics ever discovered. The people of Easter Island call
themselves Rapa Nui. Where did they come from and why did they
disappear? Science has learnt much about the enigma of Easter Island
and has put to rest some of the more bizarre theories, but questions
and controversies remain.
Easter Island is located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, 3760
kilometres from the West Coast of Mainland Chile. Its area is about 189
square kilometres, being about 24km long by 12 kms wide.
Upon arrival to the Mataveri airport you will be met and transferred to
your hotel. At 3pm in the afternoon you will do a half-day tour visiting
the north coast, the Te Pora and Kakenga caves, Ahu Tepe'u and Terevaka
volcano. Return to the hotel at 6:30pm. (This tour can only be done if arrival time permits.) |
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06.05.09
(B)
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Easter Island - Papeete
This morning you will be met at your hotel at 9:30am, for
a full day tour to visit the south coast of the Island Vaihu,
Ankahanga, Tongariki Temples, Rano Raraku quarry, Te Pity Kura, Nau Nau
Temples and Anekena beach. Return to the hotel at 5pm.
Transfer from
the hotel to Mataveri airport for your flight onwards.
Depart Easter Island at 10:25pm on Lan Chile Flight LA 833, arriving in Papeete at 11:20pm.
Tahiti, often called The Island of Love, is the largest of the 115
islands and atolls that comprise French Polynesia. The 1,042 sq. km.
(402 sq miles) of Tahiti's surface area consist of mountain peaks
reaching over dense rainforests of soft ferns, waterfalls cascade into
cool rivers and streams as well as flat coastal areas containing fields
of taro and tropical flowers. The beaches on the island of Tahiti vary,
you will find black sand beaches on the north east coast and white sand
beaches on the south west side of the island. Most of the hotel resorts
can be found on the west coast side of the island of Tahiti.
Papeete, the bustling capital of Tahiti and her islands, contains the
government offices, police headquarters, hospital clinics, banks,
airline and travel agencies, boutiques and black pearl shops. Papeete
is a modern city that hums with happy voices as the daily drama unfolds.
On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel Le Mandarin. |
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07.05.09
(B)
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Papeete
Day at leisure.
Accommodation: Hotel Le Mandarin. |
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08.05.09
(B)
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Papeete - Sydney
You will be met and transferred to the airport for your flight to Sydney.
Depart Papeete at 2:15am on Air Tahiti Nui Flight TN 011, arriving in Sydney at 7:05am. (09.05.09) |
| 09.05.09 |
Sydney - Melbourne/Brisbane
Melbourne passengers depart Sydney at 9:30am on Qantas Flight QF 421, arriving in Melbourne at 11:00am.
Brisbane passengers depart Sydney at 10:00am on Qantas Flight QF 516, arriving in Brisbane at 11:35am. |
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Note:
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Airport taxes and levies at present total an additional
amount of approximately $795. We have no control of this price and it
is subject to change. |