2014
Ecuador
AMAZON, HIGHLANDS & GALAPAGOS
At A Glance:
February 16 - March 3, 2014
A Calgary Zoo “Zoofari”
Nazca boobies in the Galapagos (T. Corrie)
Trish Lund (seen here with her husband, Malcolm) is an avid
student of the world’s natural history. She has many years of
experience as a naturalist and world traveler. Her journeys have
taken her to all seven of the world’s continents. Some of her
favourite wildlife memories include visiting the Pantanal area of
Brazil, seeing polar bears in Spitsbergen as well as Churchill,
enjoying penguins in Antarctica, being eye to eye with puffins
in Iceland, cruising the Galapagos Islands, viewing tigers in
India, bird watching in Panama, having a lemur sit on her head
in Madagascar ... she has too many great memories of being on
safari in Africa to list here. Recent adventures have included Midway Atoll and the rainforests
of Borneo.
Trish has hosted many Zoofaris over the years, assisted by Malcolm who loves to share his
knowledge of photography with fellow travellers. In 2013 she hosts a Zoofari to Tanzania,
Kenya & Rwanda. Trish spreads her enthusiasm for all things wild as the Senior Manager
of Education with the Calgary Zoo. For over 13 years she has inspired a wide variety of
audiences and encouraged people to explore the natural world.
“Trish & (her husband) Malcolm were great - They really made
our trip an experience of a lifetime”.
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J & VM, Kenya & Tanzania Zoofari, Sept. 2011
CIVILIZED ADVENTURES
1220 10th Avenue SE, Calgary, AB, T2G 0W7
T: (403) 205-4120 | 1-800-688-1804 (outside Calgary) | Fax: (403) 205-4121
[email protected] | www.civilizedadv.com
•• 15 nights in Ecuador
•• Start in Quito on Feb. 16
•• End in Quito on Mar. 3
Features:
•• Professional guides throughout
including a specialist naturalist guide in
the Galapagos and a team of guides in
the Amazon, one of whom will be a native
guide
•• Extra time in the highlands allows for
market visits, hikes and relaxation
•• Specially chosen accommodations that
include a boutique property in Quito and a
historic hacienda in Otavalo
Highlights:
•• Private touring including historic Quito
•• Stand on the Equator!
•• 5 night cruise on a first-class yacht that
will be exclusive to our group with at least
13 guests
•• Explore the Amazon - world’s greatest
rainforest - and learn many of its secrets
•• Enjoy great photo opportunities at the
colourful highland market at Otavalo
•• Activities include exploring the rainforest
on foot and by canoe and viewing it from
the canopy walkway; walking in the
highlands; snorkelling with sea lions
and trail walks on various islands in the
remote Galapagos Islands.
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Detailed Itinerary - ECUADOR
Feb. 16, 17 & 18 - QUITO (3 nts, 2B, 2L,
2D) . On arrival in Ecuador’s capital city, you’ll
be met by our representative and transferred
to our hotel where you’ll settle in for a 3 night
stay. Our 10-room hotel was built in 1936 as
a private residence. Now a boutique property
in a residential area, it offers a quiet stay in a
location with access to shops, restaurants and
various sites.
Feb. 17: We hope you’ll take the morning to
relax and recharge. After lunch (on your own
account as you may choose to linger over a
brunch instead), we meet our guide and drive
out of the city to visit the “Middle of the World”
monument. You can stand with a foot in each
hemisphere and we’ll visit the interesting
museum. Later tonight we’ll enjoy our official
“welcome dinner”.
Feb. 18: By mid-morning we leave the hotel
with our guide to explore Quito, concentrating
on the historic colonial sector. This area
is responsible for Quito being listed as a
UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you’ll see
many examples of architecture that date back
to the days of the Spanish rulers. We’ll walk
down La Ronda street, considered the oldest
in the city and lined with various workshops
and fashion stores. At San Agustin convent
we’ll stop for a short visit of the Chapter Hall,
where Ecuador’s Declaration of Independence
was signed in 1809. Nearby is Independence
Square and La Compañia church, considered
the best example of baroque architecture in
the country. We end our exploration with a visit
to the new museum Casa del Alabado which
has more than 5,000 archaeological pieces
from most of the communities living in Ecuador
prior to the arrival of the Spanish. We’ll stop
for lunch during the day, and tonight we enjoy
dinner at a local restaurant.
Feb. 19, 20 & 21 - AMAZON (3 nts, 3B, 3L,
3D). On Feb. 19 our driver will transfer us to
Quito’s airport (newly opened in Feb. 2013)
and the trip to the Amazon begins. This is an
adventure in itself, beginning with a 40-minute
flight over the volcanic peaks of the Andes.
You’ll soon be aware of the vastness of
Amazonia. We land in Coca, a town that still
has a frontier feel to it. At the nearby pier on
the Napo River, one of the Amazon’s major
tributaries, we board our covered motorized
boat. Watch the banks for a variety of birds
and monkeys, and for locals who still use the
river as their main “road”, as we travel toward
our lodge.
After about 2 hours we pull in at the lodge’s pier
and enter a 5000-acre private reserve. A short
walk along a raised boardwalk, where giant blue
morpho butterflies, blue and yellow macaws and
squirrel monkeys are regularly seen, takes us
to Pilchicocha Lake. Dugout canoes take us
across the lake to the lodge which is designed
to disappear into its lush surroundings. Each
double cabin has a high thatched roof that
provides shade and covers a private terrace
overlooking the forest. Rooms have screened
windows, ceiling fan, and bathrooms with
hot water showers. Linked to the cabins by a
raised boardwalk, the central building has a bar,
lounge, and an observation deck on the top floor.
Your Amazon experience: you can be as
active as you choose. We’ll split up into even
smaller groups, and on most outings each
group will be accompanied by two guides, one
of whom is a native with the kind of knowledge
of the forest you only have if you’re born and
raised here.
Guided walks depart in the early morning and
late afternoon when it’s cooler and the forest is
more active. In between you can relax, swim
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Experience the Amazon
CIVILIZED ADVENTURES
1220 10th Avenue SE, Calgary, AB, T2G 0W7
T: (403) 205-4120 | 1-800-688-1804 (outside Calgary) | Fax: (403) 205-4121
[email protected] | www.civilizedadv.com
in the lake, and enjoy a hearty lunch. Evening
activities include guided night walks or canoe
trips on the lake in search of caiman.
A special attraction is the network of 40-meter
high observation towers that climb into the
epiphyte-laden branches of selected kapok
trees. The towers are connected by a 275m long
suspension style walkway. Or, you can climb
to the sturdy 43-meter high kapok tower, which
was built around a solid kapok tree. This is a
great vantage point, especially for keen birders
who will want to be here first thing in the morning
if possible. From either, you can see flora and
fauna not visible from the ground. You also may
wish to visit the Butterfly House, where a variety
of colourful species are raised.
What to watch for: 8 species of monkey,
anteaters, 3-toed sloth, caiman, lizards, and
some 587 species of birds (parrots, toucans,
hummingbirds, hawks, etc.). If weather permits,
we recommend a visit to the parrot lick - a clay
cliff where a variety of colourful parrots can be
seen. Since parrots won’t show if it rains, this
option is left for you to confirm locally.
Feb. 22, 23 & 24 - OTAVALO (3 nts,3B,
3L, 3D). We return to Quito and continue into
the Andean highlands. Just south of Otavalo,
we pull into a restored, 17th-century Andean
estate; this hacienda will be our base for three
nights. Each room is unique and antiques
and Andean crafts provide colourful accents
throughout the complex. Please remember,
this is an authentic, historic hacienda, and
while restored, you may find it a bit chilly at
night as it does not have central heating in all
areas and you’ll be at about 8,500 ft.
Feb. 23 & 24: We’ll spend these days
exploring the area, including visits to the main
Otavalo market. Otavalo is an Andean town
at the centre of a group of Indian villages with
strong textile traditions dating back many
centuries. We’ll customize our touring to fit in
with the group’s wishes as much as possible,
perhaps visiting Cotacachi, a town famous for
producing beautiful leather handicrafts, and
Peguche, known for its weaving. Depending
on the group wishes and the weather, we’ll
go on a hike, perhaps around the crater rim
that forms Cuicocha Lake. We return to our
Hacienda for dinner each night.
Feb. 25 thru Mar. 2 - GALAPAGOS
ISLANDS (5 nts, 5B, 5L, 5D).We rise early on
Feb. 25 to drive to the airport to catch our flight
to the Galapagos Islands. At San Cristobal
Airport we’ll be met by our naturalist guide then
continue to the harbour where our yacht awaits.
Our 16-passenger first-class category yacht
offers a high level of service and amenities
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Detailed Itinerary - ECUADOR
that include a jacuzzi, al fresco dining area,
spacious sun and shade decks and cabins with
en-suite bathrooms and picture windows. Our
cruise routing offers great beaches and varied
wildlife, from pink flamingos to colonies of sea
lions. (Please note: changes to this itinerary
may be required and are beyond our control).
On our first afternoon we visit the Cerro
Colorado Tortoise Protection & Growing
Center. We travel overnight to Española Island
with its impressive colonies of a variety of sea
birds that live along the cliffs. In the afternoon
we relax on the beautiful beach of Gardner
Bay, where sea lions bask. Enjoy swimming,
snorkelling and possibly kayaking.
On our third day we’ll explore Floreana which
has perhaps the best flamingo lagoon in the
Galápagos. Also watch for other shore birds.
You’ll see two distinct beaches here - the
Green Beach (due to the olivine crystals in
the sand) and Flour Sand Beach which is
made up of coral. Floreana is the site of the
unique “post office barrel”, used for centuries
by mariners and tourists alike. Take in the view
from Baroness Lookout.
The following day we visit Santa Fé island
with its many endemic species including the
Galápagos Hawk, Galápagos mockingbird,
and the two species of land iguanas found
on the islands. You should have a chance to
snorkel with sea lions here. We continue to
Plazas Island where we hope to see iguanas,
including hybrid marine/land iguanas and a
variety of birds including frigate birds.
Our yacht in the Galapagos. (LT)
sea lions and the iconic blue-footed boobies.
In the afternoon we stop at Bachas Beach.
Mar. 2 - QUITO (1 nt, 1B, 1D). On our last
morning we visit Mosquera Islet which offers
great snorkelling and swimming. Watch for the
colourful Red Lava (aka Sally Lightfoot) crabs.
A large population of sea lions play amongst
the rocks and coral offshore. We continue to
the airport and fly to Quito where we transfer to
our hotel, set in the hills with great views of the
valley below. The dining room is acclaimed,
and we’ll reunite for our Farewell Dinner.
Mar. 3 - HOMEWARD (B). An early transfer
takes you to the airport to return home. If you’d
like to extend to Peru or do more in Ecuador,
please ask us for suggestions.
On our fifth day we’ll land on North Seymour
Island which has a large population of
magnificent frigate birds, swallow-tailed gulls,
Why is this is a 4
paw ZoofARI ?
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• Your safari is hosted by Trish
Lund, Senior Manager of
Education at the Calgary Zoo
• Accommodations have been
carefully selected and include
a luxury boutique property in
Quito, a first-class jungle lodge in
the Amazon, a historic hacienda
in the highlands and a first-class
yacht in the Galapagos. Location,
amenities and ambiance are top
considerations.
• This trip occurs at high season
for wildlife viewing in the
Galapagaos, at a time when
it is less windy and the water
is warmer for snorkelling or
swimming. At the same time, it
may be cloudier on the mainland
and rain can occur. Any rain
showers should not affect your
touring.
•• Included Flights to/from the
Galapagos and to/from the
Amazon maximize your time to
explore.
HOW DIFFICULT IS THIS TRIP?
We rate this as “moderate to
active”. Galapagos excursions
include zodiac or boat rides to
your landing site, and you may be
disembarking onto a pier or right
onto the beach (bring water-proof
sandals!). Walks on the islands
may be over rougher terrain,
sand beaches, or on boardwalks/
wooden stairs. Some elevation
may be involved to get to viewing
points, but you are essentially at
sea level here so this should not
pose a problem unless you have
mobility issues (if so, please talk
to us). While we plan this trip at
a time of year known to be less
windy, you can expect some boat
movement and you should be
prepared with anti-nauseants, just
in case. In the rainforest, you’ll
explore on sometimes slippery
forest trails or in a canoe that is
navigated for you.
Otavalo and Quito are at higher
elevations, with Quito averaging
about 10,000 feet above sea level
and Otavalo ~8,500 ft. Our touring
will be relaxed and we’ll get from
point to point by vehicle with walking
explorations at a leisurely pace.
CIVILIZED ADVENTURES
1220 10th Avenue SE, Calgary, AB, T2G 0W7
T: (403) 205-4120 | 1-800-688-1804 (outside Calgary) | Fax: (403) 205-4121
[email protected] | www.civilizedadv.com
YOUR GUIDES: Our guides
in Ecuador receive excellent
reviews. They are highly trained
and educated. Galapagos guides
must follow a training program
designed by the government.
Guides in the Amazon work
together with native guides who
will join you to share some of their
culture and lore (with translations
offered by the Ecuadorian guides).
TRANSPORTATION ON THIS
ZOOFARI: This trip has it
all: flights, yachts, motorized
river boats, canoes, and airconditioned coaches suited to our
group size. A main feature will be
the walking excursions included
just about everywhere.
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COST
On a Galapagos beach (LT)
Starting & ending in Quito
Canopy walking in the morning (S. Smith )
Otavalo Market (A. Anderson )
Sharing, per person:
Adult (sharing a room or cabin).
CA$ 8,699
All quoted prices and itinerary effective at time of publication (Feb. 25, 2013). Itinerary is subject to
change due to improvements or changes in local conditions; prices are subject to change.
INCLUSIONS
•• Complete pre-departure information and
meeting (held in Calgary)
•• Trip Handbook and miniguide
•• Local flights as listed in economy class (QuitoCoca-Quito-Galapagos-Quito)
•• All accommodation on a twin-share basis.
Single? You can have your own room for
a single supplement of CA$965 (a single
cabin cannot be confirmed on the Galapagos
cruise but will be subject to final group size/
occupancy.)
•• All meals as listed (B=breakfast, L=lunch,
D=dinner)
•• Orientation on arrival, welcome and farewell
dinners
•• All transfers and excursions as per detailed
itinerary
•• Services of professional local guides
(Galapagos: 1 English-speaking guide for
every 16 passengers; Amazon: 1 Englishspeaking guide & 1 local native guide with
every 7 passengers)
•• Entrance fees to sites in itinerary, including
current Galapagos National Park fee of
US$100 per person.
• Escorted by Trish Lund with a min. of 13
guests (we reserve the right to substitute trip
host if necessary)
• Exclusive use of Galapagos yacht (min. of 13 guests)
•• Civilized Adventures safari duffle bag to be
used as your checked piece of luggage
• On behalf of each participant, we contribute
CA$100 to the Calgary Zoo’s Conservation
Fund, supporting conservation at the Zoo and
around the world. For more information, visit
www.calgaryzoo.com.
EXCLUSIONS
•• International return flights
•• All items of a personal nature, including
drinks/bar expenses, tips, souvenirs, laundry,
internet charges, etc.
•• Optional travel insurance
•• Gratuities to local staff (approx. CA$ 200pp)
•• Any activities and excursions not specified
•• Visas to enter Ecuador (not required of
Canadian passport holders)
•• Any increases due to circumstances beyond
our control (i.e. park fee increases, fuel
surcharges, currency fluctuations)
FLIGHTS & EXTENSIONS
The most direct option at time of printing is with
United Airlines from Calgary via Houston to Quito.
Our Adventure Travel Specialists are happy
to assist you with your flight plans or with any
extensions you may be interested in. A popular
extension would take you to Peru’s Sacred Valley
in the Inca heartland: visit markets and ancient
towns, see Machu Picchu and wrap up in Cuzco.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
We offer insurance through TIC, TravelGuard,
and RBC; each may have different coverage
and premiums for different age groups. Each
has different restrictions or coverage options
in regards to any pre-existing conditions you
may wish to cover. Premiums can be adjusted
for extensions and other adjustments and are
subject to change.
Colonial Quito (T. Corrie)
Want more details?
Contact our Adventure Travel Specialists
for more info on the experiences you’ll
enjoy, the level of accommodations, flights,
insurance...anything you want
to know!
HOW TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT
Please complete a booking form and waiver,
available from our office or online at www.
civilizedadv.com, and return them to us with your
deposit. Please make cheques payable to:
Civilized Adventures Inc. We accept Visa and
MasterCard at a 3% surcharge.
•• Deposit: 2,170 due on booking
•• Installment: CA $2,600 due Sept. 19, 2013
•• Final payment is due Dec. 5, 2013
Please note: All payments are non-refundable
once received. Please consider insurance.
You are welcome to book after an installment
date however you will be responsible for all
past-due amounts at time of booking and the
rate is subject to change; your participation
will be subject to availability. Should Civilized
Adventures have to cancel a departure due to
unforeseen circumstances, we’ll offer alternative
arrangements. If these alternatives are not
suitable, all payments will be returned to you
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ADVISORY: We strive to deliver a quality “Civilized Adventure”. Travellers must understand that they are visiting developing countries and must be prepared to deal with unusual occurrences,
local inadequacies, and unpredictable events. If you are flexible, curious about new people, places and environments, and have a positive attitude, we welcome your participation. This type
of travel is rewarding if you can embrace the inherent challenges . Please call us if you have any questions or concerns. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that you get the most out of your travel
experience.
CIVILIZED ADVENTURES
1220 10th Avenue SE, Calgary, AB, T2G 0W7
T: (403) 205-4120 | 1-800-688-1804 (outside Calgary) | Fax: (403) 205-4121
[email protected] | www.civilizedadv.com
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