2015
Ecuador
Quito & the Galapagos Islands
At A Glance:
Spring Break Adventure
March 21 - 29, 2015
We have chartered one of our
favorite first class yachts for this
adventure, the M/Y Odyssey. With
lots of deck space, nicely sized
cabins with private bathrooms, and
a professional crew, this yacht offers
a safe base from which to explore
these unique islands.
Features:
•• Designed to maximize Spring Break holiday
time
•• Professional guides throughout including
a specialist naturalist guide in the
Galapagos
•• Stay overnight in the highlands to visit
Otavalo market and enjoy the area
The yacht was designed to ensure
the highest levels of comfort with the
lowest impact on the environment.
Onboard you’ll find 8 spacious cabins (2 doubles, 6 twins) and elegant social areas with sun
loungers, Jacuzzi, internet access, TV, DVD and bar.
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•• 8 nights Ecuador
•• Start in Quito on Mar. 21
•• End in Quito on Mar. 29
•• Specially chosen accommodations
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
14 guests
All cabins are on the main or upper deck and
measure 20m2 including a spacious bathroom
with shower stall. Each features individually
controlled air-conditioning, a small desk, sofa,
mini-bar, and closet. There are 2 double cabins
and 6 twin-bedded cabins.
•• Enjoy great photo opportunities at the
colourful highland market at Otavalo and
in the Galapagos
Fine cuisine is served on board with the
freshest of ingredients and there are al
fresco dining options to ensure you have the
opportunity to take in the stunning scenery.
•• Activities that include walks in the
highlands; snorkelling with sea lions and
trail walks on various islands in the remote
Galapagos Islands.
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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ABOUT YOUR ADVENTURE
TO ECUADOR: United Airlines has the most
direct routing via Houston to Quito. Flights
arrive in Quito at night; they depart Quito in the
early morning so flights home are overnight.
Our Adventure Travel Specialists will be
pleased to go over the options with you.
Mar. 21 & 22 - - QUITO
(2nts, Anahi Boutique Hotel, 1B, 1L).
On arrival in Ecuador’s capital city (late on
Mar. 21), you’ll be met by our representative
and transferred to the Anahi Boutique Hotel
where you’ll settle in for a 2 night stay. The
Anahi has 15 suites, each unique in styling
yet consistent in quality. Throughout the hotel,
modern contemporary touches mix with carved
wood and stone accents that evoke a more
traditional colonial style. Relax and enjoy the
patio-garden, the Cava lounge, the spa or the
coffee terrace, or stroll the neighbourhood to
fine many dining options.
Mar. 22: After breakfast you’ll begin the day
with a guided discovery of Quito’s Centro
Historico district. 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 take in a panoramic view
of Alameda Park and the Basilica, then walk
down the Street of the Seven Crosses. Nearby
is Independence Square and La Compañia
church, considered the best example of
baroque architecture in the country. Around
midday, we drive north to the equator to visit
the Middle of the World Monument. Ecuador
is so named because the Equator runs right
through it . . . and you’ll have the unique
experience of standing in two hemispheres
Stand in two hemispheres at the
Equator (J. Archer)
as you straddle the equator!
You may choose to visit the
Inti Ñan Museum, located
near the main monument or
the Ethnographic Museum.
The exhibits showcase native
equatorial culture and science,
explaining the story behind
calculating where the equator
actually is. The ethnology
section shows the relations
between people and the sun,
which was considered to be a
god.
We’ll stop for lunch during
Experience the highland culture at Otavalo (S. Smith)
the day. The evening is left at
leisure so you can choose where you wish to After lunch we visit Cuicocha Lagoon, an
have dinner. There are several options very ancient crater lake at the foot of Cotacachi
near the hotel.
Volcano. Our last stop will be at Cotacachi
village which is known for its fine leather
Mar. 23 - OTAVALO
handicrafts and shops.
(1nt, Hacienda Cusin,1B, 1L, 1D).
Tonight you’ll stay at Hacienda Cusin, a
On this journey into the Andean highlands restored, 17th-century Andean estate. Each
north of Quito, we travel to Otavalo, a town room of this hacienda is unique; antiques
at the centre of a group of villages with strong and Andean crafts provide colourful accents
textile traditions dating back many centuries. throughout the complex. Please remember,
On the way we pass beautiful rose plantations this is an authentic, historic hacienda, and while
and stop to enjoy the mountain scenery.
restored, you may find it a bit chilly at night as it
does not have central heating in all areas and
One of the greatest strengths of the Ecuadorian you’ll be at about 8,500 ft. (rooms have either
people is their skill with craft work, perhaps due a fireplace and/or an electric heater).
to the mixed influences of so many different
cultures including Afro-Ecuadorian and
Mar. 24 - 29 - GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
European. We stop at the town of Agato to visit
(5 nts, Galapagos Odyssey, 5B, 5L, 5D).
a weaver’s workshop to learn the process
for making two-sided tapestries. Learn about We rise early on Mar. 24 to drive to the airport
carding the yarn, producing natural dyes and to catch our flight to the Galapagos Islands.
working a traditional back-strap loom.
At San Cristobal Airport we’ll be met by our
You’ll have a greater appreciation for the items
you see once we reach the world-famous
Otavalo artisan market where you’ll see
everything from tapestries to sweaters. You
can enjoy some free time for bargaining and
buying with the friendly Otavaleños.
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 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).
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Discover amazing plants in the Andes (J. Archer)
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
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
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ABOUT YOUR ADVENTURE
Why is this a
4+ paw adventure?
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 Fe 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.
On our fifth day we’ll land on North Seymour
Island which has a large population of
magnificent frigate birds, swallow-tailed gulls,
sea lions and the iconic blue-footed boobies.
In the afternoon we stop at Bachas Beach.
Mar. 29 - QUITO & HOMEWARD
(Dayroom, Hosteria Rincon de Puembo, 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 which is
currently the closest to the Quito airport.
Relax, enjoy the grounds and reunite for a
Farewell Dinner prior to transferring to the
airport for your international flights home.
(Note: flights currently depart Quito at 11:55
pm and fly overnight via Houston to Calgary.
You will land in Calgary on Monday, Mar. 30)
• Expert local guides assist you
throughout the trip. They meet
you at the airport, escort you to your hotel,
take you on various tours, assist you with
restaurant selection when any meals are not
included, and transfer you back to the airport
at trip’s end. These local experts will provide
“insider” information from their wealth of
knowledge.
• Accommodations have been carefully
selected, including a luxury boutique property
in Quito, a historic hacienda in the highlands
and a deluxe yacht in the Galapagos.
Location, amenities and ambiance are top
considerations.
• This trip occurs at peak season for wildlife
viewing in the Galapagaos, at a time when
it is usually less windy and the water is
usually 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
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 view 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.
Otavalo and Quito are at higher elevations,
at 8,700 and 10,000 feet above sea level
respectively. Touring will be relaxed and
you’ll get from point to point by vehicle with
walking explorations at a leisurely pace.
Your guides:
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Sturdy Zodiac boats
take you from yacht
to shore where your
landing may be
impeded by lounging
sea lions! (A. Anderson)
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
Our guides in Ecuador receive excellent
reviews. They are highly trained and
educated. Galapagos guides must follow
a training program designed by the
government.
Transportation:
This trip has it all: flights, yachts, and airconditioned coaches suited to our group size.
A main feature are the walking excursions
included just about everywhere.
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Get up-close to fearless (and harmless)
wildlife in the Galapagos, like this
colourful land iguana (S. Smith)
COST
It was fabulous - better than we imagined. The organization was first rate. Everything went smoothly and the local guides
were excellent. Apart from learning a lot, we had fun! (R&J G, Ecuador Adventure March 2012).
Starting Quito/Ending Quito
Per person, twin-share
Adult
US$ 5,989
Child (up to and including 11 year of age), twin share
US$ 5,700
All quoted prices and itinerary effective at time of publication (Feb. 20, 2014). 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
including departure taxes (Quito-GalapagosQuito)
•• All accommodation on a twin-share basis.
Single? Single rooms are possible in Quito
and Otavalo for a single supplement however
a single cabin cannot be confirmed on the
Galapagos cruise as this will be subject to
final group size. Triple? There are 2 triple
cabins on the yacht. Please ask about special
pricing if this applies to your family.
•• All meals as listed (B=breakfast, L=lunch,
D=dinner)
•• All transfers and excursions as described
•• Services of professional local guides
(Galapagos: 1 English-speaking guide for
every 16 passengers)
•• Entrance fees to sites in itinerary, including
current Galapagos National Park fee of US$100
per person and the US$10 Tourist Fee.
• Exclusive use of Galapagos yacht with a min.
of 14 guests. If less than 14 the yacht will not
be exclusive to our clients. Max. capacity is 16.
•• Civilized Adventures carry-on size backpack
EXCLUSIONS
•• International return flights
•• All items of a personal nature, including
drinks/bar expenses, tips, souvenirs, laundry,
internet charges, etc.
•• Optional travel insurance
•• Gratuities to local staff (approx. CA$ 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
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 travel plans.
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!
TRAVEL INSURANCE
We offer insurance through Reliable Life, TIC &
TravelGuard. 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.
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. We accept Visa and
MasterCard. SAVE: pay by cheque and we’ll
take 2% off! (please make cheques payable
to: Civilized Adventures Inc.)
•
•
•
Deposit: US$1,135 is due upon booking.
Installment: US$ 2,000 due Oct. 8 ‘14
Final payment is due Jan. 9 ‘15
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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