If you are a travel enthusiast and enjoy adventure, an active lifestyle and communion with nature our Ecuador & Galapagos Multisport is the best choice for you. This ultimate Galapagos wildlife and continental Ecuador Multisport adventure tour invites you to discover the very best of the Andes, Amazon, and Galapagos! Take advantage of our group departures!
Ecuador offers incredible diversity per square mile, and an adventure ride that includes rafting, biking, kayaking and trekking. Certified naturalist and adventure guides lead your journey with the highest quality adventure gear.

DAY 1: QUITO – CUICOCHA LAKE HIKE AND VISIT THE OTAVALO MARKET
Our Ecuador & Galapagos Multisport adventures stats in the morning, when we depart from Quito heading north to the Lake province of Imbabura. After a two-hour drive we reach Cuicocha, a crater lake and a nature reserve located on the slopes of the Cotacachi Volcano. Cuicocha Lake is surrounded by rim walls and its name translates to Lake of the Guinea Pigs due to the shape of its two center islets. A healthy, refreshing picnic lunch awaits us along the trail. In the afternoon we visit the town of Cotacachi, famous for its leather market. We also visit the Otavalo Indian Market, one of Ecuador’s most important indigenous bazaars and why not, one of the most important ethnic markets in South America. The market runs every day of the week brimming with handmade arts, clothes, tapestries, jewelry, ceramics and wood carvings. (L, D)

DAY 2: PAPALLACTA HOTSPRINGS HIKE – RAIN FOREST DISCOVERY
We drive through the Inter-Andean valleys for a great 2 hour hike in the Cayambe Coca Ecological Reserve, a higlight of this Ecuador & Galapagos Multisport. The reserve is composed of endemic highland paramo with cloud forest patches. The large amount of water retained in this sponge-like environment is the source of the largest water system in the world. Then we return to a rewarding hot spring soak at Termas de Papallacta, where we can relax in any of the different thermal pools. After lunch we travel to the Amazonian town of Tena where we enjoy a peaceful evening listening to the sounds of the rainforest. (B, L, D)

DAY 3: JATUNYACU RIVER RAFTING
In the morning we drive to the Llanganates National Park, which extends from the high Andes to the Amazon basin. This area is considered a Biosphere Zone by the United Nations. The water collected in this area forms the Jatunyacu River, considered one of Ecuador’s best one-day river runs, and of course a must for our Ecuador & Galapagos Multisport adventure. We begin with a short walk through rainforest scenery and reach incredibly beautiful natural swimming holes and waterslides. After a safety brief, we take a trip down the crystal clear Jatunyacu River and glimpse into indigenous communities living along the shores in small bamboo and wood houses. Jatunyacu is famed for its big waves, fun holes, and high water volume (Class III – III+). (B, L, D)

DAY 4: WATERFALL EXPLORATION AND MOUNTAIN BIKE TO BAÑOS
After breakfast we head to the edge of Llanganates National Park, gaining altitude until we reach one of the best views of Tungurahua, Ecuador’s most active volcano. This is an especially scenic route chosen for the Ecuador & Galapagos Multisport.  Today we visit the colorful town of Baños, known for its hot springs and rugged landscape where we have lunch. Afterwards, we take a cable car across amazing gorges to explore the trail of waterfalls, as this is the only way to reach them. We´ll see the most scenic ones: Pailon del Diablo (Devil’s Cauldron) and Manto de la Novia (Bride’s Veil). (B, L, D)

DAY 5: COTOPAXI VOLCANO – MOUNTAIN BIKE & HIKE
We drive to the base of the Cotopaxi Volcano, first we hike to pre-Incan ruins while crossing highland plateaus populated with typical highland wildlife and vegetation – all with stunning volcanic scenery as a backdrop. We ride our mountain bikes and go downhill on a side trail of the majestic Cotopaxi. We pass by Limpiopungo Glacier Lake, a crystal-clear lake that often paints mirror-like reflections of the snowcapped Cotopaxi in its azure waters only to be interrupted by ripples from Andean waterfowl. We make a quick stop at the park´s Interpretation Center to learn about Cotopaxi’s wildlife and natural history. After a delicious picnic lunch we head back to Quito where you have the chance to explore the landmarks and night life of this incredible colonial city and get ready to contunue with the Ecuador & Galapagos Multisport adventure on the next day. (B, L)

DAY 6: FLY TO GALAPAGOS – HIKE AND SNORKEL IN SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND
VISIT FRIGATE HILL
After breakfast we fly to Galapagos. Once in San Cristobal Island, we brief you over lunch at a sea side restaurant. Our Galapagos Adventure begins at the Interpretation Center learning about unique wildlife, geology, history, and social dynamics.
We hike to Frigate Hill along lava rock trails. On the way, we learn all about the Galapagos cotton, palo santo, acacia, and cacti. You also spot blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, pelicans, herons, gulls, warblers, mockingbirds, and finches among the vegetation and sea cliffs. In addition to unique species, the hike provides marvelous views of the rugged coastline and the coastal town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
We stop at Carola Beach to find sea turtles, sea lions, and marine iguanas, as well as surfers riding some world-class waves. After dinner we recommend you take a stroll down the boardwalk to view the immense colony of endemic Galapagos sea lions. (L)

DAY 7: SEA KAYAK & SNORKEL THE COAST, ISLA LOBOS, AND KICKER ROCK – SAN CRISTOBAL
We explore the coastal bays and coves on our sea kayaks loking for blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, sea lions, and sea turtles. We reach Playa Ochoa and head away from the coast to nearby Isla Lobos where we snorkel with marine iguanas, sea lions, and countless reef fish. Paddling out towards the open sea we reach Kicker Rock, two breathtaking rock massifs that jut out from the ocean. Above the waters, thousands of sea birds cling to its walls and below millions of fish call the rock home. (B, L)

DAY 8: MOUNTAIN BIKE THE COASTLINE OF ISABELA – EXPLORE TINTORERAS
After breakfast, we take a short plane ride to Isabela Island, one of the most volcanically active spots on the planet. We take our bikes and visit El Muro de las Lagrimas (Wall of Tears). Isabela was once a penal colony and prisoners constructed a massive wall of lava rocks for no other purpose than to keep busy. We continue biking along white sand beaches, mangroves, brackish lagoons, and a lava tubes. The area is filled with giant tortoises and birdlife. We also have a chance to spot flamingos!

After lunch, we explore Tintoreras, a set of small islets filled with hidden coves and beaches where we find the endemic Galapagos penguin as well as reef sharks, sea turtles, and sea lions. In the late afternoon feel free to take a leisure stroll down the seemingly endless beach or join the bustle on the sand streets of this idyllic beach town. (B, L, D)

DAY 9: VOLCANO HIKING IN ISABELA
We drive up to the highlands to the end of the road, grab our daypacks and hike into a world of recent geological history, enjoying the incredible views of the surrounding volcanoes and sea. When we arrive at the rim of Volcan Sierra Negra, you´ll be overwhelmed with the view! This is the second largest active caldera on the planet. We walk along the rim of this enormous 30 square mile crater, and if feeling energetic, continue our hike into the caldera of Volcan Chico, an otherworldly landscape with endless hues of oranges, reds, blacks, and yellows. Here, we explore puffing fumaroles and spectacular lava formations. After a day on what seems like another planet, we return to paradise on earth. Enjoy the evening as you please, relaxing in the hotel or cruising the town. (B, L, D)

DAY 10: FLIGHT TO BALTRA & RETURN TO QUITO
An early morning flight takes us from Isabela Island to Baltra Island, where we board our flight back to the continent. (B)

Optional 2 Day Extension at Santa Cruz Island

DAY 10: SANTA CRUZ HIKE AND EXPLORE LOS GEMELOS
An early morning flight takes us from Isabela Island to Baltra Island. Once we arrive, we transfer to El Chato reserve in the Santa Cruz highlands which is the natural habitat of the Galapagos tortoise. We hike in this reserve to learn about these lumbering giants. We come across highland wildlife such as pintail ducks, egrets, flycatchers, finches, and frigate birds bathing in freshwater lakes. We also explore some amazing volcanic tunnels that were created by flowing lava. As we walk in these underground geological formations we revive tales of buccaneers hiding Inca gold. We continue to Los Gemelos, two volcanic craters near the top of the Island. We walk around these deep craters through a beautiful Scalesia forest covered with epiphytes and ferns. In this habitat we will seek for the short-eared owl, one of the two owls that live in the Islands. We return to town in the afternoon. This evening is free to dine at any of the Island restaurants. (B, L)

DAY 11: SEA KAYAK IN PUNTA ESTRADA AND HIKE TO TORTUGA BAY – SANTA CRUZ
In the morning we take our kayaks and paddle around Divine Bay and Punta Estrada. We kayak through calm turquoise waters that wind through high-walled lava channels. Within the channels, white-tipped sharks and rays tour beneath the clear water, while colonies of blue-footed boobies, tropic birds, herons, crabs and marine iguanas perch along the jagged cliffs. In the afternoon, we hike to Tortuga Bay, a beautiful white sand beach area, nesting site to thousands of marine turtles. This trail is 3½ miles (6 kilometers) long and crosses through a dry forest lava habitat home to hundreds of iguanas. We return to Puerto Ayora to spend the evening at leisure in Galapagos’ most populous town. (B, L)

DAY 12: TRANSFER TO BALTRA AND RETURN FLIGHT
In the morning we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about conservation and management efforts in the archipelago. We also get to meet Lonesome George, the last giant tortoise of his species and the efforts maintained to try to save it from extinction. We finally transfer to Baltra Island for our airport connection back to the continent. (B)

(B=Breakfast / L=Lunch / D=Dinner)

INCLUDED: Ecuador & Galapagos Multisport includes accommodations in tourist superior hotels; meals as described; all adventure and protective equipment (including front-suspended deore mountain bikes, expedition kayaks, rafting equipment, gloves, helmets, water bottles, and dry bags); professional English-speaking guide; professional Galapagos naturalist guide; land, sea, and inter-island air transportation.

NOT INCLUDED: Airfare to/from Galapagos; INGALA Transit Card, Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee; other National Park entrance fees; hotel & restaurant beverages, tips, gratuities and personal expenses are not included in our Ecuador & Galapagos Multisport adventure.

*PLEASE NOTE** The  Ecuador & Galapagos Multisport itineraryis subject to change without notice due to seasonal changes, last-minute weather conditions and adjustments of National Parks policy.

KEY FACTS AND INFORMATION

TRAVEL TIME: 1 to 5 hours per day
PADDLE, HIKING, OR ACTIVITY DURATION: 2-4 hours per activity
SEASON: All year
ALTITUDE: 1,500 to 15,500 feet (500 to 4,800 meters)
AVERAGE TEMPERATURE – ANDES: DAY 46-75ºF / 8-24ºC, NIGHT 41-53ºF / 5-12ºC
AVERAGE TEMPERATURE – CLOUDFOREST: DAY 60-86ºF / 16-30ºC, NIGHT 60-68ºF / 16-20ºC
AVERAGE TEMPERATURE – AMAZON: DAY 68-95ºF / 20-35ºC, NIGHT 64-71ºF / 18-22ºC
AVERAGE TEMPERATURE – GALAPAGOS: December to May: 80ºF to 90ºF / 25ºC to 30ºC. June to September: 60ºF to 70ºF / 15ºC to 20ºC. October to December: 70ºF to 80ºF / 15ºC to 25ºC.
GALAPAGOS WATER TEMPERATURE: The waters in the Galapagos Islands are a unique mixture of warm & cold water, ranging between 65ºF and 85ºF / 18ºC and 30ºC
SUGGESTED ITEMS TO PACK: Water sandals, walking shoes, rain jacket, water bottle, non-cotton trekking gear, bathing suit, sun block, hat, and mosquito repellent

• Ecuador & Galapagos Multisport explores a whole country in only 10 days.
• Mountain bike down the slopes of the world´s highest active volcano.
• Adrenaline-charged jungle rafting down one of Ecuador´s best one-day river run (class III-III+).
• Immerse in Andean hot springs for incredible relaxation.
• Learn the secrets of textile weaving from Otavalo Indians.
• Galapagos Kayak and Snorkel with turtles, rays, sea lions, marine iguanas, and other amazing sea creatures.
• Walk among Giant Galapagos Tortoises in their natural habitat.
• Relax on stunning beaches among sea lions and marine iguanas.

Ecuador & Galapagos Multisport - 2012 Departures

April 17 – 26

May 5 – 14 early bird discount

June 1 to 10

June 13 to 22

July 10 to 19

July 30 to August 8

August 28 to September 7

September 27 to October 6   Early bird discount

November 1 to 10

November 15 to 24

December 20 to 29