Here's what I've planned for me. You are all single travelers. Come and go as you will.
Wed July 3rd - Fly Spokane to Dallas. Rangers v. Padres game? Overnight in Dallas.
Thurs July 4th - Fly Dallas to Miami. Meet Jill / Marla. Fly to Quito, Ecuador. Arrive 2pm. Collect bags. Await Fernando, our Airbnb's driver who will take us to the Villa. Unpack and visit with our hosts. Dinner. Explore.
Fri July 5th - Introduction to Quito, 2nd highest capital city in the world. (LaPaz, Bolivia #1) Walking tour. See the main plazas, churches and famous tourist street La Ronda. Lunch on our own. Then Museo Nacional del Banco Central. We go up to Panecillo to see la Virgen that we've been looking at all day. After, we have reservations for a wonderful sunset dinner at Café Mosaico, offering locals and tourists a cafe with an extraordinarily breathtaking view of Quito that is simply unparalleled.
Sat July 6th - I can't believe my eyes! God-made and man-made views! We sky tram up Pichincha Volcano before the afternoon clouds roll in. We can horseback ride to top and go on the swings overlooking Quito ('Gram pics). After descending, we head to Basilica de Voto Nacional, an architectural wonder that seamlessly marries neo-Gothic grandeur with Ecuadorian history. Find drinks, lunch on street. Then we head to La Compañía de Jesus, the most beautiful of Quito's 80+ churches. Next, we visit the Basilica and Convento de San Francisco to see a beautiful complex with ancient church, monastery, library, and brewery! We end our evening strolling through the lively Calle la Ronda. Tired? Go back to AirBnb. Not tired, party on...
Sun July 7th - Great day for the 'Gram Taxi up the Equator and visit La Mitad del Mundo, or the Middle of the World monument. Capture photos of you with one foot in the northern hemisphere and one in the southern hemisphere. Explore the planetarium, museums, souvenir shop, cultural center, chocolate demonstration and more. The boys will be heading out on their golfing excursion. The ladies can to taxi to Parque Itchimbia for coffee and photos in front of the QUITO sign for our Instagram. Continue and spend the late afternoon in the plaza near the Centro Cultural. Every Sunday in the historic center of Quito, the streets are closed
to traffic. The plaza and surrounding
streets are filled with artists, musicians, food vendors, dancers,
clowns, mimes and living statues. We can enjoy all this, plus two art exhibits at the Centro Cultural, for free.
Mon July 8th - Guayasamín Day We start later this morning. We walk to the Plaza Grande to see the Changing of the Guard in front of the Presidential Palace. From there we head to the home of legendary painter Oswaldo Guayasamín, whose work reminds one of the complexity of Picasso and the passion of Mexico's muralists (Rivera, Siquieros, Orozco). His extensive collection of pre-colombian artifacts and religious art is well displayed. I will try to get us an English speaking guide to teach and tour us. Tonight we head to the Amazon! Home early to pack. Fernando takes us to the Secret Garden Hostal. This is where we will meet the bus to take us for the 2 night tour in the Amazon. We board a bus at 11:30pm and head to the Amazon (9 hr bus trip!)
Tues July 9th - Long journey almost over! We arrive late in the morning and take a 2 hour motorized canoe to our Amazon Lodge, enjoying the monkeys and tropical birds along the way. We explore around our lodge and look for the insects, spiders, snakes and frogs that come alive after sunset.
Wed July 10th - Waking up with the Amazon People Rise and shine! Hike and watch the jungle as it awakens. We’ll observe the wildlife found on the riverbanks, including monkeys, macaws, toucans and sloths. We’ll have a good chance to see the pink river dolphins in the impressive river landscape. Then we visit the indigenous Siona community and share their daily life in the Amazon Basin. After, we explore La Laguna Grande, swim in the calm waters and watch the sunset. After dinner, we venture out to see the nocturnal fauna of the river awaken, as we look for the eyes of caimans and bats that shine in the light of our flashlights.
Thurs July 11th - Take the long way home We have an optional early morning excursion to say goodbye to the jungle. After our 2 hour canoe ride, we hop on our "little" bus ride (9 hr) back to Quito. We get dropped off at the Secret Garden Hostel, where we stay for the night.
Fri July 12th - Turtles, here we come! Late in the morning depart for Galapagos Islands. Taxis have already been arranged to take us to our afternoon flight to the Galapagos Islands. Our flight leaves just before 1:00pm so we need to leave for the airport around 10am. As soon as we land, we venture through the airport departure bus and boat system. We grab taxis that will take us to our AirBnb. Drop off luggage. Some may want to make a quick supermarket stop. We should also check out tour agencies, Puerto Ayora Pier and the main waterfront. Perhaps the less weary travelers would like to take in some nightlife?
Sat July 13th - Morning, we walk to Charles Darwin Station. We will get a guide and spend time learning about the efforts that are being made to protect the Giant Galapagos Turtles. In the afternoon, we will go on a tour to see the volcanic pit craters, "Los Gemelos", the "Lava Tunnels" and the Giante Tortoise Reserve "Las Primícias". At night, we go back to the main waterfront and enjoy dinner, nightlife and shopping.
Sun July 14th - Start the day with what is called the Bahia or Bay tour. This includes some snorkeling, swimming in Love Channel, going to Play de los Perros beach, Las Tintoreras pools, and seeing Las Grietas canyon. In the afternoon, we can relax beach side at the most raved about beach... Tortugas Bay beach. This stunning beach with white sand and crystal-clear water is a haven for marine iguanas and baby reef sharks. It’s the perfect place to sunbathe, kayak, or relax and unwind. It’s located about 3 km southwest of Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz island and is comprised of two beaches: Playa Brava, with its waves, and Playa Mansa, a smaller and calmer beach. We don't want to miss out on visiting this paradise.
Mon July 15th - Free day.
Wed July 17th - Volcanos, Craters and Baths Hop on 7:15 AM Ecuador Hop Bus. Arrive at the Chuquiragua Lodge. Here we will have the chance to enjoy a
delicious breakfast and observe the stunning Cotopaxi Volcano, one of
the country's most famous sights. Toachi River Canyon lookout point – we stop at the
canyons' deepest point, at 100 meters deep, and allow you to take in the
view and learn a little about the canyon. Shalala lookout point – enjoy the stunning views of the Quilotoa volcano lake from one of the best viewpoints. Arrive in Baños, Swing at the End of the World – visit the famous swing at La Casa del Árbol and take in an amazing view of the gorgeous mountain landscapes. Visit the nearby thermal baths which gave Baños its name and go for a relaxing dip in these healing pools. Accomodations Hostel Chimenea: Hostel Chimenea is the first and only hostel in Baños with a swimming
pool, steam health bath, jacuzzi, spa-body massage, panoramic terrace,
internet and wi-fi, guest kitchen, on-site breakfast facilities,
bar/cafeteria, laundry, luggage storage, private parking and tours/travel desk. Baños is actually named Baños de Agua Santa (Holy Water Baths). A short cab ride from our hotel and until 10 pm, we can rest in the healing waters heated by the nearby volcanos. The bar/club scene in Baños is also quite lively.
Thur July 18th. Baños tour. Pastaza River cable car – experience one of the most
extraordinary sights you’ve ever seen, with 360 degree views of
waterfalls, mountains, and beautiful jungle landscapes. Visit to the San Martín Adventure Park for zip-lining, canopy walks,
rock climbing, trekking and more. The cost to participate in the park activities has already been paid for us. In the afternoon, we have appointments at Huellas Spa for 60 minute massages, 30 minute facials and pedicures or manicures.
Fri July 19th Morning Morning in Baños. More healing baths? Return to Quito in the afternoon. Go back to our Airbnb in Carolina, Plaza Foch.
Sat July 20th Market Day Private car service to Otavalo Market, the largest indigenous market in South America. Just a few minutes from there, we can also visit Condor Park.
Sun July 21st Return to US.