THE GALAPAGOS & ECUADOR

A CLASSIC WILDLIFE experience.

Thursday 23 September - Wednesday 13 October 2010

PRICE from £4295pp (Galapagos only), £5795 (full itinerary).
prices reduced Sept 2009 to reflect lower rates from Galapagos boat

NEW OPTION!
Ecuador from Andes to Amazon (excludes Galapagos Islands)
PRICE from £2795pp, details on request.

DEPOSIT £300pp

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Leaders: Dave Pullan and expert local guides. Numbers: max 15 clients

This holiday combines the remarkable landscape and ecology of the unique world of the Galápagos Islands with the stunning diversity of mainland Ecuador. Explore the Amazonian rainforests, the cloudforests facing the Pacific coast and the birdlife of the lofty Andes.

Ecuador has 15% of the world’s bird species in less than 0.2% of the planet’s surface. About 1,600 birds have been recorded on the mainland with others endemic to the Galápagos Islands. On this once-in-a-lifetime holiday, we visit all the major habitats of the country: from snow-covered mountain peaks, high páramos (unique mountain moorlands) and the valleys of the Andes, down through many gradations of temperate and subtropical forests to the Amazon basin. The Humboldt currents in the Pacific influence the arid desert, low elevation cloudforests and the wet forest habitats of the famous Chocó bioregion. All this, plus the astonishing wildlife paradise of the Galápagos Islands.

Galápagos is a destination where you become accustomed to being surprised. Nothing quite compares to the joy of the islands’ wildlife, or the sense of wonder and privilege felt while spending time with animals which don't run or fly away when humans approach, and which are truly unique treasures of our earth. Due to its distinct natural wonders, Galápagos was declared as a World Heritage Site in 1978 and a World Biosphere Reserve in 1985.

Composed almost exclusively of volcanic rock, the Galápagos Islands thrust their bleak profile from the Pacific Ocean 600 miles west of mainland Ecuador. It was here that Darwin found the perfect conditions to formulate his evolutionary theory. Far from the ravages of the continents, life evolved into a strange sub-world of specialised creatures who adapted to their harsh environment in an amazing variety of ways.

We visit the Galapagos islands aboard ‘Daphne’, a luxury yacht chartered by Heatherlea especially for this holiday. Having our own boat provides us with the freedom and flexibility to fully enjoy these incredible islands at our own relaxed pace, sharing those thrills and surprises with like-minded folk.

Setting foot on barren coasts of fresh black lava frozen in its descent to the shoreline, you will see why early explorers, whalers and pirates likened the islands to an inferno on Earth. You will appreciate each island as a little "world unto itself" with its own distinctive character, terrain, climate and wildlife. Each island has its own unique inhabitants; on land you will see flightless cormorants and penguins, extraordinary frigatebirds, clownish boobies, patriarchal tortoises and 13 species of Darwin’s finches. In the water, sea lions, dolphins, whales, rays, colourful fish, sharks and the world's only seagoing lizards can be found. You'll enjoy thrilling encounters with animals, up-close and in large numbers, which are completely at ease among human visitors. You will leave inspired to protect them and their environment — one of the last great wild places on Earth.

LATEST - our Galapagos boat operators have kindly reduced their rate to us, and the difference has been passed directly to you by a price reduction - better value than ever!

OUTLINE ITINERARY

DAY 1 Thursday 23 September: UK-ECUADOR
Fly from London, arrive in Quito where we will be met by our local guide, and transfer to hotel in central Quito.

DAYS 2-4 FROM THE ANDES TO THE CLOUD FOREST Friday 24 - Sunday 26 September:
Amongst the most biodiverse environments on Earth, we visit the Yanacocha Reserve, where we will see birds unique to this altitude. Yanacocha is situated on the north-eastern slope of Pichincha Volcano and is a high-altitude cloud forest situated at 10,500 ft elevation. The reserve protects 964 hectares of elfin Polylephis Forest, which is home to many hundreds of bird, butterfly and orchid species. This is a high temperate zone habitat where the variety of hummingbirds is a major highlight - Shining Sunbeam, Mountain Velvet-breast, Great Sapphirewing, Buff-winged Starfrontlet, three species of puffleg including the highly endangered and endemic Black-breasted Puffleg, gradually recovering from near extinction, and Purple-backed Thornbill amongst colourful flocks of tanagers, flowerpiercers, and furnariids. Antpittas and tapaculos call from the dense forest.

We will visit the Milpe Bird Sanctuary, a 155-acre reserve considered to be amongst the best birding sites in Ecuador, and defined by BirdLife International as ‘An Important Bird Area’. The reserve is a mixture of primary forest, secondary forest, woodland and pasture. Here many of the most spectacular Chocó endemics occur, such as Plumbeous Forest-Falcon, Moss-backed Tanager, Glistening-green Tanager, Chocó Trogon, Club-winged Manakin, Indigo-crowned Quail-Dove, Double-banded Greytail, Fulvous-vented Euphonia, Emerald and Scarlet-and-white Tanagers, the near-threatened Blue-whiskered Tanager and Long-wattled Umbrellabird. A recent census recorded 247 species on the reserve.

At Rio Silanche, a new Bird Sanctuary covering 70 hectares (175 acres) of tropical lowland reserve, it is possible to see an incredible diversity, especially from a 15 metre high observation tower that puts you eye-to-eye with awesome mixed foraging flocks. This important site, situated in low foothills between 300-350m, is one of the last remaining accessible forest remnants found in this key area, and home to many important Chocó and Tumbesian endemic bird species, including Dusky Pigeon, Purple-chested Hummingbird, Little Woodstar, Stub-tailed Antbird, Slate-throated Gnatcatcher, Scarlet-breasted Dacnis.

We will have an early start one morning to witness one of the most amazing birding experiences - the Cock of the Rock lek. The males make bizarre sounds, flip about acrobatically, and display to the watching females. After breakfast we enjoy a relaxing day walking through the different trails of the famous Mindo-Nambillo Reserve looking at the wealth of bromeliads, orchids, birds, insects and forest mammals. If time and weather permit, we may swim at one of many beautiful waterfalls. After lunch, we take our final look at the birds of the forest before returning to Quito for dinner and overnight.

DAYS 5-14 THE GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS Monday 27 September- Wednesday 6 October:
One of the world’s outstanding wildlife experiences, as we enjoy ten days in one of the most amazing places on Earth - The Galápagos Islands. You will enjoy a comprehensive exploration of the islands and their wildlife, a genuine once-in-a-lifetime tour of the wonders of Galapagos. These 13 major islands and dozens of smaller islets are packed full of wildlife and incredible scenery - birds, unique mammals, exotic sea and plant life, volcanoes and a haunting land seascape.

Upon arrival, we transfer to our luxury yacht, Daphne. Our only company as we relax on board are the passing petrels, shearwaters, boobies, gulls, dolphins, turtles, seals and sharks. There is also the prospect of snorkelling in the calm, species-rich waters. From Nemo II we aim to explore all the main islands and islets at a relaxed pace, walking amongst the spectacular scenery to look for endemic birds and hopefully into the Highlands to see endemic reptiles in the wild.

Fernandina Island, in the west of the archipelago, is the youngest and most pristine of the islands, with no introduced species to date. Recent lava flows formed by the active Fernandina Volcano are evident, and along the shoreline hundreds of Marine Iguanas form the largest colony found in the islands, resident bull Sea Lions guard their territories, Flightless Cormorants build their nests, and Galápagos Hawks fly overhead.

Isabela Island is the largest in the archipelago. It is home to Land and Marine Iguanas, and a few Giant Tortoises. Flightless Cormorants and Brown Pelicans nest along the coast. There are lava fields, Galápagos Penguins, and a number of brackish water lagoons which provide refuge to Greater Flamingos and migratory birds. The Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre may also be visited. National Park rangers collect adults (to mate in captivity) and eggs of Giant Tortoises from the two southern volcanoes on the island. The hatchlings are raised for several years, and then reintroduced to the wild. The volcano Sierra Negra is one of the most impressive of the Archipelago. Its “Sulphur Volcano” features a huge amount of deposited sulphur from the continuous action of the fumaroles. White-tipped Reef Sharks can be viewed from land, and other birds should include Blue-footed Booby, Magnificent Frigatebird, Audobon Shearwater, Brown Noddy and Galápagos Hawk.

On Española Island, Punta Suarez is a rocky point of land that sustains one of the most impressive and varied colonies of sea birds in Galápagos. A noisy colony of Sea Lions and curious Hood Mockingbirds greet us as we land on the beach. You will meet a multitude of Blue-footed Boobies, Masked Boobies, Swallow-tailed Gulls and endemic Marine Iguanas. A long, brilliant white, powder-sand beach is favoured by Sea Turtles for nesting, and Sea Lions gather along the southern shore. Steep cliffs rise out of the sea, and should be climbed for a spectacular view of soaring birds and the famous blowhole. Elsewhere on the island, the Waved Albatross colony will still be busy, Galápagos Dove, Large Cactus-Finch, Sally Lightfoot Crab and Galápagos Hawk should be seen, and Red-billed Tropicbirds will be overhead.

On Floreana Island, we visit the famous Post Office Bay, where, in the 18thcentury, whalers opened an unofficial Post Office in the form of a barrel. This barrel has been in service ever since, and the cost of postage has not gone up a single penny! We too can mail letters, snorkel in one of the most spectacular places alongside Sea Lions and colourful fish and, if lucky, see White-tipped Reef Sharks and Hammerhead Sharks. We could also see Greater Flamingos, White-cheeked Pintail, Black-necked Stilts, Brown Pelicans, Audobon Shearwater, Medium Tree-Finch, Yellow Warbler, Black-tipped Sharks and Stingrays.

Santa Cruz is the second largest island of the archipelago and the home of the Charles Darwin Research Station and Galápagos National Park headquarters. Here we will learn first hand of the conservation and research efforts in the islands, and see the tortoise hatchlings and breeding programs saving several races of tortoise from extinction. After a stroll through the town of Puerto Ayora to buy souvenirs and absorb some local colour in the social heart of the islands, we visit the highlands of Santa Cruz and the largest lava tunnels found in Galápagos. Look out for Giant Tortoises, Vermillion Flycatcher, Large-billed Flycatcher, Darwin Finches, White-tipped Reef Sharks, schools of Spotted Eagle Rays and Golden Rays, Land Iguanas, Greater Flamingos. Sally Lightfoot Crabs are abundant on the lava rocks along the water's edge, where you might also see Hermit Crabs, Black-necked Stilts, and Whimbrels.

Genovesa is a favourite island for birdwatchers because of the high diversity of birds. It is a rocky outpost for many seabirds and the only place to see nesting Red-footed Booby. Great Frigatebirds and Masked Boobies build their nests in the salt bush forest, various Storm Petrels breed in the open lava fields which provide prey for hunting Short-eared Owls. Red-billed Tropicbird, Swallow-tailed Gull, Lava Gull, Marine Iguana, Lava Gull, Brown Pelican, Yellow-crowned Night Heron, Galápagos Dove and Large Ground Finch may also be seen.

Santiago Island is the fourth largest island, where the variation of habitat has been altered by the introduction of Feral Goats and Wild Boar. It is however a dramatic landscape combining lava flows and arid vegetation. The black sandy beaches host Marine Iguanas which feed on the exposed green algae, and in deep pools we might see Fur Sea Lion, once on the verge of extinction. Galápagos Hawk, Sally Lightfoot Crab, American Oystercatcher, Great Blue Heron, Lava Heron, and Yellow-crowed Night Heron are also present.

Bartolome Island is tiny, but famous for its spectacular, photogenic landscape. The north shore is an excellent place to snorkel, with Galápagos Penguin often spotted in the area. The mangroves in the south often have Sea Turtles and White-tipped Reef Sharks close to shore. Other key species are Lava Lizard and Galápagos Grasshopper.

North Seymour is a small, flat, arid island, with nesting Blue-footed Boobies and a colony of Magnificent Frigatebirds. Sea Lions basking on the black lava rocks at sunset is a favourite shot for photographers!

Baltra Island is a military base originally built by the Americans during World War II, and where we catch our transfer flight back to Quito for our overnight stay.

NB THIS PART OF THE HOLIDAY IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE, BECAUSE OUR ITINERARY IS STRICTLY CONTROLLED BY THE GALAPAGOS NATIONAL PARK. FULL DETAILS IN OUR 'EXTRA PACK' .

DAY 15 QUITO – ANTISANA - CAYAMBE COCA Thursday 7 October:
We travel through a stunning landscape of open páramo, forested ravines, rocky outcrops and glaciated lakes, created by a colossal volcano 400 years ago. Antisana Reserve is one of the best places to see 'páramo' birds, amongst which the most impressive is the largest raptor in the world - Andean Condor. Here we visit Lake Mica or Laguna Micacocha in order to see ducks, coots and many other birds. Among species seen are Andean Snipe, Ecuadorian Hillstar, Stout-billed Cinclodes, Bar-winged Cinclodes, Tawny Antpitta, Streak-throated Bush-Tyrant, Red-crested Cotinga, Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager, Buff-breasted Mountain-Tanager, and Black-backed Bush-Tanager.

DAY 16 CAYAMBE COCA ECOLOGICAL RESERVE Friday 8 October:
Cayambe Coca Ecological Reserve is a protected area of approx 400,000 hectares (1 million acres) composed mainly of páramo, primary forests, rivers and lagoons. It is considered to have one of greatest animal and plant diversities in Ecuador, and is one of the most beautiful regions in the country. The unique habitat holds special Andean birds such as Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe, Giant Conebill, Masked Mountain-Tanager, the endangered Andean Condor and Sword-billed Hummingbird. In the evening, we return to Quito.

DAYS 17 - 20 NAPO WILDLIFE CENTRE Saturday 9 October - Tuesday 12 October:
our final adventure takes us to the fabulous amazonian rainforest, as we fly to Coca and transfer by boat down the rushing Napa River. This huge river hurtles towards the Amazon through rainforest filled with wildlife. We meet members of the Quichua indigenous community, and travel in smaller, hand-paddled canoes along a picturesque creek to the isolated Napo Wildlife Centre, one of the Amazon's most breathtaking places.

Wildlife watching is exceptional, with birds and mammals all around, and we fill our days with gentle excursions to enjoy the forest. One of the highlights will be a visit to some of Ecuador's most accessible parrot clay licks. These are reached by following the Giant Otter creek downstream in a canoe to reach the Napo. Comfortable blinds have been built in each parrot lick in order to provide visitors with great viewing and high quality photo opportunities.

There is a 15 m (50 feet) tall observation tower on a 13 m (42 feet) hill, high enough to get great views of possible troops of spider or howler monkeys passing by and immense tropical scenery. The area holds over 560 bird species and the birding will be superb.

NWC has a large lake with two creeks, easily explored whilst quietly sitting in a dugout canoe paddled by expert guides eager to spot and show you wildlife. Thanks to the pristine habitat of the area other large species including three monkey species, Pygmy Marmoset (the world's smallest primate), and a few surviving Giant River Otters. Creeks are densely vegetated with large trees overhead and calm flowing waters. No one knows exactly what awaits in a flooded forest containing Anaconda or a gentle easy moving Three-toed Sloth. Larger mammals such as Jaguar, Puma, Tapir, Giant Anteater and Giant Armadillo have been seen in the area.

A very special experience, at the end of which we return by canoe, riverboat and airplane to Quito.

DAY 21 - 22 ECUADOR – UK Wednesday 13 October - Thursday 14 October:
After an early breakfast our guide will pick you up for transfer to the airport to catch our international flight. Please note: We depart Quito on Wednesday 13 October, but arrive back in London on the morning of Thursday 14th.

Accommodation: On nights 1, 4, 14, 16 and 20, we stay at the Café Cultura in Quito, an English style mansion house set in relaxing gardens and painstakingly restored to its former colonial beauty. Nights 2 and 3 are spent at Sachatamia Lodge, set in a private, ecological cloudforest reserve. Nights 5 to 13 are spent aboard the luxury cruise yacht Daphne around the Galápagos, night 15 is at Papallacta in the Paramo moorlands of the Andes, and nights 17, 18 and 19 are spent at the Napo Wildlife centre..

Price includes: Return scheduled flight from London Heathrow – Quito, return transfer flights to Coca in the Napo and to Baltra in the Galápagos, airport taxes, transfers from and to airports, full-board accommodation at the above hotels and lodges and aboard Daphne, including picnic lunches, ground transportation on days away from our accommodation, all boat and canoe trips, departure tax from Ecuador, Galápagos National Park entry fee, INGALA Card, incidental tips, and the services of local guides.

Price excludes: Holiday insurance, optional tip to local guides/other staff/boat crew, drinks, and other personal expenses.

Please note: All itineraries in this brochure are given as a guide only. Actual holiday content may vary according to the judgement of your guides, and elements beyond our control (eg weather).

OUR SHIP IN THE GALAPAGOS - DAPHNE.

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Please note: all itineraries are given as a guide only. Actual holiday content may vary according to the judgement of your guide, and elements beyond our control (eg weather).