trips

Starting Point

Hotel Sierra Madre
Veintimilla No 464 y Luis Tamayo
Quito
Ecuador
Phone: (593-2) 2505 687

Joining Point Instructions

Quito's airport is 10km north of the city. The quickest and most reliable way from the airport to the hotel is by taxi. As you exit the airport terminal there is a pick up area directly in front of you but dont worry the drivers will have found you as soon as you open that terminal door. Unless the taxi has a meter and is willing to use it you will need to bargain - you are likely to pay US$10. Most drivers will speak a little English and your hotel is well known but in case of difficulty the following in Spanish will help you reach your destination.
Por favor me puede llevar al Sierra Madre, que se encuentra localizado en calle Veintimilla 446 y Luis Tamayo.

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Finishing Point

Hotel Sierra Madre
Veintimilla No 464 y Luis Tamayo
Quito
Ecuador
Phone: (593-2) 2505 687

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Group Size

Maximum of 14 travellers per group

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Physical Rating - Moderate

Activities include treks of 3 to 4 hours per day in hilly terrain, flat water kayaking or a long day's bike ride, in conditions which are likely to be hot and muggy. You will raise your heart rate on these trips, so a basic level of aerobic fitness is required.

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Accommodation

Hotels (9 nts)

Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multi share basis. Please note there may be times when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own.

Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we are arriving prior to normal check in time. However this is not always possible which means we will not be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.

If you have purchased pre or post trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.


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Meals

While travelling with us you will experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Generally, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your group leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. Please check the 'meal inclusions' section below for details of meals included.

Allow USD $50 for meals not included.

Meal Inclusions
 
7 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches

Special Diets: should you have a special diet requirement (for example vegetarian, celiac, vegan, severe food allergies) it is essential that you inform Intrepid of the specific details at least 10 days prior to departure, in order to make sure the Chef on board the boat or on the island can request the necessary food supplies.

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Local Payment

There are no local payments on this trip.

Local Payment FAQ 


Extra Costs

Galapagos park entry fee USD $100 (Subject to change)
Transit Control Card USD$10


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Single Supplement

A single supplement fee is not available on this trip.

Single travellers may be paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip.

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Included

This is a list of included activities on this trip. All other activities are optional and at your own expense. For a list of optional activities and sightseeing available on this trip, see the optional activities section below. If you choose not to participate in the included activities on this itinerary, the cost will not be refunded.

Flight from Quito to San Cristobal
Mountain biking - San Cristobal
Interpretation Center - San Cristobal
Isla de Lobos and Cerro Brujo Beach boat trip - San Cristobal
Sierra Negra Volcano - Isabela
Giant Tortoise Breeding Center - Isabela
Wall of Tears, flamingos and Tintoreras day trip - Isabela
Giant Tortoise, lava tunnels and Tortuga Bay day trip - Santa Cruz
Charles Darwin Research Station - Santa Cruz
Santa Fe Island - enroute to San Cristobal
Flight from San Cristobal to Quito

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Not Included

International Flights


Optional Activities

We list the following optional activities for your information. This is not an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only.
They are not necessarily endorsed or recommended by your tour operator/agent nor included in price of this trip. If you do any of them, you do so at your own risk and it must be clearly understood that your participation is your own decision and does not form part of your contract with tour operator/agent.

City Tour (entrance fees not included), Quito - US$24
City Tour & Equator Line (entrance fees not included), Quito - US$32
Saquisili Market and Cotopaxi trip, Quito - US$60 (plus Entrance fee to National Park US$10)
Cotopaxi trip, Quito - US$45 (plus Entrance fee to National Park US$10)
Scuba diving (2 dives), Galapagos - from US$140 - $200

On day 3 of this itinerary you may have the opportunity to go diving. While this activity can not be pre booked, if you intend to take this option, please advise your booking agent as soon as possible so the necessary arrangements can be made.

Surf board hire (half day), Galapagos - US$10
Boogy board (half day), Galapagos - US$8
Wetsuit hire, Galapagos - US$20

Tipping: If you are happy with the services provided by your local guide and boat crew a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you along your trip. An appropriate amount would be around US$10 per day which gets divided between local guides and boat crew.

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Transport

Plane, minibus, truck, motorised boat, bicycle, walking

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What to Take

We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack (whichever you find easiest to carry). A good size daypack is also essential.

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Health & Safety

For vaccinations please visit the MDtravelhealth website. 

Sun:
It is very important that you wear sun block, even on a cloudy day when it feels cool as we are near the equator and the sun is very strong. A sunburn can turn a pleasant trip into a painful trip.

Hydration
Even when days are cool please be sure to drink a minimum of two litres of water and refrain from drinking to many diuretics, as while when travelling outdoors the breeze can dehydrate you quickly as well as the heat.

Diarrhoea:
It is normal for people travelling overseas to get an upset stomach due to a change of climate and food. Please make sure that you wash your hands and stay away from street food.You will be required to complete a participation form on day 1 of the trip. 

Participation Form

You may be required to complete a participation form on day 1 of the trip
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Live to Xplore Country Guides

Ecuador Country Guide

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Weather & Climate

Ecuador Country Guide

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Important Info

Please note that the highest denomination bill accepted in Ecuador is USD 20 (50 and 100 dollar bills are out of circulation). Your local payment can only be paid in 20 and 10 dollar bills. Please ensure that the notes are new and clean (as old or ripped notes may not be accepted) and that they are 2000 series onwards only.

Please note that if the composition of your group is between 1-4 travellers, the itinerary on day 4 may be slightly revised, flying between San Cristobal and Isabela.

The Galapagos park fee (USD$100) is payable upon arrival to the islands.

The Galapagos National Institute has introduced a Transit Control Card. This card has a cost of US$10 and it must be purchased by every person travelling to the Galapagos Islands. You will need to purchase this card upon arrival to the domestic airport on day 2, prior to checking in to your Galapagos flight. 

Disclaimer | The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and tour operator/agent. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. This tour is run by Intrepid Travel.

Visas Please note that visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going.

Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader.


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