Galapagos Hike and Explore

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: This trip does involve some potential hiking and kayaking, but no previous experience is necessary to complete this trip. This is an accessible itinerary, but if you use a wheelchair and are interested in going please call to discuss with us.

WEATHER: Weather in Ecuador will vary depending on ecosystem. The average temperature along the Ecuadorian coast is 80-90 F during the day and 70-80 F at night. The dry season lasts from June to November in the mountains and from May to December on the coast, with less humidity and temperatures more comfortable.

YOUR GROUP: The group size ranges from 8 to 12 participants, plus 1-2 Wilderness Inquiry staff. Each group consists of people of various ages, backgrounds, and abilities, including people with disabilities.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Throughout the trip, we will be staying in small, local hotels and lodges. The accommodations are simple yet comfortable. Typically there are 2-4 people per room, matched by gender or requests to room together. In most rooms, solo travelers have single beds and couples share beds. As always, WI staff will assist participants who require additional help in every way possible.

SINGLE TRAVELERS: If you are traveling alone you will feel at home with a welcoming group. If you would like to have your own room throughout the trip you may purchase a single supplement for an additional fee. Please email or call us if you would like this option.

MEALS: All meals are prepared for you. You’ll indulge in typical local fare, including lots of seafood and fruit, as well as meat and potatoes. We recommend bottled over tap water in Ecuador and will have it readily available. We’ll enjoy happy hours as a group, but the purchase of alcoholic beverages is not included in the trip fees.

EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING: All you need to provide is your personal gear, such as clothing, footwear to hike in, rain gear, and a water bottle. A detailed equipment list will be sent to you upon confirmation of your participation.

PASSPORT/VISA: U.S. citizens need a passport to enter Ecuador, and it must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure. One blank passport page is typically required for entry stamp. No tourist visa is required for U.S. citizens for stays under 90 days per calendar year, though a return ticket may be requested. We encourage you to check the State Department website for the most up-to-date entry requirements: http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country/ecuador.html
Additional information on entry and customs requirements may be obtained from the Embassy of Ecuador at their web site http://www.ecuador.org.

According to Conservation International, Ecuador is one of the 17 “megadiverse” countries, harboring the majority of the earth’s species. It provides habitat for 1,600 bird species, 16,000 species of plants, 106 reptiles, 138 amphibians, and 6,000 species of butterflies. Many of these species are found nowhere else in the world, like the Galápagos Sea Lion, Warbler Finch, and Lava Cactus.

The ecological diversity that distinguishes Ecuador is largely determined by the four distinct geographical regions within the country—La Costa (the coast), La Sierra (the highlands), La Amazonía (the Amazon), and Región Insular (Galápagos Islands). It’s a wonder that a country roughly the size of Nevada can host volcanoes, tropical jungles, deserts, fertile valleys, calm or rough seas, rivers, waterfalls, and the Galápagos Islands.

Bounded on the west by the Pacific Ocean, Ecuador boasts over 1400 miles of coastline. Stunning beaches offering some of the best surf on the South American Pacific coast stretch along the coast, dotted by small ports and picturesque fishing villages. The coast and low-lying land in the western part of Ecuador generally have a humid subtropical climate driven by the ocean currents. Visitors can experience all the coast has to offer—surfing, kayaking, bird watching, fishing, horseback riding and hiking.

The highlands run north to south through the center of Ecuador. The region is dominated by two Andean mountain ranges standing parallel with a chain of fertile valleys folded in between. From the scenic high peaks to colorful valleys, villages with distinct customs and heritages dot the region. Quito, the capital city of Ecuador, lies at 9,000 feet within the highlands region. UNESCO declared this historical city a World Heritage Site in 1978 for having the best preserved and least altered historic center in Latin America. Just south of Quito is the city of Guayaquil, which features one of the world’s highest active volcanoes—Mount Chimborazo. It is also considered the closest place to the sun on earth given its proximity to the equator.

The largest known Incan ruins in Ecuador, Ingapirca, are located in the highlands just outside of the city of Cuenca. The site offers a historical glimpse into two of the most prominent ancient civilizations in Ecuador – the Incas and the Cañari. The ruins of the temple of the sun, which was constructed to align with the solstices, still remain at the center of the site.

The Amazon basin covers just under half of the country’s entire surface area. Spreading over six of the eastern provinces, the jungle-covered plains harbor howler monkeys, sloths, and toucans and parrots. The Napo River runs through the Amazon and is a major life source and method of transportation for the tropical forest. The river’s many islands provide ample nesting areas for a wide variety of bird species. The Amazon’s waterways also support over 600 species of fish and 250 species of amphibians and reptiles.

Ecuador became the first nation to legally recognize the rights of nature in 2008 when they wrote the National Plan of Buen Vivir (Good Living) into the constitution. It became a clear national priority to conserve and manage the abundant natural heritage alive throughout the land and waterways of Ecuador. Currently 11 national parks, 10 wildlife refuges, 9 ecological reserves and other areas are protected areas in Ecuador. The Cajas National Park was declared in 1996 and protects about 270 lakes and lagoons. The cloud forest in the lower parts of the park is distinguished by sharp and deeply forested mountains that are carved out by powerful waterfalls and meandering streams. The most impressive waterfall in the region is Pailon del Diablo Waterfall. Its beautiful turquoise water falls approximately 100 feet.