DISCOVER A DIFFERENT WORLD

ITINERARY FOR THE SUE LEWIS GROUP ECUADOR & THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS 15 FEBRUARY 2015

ITINERARY FOR THE SUE LEWIS GROUP ECUADOR & THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS 15 FEBRUARY 2015 YOUR HOTEL SUMMARY Arrive Depart Nights Location Property name 15 Feb 15 18 Feb 15 3 Otavalo La Mirage 18 Feb 15 20 Feb 15 2 Mashpi Mashpi Lodge 20 Feb 15 22 Feb 15 2 Quito Patio Andaluz 22 Feb 15 01 Mar 15 7 Galapagos M/Y Eric or Letty Please continue to page 3 for your full detailed itinerary.

Website www.mirage.com.ec www.mashpilodge.com www.hotelpatioandaluz.com www.ecoventura.com

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ITINERARY FOR THE SUE LEWIS GROUP ECUADOR & THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS 15 FEBRUARY 2015 15 February (Sunday) Please proceed to Birmingham Airport (Terminal 2) for your KLM flight to Quito via Amsterdam. Please note that you should check in at least two hours in advance for an international flight. KL1420 (ECONOMY CLASS) Check-in Birmingham Depart to Amsterdam Arrive in Amsterdam

05:00 hrs 06:00 hrs 08:20 hrs

On arrival at Amsterdam Schipol Airport please proceed in transit for your onward KLM flight to Quito as follows: KL755 (ECONOMY CLASS) Check-in Amsterdam Depart to Quito Arrive in Quito

On arrival 10:15 hrs 16:15 hrs

On arrival at Quito International Airport please proceed to Immigration & Customs for the entry formalities. You will then be met and transferred up the Pan American Highway to Otavalo and La Mirage (approximately 90 minutes’ drive), where you stay for the next 3 nights. La Mirage is a beautiful 18th Century property, which has been elegantly refurbished and turned into a delightful country inn for visitors to the Andean region around Otovalo. Surrounded by snow-capped volcanoes and set in colourful tropical gardens with peacocks strutting and humming birds fluttering around, this is arguably the most luxurious of all the haciendas in the region and is a well-deserved member of the exclusive Relais & Chateaux group. The property has just 23 large and exquisitely decorated and furnished rooms and suites, all of which are extremely comfortable and have en suite bathroom facilities. The hacienda is well known for its delicious cuisine and meals are served in the dining room or the glass pavilion overlooking the gardens. There is also a beautiful spa with an indoor swimming pool and treatment rooms where they offer a wide variety of pampering and self-indulgent treatments and massages. There is some excellent horseback riding and walking in the surrounding hill country. The whole area north of Quito is part of the Andean highlands and is well known for its spectacular scenery. Snow-capped volcanoes such as Cayambe tower over rolling hills interspersed by lakes and beautiful farmland. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax and enjoy the facilities of the hotel. La Mirage & Spa (Standard Rooms) (D) 16 & 17 February (Monday & Tuesday) You now have two full days exploring this fascinating area with your guide. The small, beautiful market town of Otavalo set in the hills north of Quito has become internationally famous on the back of its remarkably colourful and vibrant weekly market that stretches back to pre-Inca times. The indigenous Indian population has rigidly clung to their cultural identity and still wear their traditional dress, which includes white calf length trousers, rope sandals, blue ponchos and dark felt hats for the men, whilst the women are truly striking in their embroidered shirts, black skirts, shawls and brightly coloured beaded jewellery.

ITINERARY FOR THE SUE LEWIS GROUP ECUADOR & THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS 15 FEBRUARY 2015 The weaving skills of its local mestizo and indigenous Indian populations are responsible for the massive interest in Otavalo and their style of weaving with the backstrap loom which has been in operation for over 4000 years. Ponchos, blankets, jumpers, gloves, shawls, bags and tapestries are just a few of the many woven items that can be bought here as well as rope sandals and jewellery. The old colonial town of Ibarra is the local provincial capital and a charming place full of cobbled streets, quiet shady plazas and traditional houses with terracotta tiles and white washed walls which has led to its nickname of La Ciudad Blanca or ‘the white city’. Lake Cuicocha is the perfect place to escape from the hustle & bustle of the towns and here there is an eroded volcanic crater that is now a large crater lake almost three kilometres wide with islands in the middle and overlooked by the impressive Cotacachi volcano. A path leads around the lake and takes you through some beautiful countryside full of flowers and birds, but the round trip does take half a day, so a shorter walk is generally recommended. La Mirage & Spa (Standard Rooms) (B,L,D) 18 February (Wednesday) Today you leave Otavalo and head south to Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve, a small 3,383 hectare reserve, about 4km northwest of Mitad del Mundo. Pululahua is a Quichua word that means “cloud of water” or fog. It is a collapsed volcano with great biodiversity and unique geological formations. It is due to this uniqueness that it was declared a Geobotanical Reserve. The most interesting feature of the reserve is the volcanic crater of the extinct Pululahua, approximately 400 metres deep and 5 km across. The crater’s fertile bottom is used for agriculture, whilst the steep walls let the unique and diverse vegetation grow undisturbed and protected and there is a great variety of flowers and many birds. You then continue to Mindo Cloud Forest where you stay at Mashpi Lodge for the next 2 nights. Set on the western slopes of the Andes within a 2600 acre private reserve, which is itself within a biodiversity ‘hotspot’, Mashpi Lodge is a brand new lodge offering guests the chance to experience some of Ecuador’s most beautiful cloud forest and the incredible flora and fauna that lives here. Mashpi is a small and exclusive property built in a very modern, contemporary style that blends into its environment and has just 22 suites (nineteen Wayru Suites which measure 30 square metres and just three Yaku Suites which measure 37 square metres and have their own Jacuzzis-with-a-view.) The lodge itself is powered 100% by its own hydroelectricity and adheres to the highest environmental standards. Complementing this wonderful and distinctive rainforest experience is the superb cuisine prepared from Ecuador's rich cornucopia of fresh ingredients. There is a reading room, several lounges and for those looking for wellness in the forest, the lodge includes a jacuzzi with panoramic views and two massage rooms with specialized local treatments. There is also an outdoor terrace with wonderful views of the forest. There are a variety of trails winding through the reserve where you can enjoy some great birdwatching, numerous waterfalls and rivers to bathe in, orchid gardens to explore and a two kilometre aerial tram allowing visitors to enjoy an unparalleled extended exploration of the forest canopy, which is one of the Earth's richest and least-explored biomes. The reserve is home to animals such as monkeys, peccaries and even puma, stunning butterflies such as the electric blue Morpho and a host of insects and amphibians such as the glass frog. The lodge has several Ecuadorian biologists, who have recently made important findings, including three bird display sites (known as 'leks') for the Stunning cotinga, Cock-of-the-rock and Umbrella birds. The area is home to lichens, mosses, giant ferns, many orchid species and the guides will help to bring this verdant world alive. Mashpi Lodge (Standard Rooms) (B,L,D)

ITINERARY FOR THE SUE LEWIS GROUP ECUADOR & THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS 15 FEBRUARY 2015 19 February (Thursday) You now have one full day to explore this hugely rich biodiversity with your naturalist guides. Mashpi Lodge (Standard Rooms) (B,L,D) 20 February (Friday) Today you will be driven back to Quito and driven to Patio Andaluz, where you stay for the next 2 nights. Surrounded by churches, museums and national monuments and set in the heart of the historical centre of Quito, Hotel Patio Andaluz is a delightful little property with a strong colonial influence. Built around a central covered courtyard, there are just thirty two rooms, all of which offer sizeable and tastefully decorated accommodation with en suite bathroom, a sitting area and a TV. The hotel also has its own restaurant in the central courtyard, a bar and a sitting room. The rest of the day is at leisure. Patio Andaluz (Standard Rooms) (B) 21 February (Saturday) This morning you will be picked up and taken on a full day cultural tour of Quito by vehicle and includes some walking. The capital of Ecuador has a setting that few cities can match. During the 13th century it was the prosperous centre of the Kingdom of Quitus. It later became the northern capital of the Inca Empire and in the 16th and 17th Centuries, colonial architects built formidable temples, monasteries and mansions, creating an urban jewel designated by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site. Quito’s artistic creativity awaits the visitor in cosmopolitan galleries and boutiques filled with contemporary paintings, sculptures and exquisite traditional crafts. The Colonial sector, the old and charming city with 400 years of Spanish heritage is also worth a visit. Plaza de la Independencia is the principal square in the city and is home to the Presidential Palace, which is a beautiful white building flanked by handsomely uniformed presidential guards. The cathedral is also on the plaza and is a delightful building with a variety of interesting statues, paintings and artistic features. There are also a number of even more richly decorated churches, chapels and monasteries in and around the centre such as the Church of La Merced, the Monastery of San Agustin, the Church of Santo Domingo and the Church of La Compania de Jesus. El Panecillo (‘the little bread loaf’) is the small rounded hill that dominates the old town and it has a huge statue of La Virgen de Quito with her crown of stars, eagle’s wings and chained dragon and this is one of the city’s most famous landmarks, which is well worth a visit. Also from the top of the hill you can enjoy panoramic views of not only the city, but also of the chain of volcanoes that are the backbone of central Ecuador. There are also a number of interesting museums in both the new and old parts of the city such as Casa de Sucre, which was the home of Mariscal Antonio Jose de Sucre, the hero of Ecuadorian independence who lent his name to the country’s old currency. Antiguo Cuartel de la Real Audencia is a lovely old building with a fascinating colonial art collection as is the Museo de Arte Colonial, a delightful 17th Century property full of many famous works. Casa de la Cultura is a museum with a large collection of contemporary Ecuadorian work within a circular glass building. Patio Andaluz (Standard Rooms) (B,L)

ITINERARY FOR THE SUE LEWIS GROUP ECUADOR & THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS 15 FEBRUARY 2015 22 February (Sunday) This morning you will be picked up from the hotel and transferred to Quito airport for your Aerogal flight to San Cristobal (via Guayaquil) as follows: Check-in Quito Depart Quito Arrive San Cristobal

08:00 hrs 09:00 hrs 11:30 hrs

On arrival you will be met and then you have to pass through an airport inspection point to ensure that no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the islands. The boat’s guides will meet you, collect your luggage and escort you on the short bus ride to the harbour. Motorized rafts, called ‘pangas’ will transport you to the Flamingo, Letty or Eric and you stay aboard for the next 7 nights. Sailing with only 20 fellow guests, venturing ashore in small groups of ten, you will be able to experience the islands in a highly personal and exclusive way. THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS & BRIEF HISTORY Lying 1000 kilometres (600 miles) off Ecuador's Pacific Coast, the Galapagos Islands emerged approximately five million years ago, give or take a million, as a result of violent volcanic action and in geological terms, this should be considered a recent event. As the young islands were cooling off some two million years later, a few species gradually started to arrive. They were live organisms riding on ‘rafts of vegetation’ from the shores of Central and South America. Unusual climatic events, like flooding, can take lots of vegetation rafts to the ocean. Therefore, it is pure chance that allowed such a raft to eventually reach the Galapagos. These early immigrants had to adapt to a peculiar new environment, and simply evolved -- slowly -- in a different direction from their continental ancestors. And, wonders of nature, they developed into species unique to the islands, with features not seen in their past ancestors. The Galapagos Islands archipelago consists of 13 major islands, 6 smaller ones, and scores of islets that are all part of Ecuador's National Park system. In 1835, the naturalist Charles Darwin visited the islands and discovered this ‘living laboratory’ which inspired his writings on the theory of evolution. Many of the animals on the Galapagos Islands have developed into different species from their continental relatives, and because they have never experienced man as a predator, they show no fear of humans. In fact, when Darwin published his book The Origin Of The Species, the nineteenth-century thinkers confirmed long held suspicions that species were not immutable, and praised the archipelago as a living laboratory, which has become the greatest observatory of the process of evolution. After the welcome briefing and safety drill, a delicious buffet lunch is served. You then travel by bus to Cerro Tijeretas or “Frigatebird Hill”, situated just outside town near to “La Predial” a fishing community present from 1952 to 1960. It is one of two sites where you can spot nesting colonies of both species of Friagebirds (Great and Magnificent). The trail leads to Playa Mann where there are vistas of beautiful scenery. You then return to the yacht and depart at 3pm to cruise around Leon Dormido or Kicker Rock, a vertical tuff cone formation that rises abruptly almost 500 feet out of the ocean. On the cliffs, you can spot Blue-footed Boobies, Nazca Boobies and Magnificent Frigate birds. In the evening there will be an island briefing followed by your Captain’s welcome cocktail party and dinner prepared by well-trained chefs. M/Y Eric, Letty or Flamingo (Exclusive basis) (B,L,D)

ITINERARY FOR THE SUE LEWIS GROUP ECUADOR & THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS 15 FEBRUARY 2015 23 February (Monday) You arrive to Cerro Brujo, a breathtaking white coral beach, considered one of the most spectacular in Galapagos and perfect for a peaceful walk with expansive views and good bird watching. You have an opportunity to snorkel or kayak from the beach or swim with sea lions as well as a Zodiac ride. During lunch, you cruise toward the north eastern tip of San Cristobal to Punta Pitt, a tuff formation that serves as a nesting site for many sea birds including all three types of boobies: Blue footed, Nazca and Red-footed boobies, both Frigate species, swallow-tailed gulls, Storm petrels and a colony of sea lions. Punta Pitt is considered to be a first class site for birds and on par with Genovesa (Tower) Island. M/Y Eric, Letty or Flamingo (Exclusive basis) (B,L,D) 24 February (Tuesday) You disembark at Punta Suarez, Espanola (Hood), where you can witness the highest rate of endemic species in Galapagos. Sea lions noisily greet you as you land on their beach. Curious Hood mockingbirds peck at your shoelaces. Colonies of blue-footed boobies engage in “sky-pointing” to show off for potential mates. Nazca boobies busily care for their young. Stunning swallow-tailed gulls are the only nocturnal gulls in the world and fish at night. Red-billed tropicbirds take shelter under the cliffs. You also find Darwin’s Finches, Galapagos Doves and Galapagos Hawks. Observe a unique species of marine iguana identified with traces of red and green colourings. Colourful sally light-foot crabs crawl along the shoreline near to the famous "blow hole". After lunch you have a wet landing on Gardner Bay, Espanola (Hood), walk along seemingly endless stretch of this white sandy beach where you’ll find large colonies of sea lions. There is no trail to follow so this is a chance to explore or take a long walk. You may find a Galapagos Hawk, Darwin’s Finches or Hood Mockingbird. Swim with sea lions right from the beach, explore the bay and islets by kayak or just relax on the beach. There’s an excellent snorkelling site off Gardner Islet with a colourful diversity of sea life near Tortuga Rock. Explore caves by Zodiac covered with invertebrates. M/Y Eric, Letty or Flamingo (Exclusive basis) (B,L,D) 25 February (Wednesday) Today you step ashore at Punta Cormorant, Floreana (Charles), one of the few populated islands in the Galapagos. Floreana presents a rich human history with mystery and intrigue. You set foot on a green-sand beach alive with the sounds of sea lions. Follow a trail to a brackish lagoon, home of the pintail ducks, common stilts, and the Greater Flamingos, the pinkest in the world. Wind your way past a rich variety of plants including Morning Glory, Cut Leaf Daisies, Palo Verdes and Scalesia leading to a beach with power soft sand. Sea turtles lay their eggs in the sand dunes and rays swim in the shallow water. After the walk, you have an opportunity to snorkel at Devil’s Crown or Champion, a shallow sunken crater colonized by a brilliant array of colourful fish and corral. You can choose to have a picnic lunch on deck or dine inside. After lunch you visit Post Office Bay, not the most scenic, but one of the most famous sites in Galapagos. Here is where a post barrel was erected and put into use in the late 18th Century by English whaling vessels. You are invited to leave a post card and to pick up any mail from your home area. M/Y Eric, Letty or Flamingo (Exclusive basis) (B,L,D)

ITINERARY FOR THE SUE LEWIS GROUP ECUADOR & THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS 15 FEBRUARY 2015 26 February (Thursday) Today you travel by bus to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island. The scenery gradually changes as you wind your way through all seven vegetation zones found in Galapagos. Here you visit the tortoise reserve at “Las Primicias” one of the private farms in the highlands where you encounter giant tortoises in their natural habitat. You stop at "the tunnels", the largest lava tubes found in Galapagos. You visit Los Gemelos, Spanish for “The Twins”, a pair of large pit craters where you can find the bright red male vermilion flycatcher. After lunch you visit the Centro de Crianza Fausto Llerena (the Charles Darwin Research Station). See all three tortoise corals and the breeding centre with new hatchlings and miniature tortoises not yet ready to be repatriated. Scientists from all over the globe work at the station and conduct biological research from anatomy to zoology. You stop at Van Straelen Hall where there are exhibits and a presentation. Visitors can see the tortoise and land iguana corrals. Puerto Ayora is the social heart of the islands with a population of 24,000. This evening you have the option to return to your yacht for a buffet dinner or remain in town on your own account. Those who return to the yacht will be provided zodiacs to return to town to shop for souvenirs or stop in at an internet café. Zodiacs will be provided for your return to your yacht. M/Y Eric, Letty or Flamingo (Exclusive basis) (B,L,D) 27 February (Friday) Today you disembark at Bartolome, where it seems like you are walking on the moon. This young island is inhospitable to most plants and animals. After a dry landing you climb 30 minutes up stairs leading to the summit of a once active volcano. Along the way you pause to marvel at lava bombs, spatter cones and cinder cones. From the top of the wooden stairs you can gaze out across the island for a panoramic view of the island and "Pinnacle Rock", an eroded tuff cone. Crystal clear water is an invitation to snorkel from the beach with schools of tropical fish and Galapagos Penguins or take a Zodiac ride. After lunch you visit Las Bachas, (Spanish for “barges”). There is a long stretch of a soft white sandy beach and interior lagoons where you can find the Greater Flamingo. There is also a wonderful chance to snorkel here from the beach. Located off the Southern tip of Santiago is Sombrero Chino, or Chinese Hat which owes its name to its shape. After a wet beach landing with sea lion colonies, the trail gives way to a primeval landscape of volcanic rubble including cracked lava formations and lava tubes. You can find marine iguanas and pairs of oystercatchers. You can choose to snorkel at a site that is frequented by Galapagos penguins. M/Y Eric, Letty or Flamingo (Exclusive basis) (B,L,D) 28 February (Saturday) Today you visit South Plaza, a small geological uplift with tall cliffs offering spectacular views. After a dry landing, the trail leads through Prickly Pear or Opuntia and Sesuvium. Here you can find the Galapagos Land Iguana feeding on the cactus leaves. Toward the end of the hill, you encounter a colony of bachelor sea lions. The dominant bulls are in various stages of recovery from battles lost over prime beach territory. You also find Swallow tailed gulls, Shearwaters and Red-billed tropicbirds who build their nests along the cliffs. After lunch you have a dry landing at North Seymour, a small geological uplift. You follow a trail that leads you to Swallow-tailed gulls, Blue-footed boobies and the endemic Land iguanas. Visit the largest colony of Magnificent Frigate birds found in Galapagos. As you stroll along the beach, you can find Marine Iguanas and sea lions body surf the northern swells. You return to the yacht for the Captain’s Farwell cocktail party and dinner. M/Y Eric, Letty or Flamingo (Exclusive basis) (B,L,D)

ITINERARY FOR THE SUE LEWIS GROUP ECUADOR & THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS 15 FEBRUARY 2015 01 March (Sunday) This morning you visit the Interpretation Centre opened on San Cristobal Island in 1999 by bus. Here you can gain a more complete understanding of the natural and human history of the Islands. Afterwards you can spend some time in port before heading to the airport for your flight to Quito (via Guayaquil) as follows: Depart San Cristobal Arrive Guayaquil

12:30 hrs 15:25 hrs

On arrival at Guayaquil Airport you will be met and transferred to the Oro Verde where you have a Day Room (available until 1800 hours). Later this afternoon you will be transferred to Guayaquil International Airport in order to check in for your KLM flight to Birmingham International Airport (Terminal 2) via Amsterdam as follows: KL751 (ECONOMY CLASS) Check-in Guayaquil Depart to Amsterdam

18:20 hrs 20:20 hrs 02 March (Monday)

Arrive in Amsterdam

13:45 hrs

On arrival in Amsterdam please proceed in transit for your onward KLM flight to Birmingham International as follows: KL1431(ECONOMY CLASS) Check-in Amsterdam Depart Amsterdam Arrive in Birmingham

On arrival 16:25 hrs 16:40 hrs END OF SERVICES

ITINERARY FOR THE SUE LEWIS GROUP ECUADOR & THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS 15 FEBRUARY 2015 The price of this itinerary based on 20 people travelling is as follows: Land Arrangements:
£ 5,140 per person (based on a Dolphin Deck cabin)
£ 4,991 per person (based on a Booby Deck cabin)
£ 4,842 per person (based on a Iguana Deck cabin) International flights on KLM:
£ 599 + 467 tax per person (Economy Class)*
£ 2,341 + 661 tax per person (Business Class)* *Please note flight prices are subject to change until the time of booking. Single Room Supplement:
£ 884 per person (Single Room Supplement excluding on the boat)
£ 3,346 per person (Single Room Supplement including on the boat)

The price of your holiday includes: -International flights and taxes (quoted separately from the Land arrangements) -Airport transfers in Quito -Accommodation & meals as specified -Sightseeing as specified on a private basis in Otavalo and Quito -Domestic flights and taxes in economy class as specified -Shared transfers in the Galapagos -Shared excursions in the Galapagos -Galapagos Transit Control Card ($10 per person) -All National Park entry fees ($100 per person) for the Galapagos Islands -All government sales taxes The price of your holiday excludes: -International departure tax of $40.80 per person -Personal purchases -Tips and gratuities -Use of email/fax/telephone facilities -Travel insurance -Visa charges The meal plans on each day are represented by the following symbols: B: Breakfast L: Lunch D: Dinner Please note that World Odyssey strongly recommends that you have adequate Travel

Insurance to ensure you are well covered for the period of your holiday.