Ecuador is a microcosm of South America. Within its borders lie snow-capped mountains, smoking volcanoes, giant rivers, lush tropical coastal plains and dense jungle. And if this isn’t enough to tempt the adventurous traveller then 1,000 km off the coast lie the world famous Galapagos Islands. These volcanic peaks, rising from the ocean floor, are home to many unique species of wildlife. Charles Darwin’s observations of the islands’ flora and fauna played a substantial part in the formulation of his theory of evolution. Join Byroads on the mainland and then join our Galapagos cruise and get to experience the many different facets of this intriguing country.

Your Ecuadorian adventure starts in the picturesque and colourful Andean town of Otavalo. The town is famous for its wonderful Indian arts and crafts market. We then visit Ecuador’s capital Quito. Founded by the Spanish on the ruins of an Incan city, today the colonial centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You discover the city’s highlights and travel out to ‘Mitad del Mundo’ to stand upon the Equator line. A short flight over the Andes brings you to Coca where a motorized canoe on the Napo River brings you to Sacha Lodge – one of Ecuador’s premiere rainforest lodges in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. With your expert rainforest guide you learn about the flora and fauna of this important biosphere.  Walk atop the Canopy Bridge to see the forest from a different perspective. Seek out caiman, sloths, monkeys and an amazing assortment of stunning birdlife. Learn of the medicinal properties of plants and the traditions and beliefs of the native Indians. All this and more from the comfort of Sacha Lodge. After three nights in the rainforest you return to Quito for your flight to the remarkable Galapagos Islands.

On arrival at the Baltra airport you will transfer to the ‘Fragata’ for your Galapagos cruise. The month of April is a wonderful time to be in the Galapagos and it’s a great time to be joining a small group wildlife cruise. The weather is warmer, the seas are calmer and there is good underwater visibility. The warmer weather of February, March and April is when many of the land birds, sea lions, turtles and tortoises that you’ll find on the Galápagos are breeding or nesting. For the next week you will observe, swim and wander with some of the most amazing and friendliest wildlife on the planet.  The wildlife, the flora and the dramatic geology of the islands will leave you spellbound. At the end of your time in these remote islands you will catch your flight back to Quito and to the end of your Ecuador adventure.

M.Y Fragata

The 23 metre motor yacht is one of the few owner-operated vessels in the Galapagos. The 8 person crew prides itself on ensuring you of a wonderful time on board and the qualified naturalist guide shares their great knowledge of the unique wildlife and island geography. Cabins on Fragata are located on two of the four decks and there is both twin and double accommodation. All have individual air conditioning, private en suite bathroom and beautiful wood floors and fittings. The communal areas feature beautiful honey-colored natural wood.

The main lounge is made for socializing – a perfect place to relax with a drink from the yacht’s bar and listen to the talks from your naturalist guide. The dining room reflects the boat’s friendly ambiance and meals are wholesome and delicious. There is a full size sundeck and a diving platform at the stern makes for easy entry and exit into the zodiacs and into the water when swimming. Snorkelling equipment can be hired on-board.

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