Many of TraveLearns clients have encouraged
us to develop some less expensive Learning Vacations to meet the
needs of more budget conscious travelers. We are, therefore, pleased
to introduce Budget Learning Vacations for many of our destinations.
These are in addition to our regular excellent value Learning Vacations.
All of these Budget Learning Vacations will have the special learning
features of our regular Learning Vacation programs:
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The
same experienced and outstanding escorts and local guides
that we have used over the years for our regular programs.
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Special lectures
and field experiences conducted by our in-country resource
people. |
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Contact with
local people and their lifestyles through specially arranged
small group luncheons or dinners. |
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Small groups to help facilitate greater interaction between the participants and our escorts, guides, and resource people. |
The major difference in the programs will be
the use of more modest accommodations and meal arrangements for
the Budget Learning Vacations, and we will also require a minimum
of 15 paying participants for these programs. The maximum number
of participants will still remain at 20. In some instances we have
reduced the number of days for the program to achieve a savings
for budget minded travelers.
 Day
1 - November 15th - Thursday
USA / Quito, Ecuador
Depart from the USA on regularly scheduled flight. Evening arrival
at Quito airport and transfer to your hotel located in the heart
of Quito's modern sector, an area famous for its cosmopolitan air.
Hotel Dann Carlton
Day 2 - November 16th - Friday (B, L)
Quito
Tour the 450-year-old capital of Ecuador. You will explore the historical
colonial center of Quito whose buildings date back to the sixteenth
and seventeenth centuries. Here you will see the impressive Church/Monastery
of St. Augustine; La Compania Church with its famous ornate facade
and glittering golden altars; and the San Francisco Church, one
of the first great religious buildings in the New World. A special
lunch will be arranged with Ecuadorian families in their homes in
Quito. Dr. Diego Quiroga, an anthropologist from the University
of San Francisco de Quito, plans a lecture on “The People
of Ecuador” in the evening.
Hotel Dann Carlton
Day 3 - November 17th - Saturday (B, L)
Quito - Otavalo
This excursion goes north, to the land of the Otavaleños
and South America’s most famous Indian fair. Early departure
from Quito towards Calderón, a small village that keeps the
tradition of making colorful dough figurines of Indian dolls, llamas,
flowers and even great Christmas ornaments. Guests can observe how
each figure is molded by hand, with dough of different colors carefully
put together; then it is baked and varnished. Continue on the Panamerican
Highway through dramatic mountain scenery to the textile market
of Otavalo, where guests will enjoy visiting the many stalls full
of ponchos, scarves, blankets, wall hangings, woven belts (fajas),
hats, handbags and much more. Here Otavaleños barter in silence,
in marked contrast to the raucous noise of other markets; take your
time to negotiate the best bargains. Then, proceed to Peguche, an
Indian village very near Otavalo that is home to the artisans who
do the weaving in their homes; guests can learn about their culture
and beliefs. Lunch is at one of the charming country inns or haciendas
of the area.
Hotel Dann Carlton
"All was
fabulous; the guides, the gentle Ecuadorian people, the colorful
attire, the hacienda and rose farm visits, our home visit
to an artist, the accommodations, especially La Mirage which
was a treat for every sense, the sea lions up close and personal,
the giant tortoises, flightless cormorant, blue footed boobies
and dolphin escorts to one of the islands. I never felt closer
to nature..."
Galapagos
- E. Friedman, NY
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Day 4 - November 18th
- Sunday (B, L)
Quito - Cotopaxi
The adventure starts in Quito with a bus ride to the station of
Tambillo, where the "Chiva Express", a colorful one coach
train, like a bus on tracks, is ready to depart. A highlights of
the trip is to 'ride the roof' with a panoramic view of the stunning
Andean region of Ecuador. You will leisurely enjoy the ever-changing
scenery as the "Chiva Express" advances along the ancient
tracks. A snack is served at the Station of Machachi. Disembark
at El Boliche and continue by bus to the Cotopaxi National Park.
Surrounding Cotopaxi Volcano, this is an ecological sanctuary of
36,000 hectares (88,920 acres), especially attractive for nature
lovers, with the treeless vegetation of the Andean moorlands or
paramo. From the entrance to the park it’s up a dirt road
for approximately one hour. Upon arrival to the park there is an
introductory briefing about the habitat of the Andean paramo or
moorlands, its flora and fauna in the small Interpretation Center.
Continue on to Limpiopungo Lagoon to observe a variety of birds
and occasionally wild horses. On clear days, the Cotopaxi Volcano
is an awesome backdrop. A short walk around the lagoon allows the
observation of the Andean flora. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant of
the area and return to Quito by bus in the afternoon.
Dress in layers (T-shirt, blouse, sweater, coat). Take a warm coat,
gloves and rain protection. Sun protection (SPF 40). Hat or cap.
Good walking shoes. Altitude: from 9,800 to 12,120 feet. Average
Temperature: Day 50° to 77° F. Night 43° to 50°
F.
Hotel Dann Carlton
Day 5 - November 19th - Monday (B, L)
Quito / Baltra Island / Cerro Dragón (Dragon Hill)
(Santa Cruz Island)
Arrival by plane to Baltra Island and immediate transfer by bus
(5 minutes) to the dock to board the MV SANTA CRUZ. Cabin assignment
and introductory welcome talk. Later, lunch, and ship’s boat
drill. The north shore of Santa Cruz hosts Cerro Dragón (Dragon
Hill). A dinghy ride among mangrove-lined islets allows the observation
of the dramatic landscape and coastline, an area of amazing past
volcanic activity. While exploring the nearby waters, various types
of birds can be seen, such as boobies, frigates, pelicans. Quite
commonly, the black lava will reveal the presence of marine iguanas.
The navigation in shallow turquoise colored water gives the chance
to see marine turtles, rays and sharks. Dry landing and a walk that
includes a brackish water lagoon frequented by greater flamingos,
common stilts, pintail ducks and a variety of shore / lagoon birds.
Further along the trail, we head to Dragon Hill, which offers a
beautiful view of the bay and the western area of the archipelago.
This area is a natural nesting site of a fairly large number of
land iguanas, which is constantly monitored and assisted by the
Charles Darwin Research Station. The arid-zone vegetation can be
a rewarding location for birdwatching, where Darwin’s finches,
Galápagos mockingbirds, the endemic Galápagos flycatcher,
and yellow warblers are regular sightings. Tonight, our ECO Moment
will let us understand more about the islands, and our expedition
plan will reveal the interesting sites of the day ahead.
 Day
6 - November 20th - Tuesday (B, L, D)
Bartolomé Island / Puerto Egas (Santiago (James)
Island)
Disembark at Bartolomé Island (dry landing) for a hike to
the summit. Great way to start the day. This is a steep climb aided
by a wooden staircase; the view from the top is worth the effort.
Panga ride around colossal Pinnacle Rock, time to enjoy the beach
(wet landing) and snorkeling. Chance to snorkel next to Galápagos
Penguins. There is also the possibility to ride on the glass bottom
boat for great views of the underwater world. Lunch on board. Afternoon
outing at Puerto Egas (wet landing). This is a great location to
see particularly shore birds, while land birds can be observed a
little more inland. The pitch black shores are great places for
watching sea birds and their foraging duties. The trail brings us
to a colony of the endemic Galápagos fur-sea lions. At low
tide, marine iguanas graze upon emerald green algae beds. Outstanding
snorkeling and swimming from the beach before the walk. ECO Moment
and briefing. Weather permitting, stargazing on deck.
MV Santa Cruz Ship
Day 7 - November 21st - Wednesday (B, L,
D)
Rabida Island (Jervis) /
Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz Island)
Disembark at Rabida Island (wet landing) on a red-colored beach,
due to the unusually high content of iron in the volcanic material.
A gratifying stroll along the beach of this small island (1.9 sq.
mi.) allows the observation of a large colony of sea lions, marine
iguanas, mockingbirds, yellow warblers and several species of Darwin’s
Finches. Very close to the beach, hidden behind a strip of green
saltbush, is a salt pond where Greater Flamingos can be seen; these
spectacular birds feed exclusively on the brine shrimp found in
this saline pond. From June to November a large colony of pelicans
nest in the surroundings. This is a great place to snorkel from
the beach, both for beginners as well as for experienced snorkelers,
due to the unique combination of underwater species and submarine
landscapes. During navigation to our next island, we will keep our
eyes open for dolphins. Afternoon disembarkation (dry landing) to
visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the rearing in captivity
program for the giant tortoises. Here we witness the efforts and
results of all the field work done in the name of science. Impressive
giant prickly-pear cactus forest and many land birds can be also
seen. Then, a stroll along the main street of Puerto Ayora will
allow you to see how Galapagueños live in this magical paradise.
Good opportunity to contact friends and family from an Internet
Cafe or browse in the many handcraft shops. Return aboard the MV
SANTA CRUZ for tonight’s ECO Moment, and expedition plan for
next day’s adventure.
MV Santa Cruz Ship
"The
trip was so wonderful. The excitement of the markets. the
romance of LaMirage. the amazement of the Galapagos. the awe
of Machu Picchu. Combine all
that with the wonderful people we met in all the places we
went- the native peoples, the guides and our fellow travelers,
made a very memorable journey
for us. Thanks TraveLearn!!!"
Galapagos
- P. & B. Mergen, MI
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Day 8 - November 22nd
- Thursday (B, L, D)
Highlands of Santa Cruz Island /
North Seymour Island
A morning bus ride will take guests to the highlands of Santa Cruz
Island for a special breakfast at a selected property. Then, guests
have the opportunity to view the islands’ most famous reptile:
the giant tortoises in their wild habitat. What a privilege to see
an endangered species roving in this lush environment! The vegetation
of the area includes the Scalesia Forest (an endemic giant daisy
tree) and birds such as the vermilion flycatcher, will delight everyone
with its scarlet feathers against an emerald green forest. Look
for Darwin’s finches (most of them from the tree-finch group),
particularly the famous Woodpecker Finch. Back on board the MV SANTA
CRUZ. Today's afternoon starts with a dry landing for a view of
the coast and the interior of North Seymour Island, one of the few
uplifted islands in Galápagos Archipelago. The trail leads
guests to explore colonies of blue footed boobies, Magnificent frigate
birds, and swallow-tail gulls. The sandy shore teems with Galápagos
sea lions and marine iguanas. Vegetation is made up of cacti, Palo
Santo trees and Salt Bushes, and here is where land iguanas may
be observed. ECO Moment, and expedition plan for tomorrow’s
outings.
MV Santa Cruz Ship
Day 9 - November 23rd - Friday (B, L)
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristóbal (Chatham)
Island)
Disembark at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. This small attractive port
is the provincial capital of the Galápagos Islands (population
4,000), along a crescent-shaped bay. It was this very same island
that Charles Darwin first visited, back in September 1835. Visit
the San Cristóbal Interpretation Center, located in a natural
setting, where it allows visitors to obtain information that will
help them understand more the natural history of the Galápagos,
with a great emphasis on human history and conservation. Afterwards,
you can stroll through Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, where souvenir shops
and Internet cafés welcome world travelers who are willing
to catch up with the world, and share the many wonders witnessed,
before heading back to the mainland. Transfer to the airport to
take the flight back to the continent.
Hampton Inn Guayaquil
Day 10 - November 24th - Saturday (B)
Guayaquil / USA
Fly back to Guayaquil and then to your departure to the USA.
OPTIONAL EXTENSION
MACHU PICCHU, PERU
Day 10 - November
24th - Saturday (B)
Guayaquil / Lima, Peru
Transfer to the airport for your departure to the Lima, Peru. Transfer
with assistance to the hotel upon your arrival in Lima, Peru.
Casa Andina Lima Hotel
Day 11 - November 25th - Sunday (B)
Lima / Cuzco
Buffet breakfast at your hotel and transfer to the airport for your
flight to Cuzco. Transfer with assistance to the Hotel Libertador.
Afternoon tour of the colonial Cuzco, including the Plaza del Regocijo,
Plaza del Armaas, the Cathedral, Santo Domingo Monastery and the
old town with its very narrow streets. Drive out of the city to
visit the archeological Inca remains of Tambomachay, Kenko, Puca
Pucara and the impressive great stone fortress of Sacsayhuaman,
overlooking Cuzco.
Casa Andina Cuzco Hotel
Day 12 - November 26th - Monday (B, L,
D)
Cuzco / Machu Picchu
Buffet breakfast at your hotel and early morning departure by train
through the Urubamba Valley to the foot of Machu Picchu. Travel
by van up the serpentine road 2,000 feet to the famous ruins. Lunch
and afternoon walking tour of this fascinating "Lost City of
the Incas".
Hatchay Tower Hotel
Day 13 - November 27th - Tuesday (B)
Machu Picchu / Cuzco
Buffet breakfast at your hotel. The gates to the ruins open at sunrise
and this is an excellent time to view the ruins in near solitude.
Free time. Afternoon train back to Cuzco.
Casa Andina Cuzco Hotel
Day 14 - November 28th - Wednesday (B,
L)
Cuzco / Lima
Buffet breakfast at your hotel and transfer to the airport for the
flight to Lima. City tour of Lima visiting the 17th century San
Francisco Monastery and its unique cloisters, stroll to Plaza del
Armas to see the Government Palace and the Cathedral, and continue
on to visit the Casa Aliaga, America's best preserved colonial mansion.
The drive through the residential districts of San Isidro and Miraflores
and enjoy a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean. Visit the renowned
Gold Museum to admire the priceless Pre-Columbian gold artifacts.
Casa Andina Lima Hotel
Day 15 - November 29th - Thursday (B)
Lima / USA
Buffet breakfast at your hotel and transfer with assistance to the
airport for your departure to the United States.
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