Dear friends and travel colleagues, we hope that this newsletter finds you well.
We would like to bring to you some exciting and positive news about Ecuador and Galapagos.
We truly believe that the material put together by our expert team at Adventure Journeys will inspire you to look at Ecuador & Galapagos through our eyes and invite you to meet with us to explore potential opportunities for the future.
Future trends?
These are a few trends that we believe will shape travel to Ecuador in the next months.
Private Travel Adventure Journeys has been prepared to receive the new tourist trends and together with them the new requirements of future travellers. This rebirth will focus on private trips with small groups avoiding crowded areas that will provide clients exclusive once in a lifetime experiences.
Nature - outdoor activities
Our approach to tourism, nature, off the beaten path destinations and the local community, is to offer sustainable and responsible programs tailored to each individual client helping Ecuadorian families, children in street conditions and social foundations.
Hands-on experiences Our main focus is to enrich the customer’s experience by providing hands-on cultural activities, off the beaten path destinations and unique experiences. Our in-depth knowledge and our passion for adventure allowed us to create a life-changing experience for our valuable travellers.
Boutique destinations We know it can be hard to find the perfect “tailor-made” tour for you, so we have carefully selected our suppliers and also the most beautiful and diverse landscapes and boutique destinations such as the Amazon jungle, impressive volcanoes, colonial cities and the unique Galapagos Islands to create the perfect trip for you in this fascinating country.
Why Ecuador?
- The Galápagos Islands, one of the most active volcanic regions in the world. Most of the 13 large islands, six smaller islands with many bird species, of which 28 are unique to the islands, including the Galápagos penguin, flightless cormorant, and waved albatross, and the 13 species of Darwin's famous finches.
- Quito, the capital of Ecuador, filled with colonial architecture and is the largest historic centre in South America. Preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its many old churches, beautiful public squares, and world-class museums.
- More than 20 off the beaten path one-day adventures to visit the most impressive volcanoes, colonial cities and unique places in this fascinating country.
Who are our guides?
Our founder has been a guide for many years, leading and developing tours around the country.
Our expert guides have professional backgrounds and are certified by the Ecuadorian Ministry of Tourism and trained and certified in WAFA (Wilderness Advanced First Aid) International Certification. In addition, Adventure Journeys´ Staff has been trained with the skills to provide the best personalized and upscale service for our customers.
Top destinations
Quito (Unesco city) Quito, the capital of Ecuador, was founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an Inca city and stands at an altitude of 2,850 m. Despite the 1917 earthquake, the city has the best-preserved, least altered historic centre in Latin America. The monasteries of San Francisco and Santo Domingo, and the Church and Jesuit College of La Compañía, with their rich interiors, are pure examples of the 'Baroque school of Quito', which is a fusion of Spanish, Italian, Moorish, Flemish and indigenous art.
The Middle of the world
Mitad del Mundo means "The Equator". Even though the equator runs through many cities around the world, Quito has become famous for it. Mitad de Mundo consists of one dominant monument, smaller monuments that lead up to it, a small village that has been constructed around the equator site and a quaint museum. It is a truly fascinating and exciting attraction in Ecuador and is located just approximately 20 kilometres outside of Quito. The Equator was discovered and mapped out by a French geodesic expedition team that was led by an explorer named Charles-Marie de La Comdamine in the year 1736. Even though those early geographers were about 250 meters off the mark, it was an extraordinary feat at the time.
The Galapagos islands
Situated in the Pacific Ocean some 1,000 km from the South American continent, these 19 islands and the surrounding marine reserve have been called a unique ‘living museum and showcase of evolution. Located at the confluence of three ocean currents, the Galápagos are a ‘melting pot’ of marine species. The ongoing seismic and volcanic activity reflects the processes that formed the islands. These processes, together with the extreme isolation of the islands, led to the development of unusual animal life – such as the land iguana, the giant tortoise and the many types of finch – that inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection following his visit in 1835.
Yasuni National Park
The Yasuni National Park is a beautiful natural treasure that can be found in the Napo Province just 190 miles away from the city of Quito. The sizable park covers an area of some 1 679 643 acres and features several camping sites where visitors can make themselves at home when they are not exploring the many wonders of the park. The park’s immense size and variety makes it one of the largest and most biologically diverse nature reserves in the country.
Otavalo Indigenous Market
The small mountain town of Otavalo is perhaps most renowned because of the famous market that has been established here. People from all over the world come to see the striking array of hand-crafted goods that are available in this local market every year. What makes the market so special? Well, none of the hand-crafted goods available here are commercialized versions of true original Ecuadorian crafts. Instead, they are diverse originals that hold their own and this can be seen in their elegance and timeless appeal. The inhabitants of Otavalo pride themselves on their clever business skills and their ability to continue to make a living from their crafting skills.
The volcanoes Avenue – Cotopaxi National Park
The Cotopaxi volcano, an almost perfect snow cone that rises to 5,897 meters is unique in the world and is perhaps, next to Galapagos, the greatest symbol of our natural geography, recognized worldwide. Thousands of climbers from all nationalities have achieved its peak and many others dream of doing it. Because it is located in the centre of the inter-Andean corridor and close to several cities such as Quito and Latacunga, Cotopaxi National Park is one of the most visited and where many people probably first touch snow.
Hotels In this section, you will find some of the hotels we believe will be used in the months to come and why!
Montemar Luxury Eco villas – Galapagos
Born out of the love for protecting the natural habitat of the Galapagos Giant Tortoise, Montemar consists of two villas, beautifully appointed and fully sustainable, located on 43-acres of private land on the island of Santa Cruz, Galapagos. The owners, your hosts, Reyna and Roberto, created Montemar with sustainability as their number one priority – the property produces most of its energy, collects rainwater, and has the lowest environmental footprint on the islands.
Casa Baronesa – Galapagos
Experience a level of peace, tranquillity, and privacy that is only available on such an idyllic island. The Casa Baronesa Waterfront Villa, is the ultimate island getaway. The entire second floor serves as the master suite (including a hot tub). Out the window you can see the most magnificent views of the Galapagos coastline. The dining and lounging areas also open up to unveil vast beach and ocean views, blanketing you in relaxation and calmness. With this Premium Class, oceanfront, private villa, there is no better way to enjoy one of the most spectacular and pristine archipelagoes on the planet.
Villa Scalesia – Galapagos
Villa Escalesia is a private small mansion available for the most exclusive guests, located in Puerto Ayora and overlooking Pelican Bay on the Island of Santa Cruz. Sitting on the water’s edge – our villa makes a stunning base for your Galápagos adventure escape. The layout lends itself perfectly to groups of friends or extended families looking for an alternative to a hotel.
Hacienda Santa Ana – Cotopaxi
In Cotopaxi you can find some hotels and haciendas but none can offer the history, comfort and adventure that Hacienda Santa Ana has prepared for you. While history is relived, the majestic landscapes of the Andean and the tranquillity of the place will envelop you creating a unique and unforgettable stay. Hacienda Santa Ana is located in the Cotopaxi valley between the Pasochoa, Rumiñahui and Sincholagua mountains, property that belonged to the company of Jesús (Jesuits), a religious community that was established there in the 1600s, which has been restored maintaining its original style.
Hotel Boutique Carlota – Quito
CARLOTA is a boutique hotel in a renovated historical house within the historic district of Quito. The house was built at the turn of the century circa 1905. In 1966 Doña Carlota Echeverría de Moreno acquired this house, which would be her home and her family’s for over 40 years. CARLOTA began in 2011, with the intent of preserving a historical landmark of great value to the city and to Doña Carlota. At the same time, the hotel aims to contribute to the city with an intimate, exclusive and innovative hospitality proposal that will enrich what the historic district has to offer.
A bit more about Adventure Journeys
- Our approach to tourism and the local community is to offer sustainable and responsible programs tailored to each individual client helping Ecuadorian families, children in street conditions and social foundations. - Adventure Journeys works daily in the awareness of the importance of the environment, especially the Yasuní National Park, which is a territory rich in biodiversity, plant and animal species that are almost extinct in other regions of the world. - Zero-waste, eco-consciousness, low impact and conservation is a plus in each or our itineraries. - Safety & Risk management is our priority in all operating systems. - Top of the line gear for adventure activities such as; trekking, camping, snorkelling, mountain climbing, paddle and MTB. - Women & Weaving Local project in Ecuador mainland near Otavalo and Pan Animalia stray dog shelter in the Galapagos Islands - Adventure Journeys Introduction Brochure
We hope that the information provided here will be of use.
Ecuador is currently open and we are here, ready to support our existing partners and all of those who would be interested in developing new and improve existing programs for Ecuador and the enchanted islands of Galapagos.
Thank you very much for your time and we wish you all the very best.
Daniel, Henry and all our team from Adventure Journeys.
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