Spring Break 2014 in Galapagos and Ecuador with Natural Treasure Hunt

Nature Galapagos Welcomes Teens for the Spring Break 2014 in Ecuador (via SBWire)

Schools in United States and other countries are ready for the spring break and so are the places like Galapagos Islands with exotic beaches and beach party destinations. Quito, Ecuador -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/05/2014 -- It's been long since the Galapagos…

Why is Ecuador Train so special? - Know from the expert Tour Operator

Ecuador Train halt near Cotopaxi Volcano

Nature Galapagos Invites Sightseers to Explore the Tren Crucero (via SBWire)

Tren Crucero has recently won the Best Wider World Tourism Award for being an amazing tour idea that links Ecuador’s tropical landscapes to the World Heritage Site capital city Quito. NG&E – Leading tour operator in Quito explains what makes Tren…

:Find the complete Tren Crucero Route Map here:

Tren Crucero: Quito - Guayaquil - Quito Route Map

The Endangered Galapagos Giant Tortoises can be saved from Extinction

A girl standing near Galapagos Island Giant Tortoise

Legendary Galapagos Tortoises May Not Go Extinct, Restoration Now Possible (via SBWire)

Galapagos Tortoises are undoubtedly world famous for their abundance and ipseity. But from last decade, the World has seen a downfall in the existing number of Tortoises. Nature Galapagos and Ecuador, a reputed tour agency in Quito explains why they…

Tungurahua Erupts on 1st Feb 2014 | Ecuador Active Volcanoes

2014 | Tungurahua Volcano Erupts 

Around 17.30 hrs on 1st Feb 2014, Volcan Tungurahua erupted causing explosions and ash clouds raise up to 8 kms in the air. This resulted the ash clouds to migrate to several cities and caused a lot of havoc in neighboring communities. 

Peru and Galapagos Islands - Jewels of South American Continent

Peru and Ecuador | South America Map

South America is the fourth largest continent in the world, it has an area of 17,840,000 square kilometers, as of 2005 the population of the continent was somewhere around 371,090,00, which makes it the fifth most populated continent. Apart from this reason, South America is famous for many other things. It is one of the most biodiverse continents on the planet, the species found there are extremely unique, the first sign of human life documented dates back to 9000 BC and food was being cultivated since 2000 BCE.

There are literally hundreds of places in the continent which actually put South America on the fame map, and two of those places are Peru and the Galapagos Islands. The Galapagos Islands needs no introduction. These tiny parts of land stretched on either side of the Equator belongs to the Republic of Ecuador, also known as the tourist hub of the continent. Ok they are famous, but Jewels of South America, seriously? Well, read on and be the judge.

PERU

Peru, which is also known as the Land of the Inca, lies in the western hemisphere of the continent. This country was home to some of the oldest civilizations in the world, the Norte Chico to the Inca civilizations. Ancient Peruvian history dates back to exactly 9000 BCE, which makes it one of the oldest living countries on the planet today. So why is this, the jewel of South America? Well for one thing, its old and unique, 9000 BCE is a pretty big deal.

Ecuador - The First Choice of Water Sports & Adventure Lovers

Do you love water sports? If yes, you must visit Baños, Ecuador. It has been an exciting Andean City from a long time. It is situated at an elevation of 1,800 meters on the borders of Tungurahua Volcano. Even though the volcano is active, the activities experienced by tourists are in the form of thermal hot springs. The regular drill practice for evacuation at the place makes it safer than any other tourist destination. At an affordable price you can fill your tummy with delicious food at Ecuador.

The most important activities that are provided at the Ecuador are:

Rafting in Baños

Rafting in Banos

This place is with plenty of rainfall, which makes a perfect combination of mountain and water for white-water rafting at Baños. You are also provided with the rafting services of 3^rd and 4^th class at Pastaza and Patate rivers. As exciting is the place you will find the beautiful Andean cloud scenery over the excursion.

Canyoning

Also known as Canyoneering in U.S. and Australia

This is a kind of adventurous trekking you will find at the place, where you will go through the deep gaps between the mountains. The involvement of slow rappel and slippery rocks will make your trip much more adventurous than that you might have imagined.

Rock Climbing

Rock Climbing Andes

If you are uncomfortable with the slippery rock and the deep gorges you can otherwise go for the natural rock climbing trip. Before you hit the rock, you can even have a practice of the same on the artificial rock available at that place.

Dune Buggies

Dune Buggy on a Beach

Even though the place is not blessed with the sand dunes, you can hire a dune buggy and go around the countryside where you would find the wonderful magic of the Mother-Nature.

Extreme Sports

Kayaking and Pendulum Jumping

Some of the activities at Baños are categorized which includes Kayaking through the waters of the rivers Patate and Pastaza. The most famous being Swing Jumping, which is more like a Bungee jumping with a swing motion. This kind is also known as pendulum jumping, where you will have two ropes tide in between the gaps of a bridge with you in between.

Mountain Biking

Mountain Biking

Here is the youngster stuff! One of the extreme sports at the place and this is more adventurous than any other kind of sports that you will find at Ecuador. During the bike ride you will find yourself taking all the joy of the wonderful waterfalls and you may also fly away from the bicycle seat in some places.

Hot Springs

Hot Springs to Relax

This place has been mainly proffered due to the hot spring in this area. You can enjoy soaking in the hot, mineral laden waters at Baños. You are also provided with plenty of opportunity to do the same after long and great outdoor adventures activities.

With all these facilities you will never want to leave the place. You will find the place unique with its own styles. The major attraction to the place you will find is due to the multiple options provided by the regime and other private sector to spend your wonderful vacation at place, which you might have dreamt of. So choosing a place like this will always be a value for money among your list of tourist destinations. While Ecuador is a place that has the huge attraction for travelers who are curious to visit and experience a city that is mostly connected by waterways, bridges and other extreme water sports.

In conclusion you will find many things that will have a uniqueness added to it in all the aspects by the nature. This keeps the people to stay here for a long time and spend a happy vacation within the budget, which would not be offered by any tourist spotted country in the world. With the influence of mountain biking in the Baños many of the youngsters love to come and spend most of the time. So enjoy visiting the place at the earliest and look for the adventurous trip.

You can always choose from our wide range of Multi-Sport Tour Packages.
Click here to find out package details...

Rábida Island 360° Panoromic View

Isla Rábida

Area: 4.9 km² or 1.89 mi²
Maximum Altitude: 367 m or 1203 ft
Human Population: 0

Rábida is one of the smallest Islands from the Galápagos. Its arid with steep slopes. Most of its surface is rocky except for the beach on the north-east side of the island. The overall reddish color and appearance of the Island is a result of multiple volcanic craters and high iron content in the lava.

Situated 4.5 Kms to the south of Santiago Island, Official Ecuadorian name of the island is Isla Rábida, named after the convent of Rábida. Convent of Rábida is where Columbus left his son during his voyage to the Americas. It was originally named for the 18th-century British admiral John Jervis.  

Rábida Island from an elevation of 5500 ft. [Image Source: Google Earth]

The visit to Rábida begins from the beach area to the north east as shown in the picture above. When the population of the Giant Tortoises at the Galapagos is mentioned, the population at Rábida Island is also talked about. The island is also know for its Red Sand Beaches, a salt water lagoon inhabited by Flamingoes. You can also see an amazing 360° Panoromic View of the same site. 

Just click this  button on the beach given below:

Rabida Island - Galápagos - Ecuador in Galapagos Islands

Planning a Trip to Galapagos ?? 

Rabida Island (Jervis) has lots of Marine Animals and Birds you may have not seen elsewhere. Moreover, it has many diving sites to the south of Santiago Island where you may see white sharks, rays, and Bachelor colony of SeaLions. This place is a heaven for photographers as shadows play hide and seek throughout the island because of it volcanic craters. See some more of Finches, Boobies, Flamingoes during your Galapagos Land Tours with Nature Galapagos and Ecuador. Book your favourite travel package today itself !!!

Go Wild on an Amazon Trip | Top 5 Ecuador Jungle Lodges

The Amazon region of Ecuador is one of the four natural regions of the nation. Travel deep into the jungle with our special Amazon Rainforest Tours to Cuyabeno and Yasuni National park in the Ecuador Rainforest. Our Amazon Rainforest tours will take you to the best Amazon lodges, such as the Cuyabeno River Lodge, La Selva Jungle Lodge, Tapir Lodge and Napo Wildlife, which are located in some of the most diverse and incredible areas of the Ecuadorian Rainforest. 

Cuyabeno River Lodge

Cuyabeno River Lodge has sponsored tourism and scientific research in the Ecuadorian Amazon Basin since the creation of the lodge and the establishment of the reserve in 1979. Cuyabeno River Lodge protect the most fragile zone of the Cuyabeno National Reserve. Over 500 species of birds, 450 species of fish, 12,000 plant species, and Hundreds of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians can be found In this diverse ecosystem. 

Tours: http://www.naturegalapagos.com/codigo/jungle/cuyabeno/index.html

La Selva Amazon Lodge

LA SELVA, or “Amazon jungle”, is about sixty miles from the town of Coca, down the Napo river (one of the main tributaries of the Amazonas river) and one mile inland from the river itself. La Selva provides guided rainforest tours with trained nature guides and native assistants. However, there are many other exciting options available and you can create your own itinerary between swimming, fishing, bird watching or simply relaxing and enjoying our gourmet food and personalized service. 

Tours: http://www.naturegalapagos.com/codigo/jungle/la_selva/index.html

Tapir Lodge

Tapir Lodge offers  4, 5 and 7 day programs, which have been created to provide our visitors with quality service and activities. During the excursions, guests will be escorted at all times by a multilingual and naturalist guide, licensed by the Ecuadorian government. Guests will be informed daily about the following day’s activities by their guide on the night prior to, following dinner. The guide may adjust the itinerary due to weather conditions or guest requirements.

Tours: http://www.naturegalapagos.com/codigo/jungle/cuyabeno/TapirJungleLodge.html

Napo Wildlife

The greatest and ultimate alternative luxury eco-hotel in Amazonian Ecuador which includes the conservation of approximately over 82 square miles (53,500 acres - over 21,400 hectares) of the most pristine Amazon Rain Forest within the Yasunì National Park, an important UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the largest tract of tropical rain forest in Ecuador.

Tours: http://www.naturegalapagos.com/codigo/jungle/napo_wildlife/

Manatee Amazon Explorer

The Manatee Amazon Explorer is the Ecuadorian Amazon’s only cruise ship, able to take up to 30 passengers into the most pristine areas of the Ecuadorian Amazon, where they are able to experience the natural wonders of wildlife undisturbed by modern life. Our itineraries have been customized by our CEO, Raul Garcia, who was Capitan of the Orellana Flotel for over 15 years.

Tours: http://www.naturegalapagos.com/codigo/jungle/manatee_amazon/index.html

10 best green places in Ecuador

Ecuador Green Travel Destination

Ecuador was awarded as the 2013 World Green Destiny , during an international show called World Travel Award, Ecuador won because of the natural beauty of the country, beating Brasil, Archipielago Fiji Islands, Trinidad, Tobago, Seychelles Islands,  Noruega and Oslo. Here we have listed some of the best green places you should know.

1. Las Latas Misahualli

2. Rio Verde

3. Mindo

4. Yasuni National Park

5. El Cajas National Park

6. San Rafael Waterfall

7. Galapagos - Bartolome Island

8. El Coca Rinforest

9. Pululahua

10. Peguche waterfall

Packing List for Your Next Trip to Galapagos Islands

The first thing that strikes the traveler’s mind when packing for an adventure or a tour is the luggage restrictions! Which is most disappointing thing that a traveler might feel and in a place like Galapagos, where you would want to stay for a long time and spend some good time. The restrictions are set by the airlines authority, which includes one standard carry on of 8 Kg and one check-in-piece of 20 kg. If at all you exceed all this conditions, you will have to pay an excess of US $2 per kg. Some of the other restrictions those you must follow at Galapagos Islands is having your luggage screened at SIC-GAL (a security check) and also you will not be permitted to carry a plant, an animal or agricultural products.

So it is always suggested that you must only carry the essential things and travel light. The heavy luggage can make your voyage to Galapagos difficult carrying all over.

So let’s see that what are the things to be carried for your trip to Galapagos:

The Most Essentials:

• Travel Documents- When you are foreigner, you must carry your original passport which is the most important document among all the documents. You must also carry all your travel and service documents with you.

• Day Pack- Usually you carry this everywhere you move on and this sometimes includes the basic necessities.

• Backpack- You have to carry for your belongings such as the clothes and toiletries. It is always recommended to carry the bags with the wheels.

• Comfortable Pair of shoes- Always prefer shoes in which you are comfortable walking whole day so that it will not become a burden at the end of the day.

• Sun Protection- Hats or Caps are also one of the important things that you must carry as you have hot sun plying over your head. So protect yourself from direct sunshine. Don't forget lots of Sun Screen. You would not like tans after returning from an exotic sun bath on Isabela Beaches.

• Toiletries- Don’t forget to carry all the necessary toiletries such as tooth pastes. Bath towels etc.

• First Aid & Medication- This is one of the major things that will help you to keep safe in the case of an emergency.

• Cash- Always carry enough of cash for all the expenditures such as drinks, passes etc. This is important because there are very few places in Galapagos who accept credit cards.

And other recommended item that is necessary to carry at the travel time to Galapagos is Camera, Travel Adapters & Chargers, Memory Backup, Water Bottles, Mosquito Repellent, Alarm clock and Binoculars. So enjoy your time spending at Galapagos with this light packing list.

Ecuador - The Best Place for Snorkeling in The World

Ecuador, officially known as the Republic of Ecuador is situated in South America. This democratic nation is surrounded by Colombia on the north, Peru on the east and south and is totally bordered by the Pacific Ocean on the west. The world’s most famous Galapagos Islands are situated in Ecuador on the shores of the Pacific Ocean.

Snorkeling Couple

Ecuador is literally called as the ocean admirer’s heaven. This Ecuador is jam packed with stunning beautiful beaches, dense mangrove islands, low land dense rainforests and also eye-catching varieties of animals in the islands. In addition to these mesmerizing nature and beauty, the Ecuador is known to be the world’s best Scuba-diving destination. One can take live view of flora and fauna in the ocean including manta rays, whales, sharks and even sea turtles astonish the Scuba-divers. The whales present here breeds through the southern coasts of Ecuador in the month of June to October every year. If you are a Snorkeler you will be lucky enough to see these creatures live as they also pass through Ecuador during this month. Apart from Galapagos island there are many other destinations along the shore that offer you Scuba diving facility.

Enjoy Snorkeling with Your Dear Ones

Galapagos island is situated around 550 miles away from the mainland. These Galapagos Islands do not have a coral reef like the rest of the famous Scuba-diving locations in the South Pacific have. However this Galapagos Island houses a large variety of wildlife. This is because of the unique merging hot currents that arise from the Pacific Ocean and the cold currents from the Antarctic Ocean. This is a unique and the only place left on earth where there is no risk for the life of wildlife. Diving in Galapagos Island is not for the learners due to the strong water currents and also due to the partial visibility inside the water. There is not much of a current in the water when the water is warmer, but the visibility will be partial. When the water is cold, the visibility will be more but the current will also be equally more. This also toughens the Scuba Diving task. November to April is known to be the ideal months for diving where the water currents will be comparatively less and the water will be cold. During this period one can take a glance of hammerhead sharks, manta rays and eagle rays.

Eagle Ray

The most challenging daring Snorkeling spots are situated in the northern parts of the Archipelagos Island. Various cruises will offer you Snorkeling in this region. The Darwin and the Wolf islands present in Archipelagos are said to be the best places to view giant whale shark which can be seen here from May to November. Apart from Snorkeling, people who visit Ecuador will also be provided many sporting activities such as fishing, sailing, and surfing. This place is full of water skiers, skydivers and also jet skiers.




[Also See]

Live Snorkeling Video

Galapagos Sierra Negra Volcano

Elevation: 1124 m (3,688 ft)

Location: Isabela Island - Galapagos

Cord: 0.83°S 91.17°W

Last Eruption: 2005

Sierra Volcano is located at the eastern of Isabela Island, 13 miles from Puerto Villamil in the Galapagos Islands. It rises to an altitude of 1124 m. Around Sierra Negra we can find Cerro Azul volcano to the west and Alcedo to the north. It is he largest volcano in the archipielago, with eruptions since 1813. The age of Sierra Negra is approximately 535.000 years old, with a measure of 6 miles in diameter and 300 feet deep. Sierra Negra have also an unusual caldera, it is elliptical whereas other volcanos are circular.  The volcano is one of the most active in the Galapagos, with the last eruption starting on 22 October 2005 and lasting until 30 October 2005.

Sierra Negra Crater 360° Panoramic view
Land Tours to Sierra Volcano: http://www.naturegalapagos.com/codigo/isabela/index.html

Galapagos Islands

Isabela Island Galapagos

Isabela Island is the largest island of the Galapagos Archipielago. The measure extension is 4640 km2. A small village located in this island is locted Puerto Villamil, with a population of 2200, they traditionally earned a living through fishing. The streets keep the sand of the beach because of the ubication in front of the sea.



Puerto Villamil has a wonderful beach on white sand, with an extension of 2 km, this special characteristic let Puerto Villamil be the unique place of Galapagos Islands that have a big beach to enjoy stunning sunsets.

La Laguna Hotel is located next to the Flamingo Lagoon and just 2 blocks away from the beach.

In Isabela Island you can find 5 of the biggest volcanoes, including the Wolf Volcan, it's the higger 1646 msnm approximately.

• Volcán Alcedo
• Volcán Cerro Azul
• Volcán Sierra Negra
• Volcán Wolf
• Volcán Ecuador 

In addition, this island of natural beauty and landscape has many sites authorized by the Galapagos National Park. There we can do activities in Galapagos Cruises and Galapagos Land Tours, below you'll find a list of the sites you can visit and the type of the trip.

Authorized Sites

• Bahía Urbina                                 (Cruise)
• Calera                                          (Land)
• Caleta Tagus                                (Cruise)
• C. Crianza Arnaldo Tupiza               (Land and Cruise)
• Complejo de Humedales                 (Land and Cruise)
• Concha de Perla                            (Land)
• Cueva de Sucre                             (Land)
• Las Tintoreras                               (Land and Cruise)
• Minas de Azufre                            (Land)
• Mirador del Mango                         (Land)
• Punta Albemarle                           (Cruise)
• Punta Moreno                               (Cruise)
• V. Sierra Negra/V.Chico                  (Land and Cruise)

Restricted Sites

• Playa Tortuga Negra
• Volcán Alcedo
• Túneles (Cabo Rosa)

This small list will help you to decide the type of tour or package we'll have to take in relation of the sites we'll like to visit, it's important they are authorized.

We'll write more information about all the sites you'll be likely to go, we'll keep you posted.

Ecuador Train - Tren Crucero

Ecuadorian Train - Tren Crucero

Train Cruise won the Wider World Project or better tourism product outside Europe, this award was given by the British Guild of Travel Writers. The Ecuador train was started by president Gabriel Garcia Moreno in 1873 and was restored by president Rafael Correa in 2008 who named the railroad a "National Cultural Patrimony". Some of the routes are from Quito - Cotopaxi National Park to Latacunga, Alausi to Saimbambe (Devil's Nose / Nariz del Diablo), El Tambo to Baños del Inca, Duran to Yaguachi and Ibarra to Salinas.

Train Ecuador crossing Chimborazo

History

Train Ecuador construction in 1873

Railroad started a service 41 kilometers of track from Yaguachi to Miracle on the coast. In 1895, with the triumph of the Liberal Revolution, the railroad work was taken over by General Eloy Alfaro Delgado. In 1897, the company “Guayaquil and Quito Railway” was established and began the construction of the Southern Railroad. 'The Devil's Nose', a very challenging work of engineering, which led to it's designation as "The most difficult Railway in the World". In 1905  the train arrives for the first time at the train station of Chimbacalle.

Train in the early 1920s
Photo: Katharine Brainard - www.railroadinthesky.com

1975 marks the beginning of the decadence of the Railways caused by competition with road transport and lack of government interest. 1992 In an attempt to recover the Railroads, the government of Rodrigo Borja acquires electrodiesel locomotives, however without any success. During 1993 the stretch of the Chanchán river is destroyed by the climatic phenomenon 'El Niño'. On April 1, 2008, the National Institute of Cultural Heritage (INPC) officially declares the Railway Network in Ecuador as property belonging to the Cultural Heritage of the State.

Train Ecuador Duran 2013

Ecuador Train Routes and pictures

Ecuador Train Routes:

- Machachi Festivo: Quito - Machachi - Quito

- Camino al Boliche: Quito - Boliche - Quito

- Paramo Infinito: Machachi - Boliche - Machachi

- Volcanoes Avenue: Quito - Latacunga - Quito

- Nariz del Diablo: Alausi - Simbambe - Alausi

- Sendero de Arrozales: Durán - Yaguachi - Duran

- Tren de la libertad: Ibarra - Salinas - Ibarra

- Baños del Inca: El Tambo - Coyoctor - El Tambo

- Tren del Hielo: Riobamba - Urbina - Riobamba

- Sendero de los Ancestros: Riobamba - Colta - Riobamba

- Tren de la Dulzura: Duran - Bucay - Duran

Gallery

Machachi Boliche Train Ecuador

Inside the wagon -Tren Crucero Ecuador

Ecuador Train comfort

Train Scenery in the Avenue of Volcanoes

Train at the Devil's nose

Ecuador Train Station

Take and true adventure with Nature Galapagos Ecuador
Click Here:  http://www.naturegalapagos.com/ecuador-tours/train-day-trips/index.html

Sourse: Train Ecuador - www.trenecuador.com
Katharine Brainard - www.railroadinthesky.com