[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"nav-footer-cache":3,"$Dc_Yr-DVQl":5},{"state":4},"done",{"itinerary":6,"itineraries":274,"faqs":275,"callToAction":-1,"breadcrumbPages":276},{"regions":7,"title":8,"url":9,"description":10,"shortDescription":11,"days":12,"itineraryLetter":101,"destination":102,"duration":103,"id":104,"gallery":105,"price":156,"offer":157,"includes":158,"notInclude":175,"seo":190,"highlights":192,"sections":205,"tags":206,"weather":217,"travelTips":223,"weatherPreparedness":224,"fitnessRequirements":225,"accommodation":226,"recommendedAge":157,"map":227,"type":101,"islands":273},[],"17D\u002F16N Where Modern Natural Science Was Born: From the Ecuadorian Andes to the Galapagos","17d-16n-where-modern-natural-science-was-born-from-the-ecuadorian-andes-to-the-galapagos","The 17-day academic trip through the Ecuadorian Andes and Galapagos Islands follows the scientific discoveries of Alexander von Humboldt and Edward Whymper and Charles Darwin. The program takes passengers from high-altitude Andean ecosystems to the volcanic archipelago which revolutionized biological research through direct fieldwork and altitudinal studies and comparative analyses in the same environments where scientists made their initial discoveries. The program exists to show curious travelers how Ecuadorian systematic exploration work led to new human insights about Earth which operates as an active system that links all its parts.","This 17-day academic journey across the Ecuadorian Andes and Galapagos Islands traces the discoveries of Alexander von Humboldt, Edward Whymper, and Charles Darwin.",[13,19,26,31,36,41,46,51,56,61,66,71,76,81,86,91,96],{"day":14,"title":15,"details":16,"meals":17},"1","Arrival in Quito: The Andean Scientific Gateway","Arriving in Quito means stepping into one of the highest capital cities in the world, perched at about 9,000 feet above sea level and surrounded by dramatic volcanic peaks. The crisp mountain air and breathtaking Andean scenery immediately set the tone for a journey rooted in exploration. This city has long been a center of scientific curiosity, most notably for Alexander von Humboldt, who used Quito as a base for his groundbreaking studies. Beyond science, Quito’s rich past, shaped by the Quitu people, the Inca Empire, and Spanish colonial rule, adds layers of cultural depth. As you walk its historic streets, you begin to see how geography, exploration, and history all intertwine. Accommodation in Illa Experience Hotel or similar.",[18],"Dinner",{"day":20,"title":21,"details":22,"meals":23},"2","Quito: Science, Art, and Cultural Systems","After breakfast, the day begins in Quito’s historic center, walking along Calle de las Siete Cruces toward Plaza de la Independencia. Along the way, ornate colonial churches, especially La Compañía de Jesús, reveal a fascinating blend of European and Indigenous artistry and knowledge. In the afternoon, visits to La Ronda and San Marcos bring the city’s creative traditions to life through music, art, and local workshops that preserve the legacy of La Escuela Quiteña. It’s a day that highlights how culture and scientific curiosity have evolved side by side in the Andes. Accommodation in Illa Experience Hotel or similar.",[24,25,18],"Breakfast","Lunch",{"day":27,"title":28,"details":29,"meals":30},"3","Quito to the Cotopaxi National Park: Landscape as Scientific Text","After breakfast, the journey heads into the famous Avenue of the Volcanoes, where snow-capped peaks rise above vast highland plains. Cotopaxi, one of the tallest active volcanoes on Earth, dominates the scenery. This region becomes a living classroom for geology and ecology. Inspired by explorer Edward Whymper, you’ll observe how exploration shifted from poetic descriptions to precise scientific study. At Limpiopungo Lake, reflections of the volcano and unique páramo plants like chuquiragua offer perfect observation opportunities. Wildlife, thin air, and open landscapes deepen your awareness of altitude and its effects. The day ends at Hacienda El Porvenir, a place once visited by Humboldt himself. Lunch at Hacienda La Ciénega where Alexander von Humboldt arrived in 1802 to study the Cotopaxi volcano. Accommodation in Hacienda El Porvenir or similar.",[24,25,18],{"day":32,"title":33,"details":34,"meals":35},"4","Cotopaxi Highlands: Altitude, Ecology, and Human Perception","Another day in the Cotopaxi region allows for deeper exploration of the high-altitude páramo ecosystem. Activities such as horseback riding reveal how altitude shapes plant life, soil, and climate. The focus isn’t on conquering nature, but on understanding it, just as early scientific explorers did. Discussions connect glaciers, volcanic formations, and atmospheric changes, showing how the Andes function as a living scientific archive. Accommodation in Hacienda El Porvenir or similar.",[24,25,18],{"day":37,"title":38,"details":39,"meals":40},"5","Cotopaxi to Chimborazo: Reconstructing Humboldt’s Experiment","An early departure leads to Chimborazo, Ecuador’s highest peak and a key site in Humboldt’s research. The experience mirrors his scientific approach, focusing on observation rather than reaching the summit. Along the way, you’ll examine changes in temperature, vegetation, and altitude. Hiking toward the refuge, surrounded by vast plains, grazing llamas, and glaciers, offers a powerful sense of scale and isolation. This day highlights how Humboldt transformed exploration into a global understanding of nature. Accommodation in Chimborazo Lodge or similar.",[24,25,18],{"day":42,"title":43,"details":44,"meals":45},"6","Chimborazo to Quito: Limits of Life and Scientific Perspective","Exploration continues around Chimborazo’s foothills, where you’ll encounter hardy plants like chuquiragua and wildlife adapted to extreme conditions. The contrast between icy peaks and resilient life forms reveals the delicate balance between climate, geology, and biology. Reflecting on Humboldt’s ideas, you’ll see how his work laid the foundation for fields like biogeography and climatology. Later, return to Quito to rest and reflect before the next phase of the journey. Accommodation in Illa Experience Hotel or similar.",[24,25,18],{"day":47,"title":48,"details":49,"meals":50},"7","Quito to San Cristobal Island: Darwin’s First Observation","After breakfast, a flight takes you to San Cristobal in the Galapagos Islands, where Charles Darwin first arrived in 1835. With a naturalist guide, you’ll explore coastal trails and Cerro Tijeretas, landscapes that remain remarkably similar to Darwin’s original observations. Snorkeling adds a new dimension, connecting you directly with the marine world. The focus is on careful observation, just as Darwin practiced, laying the groundwork for revolutionary ideas. Accommodation in Hotel Indigo Galapagos or similar.",[24,25,18],{"day":52,"title":53,"details":54,"meals":55},"8","San Cristobal: Marine Ecosystems and Geological Isolation","Today’s exploration includes El Junco, a rare freshwater crater lake surrounded by birdlife such as frigatebirds and ducks. This unique setting illustrates how species adapt in isolation. From this high vantage point, you’ll also enjoy sweeping views of the island’s volcanic landscape. Accommodation in Hotel Indigo Galapagos or similar.",[24,25,18],{"day":57,"title":58,"details":59,"meals":60},"9","San Cristobal: Life Between Lava and Sea","A boat excursion leads to Kicker Rock, a dramatic volcanic formation rising from the sea. Beneath the surface lies a vibrant marine ecosystem. Snorkeling offers close encounters with fish, sea turtles, and even sharks. Along nearby mangrove-lined shores, you’ll see how life adapts to shifting tides and salinity, connecting land and sea ecosystems. Accommodation in Hotel Indigo Galapagos or similar.",[24,25,18],{"day":62,"title":63,"details":64,"meals":65},"10","San Cristobal to Isabela Island: Evidence of a Living Earth","After an early start, travel by light aircraft to Isabela Island. Here, volcanic landscapes reveal the Earth in motion. At Tintoreras Islet, recent lava flows and coastal formations tell the story of ongoing geological change. Darwin once relied only on observation to interpret such features, and today you’ll do the same while exploring and snorkeling among rich marine life. Accommodation in Iguana Crossing Hotel or similar.",[24,25,18],{"day":67,"title":68,"details":69,"meals":70},"11","Isabela Island: Sierra Negra and Volcanic Processes","A morning hike to Sierra Negra introduces one of the world’s largest volcanic craters. Along the way, you’ll observe lava fields, sulfur deposits, and layered geological formations. Later, at Concha Perla lagoon, snorkeling brings you face-to-face with sea lions, marine iguanas, turtles, and colorful fish. This blend of land and sea exploration shows how volcanic forces shape thriving ecosystems. Accommodation in Iguana Crossing Hotel or similar.",[24,25,18],{"day":72,"title":73,"details":74,"meals":75},"12","Isabela to Santa Cruz Island: Evolution in Motion","The day begins at Flamingo Lagoon, where feeding behaviors highlight ecological specialization. At the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center, differences between tortoise populations demonstrate evolution in action. In the afternoon, travel by speedboat to Santa Cruz, continuing your journey through Darwin’s living laboratory. Accommodation in Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel or similar.",[24,25,18],{"day":77,"title":78,"details":79,"meals":80},"13","Santa Cruz: Conservation and Continuity of Research","A visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station connects past discoveries with modern conservation efforts. Here, you’ll learn about protecting biodiversity, restoring habitats, and managing fragile ecosystems. Giant tortoises symbolize both scientific discovery and the responsibility to preserve it. Accommodation in Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel or similar.",[24,25,18],{"day":82,"title":83,"details":84,"meals":85},"14","Santa Cruz: Avian Diversity and Coastal Ecology","Exploration continues at Tortuga Bay and Bahía Academia. Kayaking along mangroves and white-sand beaches offers opportunities to observe a variety of bird species, from finches to pelicans. Watching how birds feed and adapt reinforces key ideas behind evolutionary theory. Marine iguanas and coastal wildlife highlight the connection between land and sea. Accommodation in Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel or similar.",[24,25,18],{"day":87,"title":88,"details":89,"meals":90},"15","A Final Voyage Through Enchanted Waters","Today is a full-day navigation experience through the islands, visiting iconic sites such as Bartolome, North Seymour, or Santa Fe (depending on availability). Each location offers unique insights, from volcanic landscapes to thriving bird colonies and endemic species. It’s a fitting conclusion to your exploration of one of the world’s greatest natural laboratories. After this, we will return to Santa Cruz to rest and finish our program. Accommodation in Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel or similar.",[24,25,18],{"day":92,"title":93,"details":94,"meals":95},"16","Return to Mainland Ecuador - Quito","After breakfast, return to mainland Ecuador via Baltra Airport. The journey from the Galapagos back to Quito brings together the two regions that shaped modern scientific understanding of the natural world. Accommodation in Wyndham Quito Airport or similar.",[24,25,18],{"day":97,"title":98,"details":99,"meals":100},"17","Departure and farewell","After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport for your international flight home, concluding an unforgettable journey filled with discovery, science, and adventure.",[24],"","ecuador",17,"zfBGsXlg4XwS420Ux7tS",[106,111,116,121,126,131,136,141,146,151],{"title":107,"image":108},"La Ronda | Quito | Ecuador",[109],{"url":110},"https:\u002F\u002Fstorage.googleapis.com\u002Ftravel-web-app-1.appspot.com\u002Fflamelink\u002Fmedia\u002FQuito%20La%20Ronda.jpg?GoogleAccessId=firebase-adminsdk-g2s60%40travel-web-app-1.iam.gserviceaccount.com&Expires=16725243600&Signature=BI9PTSywMbK5nYjzllazMNaaqKPJn7EThvHKJ8ZwYkhQ2HqQHpZkUyts7DXiOIZAYr1%2FqYJ%2F2WK1UupEEbRlhoqsTHtCiG7BbTbFG5QubQK5VsbL5esCy%2BWP2LhzLQeNGf8NgwEs04BOYIWnfKFX5%2BhrufHGLzJ1yNUvja9R5d%2FKfV7J6IxSIh1HIityH3D8ywKniZtlVJEPMrkCUBRJoBmeDEqbJ7sg6RsTqWeujQ7qAanXQjkeT%2BKg20vuzcbq1GJkLgRNytcWRLYcm%2FfvWB7pQaNd8R%2BfEy2Mij34uz8W954Qs9ymvG71vhXp9polECKcJwSkcbFJpozqZxiBlg%3D%3D",{"title":112,"image":113},"Cotopaxi National Park | Cotopaxi | Ecuador",[114],{"url":115},"https:\u002F\u002Fstorage.googleapis.com\u002Ftravel-web-app-1.appspot.com\u002Fflamelink\u002Fmedia\u002FCotopaxi%20National%20Park%2C%20Ecuador%20-%20Canva%20-%20PatricioHidalgoP.jpg?GoogleAccessId=firebase-adminsdk-g2s60%40travel-web-app-1.iam.gserviceaccount.com&Expires=16725243600&Signature=I7V%2FXSr6kpC%2B4bWQTqinnO85VOng%2FnBP%2BP2yTdyDX%2BSkYiqai3mKDrEUc8mWYudBeVNKCeV0Fn2vOhgmYdsdf6Xhx3unfdSD%2B%2BJ65BNnUDwB8AgdN7bFLxoBhBf%2FTZfkCZ4TyYWFi%2BgmPFqfpIaYk2ptQy1asPoACqDRz1aQULfQMUxLWlh6oVFibTdc0mVa68gHfG8QE11EPj9wnxa31%2BlfXUxqwP8TsdmOIRpkoyY3pBehGdTnuAaMTSJ1UucEk7subclNSzC8XlsmYP26lbmdD3uNm6kYhEI3oY4%2BQEwFHG6jOIlxbXxzrnzBHrrhXNGIlenI0vJe8jIv7qPNmQ%3D%3D",{"title":117,"image":118},"Chimborazo | Ecuador",[119],{"url":120},"https:\u002F\u002Fstorage.googleapis.com\u002Ftravel-web-app-1.appspot.com\u002Fflamelink\u002Fmedia\u002FChimborazo.H4lUvuCQlpw1VkKIO3hd.jpg?GoogleAccessId=firebase-adminsdk-g2s60%40travel-web-app-1.iam.gserviceaccount.com&Expires=16725243600&Signature=koq7IQAv6ma4bS7yRmMRi%2FYUQ8EwtvAHL%2F4M%2B73%2FOGFgqcUE8AXRh8bJMNgIr4q71FgX0hJEUv95pAP16gckoBLAxMt4JvKSV2LjZlCqHMCghWpbDOLKRGi5p2goilf%2F7S1kddt8rZrI5SQCPgxjqcFJ30vqsMXIhN4iuBffi5%2Bh8YdOq6YYvgeCkrFzWPhp8L9AJlV5bsjUkYtvxROOM3cjWcDbeKPZ9x0NlGnpQAvfzMpGhbmDZsArkqLG9B4%2BJgBFadXtfysJ0nTzx05IsEu9Qf2pxbqfZ0OuwTNBd7UZ6NWZKizWQFjSKaVu3DpReYor55PDuktwxNtWYLcV%2Fg%3D%3D",{"title":122,"image":123},"San Cristobal | Ecuador",[124],{"url":125},"https:\u002F\u002Fstorage.googleapis.com\u002Ftravel-web-app-1.appspot.com\u002Fflamelink\u002Fmedia\u002FSea%20lions%20-%20San%20Cristobal.jpg?GoogleAccessId=firebase-adminsdk-g2s60%40travel-web-app-1.iam.gserviceaccount.com&Expires=16725243600&Signature=WtTVyNSmDREONj8Ha3wXnS59jmWKtjOaidZiJUxewLOQ29R83bhOPChUKVct7iDtl4plhDnXc%2FKERpGK4ufGdm7ix45lJNXH02p%2BwMfumZdTjQ8Ilud%2B8DxGSC0sFJ%2BRm2RCcQT1eUGRL6YuV08lxEwfK2tquP4KhKzmvX1BFcWvbh7kW5cdBoWD20q4NdmuHIRCxkRm9mDbXG3nb0puxXYUOXEdcDk6ZqNLQcd58bZFkBSXcEHjKeQ5c34nOasFgJiy4QxMoeonD9qpq1G8%2BR4KBJ9FfepqvxBtrsI7ktpFWxlZcHQVYAWgPAaHi1vgFxtEFX0%2B1bsf9%2BflVtZyng%3D%3D",{"title":127,"image":128},"Sunset | Isabela Island | Ecuador",[129],{"url":130},"https:\u002F\u002Fstorage.googleapis.com\u002Ftravel-web-app-1.appspot.com\u002Fflamelink\u002Fmedia\u002FSunset%20Isabela%20Island%20-%20Canva%20-%20Keyko%20Cruz%20Garcia.jpg?GoogleAccessId=firebase-adminsdk-g2s60%40travel-web-app-1.iam.gserviceaccount.com&Expires=16725243600&Signature=ZikMS5RvZin4scKMvDRqgSsC5g6yhoHKwECvNGhY23lgVaH60dYgojsxGVaVJmRDDeB05oESyPJshDnEMOfe6TcsbUUl6CvNCls%2FYmnTzf1curBF%2BQpmQ193S5PzjqVSx3WN%2FDost8SgBg5%2BrnqigUEwZjkNda4VtOeJwqU1SXKIRldByUAG%2F8%2FtFH0BI3ob4rG5eAPKCDUowjfhEZ32g96O25nx83feMKdVVK3XX3uAFva5nKCAwBvXegjkzJhAWleXsNtXWBswh7L8p81q8MRJNFcWZoNS0WpvvR9QHgWx8Lcy6uZx9YKoRM7QY0PHW9zV4My%2B2D0dqjRUWiAlxA%3D%3D",{"title":132,"image":133},"Charles Darwin Research Station | Santa Cruz Island | Ecuador",[134],{"url":135},"https:\u002F\u002Fstorage.googleapis.com\u002Ftravel-web-app-1.appspot.com\u002Fflamelink\u002Fmedia\u002FCharles%20Darwin%20Research%20Station%20-%20Canva%20-%20elijahlovkoffs-images.jpg?GoogleAccessId=firebase-adminsdk-g2s60%40travel-web-app-1.iam.gserviceaccount.com&Expires=16725243600&Signature=IZtKrteYeAhiBErQBqX%2FV%2FTNdkjWwXrIH4z%2BYRUk27Y9OR29wsbF66Q5FvOWL09fHZ6YQ0PvUZS8TtYI%2BXKBwTuierg0TZLSRyIDqkHwEkOWzNKdjssRNtmVdFnnsS%2BKeypqyX5g17CjSKAt3tojPNVhW36JQDwHxViusgjStX8GwFznF9FKQoDtNz35yg3EyjatFw967oKSCq%2FjOA%2BAYhh%2BNn0kTP3TuNvRkhHPS0dKuCCLqur4dWvggJQl8O6UZYP%2F0ttuwmfZfJOyy3dVWbNZuo2IQk0dnvx0%2FzAUXTQFiqro4sEZweN1r%2FJV1LSk78FGOq5iq8bV1Gs18W590g%3D%3D",{"title":137,"image":138},"North Seymour Island | Ecuador",[139],{"url":140},"https:\u002F\u002Fstorage.googleapis.com\u002Ftravel-web-app-1.appspot.com\u002Fflamelink\u002Fmedia\u002Fseymour-galapagos.jpg?GoogleAccessId=firebase-adminsdk-g2s60%40travel-web-app-1.iam.gserviceaccount.com&Expires=16725243600&Signature=tVwXp9lYOzyFXOfIn5hCGBua2vNLO5cAHOzxfhdEeD72r4vmcQNxtX1jprmXlzsHopEh6OCnejjFpKnd4XlJ%2BxZ8phXYDttbHLhD19fQ1c%2FhS6BWZLiB2%2FnjrpXmfTmVkkasQSVAZa0OohlaD5%2FSP93cDIP1taFC2p9G2xraaCWx%2BHIiESJ8YDisW0W%2F3upX9IAH8gHJ9BFzEoEgBW4TIE8mPBRa9MkUM%2F2UXnmsrIKt6kh0zPal2X72SphWm8KV9AoZJewOq3%2BsiK5orMeAP%2B46keawZBww6fH6bkCTmGqBwOPHR%2F3pSIVzUx2P3xIZ4rltCB%2BgXIgw629Du5VKGQ%3D%3D",{"title":142,"image":143},"Diving | Bartolome Island | Ecuador",[144],{"url":145},"https:\u002F\u002Fstorage.googleapis.com\u002Ftravel-web-app-1.appspot.com\u002Fflamelink\u002Fmedia\u002Fbartolome-island-diving.jpg?GoogleAccessId=firebase-adminsdk-g2s60%40travel-web-app-1.iam.gserviceaccount.com&Expires=16725243600&Signature=iJFrDn9ECcmFDMGiFUHeydZ9p3AETQWP%2FjVmn8S%2F%2BYH2BoO3VBb0mroibuE%2B51fZJIfwXEfDnXz7x%2BFC96kkoEMk7rUE%2BFS6EQBy3KXYlTh2zPnnw00jGD6Y2kP3kFB4zarA7ssKet0nzJVIBPQBc6HvYBl1kEK5tm8EqHnZRbUggdoGiYlFKdWmYTL3e%2FyvkfEOUyFFqUzckVaOsOJEEvTqiBPUjExzDOFjawlctdnmsREXCT7CO2EUu%2FwNUPkmRj7eUYYjvta5iUdVhT%2FQSC7qsxcrgX7N0AFMZy%2FV1nb7r9Z%2BT7xi27btWjMhHqlBXmD1DetPhftHNUqi2BnuaA%3D%3D",{"title":147,"image":148},"Santa Fe Island | Ecuador",[149],{"url":150},"https:\u002F\u002Fstorage.googleapis.com\u002Ftravel-web-app-1.appspot.com\u002Fflamelink\u002Fmedia\u002Fsanta-fe-island.jpg?GoogleAccessId=firebase-adminsdk-g2s60%40travel-web-app-1.iam.gserviceaccount.com&Expires=16725243600&Signature=HSOe01tjMedEqldbOv4I3ZIP0fetjeaD8No2mE5eAbJIUqi3X0k%2FtEHmv6xuER%2FTk9SkiziMa1xp1EBMvyeGY4BrGueoaoqOytfwp2YF2kEetTI7bQiZ%2F0ToYy0COvFznacirLWU4pd6LjKv0q5msYgOWFNrlBAuKkavq9cmI0rUaeRD4ZJI4HBQJN9pMV3%2BKFawn1YYDdMxpet%2BEZKmBZ6g39fnXjGm2S%2BBxxKDVvdKbXbm6aQuB151FOFFhUO2P%2Bzxn%2FooSyWbxm5Znm0cXCiN3xX%2FAAovc%2FQINIxSv7xvJ2%2BCEw3VLdVBdFdWSsA2EwzEv5EZbdNuXSCYMEyz7w%3D%3D",{"title":152,"image":153},"Plaza San Francisco | Quito | Ecuador",[154],{"url":155},"https:\u002F\u002Fstorage.googleapis.com\u002Ftravel-web-app-1.appspot.com\u002Fflamelink\u002Fmedia\u002FPlaza%20San%20Francisco%20Quito.jpg?GoogleAccessId=firebase-adminsdk-g2s60%40travel-web-app-1.iam.gserviceaccount.com&Expires=16725243600&Signature=SyH05JyAgXhm4qG3e91s%2BrvLejJCx%2BIfD3%2B50CMnWG3W9dEH%2Fzmtcn8TdwttR%2Bh5XgpNMIXyi5fRC4ci9kzKZgHWUquPsSO9BcU7wg4ZREt36CwMyE8KBHAb3mqynrr%2FiOUBWgNCW7HgQsjqiR70YRj8VriNveztrOtkGub%2B9bIhB0ePAZwiceKRzSRMDkpxUNa2t6iRGL3njRMUmgnu9bwc321VRd5qhElOyx%2BxvNp%2F7cT8afVBlxWlQWs%2BeXaDfh4UrdiqYSJPgPELm2Rcie5AumOuwHv%2FMvgP8jUGwB8pQqCgxhbSO5r0fdhAP%2FCCZtAxm41P6xOuVvvE9hGuCA%3D%3D",9485,null,[159,161,163,165,167,169,171,173],{"item":160},"Transfer in\u002Fout",{"item":162},"Galapagos Islands fees",{"item":164},"Indicated Meals",{"item":166},"Transportation",{"item":168},"Bilingual naturalist guide",{"item":170},"Scheduled Visits",{"item":172},"Domestic Flights",{"item":174},"Overnights in suggested hotels or similar (subject to confirmation), fullboard.",[176,178,180,182,184,186,188],{"item":177},"Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages",{"item":179},"Personal expenses",{"item":181},"Tips",{"item":183},"Meals not described in the program",{"item":185},"Items not described in the program",{"item":187},"Extras and personal expenses",{"item":189},"International flights",{"metaTitle":191,"metaDescription":11},"17D\u002F16N Where Modern Natural Science Was Born: Ecuador Tour",[193,195,197,199,201,203],{"highlights":194},"Revisit Alexander von Humboldt’s groundbreaking altitude studies on Chimborazo.",{"highlights":196},"Discover the dramatic volcanic scenery of Cotopaxi along the famous Avenue of the Volcanoes.",{"highlights":198},"Relive Charles Darwin’s earliest observations in the Galapagos Islands on San Cristobal Island.",{"highlights":200},"Take a closer look at active volcanic landscapes on Isabela Island.",{"highlights":202},"Learn about early human influence on ecosystems at Floreana Island.",{"highlights":204},"Observe evolution in action by studying finches and giant tortoises on Santa Cruz Island.",[],[207,208,209,210,211,212,213,214,215,216],"Ecuador","Ecuador Tour","Snorkeling","Hiking","Adventure","Diving","Nature Encounters","Kayaking","Cultural Vacations","Birdwatching",[218,219,220,221,222],"Cool","Sunny","Cold","Humid","Hot","Plan to arrive well-rested so your body can adjust more easily to Quito’s high altitude. Drink plenty of water during Andean outings to help your body acclimate. Choose reef-safe sunscreen to help protect fragile marine life. Bring a notebook or journal to record your observations, just like Humboldt and Darwin did. Keep cameras and electronics protected from humidity and salt, especially near the coast.","Weather in the Andes can change quickly. Expect strong sun, cool winds, and sudden temperature drops, especially at higher elevations. Dressing in layers, using sun protection, and having a windproof jacket will keep you comfortable. In contrast, the Galapagos has a warm, coastal climate with bright sunshine and ocean breezes. Lightweight clothing, breathable fabrics, a hat, and a light rain layer are ideal for staying comfortable across different environments.","This trip includes a mix of moderate to fairly active days. You’ll spend time walking at high altitude in the Andes and hiking across uneven volcanic terrain in the Galapagos. You should be comfortable walking for several hours a day on different surfaces like cobblestone streets, grassy highlands, rocky paths, and lava fields. No technical climbing is involved, but a good level of fitness will make the experience much more enjoyable.","Illa Experience Hotel or similar\nHacienda El Porvenir or similar\nChimborazo Lodge or similar\nHotel Indigo Galapagos or similar\nIguana Crossing Hotel or similar\nFinch Bay Galapagos Hotel or similar\nWyndham Quito Airport or similar",[228,233,238,243,248,253,258,263,268],{"place":229},{"lng":230,"lat":231,"address":232},-78.5141064,-0.2232523,"Quito, Ecuador",{"place":234},{"lng":235,"lat":236,"address":237},-78.4297187,-0.7007416,"Cotopaxi National Park, Ecuador",{"place":239},{"lng":240,"lat":241,"address":242},-78.6543255,-1.6647995,"Chimborazo, Ecuador",{"place":244},{"lng":245,"lat":246,"address":247},-89.436391,-0.8674715,"San Cristóbal Island, Ecuador",{"place":249},{"lng":250,"lat":251,"address":252},-91.13530200000001,-0.8292374,"Isabela Island, Ecuador",{"place":254},{"lng":255,"lat":256,"address":257},-90.3371889,-0.6393592,"Santa Cruz Island, Ecuador",{"place":259},{"lng":260,"lat":261,"address":262},-90.28783260000002,-0.3960225,"North Seymour Island, Ecuador",{"place":264},{"lng":265,"lat":266,"address":267},-90.550602,-0.2842964,"Bartolomé Island, Ecuador",{"place":269},{"lng":270,"lat":271,"address":272},-90.0653341,-0.819877,"Santa Fé Island, Ecuador",[],[],[],[277,279,282],{"title":207,"url":102,"active":278},false,{"title":280,"url":281,"active":278},"Ecuador Tours","ecuador\u002Ftours",{"title":8,"url":101,"active":283},true]