Price
Overview
Neighbouring Colombia and Peru, Ecuador is a relatively small country that nevertheless offers an enticing array of scenic landscapes, diverse wildlife species and interesting cities. Dense Amazon rainforest, towering Andean mountain peaks, palm-fringed Pacific Coast beaches and fascinating historical sites are all part and parcel of Ecuador’s prolific charms. The former Inca town of Cuenca is the nation’s third-largest city and a Unesco World Heritage Site. This alluring city, with its cobbled streets, beautiful architecture and photogenic plazas, boasts a huge variety of museums and art galleries. The vibrant capital city of Quito is also worth a visit. Arguably the most dazzling jewel in Ecuador’s crown is the Galapagos Archipelago in the Pacific, about 1000 kilometres west of the mainland. Their magnificent, pristine landscapes and prolific wildlife, which inspired Charles Darwin, have made this cluster of islands a world-famous travel destination.
Group Price
- The price per person for group expeditions are fixed based on a group size. However, we have optional arrangements for individual private and tailor-made preferences best suited for you, your family and friends.
- All prices are based on shared accommodation. Please inquire for a 1 guest private room accommodation quote
- Prices listed are not final. Please inquire for your final price quote.
| Number of People | FIRST CLASS (4 star) |
|---|---|
| 2 pax | US $7,500 |
| 3-5 pax | US $7,000 |
| 6-9 pax | US $6,900 |
| 10-16 pax | US $6,800 |
Included/Excluded
- Private transportation
- Private guide
- Accommodation selected hotels
- 3 Nights M/C Endemic
- International & local flights
- Migratory control card
- Galapagos National Park
- Medical/travel insurance
- Personal Expenses
- Tips
Day 1: Quito
Once you land in the lively city of Quito, our designated driver will be there to greet you. He will be holding a sign with your name for easy recognition. He will then escort you to your hotel, where you can relax and get settled.
Day 2: Quito
Pick Up:Â 9:00 am from your hotel’s lobby.
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Quito, a city where the divine and the delicious intertwine. This exclusive tour offers you private transportation and the insights of a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, making it a seamless exploration of Quito’s architectural splendor and culinary richness. Your adventure starts with visits to the most awe-inspiring churches in the city—La CompañÃa, known for its stunning Baroque gold interiors; San Francisco Church, a site steeped in history and beauty; the Basilica, with its remarkable neo-Gothic architecture; and the Iglesia Museo Catedral Primada, a museum-cathedral that tells the spiritual story of Quito. Each stop reveals layers of history, art, and devotion, showcasing the city’s deep cultural roots.
The tour then transitions from historical exploration to a delightful culinary experience at a mystery location. Here, with a skilled local chef, you’ll dive into Ecuadorian cuisine, learning to prepare traditional dishes that reflect the country’s diverse flavors and cooking techniques. This interactive cooking class fills your day with fun and flavor and culminates in a delicious lunch where you can savor the dishes you’ve created, sharing stories and impressions with your fellow travelers.
As the day winds down, you’re transported back to your hotel, leaving you with a rich tapestry of experiences from Quito’s holy sites to its hearty cuisine. This half-day tour is more than just a glimpse into the city’s landmarks; it’s an intimate encounter with the soul of Quito, designed for those who seek to understand the essence of places through their history, art, and flavors.
Day 3: The Amazon Ecuador
Transfer to the airport to catch your flight to Coca. Our representative will meet you at the lobby of your hotel.
The meeting point is at Latam Counter – Quito Aiport with our dispatcher. He will give you the boarding pass, he will be holding a sign SACHA LODGE
Transfer from Coca to the Lodge.
After arriving at Sacha Lodge around lunchtime and meeting your guide – who stays with you for the entirety of your trip – you will take your first excursion into the forest. Once you have returned and had dinner, you will set out for your first nighttime adventure: snake spotting in the jungle or canoeing among caimans on the lake.
Day 4: The Amazon Ecuador
SAMPLE DAY
A typical day at Sacha begins at sunrise or earlier to take advantage of the excellent morning hours when the rainforest’s animals are most active.
Each group agrees on a wake-up time when their guide will knock on their door for a rude awakening! Breakfast will begin half an hour after that.
Wherever the destination, our excursions proceed slowly to appreciate the fascinating details our guides point out around you.
You might begin the day paddling dugout canoes along tannin-rich black-water creeks and lakes, where luxuriant lianas, orchids, bromeliads, and palm trees thrive, always with the possibility of spotting animals, from the tiny pygmy marmoset to the feared ocelot or puma. Then, you could board the motorized canoe for a short ride along the Napo River to visit the Providencia Community of YasunÃ, learning about their jungle way of life and testing out their cooking techniques, stopping to watch the parrot disco of the clay lick along the way.
You will return to the Lodge in the late morning, in time for a 1 PM lunch. Between lunch and your afternoon adventure, you can enjoy the Lodge, lounging on sun chairs with a book on the Balsa, or cooling off in the Lake Pool. Activities begin again between 3:00 PM and 4:30 PM and often continue into the evening when the nocturnal insect and frog chorus begins. An afternoon excursion might see you trekking through pristine Terra Firme forest, where 150-foot kapok trees tower above, and roots form massive buttresses to give trees support, your guide pointing out the crest owl territory and calling to the howler monkeys. You could then climb 94 feet (30 meters) up to the Canopy Walk, a 940-foot (275-meter) bridge across the treetops from where you can spot dozens of animals and birds.
Days at Sacha Lodge do not end with the fading of the light or even with dinner. With flashlights, night walks and canoe trips often reveal creatures seldom seen during daylight. Caimans (of the alligator family) and giant insects rule the jungle after sunset. Do you dare search for them?
*Please note: activities are subject to weather, though Forest Walks, the Kapok Tower, and Canopy Walk are the keystones of the Sacha Lodge experience.
Day 5: The Amazon Ecuador
SACHA LODGE ACTIVITIES
Adventure is given at Sacha Lodge, and all guests, from those happy to relax in their comfort zone to the most courageous, will reap tremendous rewards from our spectrum of activities. The water is the thread that links each experience: you’ll become an expert at hopping in and out of the canoe and manning the oars and will come to love the surreal peacefulness of paddling down streams through virgin wilderness. Expedition groups are never larger than six and are always accompanied by a naturalist and local guides. We strive to match guests with others of similar ages, interests, and abilities in expedition groups.
CANOPY EXPLORATION CRANE
Guests may now ride 150 feet (45 meters) above the ground to explore the rainforest canopy in an elevator-like metal basket suspended from a 150-foot-long boom. Our guides, via remote control, will move throughout 2 acres of forest to find and drop in on birds and monkeys from above as they do their daily business. The Canopy Crane offers safety sensors to keep you from bumping into trees, so your canopy exploration will be as safe as thrilling.
CANOPY WALK
Imagine crossing the rainforest across a bridge 94 feet (36 meters) high over the treetops. This 940-foot (275-meter) sturdy walkway is fixed to the ground by three metal towers. It offers an astounding opportunity to spot dozens of animals and epiphytes seldom seen from the ground, immersed in the canopy. You might even follow along with troops of monkeys as they forage through the forest canopy. And if you don’t see them, you’ll almost certainly hear them: howler monkeys roaring through the sunset like true jungle kings.
KAPOK TOWER
You’ll feel like you’re on top of the world on our 135-foot (43-meter) observation tower, a platform built on the highest branches of a giant kapok tree. From here, magnificent, panoramic views of the forest unfold all around, while the 500 species of birds registered in the area, including rainbow-coloured toucans and parrots, become easy to spot. Climb onto the crows’ nest for the 360-degree experience, the captain of the Amazon.
YASUNI PARROT LICKÂ *on Wednesdays and Sundays only*
A short distance from Sacha Lodge is Ecuador’s most accessible parrot lick, an exposed clay riverbank where technicolored parrots of several species gather in the early morning. In ideal conditions (sunny and dry) hundreds of parrots will perch on and eat the exposed clay in a spectacular show of sound and colour! The lick is located on the edge of Yasunà National Park, accessible from Sacha by a short canoe trip down the Napo River.
THE BUTTERFLY HOUSE
Sacha Lodge is home to one of the largest butterfly farms in Ecuador. Designed as a live exhibition conservatory, the Butterfly House is now successfully breeding nearly 40 local butterfly species. Guests will be shown how these beautiful insects are bred and raised and may roam through ‚” the flying room,” where hundreds of colorful butterflies flutter from flower to flower. Transparent glass-wing butterflies, spectacular blue morphs, striking tiger longwings, bright yellow swallowtails, and giant nocturnal owl butterflies are only a few of the species you’ll encounter here, up close and personal.
FOREST WALKS
Creeping along the jungle paths through the spotlights of sun filtering down through the canopy, careful not to tread on an army of marching ants, your nature guide will point out plants and insects and the fascinating symbiosis between them. He might take you through the territory of the crested owls or red howler monkeys, expertly mimicking the creatures’ call to win their trust and coax them out of hiding. When darkness falls, have your flashlight ready to spot creatures of the night, from tarantulas and boas to stick insects and frogs.
CREEK PADDLING
Besides being your means of transport between expeditions, creek paddling in dug-out canoes is a fabulous adventure, with the bonus that it requires little physical exertion. Paddling down the streams is like entering a tunnel leading to a lost world. Birds call in surround sound, and vast families of monkeys leap from branches overhead, a show to coincide with the sun’s setting.
CAIMAN SPOTTING BY NIGHT
A night-time expedition to look for caiman on the lake is perhaps the most magical experience of an adventure already filled with wonder. Under cover of darkness, you will take a canoe out onto the water, your way lit by glittering stars. The eyes of the caiman glow ghoulishly red in the torchlight as the amphibious creatures float along the swampy shallows.
BIRDWATCHING
Of the incredible 1,600 bird species registered in Ecuador, 600 (37 percent) have been seen at Sacha Lodge. That’s almost 7 percent of the species found worldwide!
For avid birdwatchers, we can provide specialist bird guides who know the best spots for hard-to-find species and can quickly identify species by sight and sound. Oscar Tapuy, our local expert who has been with Sacha since 1995, estimates that he spots 60 species daily on average. Your guide will lead you through various habitats where mixed flocks are common and generally begin before sunrise to take full advantage of the morning peak. Our guides carry telescopes and have become dab-hands at taking photos with your camera or phone through the lens!
LEARN ABOUT THE COMMUNITY’S DAY-TO-DAYÂ *on Wednesdays and Sundays only*
Our visit takes us to the Shipati Warmi project, an initiative run by and benefiting the women of the Providencia community of YasunÃ. Through a hidden dialogue, we learn about their day-to-day lives: how they dry clothes in the jungle and the challenges of getting to school before helping to prepare and try traditional food. It’s an intimate, unique experience in which we discover the differences and similarities between our culture and another. The Shipati Warmi project asks that each guest donate $10
LAKE POOL
The Lake Pool is the only one in the Amazon region that is ideal for families. The plunge pool, protected by a mesh cage, allows you to cool off and relax in the black shallows of Pilchicocha Lake without the fear of encountering the unknown. You could even spot caiman and giant otters swimming by the other side of the net.
Day 6: Quito
Wake Up Call
Breakfast
Departure to Coca: According to your briefing the night before, you will have an early wake-up call, breakfast, and departure from the lodge.
The lodge staff will assist you with your checked luggage, and the motorized canoe ride will head upstream back to Coca. Our representatives will then take you to the La Selva office to use the restrooms.
After a short break, they will take you to the airport and help you with your boarding passes and checked luggage.
Once you land in  Quito, our designated driver will greet you. He will be holding a sign with your name for easy recognition. He will then escort you to your hotel, where you can relax and get settled.
Day 7: Mosquera Island
Flight Information:
Our professional driver will pick you up directly from your hotel, assisting with your luggage as needed.
Upon arrival at Quito Airport, our driver will conveniently drop you off at your designated terminal. From there, you’ll continue independently to your selected airline’s check-in area. Follow the instructions provided by the airline for a smooth and efficient check-in process. Safe travels!
PM: MOSQUERA
Mosquera is a large white sand bank with rocky areas between Baltra and Seymour. You can walk along the entire beach and enjoy the play of the sea lions in the waves while the adults rest on the sand. Often, you can also see the scarce lava gull flying over the island in search of food.
Snorkeling: Depending on the swell, snorkeling can be done at the north end of the islet or one of the smaller, sheltered beaches.
Attractions: Galapagos sea lions, lava gulls, oystercatchers, shorebirds
Day 8: Santiago Island, Bartolome Island
AM: SULLIVAN BAY
This visit is a journey to the geological origins of the islands. The hike takes you over a perfectly preserved Pahoehoe lava flow. At first glance, the landscape seems devoid of life, but if you look closely, you will find pioneer plants and lava lizards. On the coast, you may see penguins and other seabirds.
Snorkeling: You can snorkel from a small coral sand beach or the pangas. In either case, the goal is to swim with penguins and see blue sharks, turtles, and large schools of fish.
Attractions: Pahoehoe lava, Galapagos penguins, oystercatchers, Galapagos hawks.
PM: BARTOLOMÉ
This island has some of the most emblematic landscapes of the Galapagos. It is also one of the few places outside Isabela and Fernandina where Galapagos penguins can be seen. From the island’s top, you will have a spectacular view of Pinnacle Rock, Sullivan Bay, and numerous nearby islands.
Snorkeling: Snorkeling is available from the beach at the foot of the pinnacle. This area has a well-deserved reputation as an excellent snorkeling spot due to its precise, calm waters, a massive variety of fish, sea lions, and blue sharks, and the possibility of swimming with penguins.
Attractions: Galapagos penguins, volcanic landscapes, Pinnacle Rock, beach, sea lions, blue sharks
Day 9: Genovesa Island, San Cristobal Island
AM: THE RAVINE
Also called “Prince Philip’s Staircase,” this trail is located on the southern part of the island, at the entrance to the bay. The cliffs are heavily fissured, making them an ideal place for a massive colony of storm petrels, attracting large numbers of short-eared owls, which try to hunt them in broad daylight. Nazca boobies, red-footed boobies, and frigate birds are also common and nest along the trail. Fur seals can be seen at the base of the cliffs, looking for cool places to rest.
Snorkeling: You can snorkel along the cliffs, where you will see lots of fish and, with some luck, sea lions and rays.
Attractions: Nesting frigate birds, red-footed and Nazca boobies, herons, short-eared owls, storm petrel colony, and Darwin’s finches.
PM: DARWIN BAY
Genovesa is deservedly considered a “birdwatcher’s paradise”. From the moment you set foot on the island, you will be amazed by the sound of hundreds of frigate birds, boobies, and gulls flying overhead, perching in the bushes or nesting on the sandy ground. This trail offers an authentic wildlife experience, as there is wildlife everywhere: wolves on the beach, iguanas on the rocks, herons, mockingbirds, finches, turtledoves, and many more.
Snorkeling: The bay offers several excellent dive sites, from deep water along the cliffs to shallow water near the beach. In either case, there are plenty of fish and chances to see sea lions, turtles, and rays.
Attractions: Nesting frigate birds, red-footed and Nazca boobies, night gulls, herons, sea lions, endemic Darwin’s finches, and mockingbirds.
Day 10: Angochagua
AM: INTERPRETATION CENTER
Located on the city’s outskirts, this center is dedicated to the human history of the Galapagos. From the time of the first Spanish explorers to the present day, including whalers and illustrious visitors such as Charles Darwin, this permanent exhibition will take you through the dangers and hardships that early settlers had to endure to survive in the harsh environment of the Galapagos Islands.
Attractions: Endemic plants and human history exhibit.
After this last visit, transfer to the airport for your return flight to mainland Ecuador.
Assistance and farewell at the airport.
Once you land in Quito, our designated driver will greet you. He will be holding a sign with your name for easy recognition. He will then escort you to your hotel, where you can relax and get settled.
Day 11: Angochagua
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding has been a Plaza family tradition for over a hundred years. Hacienda Zuleta is known for its beautiful Zuleteño horses – a unique mixture of the Spanish-Andalusian, the Thoroughbred, and the American Quarter Horse. The outcome of this crossbreeding is a robust and noble Andean horse with the perfect disposition for trail-riding. The rider can explore the stunning Andean countryside on different trails from 9,000 to 11,000 feet above sea level. You will be safe with our knowledgeable, friendly local guides, or we can provide a bilingual speaker for an extra charge. All rides include a tasty snack complemented with our homemade fruit juice. Full-day rides include a delicious picnic with a luxury option for an additional charge on specific routes.
For your convenience and security, we provide a complete Andean saddle (very similar to the Western saddle) with a deep seat and comfortable sheepskin lining. You are also given a rain poncho, rubber boots or half chaps, and a helmet.
Embroidery Class
Every stitch is a piece of my soul; even if I can’t go abroad, my embroidery goes for me. – Teresa Casa, famous local embroidered. Become part of the famous creative tradition of Zuleta and try your hand at embroidery with the help of our friendly local experts!
Day 12: End of Itinerary
We are thrilled to welcome you on an extraordinary adventure that breathes new life into the age-old tradition of navigating reed kayaks on the serene waters of San Pablo Lagoon (Imbacocha). This distinctive journey, steeped in authenticity and cultural significance, allows you to engage directly with the heritage of the Andean people.
The expedition, extending around 1 hour and 45 minutes, is not just a tour but an immersive experience. You’ll be enveloped in the rich tapestry of Andean traditions as you glide across the calm lagoon, cradled in the craftsmanship of the reed kayak beneath you.
This unique opportunity provides an intimate understanding of the Andean worldview and its people. Through this journey, you will witness and actively participate in the revival and celebration of a practice that has shaped the lives of generations. So, prepare for an unforgettable voyage that transcends the commonplace, taking you back to the heart of Andean culture.
After this fantastic experience, we will continue to La Compañia de Jesus Hacienda for lunch and the experience of a rose plantation—drop off at Quito Airport.
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Our TripAdvisor Reviews
Jill D2024-04-20Not enough stars to rate this company- THE BEST time ever!!! If there were a million stars to rate this company and my recent trip, it wouldn't be enough. Nature Horizons is amazing. I first met the owner, Dominick at a convention for travel advisors in 2023. I knew immediately that he was a very special person and he had a very obvious love for the tours he had created in the destinations he adored. The story of developing his company is inspiring and his work ethic has continued to impress me during all stages of my Safari planning, from its conception to preparation to hosting us during the Great Migration in Tanzania. His communication is efficient, sincere and organized. He is thorough and thoughtful. He is fun and personable. He is extremely knowledgeable and has vetted resources to execute adventures across many countries. Our Safari was 12 days of awesome-ness. We truly couldn't have asked for a better experience. Each day was well-planned and our guides helped us see so many animals, sites and natural wonders. They knew where to be and when for us to see the most miraculous things. Dominick was such a friendly host, helping us gain perspective and a true taste of Tanzania. He listened to our wishlist, considered our requests and delivered days that we will never forget. Dominick truly cares about each and every guest and also has such respect for some of the most treasured creatures and places on our planet. I can't imagine a better Safari ever happening. But, knowing Dominick, he will make sure the next one and the next and the next are better than the one before it. That's how much he cares. I have to share a couple of our favorite moments were totally unplanned, though. Our Safari vehicle got stuck in the mud as rains started in the Central Serengeti. Dominick stayed calm, assured us that all was well and we sipped champagne as we watched the men try to get us unstuck...comical. Everything happens for a reason and we saw a perfectly complete rainbow soon after our vehicle was moving down the road. It couldn't have been scripted any better! As we continued on the way back to our lodge, we came across a Lioness and her brand-new cub. This is something rarely seen and we were sure Dominick paid the Lioness to appear for us. LOL. These examples are merely a glimpse of memories we made. And, part of the reason these moments were so special was because we were in the moment, which was as Nature Horizons intended. We had not a care in the world and could simply "be" in nature. I can't thank the entire team enough for such a wonderful two weeks.416marlysl2024-04-04Amazing Experience! This trip was, by far, the most amazing trip I have ever taken! Dominick and his driver/guides were fabulous! They definitely found all the animals we wanted to see and many unexpected sites as well. They were so accommodating, stopping whenever we asked even if it was just for a bird or turtle crossing the road. Our guide, Praygod, was able to identify every bird we saw! Their knowledge of the wildlife was phenomenal. We learned so much about the culture, food, and local life from our casual conversations. The accommodations, while not luxury, were very comfortable and the food was very good, especially the soups. When I go back, it will definitely be with Dominick and Nature Horizons Tours!Morgan M2024-03-27Wildlife Psychics I was totally blown away by the magic of Tanzania, and Dominick and his crew were incredible. They seemed to psychically know where all of the wildlife would be. They were very laid back and were open to pit stops along the way. We had a great time and I can't wait to go back.Tamara H2024-03-25Safari in Tanzania was AWESOME! I joined Nature Horizons on a safari in Tanzania in February, 2024, and I was incredibly pleased with my experience. Our tour operator Dominick and his staff were knowledgeable, professional, and very friendly. They worked very hard to make sure we saw as much wildlife as possible, and as they got to know us, they adjusted our itinerary to fit in extra special experiences. The accommodations were middle of the road and appropriate for the price point, and I actually think I had a more authentic experience than if I would have stayed in luxury accommodations. The pace of the trip was great. As a solo traveler, I left Tanzania with friends I am sure I will have for a lifetime. There's something magical about a safari, and Nature Horizons made sure we had amazing and awesome experience that I will never forget.Irene D2024-02-28An Adventure of a lifetime It's been one week since I got back from the amazing adventure. I went on the Tanzanian safari with a friend and made 7 more friends. Dominick Santariga was an awesome host. The evening we arrived, Dominick met us at the airport and the adventure commenced. The next day we actually went to a preschool owned by Nicas Marandu. There we met some beautiful children who were so welcoming and sweet. After visiting the school, we went to a Coffee Farm. Personally, I don't care for coffee but after listening to Godfrey explain the process and having the group actually grind coffee beans and cook the beans, the taste of the coffee was out of this world. The next day we traveled to Lake Manyara. Going through the many small towns, we were able to view the daily lives of the Tanzanian people. We saw elephants on the side of the road, one having tusks almost to the ground! There were so many baboons in the Lake Manyara National Park. On the trip, we got to know the other people on safari, and it was like these are my people. They are all world travelers, some travel agents, business owners to include coffee and photos, but all were amazing. From Lake Manyara we went to Central Serengeti. You could see wildebeest for miles and miles. Roaming with the wildebeest were zebras Grant Gazelle and Thomson Gazelle and Impalas. We came to know our driver, Victor. He said we would see the big five during our adventure, and we sure did. The Big Five: Lion, African Elephant, Leopard, Rhinoceros and the African Buffalo. I almost forgot about the air balloon ride. Oh, my! Traveling over the hippo pool was the highlight of the flight. So many hippos! We spent 3 days in Central Serengeti and saw so many animals. It never got old. From Central Serengeti we went to Ngorongoro Conservation area. The crater has over 30,000 animals. The pink and white flamingos were amazing. During one picnic lunch, a Marabou stock bird was pretty pushy, wanting us to feed him. After Ngorongor Crater, we went to Tarangire National Park. The days went by so quickly. We finished the safari at Simba Farm Lodge. The food, especially the soups, were to die for. After a relaxing two days, we went back to Moshi town but we weren't finished. We went to the MkoMazi National Park and saw wild dogs in a breeding program, zebras that came up to the safari vehicle and the black Rhino, munching on grass 20 feet from the vehicle! Sadly, the adventure was over and we flew back on Monday. But before we left we met Victor, a friend of Dominick's and ate a banana stew. Words can't explain how delicious that dish was. Thanks, Victor and Mama Irene. Overall, this was a trip of a lifetime. I'm still processing the sites and sounds of Tanzania. Thanks, Dominick.!b S2024-01-22Jam-packed South American Nature Experience On our trip we visited Quito (and surrounding region), the Galapagos Islands, the Amazon jungle, and Cusco (and surrounding region). In Quito, we toured the Quilotoa volcano, and hiked near the Cotopaxi volcano. We were almost able to see the summit of Cotopaxi, but the very top was obscured by clouds. Stupendous views otherwise. This section of the trip probably would have been more enjoyable if we had started with a day to rest from the long flights we arrived on. In the Galapagos Islands we saw sooo many Galapagos tortoises. We also passed through a magma cave, which, as a caver, was pretty cool. The wildlife was quite relaxed in the presence of humans, which allowed us to get close (not too close) and take many great pictures. We chose to go on a couple water/cruising tours. On those, we got to see dolphins playing in the wake of the boat, blue-footed boobies, so many iguanas, frigates, galapagos gulls, small penguins... on those trips we also went snorkeling and saw many types of fish and starfish. I believe the specific islands we toured were North Seymour, and Bartolome. We got to tour the local (only?) chocolate shop and brewery. I suggest a wide-brimmed hat, and light, long clothing. It is easier to wear long sleeves than to remember to reapply sunscreen multiple times. At Guayaquil (layover otw from the Galapagos to Lima) one of our members became sick and had to miss the Amazon portion of the trip. In the Amazon we stayed at the Nature Horizons lodge. It was a bit rustic, but we had no issues with insects / plants / animals at the lodge. In the jungle, outside of the lodge, the primary nuisance was mosquitos. We took various boat rides onto the Amazon river / its tributaries and saw pink and gray dolphins. On one excursion a guide beckoned a monkey to come down a tree, where he fed it parts of a citrus fruit while we watched. I suggest always having raingear with you. We went for a evening boat trip and ended up soaked from a intense rain. In Cusco we took a daytrip to Machu Pichu via bus/train. Would have been all train, but part of the tracks had been damaged by a recent mudslide (iirc). Machu Pichu was really cool, but also swarming with tourists. The next day we drove to Rainbow Mountain (la montaña colorada). We parked at an elevation of ~4500 m (iirc), and walked/hiked up to the peak at ~5200 m. Hiking at an elevation where it is difficult to breath fully was an exciting experience. The views were amazing. We were supposed to do a walking tour of Cusco for our final day, but another member of our group became quite sick, so that was out. The guides that worked with us were super knowledgeable and nice. Tour/support staff were phenomenal. Especially when things deviated from the plan (sickness, issues with flights..). It was a great trip. I think it would have been better if we had spent more time at fewer locations (less time spent moving from place to place), and if we had been more careful about the food (so tasty though) and water.Bob S2024-01-21First Class South American Adventure! I finally got my family together for a long awaited South American trip to include some common destinations such as the Galapagos Islands and Machu Picchu but also lesser traveled areas including the Amazon rain forest and the Rainbow Mountain Valley in Peru. Within Ecuador and Peru, these sites are well separated making the logistics of a trip such as this quite an endeavor. Fortunately, Dominick and his staff were more than ready to take on the planning of our trip from the first phone call. Although we went through several itineraries before solidifying the final version, Dominick and staff were always flexible and accommodating in hammering out the changing plans. Upon arriving in country, we found the guides and drivers/vehicles to be excellent. Transfers, hotel accommodations and daily excursions went off like clockwork. When our group was occasionally late, the guides and drivers always worked with us without frustration. The guides were all very friendly and extremely knowledgeable. They freely shared their local expertise during our daily excursions but also their insights on regional and national topics such as education, the economy and politics. In short, they gave us a complete picture of the people, the regions and the countries we were visiting. We did have some unexpected illness in our group during the trip but again Dominick and his team were there to support us in getting the appropriate medications as well as in making adjustments to flight and hotel reservations. Lest I forget, meals, restaurants and hotels were well chosen and top notch. In short, Dominick and his team provided an excellent and unforgettable trip for us all. I would highly recommend Nature Horizons tours without reservation for your next journey. Thanks again, Dominick!Mary S2024-01-21Outstanding Custom Group Tour Nature Horizons arranged an excellent trip that was custom designed for us (a group of 6) to Ecuador, including the Galapagos, and Peru, including the Amazon River region, and Machu Pichu. Every aspect of the trip was fabulous. The guides were high quality, local, knowledgeable, friendly, and accommodating. Dominick at Nature Horizons listened to what we wanted to see and accomplish and he made it happen. We ran into several unexpected challenges along the way with flights but Dominick’s team was there at every turn to help us through including helping us at the airlines and with security. Our accommodations were great and hikes were very scenic. The Galapagos and the Amazon area were beautiful beyond words. If you are looking for a high quality, accommodating, and flexible tour, Nature Horizons is outstanding.Simon2023-11-21An Amazing Trip on Top of Mount Kilimandjaro This trip from Nature Horizons has been one of a lifetime. From the first contact with Dominic all the way to the summit of Mount Kilimandjaro, the experience has been easy, hassle free and most of all very friendly. Dominic has been a great help at reassuring me about this trip and was always available to answer my many questions. We even set up videconferences so we could talk live about the trip, the planning and every little details. Nature Horizons was very flexible regarding the dates for this trip and the pricing was right. Many things were included in the package where it wasn’t the case with other companies. The process was so easy that even at the airport, Nature Horizons` team was on site ready to pick me up and bring me to the hotel. The hotel staff was aware of my arrival and the check-in process (already taken care of by Nature Horizons) allowed me to start this vacation stress free. As for the trip itself, Nature Horizons’ team has been extremely professional from start to finish. Everyone was ready on time to pick me up at the hotel. My guide, Kelvin, has been very generous with his explanations about how things would work for those 7 days to the summit. During the climb, Kelvin was very knowledgeable about everything on the way. He was providing me information about the different plants, flowers and herbs, about the rock formations as well as the history of Mount Kilimandjaro. Whenever I had a question, he had an answer. For someone who wants to be immersed in Kili lore such as I was, my guide was more than able to please. The food was delicious and varied. Fresh vegetables and fruits every day. I was amazed at the amount of food I was presented with. You won’t starve on this trip, Nature Horizons` team has your success at heart and you will be fed what you need to climb all the way to the summit. They provided treated water daily in more than sufficient amount. Every evening, Kelvin would take the time to brief me on the next day`s route, what to expect and how to dress according to the climate. During the day, I never felt any pressure because of my pace. Either I was able to go a bit faster or had to go a bit slower, that would be it and my guide would adjust accordingly. I reached the summit, thanks to Nature Horizons` wonderful team. It has been amazing from start to finish and I recommend this experience to everyone!Emily2023-03-14A truly inspiring and unforgettable vacation! Let me just say that if you are considering going to some of the most beautiful places in the world, PLEASE use Nature Horizons Tours. This company truly takes care of you, and makes any trip you go on with them all about you and what you want to experience. First and foremost, I had reached out to Dominick 2 years ago when we started planning an Africa trip, and he’s been an amazing resource since day one. When we finally found the place we wanted to go (Tanzania) and the flights we needed, I immediately contacted Dominick and he was ready to start planning the trip itinerary. We also had a bit of a unique request, and we wanted to do a wedding ceremony while on safari. Dominick was so accommodating to every single one of our requests, and setup an absolutely incredible and beautiful trip. We visited the Lake Mahayana National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Are, and Tanagire National park. We 8 days to accomplish our safari, and Dominick organized a perfect schedule where we spent plenty of time in each park and really got experience each place to the fullest. While on safari in the Serengeti we also had a sunrise wedding ceremony that couldn’t have been more perfect, and was exactly what my husband and I dreamed of. We decided to keep the ceremony super simple, but Dominick was ready with photographers, helping hands, etc. for anything we needed for our day. Considering this wasn’t the average request, Dominick blew it out of the water! Additionally, the connections that Dominick has in each place are extraordinary, and truly add to the experience of visiting any place you go with Nature Horizons. The first day we were in Tanzania we visited a small school run by a local man (Nicas) who also runs a dog shelter AND artist gallery all to help support the people of his town. Nicas gave us a tour of the town, and we visited a local swimming hole, roasted coffee beans with some local coffee makers for some delicious coffee, and visited a huge waterfall tucked away about a mile down a hiking trail. This was all in the FIRST day there. We met some incredible people just wandering the town with Dominick’s guides. The guide and cook for our safari were also a highlight of our tour. Praygod (our guide) was not only a wonderful and clearly kind and caring person (he actually presided over our ceremony), but he was also incredibly knowledgeable about the wildlife we encountered which was a huge plus for someone like me who’s a wildlife biologist and wildlife nerd. He knew SO much about everything we encountered, that the outdoorswoman inside of me was screaming with joy. Our cook, Victor, made absolutely delicious meals that we scarfed down like we hadn’t eaten in days every breakfast, lunch and dinner. He did some local dishes that make the experience even more special, including a goat leg for dinner the day of our ceremony as a celebration. They also both coordinated and picked up champagne for our sunrise ceremony that we popped open after saying I do at 7:00AM! It was so thoughtful and much appreciated by me and Ben to celebrate with people who started as strangers and became our friends. Lastly, we finished up our vacation with 4 days in Zanzibar. Dominick helped us pick the perfect resort and coordinated a ride to and from the airport to our resort. Every detail was taken care of from start to finish with our trip to Tanzania because Dominick made sure we knew all the details and had everything we needed. So to end this, if you haven’t already been convinced to travel with Nature Horizons Tours, I don’t know what will change your mind! Dominick helped us have the most unforgettable experience of a lifetime, and the people he has made friends with and works with at each of his destinations are truly amazing people that you will become friends with yourself. The care put into the tours with Dominick and his staff on the ground is unrivaled, and is truly what makes Nature Horizons Tours so special.
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