Tour Highlights

Tour Limit: 14 Travelers

Minimum Age: 18

Reserve your spot by July 13, 2025

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Quito, Ecuador, Galapagos Islands
and the Amazon Rainforest

Visiting the Galapagos Islands, the Amazon Rainforest, and Quito, Ecuador, creates an adventure of a lifetime, offering a unique blend of stunning natural beauty, unparalleled biodiversity, and rich cultural experiences. The Galapagos Islands, an archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, are a living museum and showcase of evolution. Here, you can walk among giant tortoises, snorkel with playful sea lions, and marvel at the diversity of bird species, including the famous blue-footed boobies. The islands’ pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and volcanic landscapes create an otherworldly environment that feels like stepping back in time.

 

The Amazon Rainforest plunges you into the heart of one of the planet’s most vital ecosystems. This lush, expansive jungle is home to an astonishing array of wildlife, from jaguars and pink river dolphins to countless species of birds and insects. A journey along the winding rivers offers a chance to explore dense foliage and discover hidden communities, each brimming with life. The symphony of sounds—from the calls of howler monkeys to the rustling of the underbrush—immerses you in a vibrant, living world that is both humbling and exhilarating. Whether you’re hiking through the dense jungle, cruising along the Amazon River, or experiencing the local indigenous cultures, the Amazon promises an unforgettable encounter with nature in its most raw and awe-inspiring form.

 

In contrast, Quito, Ecuador’s capital, offers a rich historical and cultural tapestry. Nestled high in the Andes, this UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its well-preserved colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and stunning views of surrounding volcanic peaks. Straddle the equator and stroll through the cobbled streets of the Old Town, where grand churches, such as the Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, and bustling plazas provide a glimpse into Ecuador’s colonial past. The city’s lively arts scene, delectable cuisine, and warm, welcoming locals add to the charm, making Quito a perfect complement to the natural wonders of the Galapagos and the Amazon.

Accommodations, 11 Breakfast, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners, 11 Excursions, Round-trip flight to Baltra Island and back to Quito, Airport Transfers, INGALA Transit Control Card, Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee.

International airfare, any visa fees, gratuities, travel insurance (recommended), personal expenses.

Passports must be valid for at least 6 months past the day you leave Ecuador. There are no visa requirements to visit Iceland for US passports. Beginning in 2025, A New Travel Authorization will be required for Visitors to EU/Schengen Member Counties. For more information and to apply, visit ETIAS

You can find more information at the US State Dept

ITINERARY (subject to availability)

Day 1 (Jan 13) - Arrive Quito, Ecuador

Arrive in Quito. Accommodations Hotel Rio Amazonas.* Welcome dinner.

Included: Airport transfer, accommodations, dinner.
Excluded: Gratuities, personal expenses.
* Or similar

Day 2 (Jan 14) - Quito City Tour | Teleférico | Panecillo | Mitad del Mundo

  • Visit the historic center of the city, we will make our first stop at the church of Santo Domingo or similar so you can see its domes, from this place you will have a unique view.
  • Take a walking tour enjoying the facades and details of the houses and temples.
  • Visit the Virgen del Panecillo and take incredible photos of the center and south of Quito.
  • Visit the Basilica of the National Vote, you can access the Condor tower 75 meters high.
  • Go up to 4,100 meters above sea level in the Cable Car and take a short walk to the swing of the clouds. (visit is not made on holidays)
  • Tour Mitad del Mundo, in this place you will discover: the ancestral homes, the cocoa square, the equatorial museum and you will be able to take the best photographs while you straddle the equinoctial line.

Included: Breakfast, tour, entrance fees.
Excluded: Gratuities, personal expenses.

Day 3 (Jan 15) - Depart Quito for 3 Days in the Amazon | Trekking in The Jungle | River Tubing | Night Walk

Departing from Quito, embark on a journey to immerse yourself in the wonders of the jungle and experience the lifestyle, traditions, and beliefs of the Kichwa Culture. En route to Tena, our driver will make stops, weather permitting, to marvel at the Antisana volcano, Papallacta lake, and Guacamayos viewpoint, adding extra charm to your adventure.

  • Volcan Antisana: At 4100 meters above sea level, if the clouds part, you can capture stunning photos with the majestic Antisana Volcano as your backdrop. As we journey onwards to Tena city, our route offers numerous picturesque spots perfect for making lasting memories. Feel free to request stops along the way, and our driver will gladly accommodate, ensuring you capture the beauty of each moment along your journey.
  • Cavernas Jumandy adventure: We highly recommend stopping to explore the Jumandy Caves. This one-hour journey takes you through the river, where you’ll discover stalagmites, stalactites, and waterfalls. Entrance includes a flashlight and a local native guide from the Jumandy caves.
  • Playa de los Monos Puerto Misahualli, much like Playa de los Monos, is nestled at the confluence of the Misahuallí and Napo rivers. Renowned for its breatbeachesng jungle vistas and vast sandy beach, this serene locale captivates tourists. Yet, the real allure of Misahualli lies in its resident monkeys. These lively creatures roam the beach and wander into the town’s central park, enchanting visitors with their playful antics.
  • Upon arrival, our staff will assist with your luggage for the approximately 10-minute walk from the Pusuno River to the Suchipakari Amazon Eco-Lodge,. Our expedition leader and native guides are ready to kick off your journey with us. Each evening, you’ll meet with your guide to plan your time with us.
  • 2 hours after arrival, Embark on a trekking adventure in the jungle along the Giant Ceibo Trail. Your guide will lead you through half a dozen trails, each varying in difficulty and duration, ranging from half an hour to 4 hours. These trails wind through the dense and humid rainforest, connecting to the river or lake. You’ll traverse muddy paths while keeping an eye out for the elusive fauna of the area. Don’t forget to bring your long socks to wear with the rubber boots provided and your sandals for a comfortable journey!
  • After the jungle guided walk, return to the Ecolodge to change into swimming attire before heading to the river beach for a tubing adventure. Don’t forget to bring your sandals! The cool water provides a refreshing respite after hiking in the jungle. Floating down the river on a tube, your hand-rowing skills will be put to the test. With the sky above and tree-lined banks beside you, it feels like stepping into a dream—a peaceful way to enjoy the Amazon river.
  • Dinner is served at 7:30. After dinner, prepare your flashlight and camera for a thrilling night excursion. Experience the wonders of sharing the same space with nocturnal animals. Encounter owls, fishing bats, tarantulas, snakes, and frogs, among other fascinating creatures of the Amazon Rainforest.

 

Included: Breakfast, accommodations, transportation to eco-lodge, any entrance fees, rubber boots, lunch, dinner.
Excluded: Gratuities, personal expenses.
Note: Bring one pair of long socks and a small flashlight. Recommended to bring water shoes.

Day 4 (Jan 16) - Napo River Excursion | Animal Refuge Center | Indigenous Family Visit | Anaconda Island | Ceramics & Crafts

After breakfast, prepare with the rubber boats provided by the lodge as we embark on a forest walk and cross the river to reach the Napo River.

  • Bajo Pusuno (Ahuano): Once at the Napo River, we’ll travel by canoe. This boat trip offers a mesmerizing journey through the Amazon Rainforest, as we navigate along a river that winds through the jungle like a giant snake. The Napo River is considered the main system of Pacha Mama (Mother Earth), showcasing the magic and beauty of the Amazon.
  • Rio Arajuno: First, we will visit Amazoonico, a sanctuary dedicated to protecting various Amazon animals, including some endangered species. Unlike a traditional zoo, Amazoonico serves as a rescue center for Amazon animals in Ecuador. Here, we can observe these animals up close in environments that mimic their natural habitats, allowing for a more immersive and educational experience.
  • Laguna del Caiman Negro: Continuing by canoe, we’ll arrive at “Anaconda Island.” Here, we’ll have the opportunity to observe fascinating wildlife, including the prehistoric bird, the “Hoatzin,” as well as woolly monkeys, squirrel monkeys, and more.
  • Wankuriska ayllu canelos: After Box Lunch, experience an intimate visit to an indigenous family on Isla Anaconda and delve into their jungle way of life. The matriarch of the Kichwa Family warmly welcomes guests, offering insights into cooking, domestic techniques, and community traditions. Learn about their day-to-day practices as she shares stories and wisdom. Witness the men demonstrating hunting with a blow-dart – test your skill and aim at the monkey target if you dare!
  • Ahuano: It’s mesmerizing to watch the indigenous woman skillfully mold clay from the riverbed into delicate little bowls. During this encounter, a local will demonstrate how their community creates crockery from natural materials found in the forest, showcasing the techniques used to seal and decorate them. You’ll also have the opportunity to purchase these beautifully crafted items as souvenirs. Afterward, we’ll return by canoe to the Eco-Lodge.
  • Rio Pusuno: In our pursuit of enhancing your well-being, we’ve introduced a new menu featuring healthy snacks. Refresh yourself in our shallow pool with fresh juices and cocktails made from local products. Alternatively, indulge in one of our specialized treatments offered by our masseurs to recharge your batteries.

 

Included: Breakfast, accommodations, canoe tour, lunch, dinner.
Ecluded: Gratuities, personal expenses, drinks, cocktails, massages.

Day 5 (Jan 17) - Breakfast | Chocolate Tour | Return to Quito

Today, we start with a special farewell breakfast before walking to the nearby Cacao Farm.

Chocolate Farm Ecuador Indulge in our Chocolate Tour, where you’ll discover that chocolate indeed grows on trees – cacao trees, to be precise. The Ecuadorian Amazon, one of the earliest cultivators of this crop, provides the perfect setting for this activity. During the tour, you’ll learn to identify cacao pods and witness how they are harvested, opened, and their precious beans extracted. Local experts will guide you through the processes that transform these natural wonders into the rich, bittersweet indulgence we all love.
Meals: Breakfast. Return to Quito. Accommodations Hotel Rio Amazonas.*

Included: Breakfast, accommodations, chocolate tour, return to Quito.
Excluded: Gratuities, personal expenses.
* Or similar

Day 6 (Jan 18) – Quito

Free day to visit Quito or just relax and refresh. Accommodations Hotel Rio Amazonas.*

Included: Breakfast, accommodations.
Excluded: Gratuities, personal expenses.
* Or similar

Day 7 (Jan 19) – Fly to Baltra Island in the Galapagos Islands

Free time on the island. Accommodations Hotel Fiesta Galapagos* on Santa Cruz Island.

Included: Breakfast, flight to Baltra, airport transfer, accommodations.
Not Included: Gratuities, personal expenses.
* Or similar

Day 8 (Jan 20) - Adventure with Turtles | Lava Tunnels | Los Gemelos Craters
  • Galapagos Frontier Giant Tortoise Reserve: We will begin our tour by visiting the giant tortoise reserve, where you will have the opportunity to observe these majestic creatures up close. You will learn about its history, its importance to the Galapagos ecosystem and how its conservation is carried out. You can walk among them and marvel at their size and longevity.
  • Explore the trails that will take you through the endemic forest, where you will be able to observe a great variety of native birds. In addition, you will be able to walk trails that will take you through exuberant fruit trees.
  • Lava Tunnels: After visiting the reserve, we will enter the fascinating lava tunnels. These tunnels are unique geological formations that were created millions of years ago during volcanic eruptions. You will walk through underground passages, and you will be able to appreciate the beauty and history that these volcanic formations contain. Don’t forget your flashlight to explore the darkest corners!
  • Los Gemelos Los Gemelos in Santa Cruz are impressive volcanic craters that were formed due to past volcanic activity. They are two large sinkholes with areas full of vegetation, so it is not allowed to eat in the area or get close to the edges of the crater. The view from this point is impressive, where you can admire the large size of these craters and also observe endemic birds flying freely and the forest vegetation. Don’t miss this incredible natural landscape!

Included: Breakfast, accommodations, tour.
Excluded: Gratuities, personal expenses.

Day 9 (Jan 21) - Tour Pinzon Island | La Fe/Las Palmas | Snorkeling & Fishing

Boat ride of 1 hour and 30 min approximately (can be less or more depending on weather conditions) to Pinzon Island.

  • One of the best places for snorkeling in Galapagos. Amazing snorkeling with chances of seeing marine turtles, sea lions, rays, white tip sharks, penguins (sometimes), reef fish and beautiful crystalline water. Although snorkeling is the main activity, you’ll also be able to do some fishing during this trip if conditions allow it and if everyone on board wants to participate in this activity. If any fish are caught, the cook on board is able to cook it for you if you wish! And of course, you can release it too if that’s what you prefer.
  • We will have lunch on board and then will continue the trip towards Las Palmas or La Fe (the place will be decided depending on weather conditions), in one of these places you will be able to relax and if the weather allows it, to disembark and snorkel.

Included: Breakfast, accommodations, snorkel tour, lunch.
Excluded: Gratuities, personal expenses.

Day 10 (Jan 22) – Tortuga Bay

Start at 9:00 am. We will hike 2.7 km to Tortuga Bay from our hotel (about a 40 min hike).

  • Tortuga Bay beach is a pristine natural site and has no tourist facilities. Go prepared with food and water for the day because you will not find shops or cafes once you begin the walking trail. Similarly, Tortuga Bay beach does not have bathrooms or a changing area. There are no beach umbrellas or chairs/loungers for rent.
  • Things to bring with you: money (for kayak rental), food, drinking water, sun protection, insect repellent, swim gear & beach towel, comfortable walking shoes or sandals & camera.
  • The Tortuga Bay trailhead starts at the end of Charles Binford Avenue, a few blocks behind the main tourist dock area close to Las Ninfas and Hotel Fiesta. Just follow the path for about a mile and a half (30-45 minutes from the trail head) to arrive. The trail is paved, flat and easy, leading through an old lava field colonized by Palo Santo trees and Opuntia cacti. It is a pleasant walk, accompanied by Darwin’s Finches and Galapagos Mockingbirds flitting between the trees, and the melodic tunes of Yellow Warblers. Don’t forget to look to the ground too, where red throated lava lizards scurry around the dry brush habitat.
  • Tortuga Bay is an excellent spot to kick back and enjoy the usual types of beach activities but surrounded by the fascinating Galapagos wildlife. It is a good spot to relax and sunbathe, or alternatively to swim, snorkel or take a walk.
  • It is important to note that you cannot swim directly from the main beach at Tortuga Bay – this is forbidden due to the strong currents, but you can do so at the nearby cove, which is more sheltered. You can also rent kayaks here and find the boat back to Puerto Ayora (just keep walking down the beach).
  • A large marine iguana colony calls this beach home, and can easily be spotted catching the sun, or swimming in the ocean. They are the only iguana species on the planet to have learned how to swim and dive to feed on green algae. If you watch closely, you can often observe them sneezing sea salt through their noses.
  • Colorful Sally Lightfoot Crabs hide in the crevasses of black lava, while Blue footed boobies and pelicans dive for fish. Galapagos sea lions and Green sea turtles are also a common sight in the crystal clear lagoon. Seasonally sea turtles like to nest on the dunes of Tortuga Bay Galapagos. There are pelicans and finches, and in the salt lagoon that backs onto the mangroves there are sometimes flamingos too.

We’ll head back when everyone is ready either by walking or boat.

Included: Breakfast, hike, boat back if decided.
Excluded: Personal expenses.

Day 11 (Jan 23) – Fly back to Quito.

Free time after arrival in Quito. Accommodations Hotel Rio Amazonas.* Farewell dinner.

Included: Breakfast, flight to Quito, accommodations, airport transfer, dinner.
Excluded: Gratuities, personal expenses.
* Or similar

Day 12 (Jan 24) – Goodbye Ecuador!

Check out of the hotel and fly home or continue the journey on your own.

Included: Breakfast, airport transfer.
Excluded: Gratuities, personal expenses.