10-Day Galapagos and Amazon Quest

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival in Quito City
1 stop
1
Quito Old Town
Welcome to Quito! The largest, best-preserved colonial city of America - declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. The city is considered the Cultural Capital of South America and is located on the equator in a valley at the foothills of the Pichincha volcano. Depending on arrival time, you can spend your day exploring the old town of Quito and the surrounding area. ADVENTURE JOURNEYS can help you to organize a day trip (please request in advance). In the evening, one of our trip leaders will meet you at the hotel’s lobby for a welcome briefing at 18:00 hours. At this time we will discuss the details and questions you may have regarding the adventure. Our first day is an acclimation and information day.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Galapagos - Isabela
1 stop
2
Isabela
Today we get ready to explore the most amazing archipelago on the Pacific coast — the Galapagos Islands, the place that inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. We will take a morning flight from Quito to the island of Baltra. Upon arrival, we continue to Puerto Ayora, the largest town in the Galapagos. From there, we board a speedboat to reach Isabela, the largest island in the archipelago. Isabela is one of the most volcanically active places on Earth, formed by six shield volcanoes — Alcedo, Cerro Azul, Darwin, Ecuador, Sierra Negra, and Wolf — five of which remain active. The Galapagos Islands lie about 600 miles (965 km) from mainland Ecuador. It is important to keep in mind that reaching them requires air, road, and sea travel — a true adventure from the start!
8 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Snorkel at Lava Tunnels
1 stop
3
Isabela Island
Explore the amazing formations of lava created by the last eruptions of the volcanic island along the seashore. This magical place has historically been filmed by BBC and National Geographic for their documentaries. It is a labyrinth of lava arches comprised of crystal clear water full of sea turtles, eagle rays, sea lions, sharks and more. The turtles navigate their own highway from the mangroves to the open sea through "Los Tuneles". Here, we will have the best snorkeling opportunity with all these beautiful animals, including the curious Galapagos penguins playing around. Before or after the trip, you can enjoy some optional activities such as snorkeling at "Concha de Perla", taking surfing lessons, biking or just relax on the exotic white-sand beaches of Isabela Island. We recommend you to take some time to visit the giant tortoise breeding center located walking distance from the hotel. Boat ride to the Lava Tunnels time: 1 hour each way Snorkeling time: 2 times of 1 hour each What to wear today: shorts, water long sleeve t-shirt, sandals or tennis shoes, bathing suit, hat or baseball cap, sun cream, mosquito repellent, buff.
6 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 4
Hike and kayak
1 stop
4
Isabela Island
After driving from Puerto Villamil, we’ll hike through a young forest to the rim of Sierra Negra Volcano, where spectacular views await over one of the world’s largest volcanic calderas. Those looking for a greater challenge can continue to Volcán Chico to explore dramatic lava fields and fumaroles. In the afternoon, enjoy kayaking in the bay, with opportunities to spot penguins, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, marine iguanas, sea turtles, eagle rays, and more. The day concludes with snorkeling at Concha & Perla, a tranquil site where you can swim alongside colorful marine life in crystal-clear waters.
8 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 5
Charles Darwin Research Station
1 stop
5
Santa Cruz Island
In the morning, traverse from Isabela to Santa Cruz Island to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. During our island crossing, we will be on the lookout for dolphins and whales (July to October). Once we arrive, we will check-in at the hotel. We will then visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn more about many of the endemic species seen in the wild, as well as the ongoing conservation and management efforts on the Galapagos Islands. In the afternoon, we will head to the 'El Chato' reserve in the highlands of Santa Cruz, home to the famous Galapagos tortoises. Hiking through El Chato's beautiful landscape with these lumbering giants is an unforgettable experience! We will also see other highland wildlife such as pintail ducks, egrets, flycatchers, finches and frigatebirds, which gather to wash the salt off their feathers at a freshwater lake. Afterward, return to Puerto Ayora to spend the evening in Galapagos' most populous town.
8 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 6
Flight back to Quito
1 stop
6
Quito Old Town
After our final breakfast on the Galapagos Island and the last photos taken of sea lions, we have a transfer to Baltra's airport in time to catch the flight back to the mainland. What to wear today: Pants, t-shirt, fleece top, tennis shoes, hat.
8 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 7
First Amazon Exploration
1 stop
7
Early in the morning, we will drive down a curved panoramic road toward the Amazon Rainforest. As we descend from an altitude of 3,000 m to 500 m (9,843 ft to 1,640 ft), you’ll witness a dramatic transformation in both landscape and vegetation. Along the way, we’ll stop at the stunning “Guacamayos-Macaw Lookout,” nestled between the Antisana and Sumaco National Reserves, where a blanket of clouds often shrouds the Amazon below.Our journey continues to the Arajuno River, where a 20-minute motor canoe ride upstream brings us to our Eco Lodge. After a short break and time to settle in, there will be an optional nocturnal hike available before dinner—perfect for spotting Amazonian insects in their natural habitat.
8 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 8
Amazon Hike and Kichwa People
1 stop
8
Napo River
After breakfast, we’ll set off on a guided hike through pristine Amazon rainforest to explore its rich biodiversity. Along the way, we’ll learn about native plants, fascinating animals, and traditional survival techniques used by those living deep in the jungle.In the afternoon, we’ll visit a local Kichwa community, where members will warmly welcome us and share their customs, stories, and traditions. This cultural exchange is a meaningful opportunity to connect with the people who call the rainforest home
8 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 9
Hot Springs
1 stop
9
Termas de Papallacta
Today, we journey back into the majestic Andes Mountains. On the way to Quito, we’ll take a refreshing break at the renowned Papallacta Hot Springs, nestled in a scenic valley surrounded by volcanoes and lush cloud forest.Enjoy a relaxing soak in the natural thermal pools. For those seeking extra indulgence, optional spa treatments are also available on-site, offering a perfect way to unwind before returning to the capital.
8 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 10
Departure day
1 stop
Quito Old Town (Pass by)
Today our trip will end with your International departure. Take with you your memories and photos and leave a piece of your heart, as you will want to return to Ecuador soon to experience more of this spectacular paradise. We wish you a "Buen Viaje!"

Additional info

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• It is our intention to adhere to the itinerary described; however, due to our travel style, on occasions it may be necessary or desirable to make small changes. Weather conditions and unpredictable local circumstances may lead us to make alterations to the route and/or travel times. Hotels and flight schedules might change according to availability. Any mention to specific wildlife in the itinerary or trip details is not a guarantee that it will be seen during the trip.
• Territory: Quito City, Galapagos islands National Park and Amazon rainforest
• Provinces: Pichincha, Napo and Galapagos

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