From 750 / person / day
Nature lovers can check off everything on their bucket list with this comprehensive two-week adventure of Ecuador’s Andes mountains, Galapagos islands, and Amazonia. What could be better than exploring the Andes–Western World’s highest peaks–then snorkeling with sea lions and experiencing the legendary exotic wildlife and geology that has inspired scientists and naturalists for nearly 200 years. Then conclude with a journey deep into Amazon jungle, where the vast majority of the world’s plant and wildlife species reside – species you won’t see anywhere else, ever.
DAY;
1
ARRIVE IN QUITO
Welcome to Ecuador! On arrival in Quito, you are greeted at the international airport by your local English-speaking guide and privately transferred to your boutique hotel in the historical city center.
Optional Activities:
Overnight Casa Gangotena, Plaza Grande, or Casona La Ronda
Meals
DAY;
2
QUITO
Spend the morning at leisure. In the afternoon, you are met at your hotel for a half-day private guided excursion.
Optional Activities:
Overnight Casa Gangotena, Plaza Grande, or Casona La Ronda
Meals B
DAY;
3
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
This morning, take your private transfer to Quito airport for flight to the Galapagos Islands. Flight: Quito to Baltra, Galapagos (via Guayaquil) Be met at Baltra airport by your naturalist guide and transfer to embark your boat to begin your 5D/4N cruise through the Galapagos Islands! This afternoon, enjoy your first Galapagos excursion to one of the islands.
Optional Activities:
Overnight Aboard selected boat such as Ocean Spray, La Pinta, Santa Cruz II, or similar boats
Meals B,L,D
DAY;
4-6
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Over the next three days, explore the Galapagos by boat with daily morning and afternoon landings and excursions.
Optional Activities:
Overnight Aboard selected boat such as Ocean Spray, La Pinta, Santa Cruz II, or similar boats
Meals B,L,D
DAY;
7
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS / LODGE SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
Enjoy your last morning excursion of your Galapagos cruise. While the other cruise guests take their return flight back to the mainland, you are met by your private naturalist guide at Baltra airport and to be transferred across the Itabaca Channel to Santa Cruz Island. Enjoy lunch in town and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station before transferring to your new home base for your Galapagos land program. Spend the rest of afternoon at your leisure.
Optional Activities:
Overnight Galapagos Safari Camp, or Pikaia Lodge, or Private villa
Meals B,L,D
DAY;
8
GALAPAGOS SAFARI CAMP OR PIKAIAI LODGE
Optional Activities:
Overnight Galapagos Safari Camp, or Pikaia Lodge, or Private villa
Meals B,L,D
DAY;
9
GALAPAGOS SAFARI CAMP OR PIKAIAI LODGE
Early in the morning, visit a Giant Galapagos Tortoise reserve with your private guide (this is a different reserve from the one visited during cruise). Then, continue to an organic coffee farm to learn more about sustainable farming in the Galapagos and to sample some local coffee. Afterwards, you are driven to the eastern part of the island for a hike at Cerro Mesa. At 490m above sea level, Cerro Mesa Reserve offers spectacular views of the largest crater on Santa Cruz Island, exotic plants, and seven unique subspecies of finch and the elusive vermilion flycatcher. Following lunch, explore Garrapatero Beach, with stunning contrasts of mangroves, black lava, white sand, and turquoise water — including a flamingo lagoon. Kayaking and mountain biking are optional here as well.
Optional Activities:
Overnight Galapagos Safari Camp, or Pikaia Lodge, or Private villa
Meals B,L,D
DAY;
10
GALAPAGOS SAFARI CAMP OR PIKAIAI LODGE
Optional Activities:
Overnight Galapagos Safari Camp, or Pikaia Lodge, or Private villa
Meals B,L,D
DAY;
11
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS / QUITO
On your last day in Galapagos Islands, have a leisurely morning or take a sunrise walk on the property before transferring to the airport for your return flight to the mainland. Flight Baltra, Galapagos Islands to Quito (via Guayaquil) Airport reception at Quito airport upon arrival.
Optional Activities:
Overnight Wyndham Airport Hotel
Meals B
DAY;
12
AMAZON ADVENTURE
Morning transfer from your Quito Airport Hotel to the Quito airport for your flight to Coca (Ecuadorian Amazon airport), beginning your 4-day Amazon program of your choice. We will help choose the right Amazon program for you.
Optional Activities:
Overnight Amazon lodge of choice
Meals B,L,D
DAY;
13
EXPLORE THE ECUADORIAN AMAZON
Spend today exploring the surrounding Amazon rain forest around the lodge, with shared naturalist guides.
Optional Activities:
Overnight Amazon lodge of choice
Meals B,L,D
DAY;
14
EXPLORE THE ECUADORIAN AMAZON
Enjoy a second full day exploring the Amazon around the lodge, with shared naturalist guides.
Optional Activities:
Overnight Amazon lodge of choice
Meals B,L,D
DAY;
15
DEPART QUITO
After lunch at your lodge, return to Quito. Day use of hotel, or overnight in Quito if your flight departs the following day. Note: If you select Mashpi for your Amazon program, your return to Quito would be a day earlier (return to Quito on day 14).
Optional Activities:
Overnight
Meals B
DAY
2
Quito
This morning, you are picked up for your half-day private guided tour of Quito, including a walking tour of its historical center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, the afternoon is at your leisure to spend relaxing or exploring the city further on your own.
Optional Activities:
Private tour of Quito’s colonial churches or insider’s look at the country’s finest Pre-Columbian art collection
Spectacular horseback ride in the high Andes near Quito
2-3 hour hike and birdwatching with Naturalist guide through nearby cloud forest to see hummingbirds and flora
Overnight Casa Gangotena, Plaza Grande, or similar
Meals B
