13 Day Galapagos, Ecuador, Andes & Amazon
Starting at $4,079
Destinations & Sightseeing
Itinerary and Meals
Accomodations
800.528.9300
Destination & Sightseeing
- Small groups of maximum 22 travelers guaranteed
- Flights Miami-Guayaquil, Quito-Miami
Some departure dates may be offered from an alternate nearby airport. Check flight itinerary options when booking.
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices - Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
- All intra-flights: Guayaquil-Baltra, Baltra-Quito, Quito-Coca & Coca-Quito, Baltra-Isabela & Isabela-Baltra
- 12 nights accommodations
- 2 nights Guayaquil
- 3 nights Isabela Island (Galapagos)
- 1 night Papallacta
- 3 nights Coca (Amazon)
- 3 nights Quito
- Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
- Hotel porterage
- All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
- 32 meals: 12 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 10 dinners
- Sightseeing in modern air-conditioned vehicles
- Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
- Comprehensive, guided sightseeing and entrance fees per itinerary
- Galapagos National Park Fee of $100
- Galapagos Transit Control Card fee of $20
- Services of English-speaking naturalists guides in the Galapagos and the Amazon
- Active itinerary with unique cultural features
Tour Highlights
- Thanks to our small group size, we can get to the heart of our destination, visit places that other tours miss, and get to know the locals.
- In the lush tropical lowlands of Ecuador visit a working Cocoa (Cacao) Plantation
- Visit Guayaquil's Seminario Park, a favorite place of bird watchers and home to arboreal Iguanas
- Embark on a journey to the beginning of time in the Galapagos Archipelago of volcanic islands
- Explore stunning Tintoreras Islet with its sea lions, turtles, iguanas and whitetip reef sharks
- Stand before the historic ‘Wall of Tears,’ monument to prisoners who constructed the barrier
- Hike to Sierra Negra, one of the most active volcanoes on the Galapagos Islands
- At the Los Humedales complex, see all four species of mangroves found in the archipelago
- Visit the Turtle Breeding Center - hear about programs to save the iconic Galapagos Tortoises
- Visit the "Middle of the World" monument at the Equator that marks latitude 0º
- Enjoy the wonders of nature and the hot steamy thermal springs at Papallacta in the Andes
- Journey deep into the Amazon, a living jewel with rare beauty and astonishing natural wonders
- From atop the canopy walkway pause to view amazing panoramas and vibrant colored birds
- Meet with women at an Interpretation Center to learn more about the Kichwa lifestyle
- A native guide shows you how to fish for the infamous razor-toothed Piranha - a real challenge!
- Listen to the symphony of frogs and birds on a nocturnal jungle walk by flashlight
- Discover Quito's historic colonial quarter, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Tour a rose plantation and learn about Ecuador's major rose cultivation industry
- Visit a legendary hacienda, built on the site of an Inca fortress at the foot of Cotopaxi volcano
- ‘Farewell to Ecuador’ Dinner -- the memories will last forever!
†Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates
ITINERARY
DAY 1, Tuesday - Depart for Ecuador
Depart for Guayaquil, Ecuador's sprawling and vivacious port city; transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to rest, relax or explore the city's many museums and botanical gardens
Overnight: Guayaquil
DAY 2, Wednesday - Cocoa Plantation, Discover Guayaquil
The day begins with a close look at the lush natural scenery of the lowlands of Ecuador as you drive past banana plantations to a working Cocoa (Cacao) Plantation. Learn about the history of cocoa beans and see the modern process that begins after the beans are picked from the cocoa trees. After a lunch of local favorites, back to Guayaquil and Seminario Park, home to arboreal Iguanas. Then, view the contrasting architecture of the city's Neo-Gothic Cathedral, Moorish clock tower, and the impressive La Rotonda Monument that depicts the historic meeting in 1822 of Bolívar and San Martín. At the end of the day, stunning panoramas of the city await you from Santa Ana Hill, where the city was founded in the 16th century. Tonight, attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager and fellow travelers on the exciting journey that lies ahead, followed by a Welcome Dinner
Overnight: Guayaquil
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3, Thursday - Galapagos Islands, Isabela Island
Embark this morning on a journey to the beginning of time on the flight to the Galapagos Archipelago of volcanic islands, five million years in the making. Land at Baltra airport and continue your trip* to the small village of Puerto Villamil on Isabela, the largest island in the Galapagos considered the 'gem' of the archipelago. Named after Queen Isabella of Spain, this enchanting island offers an expansive beach, beautiful natural surroundings and striking pink flamingos which gracefully traverse the lagoons and marshes at dusk. Arrive at your lodge nestled in the highlands in time for dinner
*The trip by speedboat to and from Isabela Island is approximately 3 hours long and cruises through open sea. The ride can be very rough and passengers prone to motion sickness should consult with their physician. June through August departures will use light aircraft flights (9 person seat small planes) to travel to and from Isabela Island.
Overnight: Isabela Island
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4, Friday - Tintoreras Islet, Wall of Tears
In Puerto Villamil, board a panga (dingy) to Tintoreras Islet. In this small bay with its calm turquoise waters and white sand beach, views of sea lions, sea turtles, penguins and marine iguanas. Enjoy time for swimming or snorkeling in the bay. When the tide is low, in the shallow crevice you can see the island's famous whitetip reef sharks. There's also a lava trail which leads to two beaches, an important nesting site for marine iguanas. After lunch at the lodge, an afternoon hike to the historic 'Wall of Tears' that stands as a monument to prisoners brought to the island who perished while forced to construct the 'pointless' barrier - a sad reminder of the history of Isabela. The rest of the day is at leisure. Tonight, dinner is together at the lodge
Overnight: Isabela Island
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5, Saturday - Sierra Negra Volcano, Los Humedales Mangroves, Turtle Breeding Center
Hike this morning to Sierra Negra, one of the most active volcanoes on the archipelago; its caldera is the second largest in the world with a diameter of six miles. Trek across an alien landscape of fascinating geological features. After lunch at the lodge, visit Los Humedales, a complex of trails where you can see all four species of mangroves found in the Galapagos. Following the path, discover secluded beaches, lava tunnels, and natural pools. In this mating area for pink flamingos, you also can observe many different species of migratory birds. Then, a fascinating visit to the Turtle Breeding Center where you learn more about the National Park's conservation programs to save the iconic Galapagos Tortoises on the brink of extinction. Tonight at dinner, share photos of some of today's amazing sights
Overnight: Isabela Island
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6, Sunday - Depart the Galapagos, Quito
Awake early today for your journey back to Baltra*. Bid farewell to the Galapagos and fly to colonial Quito, capital of Ecuador. Upon late afternoon arrival, check into your hotel. Tonight, join your fellow travelers for dinner at the hotel
*The trip by speedboat to and from Isabela Island is approximately 3 hours long and cruises through open sea. The ride can be very rough and passengers prone to motion sickness should consult with their physician. June through August departures will use light aircraft flights (9 person seat small planes) to travel to and from Isabela Island.
Overnight: Quito ▲
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7, Monday - Middle of the World, Papallacta Hot Springs
This morning, visit the Middle of the World Monument, located at a latitude of 0º, and stand with one foot in the Northern and one in the Southern Hemisphere. Free time to explore the area and shop for souvenirs. After lunch on your own, journey to Papallacta located in the Andes Mountains. The remainder of the day is at leisure or, join the optional tour to Papallacta's spas and hot springs, for which it is famous Before dinner, there's time to unwind in the comforting steaming thermal baths surrounded by the magic of nature. Later, perhaps opt for a soothing massage in this jungle paradise
Optional: Termas de Papallacta Spa Package (PM)
Overnight: Papallacta
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8, Tuesday - The Ecuadorian Amazon - A Living Jewel!
A short flight over the Andes Mountains takes you to the town of Coca, jumping off point to the Ecuadorian Amazon, home to more varieties of plants and animals than any other place on earth! Stop for a box lunch before boarding a motorized canoe for a long but scenic journey down the river to your lodge. Upon entering the lodge's private reserve, walk along a raised boardwalk that stretches through a dense flooded palm forest in which several species of monkeys are often sighted. Dugout canoes await to transport you across Pilchicocha Lake to your accommodations at the lodge. Settle in, enjoy birdwatching from the mini-tower, or, refresh from the day with a cool swim. After dinner, a walk through the rainforest with your naturalist guide, or, perhaps a canoe ride on the lake to view the spectacled and black caimans as you silently paddle across the lake. The Amazon is the world's largest ecosystem
Overnight: Coca (Amazon)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9, Wednesday - Exploring the Amazon, Rainforest Canopy Walk
Awake early this morning to begin your adventure -- enjoy the sounds, the serenity, and the magnificent foliage. A highlight of the day is the "Canopy Walk," one of only a few self-standing suspension canopy walkways in the world. Pause to view extraordinary panoramas from the observation platforms of this 900 foot long walkway, suspended at a height of 120 feet above the forest floor. Afterward, a walk in the pristine forest where native guides explain the many different species of medicinal plants used in their culture for hundreds of years. Later, try paddling dugout canoes along the nearby blackwater creeks where luxuriant lianas, bromeliads, and palm trees thrive. After an adventurous morning, a relaxing lunch before this afternoon's choice of a leisurely hike along the Rio Napo, a challenging hike on the trails or, a tranquil canoe ride. Dinner together caps an adventurous day
Overnight: Coca (Amazon)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10, Thursday - Interpretation Center, Piranha Fishing, Canoe Ride in the Forest
This morning, visit the Nueva Providencia Interpretation Center located across the Napo River, where you speak with women from the community to learn more about the Kichwa lifestyle. Here, you'll see many different fibers used for weaving before a tasting of traditional local food! Upon your return to the lodge, a native guide teaches how to fish for the infamous razor-toothed Piranha. Then, take a silent canoe ride through the flooded Amazonian forest - you'll be surrounded by friendly squirrel, capuchin, and howler monkeys. Later, arrive at a 135-foot metal tower from where you can get fabulous views of vibrantly colored birds through powerful scopes. Listen to the symphony of frogs and insects as you navigate by canoe through the narrow trail, keeping your eyes open for caimans. After dinner tonight, a nocturnal jungle walk and canoe trip by flashlight to discover night creatures seldom seen during the day
Overnight: Coca (Amazon)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 11, Friday - Quito's Treasures of Art and Architecture
Bid farewell to the amazing Amazon Basin this morning, and settle in for a long ride by canoe to Coca. After a box lunch, transfer to the airport for the flight to Quito. Upon arrival, the discovery of Quito with its treasures of art and architecture begins in the historic colonial quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A walking tour of the city starts at Independence Plaza, flanked by the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, the Municipal Building and the Archbishop's Palace. Continue to the Metropolitan Cultural Center with its exhibits highlighting Ecuadorian culture and rich history. Visit the Compania of Jesus Church with its beautiful gilded interior. Time to enjoy this delightful city on your own with its lovely markets, cafes and superb cuisine
Overnight: Quito ▲
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 12, Saturday - Rose Plantation, Farewell Dinner
Begin the day with a visit to a rose plantation and hear about Ecuador's major rose cultivation industry. Although roses are not native to Ecuador, the country has a perfect environment for rose cultivation and is presently one of the world's major producers. Delight in the display of brightly colored roses, before visiting the grounds of a nearby legendary hacienda, featuring a unique blend of architectural styles. Tour the hacienda and Inca Chapel with its 17th century ceiling and perfectly carved Inca volcanic stone walls. After lunch, return to Quito. Tonight, savor a fabulous Farewell Dinner with your newfound friends in the center of Quito
Overnight: Quito ▲
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 13, Sunday - Depart Ecuador
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Some flights depart shortly after midnight in the very early morning of Day 13 and will require a transfer on Day 12. Transfers depart the hotel approximately 4 hours prior to flight time
Meals: Breakfast
▲ Due to the high elevation, travel in the Ecuadorian Andes may cause some passengers to experience the temporary effects of altitude sickness. If you have any concerns about traveling to higher than your accustomed elevation, please consult your healthcare provider.
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