Want to visit a country that’s closest to outer space? And see the only penguins in the world that prefer chilling—in the tropics? Welcome to Ecuador! Our 10-day tour starts with the spectacular Galapagos archipelago, 97% of which is a national park. This is where we’ll kayak, scale the heights of active volcanoes, and even swim with sea lions and penguins. Then we’ll head deep into the lush Amazon rainforest, home to 10% of species on Earth, to get a feel for its incredible wildlife. We’ll meet the local Kichwa community, and learn a bit about their ancestral culture. Ecuador ama la vida—Ecuador loves life—and there’s so much of it here!
A 10-day active adventure in the Amazon rainforest and the Galapagos archipelago will be one to remember. We will spend our days soaking in the culture and traditions of Ecuador, and explore its breathtaking scenery by hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, and canoeing. Accommodations, some meals, and most transfers are included, and all the activities mentioned in the itinerary will be arranged for us. We’ll still have plenty of time to explore this spectacular country on our own, and out trusty guides will always give their best recommendations.
Welcome to Quito! As the largest and best-preserved colonial city in the Americas, Quito was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. Known as the Cultural Capital of South America, it was also the second most important city of the Inca Empire. Depending on your arrival time, you can explore Quito’s old town and nearby areas. Adventure Journeys can assist with organizing day trips. In the evening, one of our trip leaders will meet you at the hotel for a welcome briefing, providing plenty of time to go over details and answer any questions about the adventure. The first day serves as an informational and acclimation day.
Accommodation: Sheraton Quito Hotel or similar
Today, we prepare to explore one of the most incredible archipelagos on the Pacific coast—the very place where Charles Darwin developed his theory of evolution. We’ll take a morning flight from Quito to Baltra Island. Upon arrival, we head to Puerto Ayora, the largest town in the Galapagos. From there, we’ll take a short boat ride to the largest island in the archipelago, known for its intense volcanic activity. This island was formed by six shield volcanoes—Alcedo, Cerro Azul, Darwin, Ecuador, Sierra Negra, and Wolf—with five still active, making it one of the most volcanically active places on Earth. Located 600 miles (965.6 km) off Ecuador’s coast, reaching the Galapagos involves air, land, and sea travel.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Isamar Hotel or similar
Explore the stunning lava formations created by recent volcanic eruptions along the island’s shoreline. This otherworldly spot, famously featured in BBC and National Geographic documentaries, is a labyrinth of crystal-clear water and lava arches teeming with wildlife—sea turtles, eagle rays, sea lions, sharks, and more. At “Los Tuneles,” you’ll experience one of the best snorkeling opportunities in the Galapagos, swimming alongside these incredible creatures, including playful Galapagos penguins. Before or after the excursion, you can choose to snorkel at “Concha de Perla,” go biking, or simply relax on the island’s pristine white-sand beaches. We also recommend visiting the nearby giant tortoise breeding center, just a short walk from your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Isamar Hotel or similar
After driving up from Puerto Villamil to the trailhead, we’ll gear up for a hike into a young forest ecosystem shaped by recent geological activity. Our destination is the rim of Sierra Negra, an active volcano that last erupted in June 2018. From the top, we’ll take in breathtaking views and walk along the edge of its massive, lava-filled caldera—over six miles wide at its broadest point. If we’re up for it, we can extend the hike to Volcán Chico, a smaller crater with steaming fumaroles and colorful lava formations that highlight the dramatic volcanic forces that shaped the Galapagos.
In the afternoon, we’ll visit Tintoreras Islet, just a short boat ride from Puerto Villamil. This serene spot is home to white-tipped reef sharks, Galapagos penguins, marine turtles, and sea lions swimming in its crystal-clear turquoise waters. One of its mangrove-fringed beaches is also one of the few places where marine iguanas successfully nest.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Accommodation: Isamar Hotel or similar
In the morning, we’ll travel from Isabela to Santa Cruz Island and check in at our hotel. Then, we’ll visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the unique endemic species of the Galapagos and the vital conservation work being done to protect them. In the afternoon, we head to the ‘Primicias’ reserve in the highlands of Santa Cruz, home to the iconic Galapagos tortoises. Walking alongside these gentle giants through lush, green landscapes is truly unforgettable. The area also hosts highland wildlife like pintail ducks, egrets, flycatchers, finches, and frigatebirds, often seen bathing in the freshwater lake. Afterward, we return to Puerto Ayora to enjoy the evening in the islands’ liveliest town.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: La Isla Hotel or similar
After your final breakfast on the Galapagos Islands and some last pics of cute sea lions, you’ll transfer to Baltra’s Airport in time to catch the flight back to the mainland. Explore the city and get some rest, as tomorrow the second leg of the adventure begins!
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Sheraton Quito Hotel or similar
Early in the morning, we will drive down a winding 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 shift in landscape and vegetation as we move through different climate zones. Along the way, we’ll stop at the Guacamayos-Macaw Lookout, located between the Antisana and Sumaco National Reserves, to admire the cloud forest and the misty blanket that drapes the Amazon basin. Upon arrival at the Arajuno River, a motor canoe will take us 20 minutes upstream to the Eco Lodge. After a short rest, you’ll have the option to join a nocturnal hike to observe Amazonian insects before dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Amazon Lodge
After breakfast, we will head out for a hike in the pristine Amazon rainforest to learn about the region’s unique flora and fauna, as well as the survival techniques used by those who live here. In the afternoon, we will visit a nearby Kichwa community, where locals will share their traditions, customs, and stories with us.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Amazon Lodge
Today we head back to the Andes Mountains, and before returning to Quito, we will stop at the Papallacta hot springs to soak in the volcanic pools. It’s optional to enjoy additional spa treatments during this relaxing visit.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Sheraton Quito Hotel or similar
The trip has come to an end, but if you’d like to stay longer and explore Ecuador, just ask your guides for some recommendations!
Meals: Breakfast
Trip was outstanding! Adventure Journeys does a great job of covering all your needs to ensure you get the most out of a 10-day experience. The team of guides, naturalists, and drivers keep you on schedule while living in the experience so you can enjoy every minute. Our guide (José) was extremely knowledgeable and incredibly helpful. Ecuador is a beautiful country and we made many friends on this trip. Strong recommend for your Ecuador trip!
Had an amazing time in Ecuador with our tourguide Diego and our driver Armando! They took care of everthing and made us feel welcome. We had such good experiences with them guiding us through the country and activities. It was nice Diego gave us all kind of information about the country and the place we would visit that day.
Included:
Not included:
This Amazon and Galapagos adventure tour requires a good level of fitness and good health. The adventure is family-friendly and beginner-friendly, though keep in mind that you will have daily activities, such as hiking, sea kayaking, and snorkeling. These will usually be walks up to one hour, though one day will have a three-hour hike. Children over the age of 8 are welcome to join!
It’s important that you wear comfortable walking shoes and that you can endure standing for prolonged periods of time. Check out the itinerary to see day-by-day activities.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
A huge part of going on this Amazon & Galapagos adventure tour is getting to experience and taste the local cuisine. Your guide will give you terrific recommendations and suggest the best places to enjoy the food. Some meals are included in the price of the tour, but you also get enough free time and flexibility to pick out what suits you best. Ecuadorian cuisine blends the culinary traditions of Spain, the Andes, and the Amazon. The stars of the show are the fruit of the sea, though you will also find various meats readily available.
If you have any allergies or food restrictions, please let us know upon booking! Your guides are happy to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free diets, and they will coordinate substitute meals with chefs and restaurants.
Group sizes and pricing
Amazon & Galapagos adventure tours can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
To get to Quito, the starting point of your Amazon & Galapagos adventure tour, most people fly into Mariscal Sucre Quito International Airport (UIO). It will take you anywhere between an hour and an hour and a half to reach Quito city, depending on your mode of transfer. The cheapest way to reach the city is by taking the bus.
The first day is all about reaching Quito and getting settled in. You will meet your guide and your team at a welcome briefing at 6 pm.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
A 30% deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 3 months (90 days) prior to departure. Once the trip is confirmed by the guide, the cancellation policy stated below applies.
Secure your spot for the following season with a 10% deposit! This tour gets sold out very quickly, but with early-bird booking, you’ll be the first one to know. Pick the month that suits you best and we’ll let you know once the dates are live—don’t risk missing out on your bucket list adventure!
