What you get on this adventure: An experienced, local guide with extensive knowledge of the area (Wilderness First Responders) & naturalist local guides 10-Day Amazon & Galapagos adventure Transportation Sea transportation Santa Cruz – Isabela islands round trip Comfortable land and sea transportation Canoe in the Amazon Accommodation (based on double occupancy) 5-star hotel in Quito 3-star hotels in Galapagos Amazon Lodge Meals — 9 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners Activities listed in the itinerary Trekking to Sierra Negra active volcano in Isabela Island Snorkeling in Tintoreras and Lava Tunnels Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station Hiking in the Santa Cruz highlands Hiking in the Amazon Visit to the local Kichwa Community Night jungle walk Swimming in volcanic hot springs Hiking in cloud forest Gear (hiking sticks, kayaks, life vest, paddles, snorkeling mask, fins) What’s not included: International flights Airport transfers for international flights Airfare Quito — Galapagos — Quito (estimated at around $520) Single room supplement Travel insurance — mandatory Meals not included in the itinerary INGALA transit card ($20 per person, cash only, subject to change) Galapagos National Park fee ($100 per person, cash only, subject to change) $10 Isabela Pier Fee (subject to change) Guide gratuities — optional

How fit do I need to be?

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.

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Day pack large enough to carry all the items you might need throughout the day (around a 25-40L bag) Hiking poles — optional Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity) Spare clothes for layering Light sweater or sweatshirt Lightweight trousers, shorts, skirts… T-shirts Underwear and socks Swimming suit Sport sandals Sneakers Comfy shoes Waterproof rain jacket Wide brim or long bill hat Cap Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.) Headlamp or flashlight Sunglasses Camera — optional (but recommended) 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.

What’s the food like?

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 age requirements

Group sizes and pricing For this Amazon & Galapagos adventure tour, the max client-to-guide ratio is 16:1. It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate. The price is based on double occupancy. If you’re traveling solo, you will be matched with another participant of the same sex. If you prefer to have a single room, you can add that at an additional cost upon booking at checkout. Amazon & Galapagos adventure tours can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors older than 8 may be permitted to join the Amazon & Galapagos adventure tour but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

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.

Safety measures in Ecuador

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more. Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans. We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. Yellow fever, Hepatitis B vaccination and Malaria Medication are recommended when traveling to the tropics. Please ask your doctor for advice. If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!

Galapagos giant tortoise next to a hiker

GALAPAGOS | ECUADOR

Galapagos & Amazon Quest: An Active Adventure

5.00 ()

Season

Year-round

Duration

10 days

Nearest city

Your tour starts in Quito, Ecuador

Accommodation

Hotels

Difficulty

Guides

Dagmar Vacas, Gabriel Salas, Adventure Journeys

From $3,060 () / 10 days

Got any questions? or Talk with us

Overview
Itinerary
Brochure
Guides
Reviews
Things to know

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!

Book a call

Meet the Amazonian Kichwas

We will go to the heart of the Amazon and visit the indigenous Kichwa community
Penguins on the equator

Galapagos is the only place in the world where you’ll find penguins in the tropics
Perfect spot for an active vacation

Incredible biodiversity and wildlife—explore it by hiking, kayaking, canoeing, and snorkeling

Itinerary

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, the largest and best-preserved colonial city of America! Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, the city is considered to be the Cultural Capital of South America. Depending on your arrival time, you can spend the day exploring the old town of Quito and its surrounding area.

Your guides can help you organize a day trip—make sure to ask in advance. In the evening, your guide will meet you at the hotel’s lobby for a welcome briefing at 6 pm, which is when you’ll go through the details of the adventure ahead. Get some rest, as tomorrow the adventure begins!

Accommodation: Sheraton Quito Hotel or similar
Get ready to explore Galapagos, an incredible archipelago in the Pacific and the place where Charles Darwin based his theory of the evolution of species. Board a morning flight from Quito to the island of San Cristóbal. Once you arrive, get transferred to the hotel in the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and go through a short briefing about the days ahead.

From there, you will take a quick boat to Isabela, the largest island in the archipelago, where most of the volcanic activity in the Galapagos is reported. The island was formed by six shield volcanoes, Alcedo, Cerra Azul, Darwin, Ecuador, Sierra Negra and Wolf; five of them are still active, which makes the island one of the most volcanically active places on earth.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Cormorant Beach House or similar
Today you’ll explore amazing formations of lava created by last eruptions of the volcanic island. This magical place has been filmed by the BBC and National Geographic. It’s a labyrinth of lava arches made 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 is where you’ll have the best snorkeling opportunity with all these animals around you, including the Galapagos penguins! You can also enjoy some optional activities today, such as snorkeling at Concha de Perla, cycling, or just relaxing on the beach. Your guides recommend a visit to the giant tortoise breeding center located near the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Cormorant Beach House or similar
After driving up from Puerto Vilamil to the trailhead, prepare your backpacks and hike into a young forest ecosystem, a world of recent geological history. Your destination is the rim of Sierra Negra Crater, an active volcano whose last eruption was in 2018. Explore the circumference of the massive, lava-filled crater, over six miles wide at its widest point.

If you feel energetic, you can continue your hike to Volcan Chico, a secondary crater that has a wild landscape of puffing fumaroles and colorful lava formations, which are terrific examples of the dramatic geological events that have forged the Galapagos Islands over millennia. In the afternoon, visit the Tintoreras Islet, whose turquoise, crystalline waters are inhabited by white-tipped reef sharks, Galapagos Penguins, marin turtles, and sea lions.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Accommodation: Cormorant Beach House or similar
In the morning, head to Santa Cruz Island to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. You’ll learn 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, head to the El Chato Reserve in the highlands of Santa Cruz, home to the famous Galapagos tortoise. Hiking through El Chato’s beautiful scenery with those giants is a truly unforgettable experience! You’ll also see other highland wildlife such as pintail ducks, egrets, flycatchers, and finches, as well as frigatebirds which gather to wash the salt off their feathers at a freshwater lake. Return to Puerto Ayora to spend the evening in Galapagos’ most populous town.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: La Isla 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
In the morning, you’ll drive down a panoramic road from an altitude of 3,000 m to 500 m (9843 ft to 1640 ft), witnessing a stark change in landscape and vegetation.

Later you will stop at the Guacamayos-Macaw Lookout, located between Antisana and Sumaco national Reserves (low elevation cloud forest) for a view of clouds covering the Amazon rainforest. Arrive at the Arajuno River, where a 20-minute boat ride on a motor canoe takes you to the Eco Lodge. After a brief break, there’s an optional nocturnal hike to observe insects before dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Amazon Lodge
Early in the morning with the sunrise, take a canoe up the Arajuno river to go visit saladeros (which is how the locals call a Parrot’s clay lick). Here you’ll have a very close encounter with them, as they come almost every morning.

After breakfast, you will go for a hike in the Amazon pristine forest to learn more about the flora, fauna, and the techniques of survival that the people who live there need. In the afternoon, you will visit the nearby Kichwa community, which is when they will share their traditions and stories with you!

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Accommodation: Amazon Lodge
Today you’ll head back to the Andes Mountains and stop at Papallacta hot springs! This is where you’ll relax in the volcanic pools and maybe take an optional spa treatment prior to going back to Quito.

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

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Meet your guides

5.00

Dagmar Vacas

Born and raised in Santa Cruz in Galapagos, Dagmar has loved the outdoors and nature since she was a child. She feels lucky to be a guide in the tropical paradise of Galapagos and Ecuador, and every day is a new experience. Dagmar is passionate about introducing other people from all over the world to this enchanting archipelago, and teaching them all about it.

5.00

Gabriel Salas

Having grown up in Santa Cruz of the Galapagos Islands, Gabriel realized that his true calling was to be in the outdoors and share his knowledge with other people. He is proud to say he works as a naturalist guide in his home, showing guests all the beauties and interesting things about Galapagos. Gabriel always focuses on guests having a terrific experience, but also teaching them the importance of conservation of nature.

5.00

Adventure Journeys

Adventure Journeys is a lead adventure travel company based in Ecuador’s Quiot and the Galapagos Islands. Founded by Henry Sisa, a very knowledgeable expert National Geographic expedition leader and naturalist guide, the company focuses on offering life-changing adventure experiences and tailor-made expeditions. Adventure Journeys’ mission is to always achieve customer satisfaction, as the client’s happiness, enjoyment, and education are the company’s pillars.

5.00 (4 reviews)

Clint_Grigsby (source: Trip Advisor)

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!

Renske S (source: Trip Advisor)

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.

Dion S (source: Trip Advisor)

Amazing country, amazing views and amazing tourguide. Took the time for us and had a lot of knowledge about the visits, and is the most funny ecuadorian

Paul H (source: Trip Advisor)

Thanks to Jorge for expertly guiding us through this spectacular scenery and making this a trip of a lifetime .

Things to know

What you get on this adventure:
- - An experienced, local guide with extensive knowledge of the area (Wilderness First Responders) & naturalist local guides
  - 10-Day Amazon & Galapagos adventure
  - Transportation
    
    Sea transportation Santa Cruz – Isabela islands round trip
    
    Comfortable land and sea transportation
    
    Canoe in the Amazon
  - Accommodation (based on double occupancy)
    
    5-star hotel in Quito
    
    3-star hotels in Galapagos
    
    Amazon Lodge
  - Meals — 9 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners
  - Activities listed in the itinerary
    
    Trekking to Sierra Negra active volcano in Isabela Island
    
    Snorkeling in Tintoreras and Lava Tunnels
    
    Visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station
    
    Hiking in the Santa Cruz highlands
    
    Hiking in the Amazon
    
    Visit to the local Kichwa Community
    
    Night jungle walk
    
    Swimming in volcanic hot springs
    
    Hiking in cloud forest
  - Gear (hiking sticks, kayaks, life vest, paddles, snorkeling mask, fins)
What’s not included:
- - International flights
  - Airport transfers for international flights
  - Airfare Quito — Galapagos — Quito (estimated at around $520)
  - Single room supplement
  - Travel insurance — mandatory
  - Meals not included in the itinerary
  - INGALA transit card ($20 per person, cash only, subject to change)
  - Galapagos National Park fee ($100 per person, cash only, subject to change)
  - $10 Isabela Pier Fee (subject to change)
  - Guide gratuities — optional
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:
- - Day pack large enough to carry all the items you might need throughout the day (around a 25-40L bag)
  - Hiking poles — optional
  - Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
  - Spare clothes for layering
  - Light sweater or sweatshirt
  - Lightweight trousers, shorts, skirts…
  - T-shirts
  - Underwear and socks
  - Swimming suit
  - Sport sandals
  - Sneakers
  - Comfy shoes
  - Waterproof rain jacket
  - Wide brim or long bill hat
  - Cap
  - Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  - Headlamp or flashlight
  - Sunglasses
  - Camera — optional (but recommended)
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
- - For this Amazon & Galapagos adventure tour, the max client-to-guide ratio is 16:1.
  - It takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate.
  - The price is based on double occupancy. If you’re traveling solo, you will be matched with another participant of the same sex. If you prefer to have a single room, you can add that at an additional cost upon booking at checkout.
Amazon & Galapagos adventure tours can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors older than 8 may be permitted to join the Amazon & Galapagos adventure tour but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
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 emergency medical and travel insurance. With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more.

Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.

We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to. Yellow fever, Hepatitis B vaccination and Malaria Medication are recommended when traveling to the tropics. Please ask your doctor for advice.

If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, 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.
- - If Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to thirty (30) calendar days in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of fifty percent (50%) of the total trip cost.
  - After that deadline, Client is not entitled to any refund.
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!
- - Only 10% of the total amount should be paid as a deposit upon booking. This deposit is non-refundable, but can be transferred to another 57hours adventure anytime in case the dates don’t suit you.
  - Once the set dates for the following season are live, you can confirm your booking by the end of this year by paying another 20% of the total amount.
  - The final balance is due 3 months (90 days) prior to departure.
  - Once the trip has been confirmed, the regular cancellation policy applies.