Galapagos & Amazon Quest: An Active Adventure

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