Ecuadorian Amazon & Galapagos

Discover the Unique Flora and Fauna of Ecuador & the Galapagos

A 12-day Ecuador & Galapagos itinerary to explore some of Ecuador’s most wonderful sights. You will travel to Quito, the capital of Ecuador and the first city in the world to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage site back in 1978. The trip will take you to the Amazon Rainforest, the largest tropical rainforest on Earth, where you will go in search of wildlife, navigate through the Cuyabeno River and learn about the local Tarapuy community. Next, you'll discover wonderfully contrasting scenery: the awe-inspiring islands that have fascinated explorers, naturalists, sailors and occasionally even pirates – the pristine Galápagos.

The Galápagos Islands are an archipelago consisting of 13 main islands filled with spectacular landscapes and endemic species of birds, and land and marine mammals. You will encounter unique species such as the Galapagos giant tortoises, sea lions resting on shores, flightless cormorants and land iguanas standing on lava fields, amongst many others. 

Highlights

• Visit Quito, Ecuador’s capital and the first city to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Explore the Amazon Rainforest, observe pristine wildlife and learn about the Tarapuy community
• Discover the Galápagos Islands on a 4-day land itinerary with excursions to nearby uninhabited islands
• Observe the endemic species of the archipelago and enjoy its beautiful scenery.

Quick Itinerary

Days 1 & 2 - Quito

Days 3 - 5 - Amazon

Day 6 -  Quito

Days 7 - 9 - Galápagos Islands

Day 10 - Galápagos Islands - Quito

Day 11 - Depart Quito

Day 12 - Arrive back in the UK

Truly Individual Holiday

Any element of this holiday can be made truly individual to your requirements, including the places you want to see and the things that are important to you. Just contact one of our Travel Specialists today.

Days 1 & 2 - Quito

Arrive in Quito, where you will be transferred by an English-speaking guide to your hotel.

Quito was the first city in the world to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1978. High in the Andes, this capital city is located between mountain peaks and has maintained its character and rich history whilst modernising its infrastructure. Wander around the streets and appreciate the colonial architecture of Quito's historic centre.

On your second day, take a guided tour of the historical centre to understand the importance of Quito’s history and lasting cultural practices before enjoying a tour of the middle of the world, visiting both the monument and the Inti Ñan museum. 

Day 3 - Quito - Amazon

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport and fly to Coca. Situated in the Amazon Rainforest, the city is the starting point for fascinating jungle tours and for anyone who wishes to discover its pristine wildlife.

You’ll be immersed in the beautiful surroundings and will be transferred to your lodge on a motorised canoe ride. It will be the beginning of an unforgettable experience in the tropical rainforest!

Days 4 & 5 - Amazon

Activities in and around the lodge are plentiful. Sharing the excursions with an international group and accompanied by an English-speaking guide, you will venture into the jungles and observe the region through fantastic trails: you’ll come face to face with various species of monkeys and birds – like the howler monkey and the famous Hoatzin, swim in the nearby lagoon and you’ll learn about the Tarapuy community. 

Day 6 - Amazon – Quito

Depending on the time of your departure flight, you may have the opportunity for one last early morning visit to the jungle on a birdwatching walk. After breakfast, you will be transferred back to Coca and fly back to Quito. Your next destination will be the pristine archipelago of the Galápagos!

Day 7 - Quito - Galápagos Islands

Upon arrival in Santa Cruz, you will enjoy a full-day private tour exploring the impressive flora and fauna and the unique volcanic features of the island’s highlands. The highlands offer the perfect habitat for giant tortoises and a wide array of birdlife. You’ll have some time exploring the area before continuing to the lava tunnels and the Charles Darwin Research Station.

Day 8 & 9 - Galápagos Islands

On both days you will have shared full-day tours to uninhabited islands, like North Seymour and Bartolome, where you will have a guided hike and learn all about the history of the island as well as the flora and fauna. You will then have the opportunity to explore the waters while snorkelling at Bachas Beach an important nesting site for green turtles and there’s a lagoon nearby where flamingos and migratory birds come to feed. 

Day 10 - Quito

You will be transferred to Baltra airport for your flight back to Quito. The afternoon is free for you to explore the city at leisure. 

Price from £6,199 per person

(Valid for 2024 departures, based on 2 people sharing a room)

Includes:

• International flights

• 10 nights’ accommodation as detailed

• 10 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 3 dinners

• Full-day tour of Quito with visit to Middle of the World monument

• Full-board package in the Amazon including jungle activities

• Two full-day and one half-day excursion in the Galapagos to neighbouring islands

• Galapagos National Park and Ingala Card Fees

• Transfers and domestic flights as per itinerary

Excludes:

• Local departure taxes payable locally

• Items of a personal nature such as laundry and drinks etc

• Tips for guides and drivers (discretionary)

• Camera or video fees at any sites