Basic travel information
On our varied nature trip to Ecuador, you’ll see some of South America’s boldest natural sites, from the Amazon jungles and the Andes to the giant tortoises of the Galapagos Islands and other non-human animals.
The journey begins in the historic World Heritage city of Quito. We travel from the landscapes of snow-capped Andean volcanoes and plateaus to the lush jungles and waterfalls of the Amazon. We traverse several vegetation zones, magnificent majestic canyons, idyllic villages and beautiful countryside.
In the Amazon region, we explore the heritage of the jungle under the guidance of a local Indian guide. We will also visit the crater lake of Quilotoa before the culmination of the trip, i.e. a visit to the uniquely famous Galapagos Islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. We make excursions at sea and on land on several different islands, staying comfortably in high-quality Eco resorts. The Galapagos has plenty of time to photograph and follow the animals. On the way back, we also had time to explore Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city.
NOTE: MINIMUM GROUP SIZE 2 people
Itinerary
DAY 1 – QUITO
Transfer from the airport to the hotel.
NOTE: Hotel accommodation according to international practice from 14:00. If your flight arrives in the morning, when booking your trip, select the day before arrival as the arrival date.
ACCOMMODATION IN
HOTEL IKALA QUITO OR SIMILAR
DAY 2 – QUITO
After breakfast, a noon guided tour of Quito, during which we visit the city’s most beautiful historical sites. At the end of the tour, we admire the view down the city from El Panecillo Hill. Afternoon free time for relaxation, exploring the city or shopping. (A)
ACTIVITIES
QUITO CITY TOUR
ACCOMMODATION IN
HOTEL IKALA QUITO OR SIMILAR
DAY 3 – TENA, AMAZON
After breakfast, transfer from Quito to the Amazon lowland to Tena. Along the way, we visit the hot springs of Papallacta. From the city of Tena, we move along the Napo River, to the Indian village of San Pedro. From here, the journey continues by canoe to our lodging in the middle of the rainforest, Yacuma Lodge, where we arrive late in the afternoon. (OH)
ACCOMMODATION
YACUMA LODGE OR SIMILAR
DAY 4 – AMAZON
After breakfast, a hike in the rainforest led by a local Indian guide. During the trip, we will get to know the plants of the jungle and their traditional uses, as well as look for local fauna such as monkeys and parrots. After lunch we visit an Indian village where we see local life. Those interested can also swim in the river or try fishing. (UNDER)
ACTIVITIES
NATURE TRIP
ACCOMMODATION
YACUMA LODGE OR SIMILAR
DAY 5 – YACUMA – BANOS
We leave the Amazon region behind and travel back to the Andes. The drive through Puyo to the small town of Baños offers dazzling scenery e.g. To the canyon of the river Pastaza. We also visit on the way by the waterfall. We stay in Baños, known for its hot springs and hiking trails. (A)
ACCOMMODATION IN
HOTEL SANGAY
DAY 6 – QUILOTOA – QUITO
After breakfast, transfer from Baños to the high Andean mountains, to the crater lake of Quilotoa, located in stunning mountain scenery at about 3900 meters above sea level. In the evening we move back to Quito. (A)
ACCOMMODATION IN
HOTEL IKALA QUITO OR SIMILAR
DAY 7 – SAN CRISTOBAL, GALAPAGOS
Morning flight from Quito to the Galapagos Islands. We arrive at the easternmost of the Galapagos Islands, the island of San Cristóbal, where we stay in the small town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, which is also the administrative capital of the Galapagos Islands. After lunch, we will visit the island’s information center, where local guides will tell you about the nature, geology, history and unique fauna of the islands. At the end of the afternoon, we take a trip to the beautiful area of Cerro de las Tijeretas, where we admire a community of two different frigatebird species before returning to our hotel for dinner. (A, L)
ACTIVITIES
NATURE TRIP
ACCOMMODATION IN
HOTEL MAR AZUL OR SIMILAR
DAY 8 – FLOREANA & ISABELA, GALAPAGOS
After breakfast, we embark on a 2.5-hour boat trip to the island of Floreana, known for its diverse fauna. Along the way we will get acquainted with e.g. To the smaller islands of Champions and Enderby and we snorkel in the rich waters of the Galapagos Islands. When we arrive at Floreana, we visit e.g. in a giant tortoise sanctuary and in caves once inhabited by pirates. From Floreana, in the afternoon, we continue a 1.5-hour boat ride to Isabela, the largest island in the Galapagos Islands. We stayed at the hotel and enjoyed dinner on the island of Isabela. (A, L)
ACTIVITIES
NATURE TRIP
ACCOMMODATION IN
HOTEL TORO REAL OR SIMILAR
DAY 9 – ISABELA, GALAPAGOS
We hike all day in the natural sites of the island of Isabela. The island is made up of six volcanoes, five of which are still active. We climb e.g. Sierra Negra and Chico volcanoes. In the afternoon, it’s time to snorkel in Isabela’s bustling and calm waters, which are also home to many seabirds and Galapagos sea lions. (A)
ACTIVITIES
HIKING
ACCOMMODATION IN
HOTEL TORO REAL OR SIMILAR
DAY 10 – ISABELA & SANTA CRUZ, GALAPAGOS
We wake up early in the morning and take a boat trip to the small islands of Tintoreras, where we hike and observe the rich fauna of the islands, including sea iguanas, sea lions, sharks, galapagos penguins and numerous other native animal species. After the trip, we return to Isabela, from where we continue with our speedboat to the second largest island of the Galapagos Islands, Santa Cruz, where the largest city of the islands, Puerto Ayora, is also located. Upon arrival in Santa Cruz, we check into our hotel and visit the famous research station named after Charles Darwin before dinner. (A)
ACTIVITIES
BOAT TRIP, NATURE TRIP
ACCOMMODATION IN
HOTEL DEJA ‘VU OR SIMILAR
DAY 11 – SANTA CRUZ, GALAPAGOS
After breakfast, we will take a car ride to the central parts of the island of Santa Cruz, whose lush volcanic slopes are home to many of the island’s native bird species and, of course, the giant tortoises of the Galapagos. We will explore the island’s lava tunnels before returning to Puerto Ayora and our hotel. In the afternoon, the program includes a walk to Tortuga Bay, known for one of the best sandy beaches on the islands. The white sand beach, sand dunes, nearby sea iguanas and seabird communities, mangrove forests and an interesting cactus forest are sure to offer things to do for the whole afternoon. In the evening we return to our hotel where we enjoyed a joint closing dinner. (OH)
ACTIVITIES
NATURE TRIP
ACCOMMODATION IN
HOTEL DEJA ‘VU OR SIMILAR
DAY 12 – GALAPAGOS – GUAYAQUIL
In the morning, a car transfer through Santa Cruz Island to the airport on Baltran Island. We still had time to stop along the way to see an interesting lava formation known as the Twin Craters. From Baltrta a flight back to the South American continent, the city of Guayaquil. Depending on the flight schedule, Guayaquil will take a guided city tour in the afternoon or the next morning, during which we will explore the city’s main attractions. (A)
ACTIVITIES
CITY TOUR
ACCOMMODATION AT
HOTEL UNIPARK OR SIMILAR
DAY 13 – RETURN
Airport transfer. (A)
MEALS: [A] BREAKFAST [L] LUNCH [I] DINNER
