Ecuador: From the Amazon jungle to the Galapgos Islands | Round trips Ecuador

This trip takes you through Ecuador and the Galapagos. From the deep green Amazon and the colonial heart of Quito to the pristine nature and unique wildlife of the Galapagos Islands. Be surprised by colorful markets, impressive views and a fascinating ecosystem, while staying in boutique hotels that let you fully immerse yourself in the nature and culture of this special destination.

Important information:

An international passport is required, valid for at least 6 months after return, with at least 2 blank pages.
A visa is not required.
Vaccinations for yellow fever and hepatitis A is recommended. The yellow fever vaccination is required if you have recently been to a region where yellow fever is prevalent. We do recommend seeking advice from your family doctor or the Tropical Institute.

Day 1: Quito

Upon arrival in Quito, your guide will be waiting for you with a sign with your name, so you will recognize him immediately. Then he will take you to Wyndham hotel outside the city center, where you can relax and acclimate quietly.

Day 2: Amazon, La Selva

After a short 30-minute flight, you'll land in Puerto Francisco de Orellana, also known as "El Coca." From there, you'll sail about two and a half hours in a motorized canoe to La Selva's main jetty. You will make the last part of the trip in a traditional paddle canoe to the lodge. After checking in, a naturalist guide will give you an introduction to the tropical rainforest, the Amazon and the workings of La Selva. At night, you'll search for caimans, bats, owls and nocturnal mammals as your guide's spotlight illuminates the nighttime landscape. In clear weather, this is also the perfect spot for stargazing! You'll stay three nights in a luxury lodge in the middle of the Amazon jungle.

Day 3: Clay lick and Tucenata Trail

Today you will take a motorized canoe trip to the clay lick, an impressive spectacle where hundreds of parrots and parakeets congregate to eat the mineral-rich clay soil. After a short hike, you will reach the observation tower, an unusual structure that takes you up to 35 meters above the forest. Along the Tucaneta Trail, you will hear the night come alive, with the sounds of amphibians, insects, reptiles, birds and nocturnal mammals. Your guide will lead you to the best places to discover these fascinating animals.

Day 4: Mandi Cocha and Garza Cocha

The day begins quietly, with the chance to explore the Amazon forest in all its splendor. Together with native guides, you will observe colorful birds high in the canopy, with the help of a pair of binoculars that will give you a detailed view. After a short hike, you will arrive at Mandi Cocha, a small lake surrounded by diverse vegetation. With some luck, here you will see the famous giant otters, which have found their home in this area. Later in the day, explore Garza Cocha Lake, where squirrel monkeys and howler monkeys can often be seen in the late afternoon. Also keep your eyes open for the hoatzin, a special species of bird that lives only in the pristine Amazon and is easy to spot.

Day 5: Quito

The journey continues by canoe boat towards Coca airport, where you take a domestic flight to Quito. Upon arrival, you will be met by your private driver, who will take you for an exploration of Quito's historic center. You will visit La Plaza de La Independencia, the impressive Baroque Jesuit temple La Compañia de Jesus, the atmospheric San Francisco Square and El Panecillo, where a replica of Bernardo Legarda's Virgin watches over the city. After this day of impressions, check in and spend one night in a four-star boutique hotel with pool and rooftop terrace in Quito's lively historic center.

Day 6: Galapagos

Your guide will pick you up at the hotel and transfer you to the airport for your flight to Baltra, one of the Galapagos Islands. This special place is known for its unique wildlife and well-preserved fragile volcanic formations, found nowhere else like it. On nearby Sombrero Chino, named for the shape of an Asian hat, you will see American oystercatchers and Galapagos penguins swimming along the shore. You will spend the next five nights on a luxury catamaran with eight cabins.

Day 7: Isabela and Fernandina

Vicente Roca Point surprises with impressive geological formations and a rich diversity of bird species. Fernandina, the most western and active island of the archipelago, is one of the few places that has remained completely free of invasive species. During your visit you will discover marine iguanas and Galapagos hawks in their natural habitat. You will end the day with a hike through the unique landscape and a snorkeling experience in the clear waters.

Day 8 and 9: Isabela

Over the next two days you will explore the versatile Isabela. At Tagus Cove you hike past traces of pirates and enjoy views of the bay and mangrove forest, home to rare mangrove finches. At Urbina Bay, you'll see sea lions and land iguanas in a place that was once the ocean floor. You will also explore Elizabeth Bay by panga where you will admire marine life in crystal clear waters. At Moreno Point you spot birds along the rocky shore and enjoy panoramic views of volcanoes.

Day 10: Santa Cruz and the Highlands

Your day begins with a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station, an important research facility in the Galapagos Islands. Here you will discover more about the unique flora and fauna of the islands and the giant tortoise breeding program. Later you will explore the highlands of Santa Cruz, a green and hilly area that reaches 1,500 meters. Here you will spot giant tortoises in their natural habitat, along with finches, mockingbirds and other wildlife, surrounded by ferns and volcanic landscapes.

Day 11: South Plaza and Quito

Your last full day starts at South Plaza, a small island with an incredible diversity of flora and fauna. On a hike, you will discover Sesuvium plants that cover the island and prickly pears that are an important food source for the land iguanas. The turquoise waters and the black lava coast make an impressive backdrop, ideal for taking beautiful photos. After this visit, head to the hotel where you will check in for your final overnight stay near the airport.