The Amazon and The Galapagos
Two magical wildlife experiences in one country...
Ecuador is home to breathtaking wildlife and this fascinating itinerary showcases two of the most biodiverse destinations - the Amazon rainforest and the Galapagos Islands. Thanks to Ecuador's relative small size, it is easy to get around the country, allowing you to maximise your time doing fun things - such as spotting monkeys and giant otters in the Amazon to swimming with sea lions and relaxing on the beach in the Galapagos!
Arrive in Ecuador
Arrival at Quito’s international airport. met and transferred into the capital to stay for 2 nights at Hotel Carlota. The rest of the day is at your leisure to relax after your flight.
Quito
Enjoy a private walking tour of Quito, considered one of South America's most beautiful cities. The city lies in a narrow valley at the foot of Pichincha Volcano. Visit many of the main sites, including the Plaza de la Independencia, the cultural heart of the colonial city, La Compañia and San Francisco churches. We will also climb the nearby Cerro Panecillo that has one of the best views across the city and the surrounding mountains.
Head into the Amazon rainforest
Transferred to Quito’s airport for your flight to Coca. A 30-minute flight over the Andes Mountains leads you to a bustling oil town called Coca located in the Amazon Basin. Transferred to the town docks to board Sacha Lodges' private canoe, for the 2-hour journey down river to Sacha Lodge. Stay for 3 nights on a full-board basis. After dinner, accompany your naturalist guide on a night walk through the rainforest to view the hundreds of different species of animals that can only be found at night. Or maybe a canoe ride on the lake to view the spectacled and black caimans with their glowing orange eyes as you silently paddle across the lake to get a closer view.
The Amazon
Begin walking on trail Liana Chica and arrive at the canopy walk, for spectacular views of the rainforest canopy and the many different species of vibrantly colored birds. Designed to be a self-standing rigid suspension canopy walk, it is one of only a few in the world! Located within Sacha ́s private reserve, 2 miles from the shores of the Rio Napo and 1 mile from the lodge, the bird walk gives guests the opportunity to get an up close and personal view of the rainforest canopy. After lunch, you may choose to take a leisurely hike along the Rio Napo, or choose a little more challenging hike on the trail Leoncillo to try and spot the elusive dusky titi monkey. Either way the trails will lead you back to the main boardwalk for your final hike and canoe ride back to the lodge.
The Amazon
Leaving the lodge after breakfast, you begin your hike on trail Lagartococha. This trail offers you the chance to learn more about the native people and their relationship with the forest. Take a tranquil canoe ride through a natural swamp, which is the home of anacondas, caimans, and capybaras. After lunch, your native guide will teach you how to fish for the infamous razor-toothed piranha. Enjoy a silent canoe ride through the flooded Amazonian forest. Where you have a good chance of being surrounded by troops of squirrel, capuchin, and howler monkeys. Keep your eyes peeled for the shy and elusive river otter as well as the incredibly well camouflaged three-toed sloth! Climb Sacha Lodge's 135-foot wooden tower built around an ancient Kapok tree. Get close up views of vibrantly colored birds through Sacha ́s powerful scopes, and watch the sun set with an amazing view of Mount Sumaco, a volcano, and possibly a view of the snow-covered caps of the Andes!
Back to Quito
Transferred via canoe and land back to Coca airport, for your flight back to Quito. Met and transferred back to the capital for 1 night at the Illa Experience Hotel.
Head to the Galapagos
Transferred to Quito airport for flight to Baltra Island in the Galapagos. Transferred to Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel on Santa Cruz island, to stay for 4 nights on a full-board basis. Leisure time at the hotel or enjoy a Ceviche Cooking Class.
The Galapagos Islands
Transferred to the pier to take the hotel's private yacht - The Sea Lion - for a full day, shared daily tour to one of the surrounding islands. The island to visit depends on the itinerary for the particular day of travel.
The Galapagos Islands
Today you will have a kayak experience in Divine Bay, beautiful location with protected waters. Finch Bays' experienced guides will lead you around this stunning part of the coast, brimming with wildlife.
The Galapagos Islands
Transferred to the pier to take the hotel's private yacht - The Sea Lion - for your second, full day shared daily tour to one of the surrounding islands. The island to visit depends on the itinerary for the particular day of travel.
Return to the Mainland
After breakfast, transferred to Baltra’s airport. Flight black to Guayaquil on the Ecuadorian mainland. Arrival to Guayaquil’s international airport. Reception and transfer to the Hotel Oro Verde, to stay for 2 nights. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Guayaquil
Enjoy a private tour of Guayaquil. Visit Parque Seminario, also known as 'Parque de las Iguanas' due to the colonies of land iguanas that can be found there and visit the Metropolitan Cathedral of Guayaquil. We will walk to the Malecon 2000, to visit Torre Morisca and La Rotonda before heading to the bohemian neighborhood of Las Peñas, which was declared as a Cultural Heritage Site in 1982.
Fly home
Transferred from your hotel to Guayaquil international airport, in time for your flight home.
Please note the cost of this itinerary does not include international flights and is on a B&B basis, unless otherwise indicated. All domestic flights stated are included. The itinerary does not include Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee ($100 USD per person) and INGALA Transit Control Card ($20 USD per person). Both fees are subject to change without prior notice.
