Overview
Explore two of Ecuador’s singular ecosystems on a 10-day journey through the Galápagos and the Amazon rainforest. Cruise around the islands of San Cristóbal and Floreana and discover the archipelago’s breathtaking biodiversity while hiking, kayaking, and snorkeling. Back on the mainland, travel to La Selva Lodge, an ecological resort on the edge of Yasuní National Park, where you’ll experience the wilds of the Amazon.
Days: 10
Best time to visit: December-June
Ideal for: Couples, Families
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 – Quito
Arrive in the evening in Quito, Ecuador’s capital city which sits high in the Andes Mountains. You will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Day 2 – Travel to the Galápagos
This morning, return to the airport for your flight to the San Cristóbal Island in the Galápagos. You will be met on arrival and brought to the cruise boat to settle into your cabin. In the afternoon, travel to Isla Lobos, an island named for the sea lions that inhabit its craggy shores. Enjoy snorkeling and a short hike to see huge frigate birds and blue-footed boobies, and then cruise over to the rocky outcropping of León Dormido to snorkel with an abundance of marine life.
Day 3 – San Cristóbal & Cerro Brujo
Start the day with a visit to Pitt Point on the northeastern tip of San Cristóbal, where you will find endemic species like lava lizards, three types of booby—Nazca, blue-footed, and red-footed—and have the opportunity to snorkel, hike, or kayak. Travel to a white-sand beach on Cerro Brujo in the afternoon to swim and snorkel amidst unique rock formations and see technicolor marine life.
Day 4 – White Sands of Floreana
Today you will explore the island of Floreana, starting with the powdery white-sand beach of Post Office Bay. Your next stop is Cormorant Point, where you can hike to a viewpoint over a saltwater lagoon that is home to flamingos and a variety of other bird species. In the afternoon, explore the Devil’s Crown, one of the most vibrant snorkeling sites in the Galápagos.
Day 5 – Black Turtle Cove
This morning you will discover the marine haven of Black Turtle Cove on a dinghy ride. The calm waters of the inlet, surrounded by mangroves, are home young whitetip and blacktip reef sharks, sea turtles, and more. In the afternoon you will travel back to San Cristóbal for your return flight to Quito.
Day 6 – Quito City Tour or Excursion to Cotopaxi
Spend today exploring the history and architecture of Quito on your own or on a private city tour. Start by visiting the Plaza de la Independencia, the Basilica, and other colonial-era buildings in the historic city center; stroll through the Mariscal neighborhood; and then ride the Teleférico to a 13,000-foot mountain perch for views over the city. If you opt for a tour, you can visit the monument of the Mitad del Mundo, marking the equator, or go farther afield to Cotopaxi National Park.
Day 7 –Into the Amazon Rainforest
Transfer to Quito International Airport for your short flight to Puerto Francisco, also called Coca, where you will be met by a representative from the La Selva Lodge. Begin your Amazon rainforest adventure on a 2-hour motorized canoe ride down the Napo River, transferring to a paddle canoe for the final part of the journey to the lodge. Get settled in and then take a guided walk along a trail through ancient Mahogany trees before dinner.
Day 8 – Explore Yasuní National Park
Start the day early with a short walk to an observation tower that will give you views over the canopy of the forest, which is home to an abundance of birdlife. Learn about the ecology of the rainforest from your naturalist guide as you hike to the Mandi Cohca lagoon, an area where you can see monkeys, many different birds, and maybe even giant river otters. Tonight, take a guided canoe ride around the lagoon to spot nocturnal wildlife.
Day 9 – The Napo River & Amazon Nightlife
Head back to the Napo River for a motorized canoe ride to the clay licks, where hundreds of parrots and parakeets gather to eat the mineral rich soil each day. Next you will visit an Amazonian Kichua community center to learn about local culture and history. After lunch, explore the Garzacocha Lagoon to see a variety of monkeys and birds. In the evening, enjoy a guided walk to see nocturnal wildlife and experience the sounds of the jungle at night.
Day 10 – Quito
After an early breakfast, return to the Napo River and travel upriver to Coca for your flight back to Quito, connecting to your international flight home.
Remarkable Journeys has partnered with Lost World Adventures to create this journey. We partnered with Lost World due to their well-mannered relationships with tour guides, hotellers, airlines, and ground management services in the region. In our opinion, they offer the best value and experience in the region.
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