Ecuador
Galapagos and Amazon Quest (10-Day Active Adventure)
Explore the best of the Galapagos and Amazon in one trip! Swim with sea lions, sea turtles, penguins, sharks, and the only marine iguana in the world. Hike the top of active volcanoes and search for the famous giant tortoises. Discover the biological diversity of the pristine Amazon rainforest and spend time with the local Kichwa community.
Itinerary
Welcome to Quito - America's largest and best-preserved colonial city - declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. The city is considered the Cultural Capital of South America and is located on the equator in a valley at the foothills of the Pichincha volcano.
Depending on your arrival time, spend your day exploring the old town of Quito and the surrounding area. Your local Host can help you organize a day tour.
In the evening, your trip leader will meet you at the hotel’s lobby at 6:00 PM for a welcome briefing. We'll discuss the details and questions you may have regarding the adventure.
ACCOMMODATION: Sheraton Quito Hotel or similar / MEALS: none
Today we prepare to explore the most amazing archipelago on the Pacific coast, where Charles Darwin based his theory on the evolution of species.
A morning flight takes us from Quito to the island of Baltra. Once we arrive, we head to the town of Puerto Ayora, the largest town in the Galapagos. From here, it's a quick boat to the largest island in the archipelago, where most of the volcanic activity in the Galapagos is reported.
The island was formed by six shield volcanoes: Alcedo, Cerra Azul, Darwin, Ecuador, Sierra Negra, and Wolf. Five of them are still active which makes the island one of the most volcanically active places on earth.
The Galapagos Islands are located 600mi (965.6 km) from the coast of Ecuador. It's important to understand that we have to take air, road, and sea transportation to get there.
ACCOMMODATION: Albemarle or similar / MEALS: Breakfast
Explore the amazing formations of lava created by the last eruptions of the volcanic island along the seashore. This magical place has been filmed by BBC and National Geographic for their documentaries. It is a labyrinth of lava arches comprised of crystal-clear water full of sea turtles, eagle rays, sea lions, sharks, and more.
The turtles navigate their own highway from the mangroves to the open sea through “Los Tuneles”. Here, we will have the best snorkeling opportunity with all these beautiful animals, including the curious Galapagos penguins playing around.
In the afternoon, we return to Puerto Villamil to go kayaking in Tintoreras to observe sea lions, penguins, turtles, and marine iguanas. This will be the best snorkeling opportunity with all these beautiful animals, including the curious Galapagos penguin playing around.
Before or after the trip, you can enjoy some optional activities such as biking or just relax on the exotic white-sand beaches of Isabela Island. We recommend taking some time to visit the giant tortoise breeding center located within walking distance from the hotel.
ACCOMMODATION: Albemarle or similar / MEALS: Breakfast & lunch
After driving up from Puerto Villamil to the trail head, we prepare our backpacks for the hike into a young forest ecosystem, a world of recent geological history. Our destination is the rim of Sierra Negra Crater, an active volcano that last erupted in June 2018.
Upon arrival, we take in breathtaking views and explore the circumference of the massive, lava-filled crater, a caldera that is over 6mi across at its widest point.
If we feel energetic enough, we can continue our hike to Volcan Chico. This is a secondary crater that has a wild landscape of puffing fumaroles and colorful lava formations. They're great examples of the dramatic geological events that have formed the Galapagos Islands over millennia.
In the afternoon, we visit Tintoreras Islet, located a short distance from Puerto Villamil and home to a great variety of wildlife. Its turquoise, crystalline waters are inhabited by white-tipped reef sharks, Galapagos Penguins, marine turtles, and sea lions. One of its beaches, surrounded by mangroves, is one of the few sites where marine iguanas can reproduce successfully.
ACCOMMODATION: Albemarle or similar / MEALS: Breakfast & lunch
In the morning, we move across from Isabela to Santa Cruz Island to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station.
After checking into the hotel, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn more about many of the endemic species seen in the wild, as well as the ongoing conservation and management efforts on the Galapagos Islands.
In the afternoon, we will head to the ‘Primicias’ reserve in the highlands of Santa Cruz, home to the famous Galapagos tortoises. Hiking through Primicias’ beautiful landscape with these lumbering giants is an unforgettable experience!
We will also see other highland wildlife, such as pintail ducks, egrets, flycatchers, finches, and frigatebirds, which gather to wash the salt off their feathers at a freshwater lake.
Afterward, return to Puerto Ayora to spend the evening in Galapagos’ most populous town.
ACCOMMODATION: La Isla or similar / MEALS: Breakfast
After our final breakfast on the Galapagos Islands and taking the last photos of sea lions, we have a transfer to Baltra’s airport in time to catch the flight back to the mainland.
ACCOMMODATION: Sheraton Quito Hotel or similar / MEALS: Breakfast
Early in the morning, we will drive down along a curved panoramic road towards the Amazon Rainforest. As we descend from an altitude of 9,843ft to 1,640ft (3,000m to 500m), watch the landscape and vegetation change drastically between climates.
Later, we stop at the “Guacamayos-Macaw Lookout,” located between Antisana and Sumaco National Reserves (low-elevation cloud forest), to observe the magic blanket of clouds that covers the Amazon rainforest.
Finally, we arrive at the Arajuno River, where a motor canoe will take us 20mins up the river to the Eco Lodge. Have a short break before dinner, with an optional nocturnal hike to view insects.
ACCOMMODATION: Amazon Lodge / MEALS: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Early in the morning with the sunrise we take a canoe up the Arajuno river to go visit the Saladero. This is what the locals call a Parrot’s clay lick.
Here we have a very close wildlife encounter, as the birds come almost every morning. They like licking this clay, as it's full of necessary minerals that aid in digestion (their main diet is nuts).
After breakfast, we go for a hike in the Amazon forest to learn more about the flora, fauna, and survival techniques people need when living here.
In the afternoon, we visit the nearby Kichwa community, where we'll meet people who share their traditions and stories with us.
ACCOMMODATION: Amazon Lodge / MEALS: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Today we head back to the Andes Mountains. Before going to Quito, we stop at Papallacta Hot Springs to soak in the volcanic pools. Take an optional spa treatment before heading back to the city.
ACCOMMODATION: Sheraton Quito Hotel or similar / MEALS: Breakfast
Today our trip ends. Take your memories and photos with you, and leave a piece of your heart, as you will want to return to Ecuador soon to experience more of this enchanted land. We wish you a "buen viaje"!
MEALS: Breakfast
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All trips are guaranteed to runWhat's Included
Included
- Transportation: Airport transfers (national flights), sea transportation Santa Cruz – Isabela islands round trip, comfortable land & sea transportation, canoe in the Amazon.
- Accommodation based in double occupancy: 5* hotel in Quito, 3+ star hotels in Galapagos, Amazon Lodge.
- Activities as outlined in the itinerary.
- Meals as per the itinerary.
- Trip Leader: Certified AJ expert English-speaking adventure Trip Leader and naturalist local guides in Galapagos National Park.
- Gear: Hiking sticks, sit on top kayaks, life vest, paddles, snorkeling mask, fins.
Not Included
- International flights.
- Flight to/from Galapagos – approx. US$520.
- Galapagos Ingala Card – US$20.
- Galapagos National Park Fee – US$100.
- Isabela Pier Fee – US$10.
- Single room supplement – approx. US$940.
- Airport transfers.
- Travel insurance (suggested).
- Meals not described in the itinerary – approx. US$160.
- Tips for guides, drivers & hotels – approx. US$160.
Have a question?
If you have any questions about this trip or want to speak with an expert, get in touch.
We're ready to help.
FAQs
Before you go
Meeting point Sheraton Quito Hotel No. 36 - 212 y, Av. República de El Salvador, Quito 170135, Ecuador Meet at the Hotel Lobby with an Adventure Journeys Representative at 18:00pm on day one, for your welcome briefing. Start time 08:00 AM End point This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Level of difficulty: Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level Moderate: The hiking in Sierra Negra is moderate but long (muddy during the wet season from July to November). The sea-kayaking on Isabela Island is easy as well as the snorkelling. The jungle walks are moderate, mostly on flat terrain. The trekking in the cloudforest is easy.
Currency used in Ecuador is the U.S. dollar (USD). It is advisable to bring cash, as the trip is to remote places such as the Amazon and the Galapagos Islands, you will not easily find ATM machines.
-IMPORTANT Passports (and visas) Travel insurance documents Airline tickets Credit or debit card -CLOTHES & IMPLEMENTS Waterproof jacket Waterproof trousers Light sweater or sweatshirt Sport sandals Sneakers Comfy shoes Breathable wicking layers Thermals (top and bottom, merino ideal) Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts T-shirts Underwear & socks Swimming suit wide-brimmed or long-billed hat Sunhat Winter hat Gloves Waterproof boots - OTHER Universal travel plug adapter Power bank or solar charger Insect repellent Suncream Personal first-aid kit (should contain sea sickness pills, lip salve, aspirin, band aids, antihistamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking) Quick-dry towel Head Torch or torch Reusable water bottle (x1 liter) Biodegradable wet-wipes Camera – waterproof if possible Energy bars and snacks -OPTIONAL Binoculars Earplugs Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary ware etc) Alcohol hand-gel Water purification tablets/treatment system (filtered water is provided but you may wish to bring your own treatment)
Recommended age range from 10 to 65 years old. Note: Under age children must be accompanied by their parents.
Foreigners may enter Ecuador upon presentation of a travel document proving their identity. Likewise, the immigration control agent must verify the immigration status invoked by the foreigner at the time of presentation at the official immigration control point. Requirements: -Valid and valid passport (valid for 6 months). -Identity card or DNI for citizens of South America. -Countries that require a visa to enter Ecuador. Interministerial Agreement No. 0000003 - Afghanistan - Angola - Bangladesh - Cameroon - Cuba - Eritrea - Ethiopia - Gambia - Ghana - Guinea - India - Iraq - Kenya - Libyan Arab Jamahiriya - Nepal - Nigeria - Pakistan - Democratic Republic of the Congo - Democratic People's Republic of Korea - Senegal - Syria - Somalia - Sri Lanka - Venezuela (as of August 26, 2019)
On your trip
The waters of the Galapagos Islands are a unique mixture of warm and cold water, ranging between 65ºF and 85ºF.
There is no place where clients can experience vertigo or steep drops.
During your daily activities you should bring a carry-on bag or a kangaroo for your personal and necessary belongings. Your suitcases will be placed in the luggage compartment of the transport.
December to May: 80ºF to 90ºF / 25ºC to 30ºC. June to September: 60ºF to 70ºF / 15ºC to 20ºC. October to December: 70ºF to 80ºF/ 15ºC to 25ºC.
Vegetarians, Vegans and Gluten Free people are very welcome in our trip, our guides are always ready to coordinate with chefs and restaurants for substitute meals for them, as Ecuador is very well known for its great diversity of gastronomy.
Traveling with Adventure Journeys you will have the possibility to experience and taste local food and snacks. Your guide will help you identify typical food and suggest the best places to enjoy it. Some meals are not included in order to give you some flexibility about where, what and with whom to eat. You have the option to share these meals with the group, however there is no obligation to do this. If you have any allergies or food restrictions, please inform AJ prior to your departure.
BOAT TRAVEL TIME: 2 hours each way from Isabela to Santa Cruz. TREKKING TIME: Sierra Negra: 30 minutes easy uphill; 1.5 hours on flat terrain; 30 minutes downhill; 2 hours same way back. Amazon: 3 hours moderate. Amazon: 1 hour easy loop for the nocturnal hike in the jungle. Cloud forest: 1 hour easy uphill; 1 hour downhill same way back. KAYAKING TIME: 2 hours.
Other FAQs
Please inform AJ of any existing medical conditions (i.e. pregnancy, diabetes, etc). Yellow fever, Hepatitis B vaccination and Malaria Medication are recommended when traveling to the tropics. Please ask your doctor for advice.
All AJ guides and trip leaders are highly experienced, licensed from the Tourism University to operate in Ecuador and certified as Wilderness Adventure First Aid respondents. They all have approved several extra training courses for kayaking, rafting, biking and horse riding, besides this they all are Ecuadorian and have a fantastic personality. We always carry a complete first aid kit in our trips. In some locations and for some activities, local guides join the trip leaders to provide an added service and make sure we practice sustainable tourism involving local indigenous people in our operation.
Quito: 2800 m (9,186 ft.). Galapagos: From sea level (most activities) to 1200 m (3,937 ft.) - Sierra Negra Volcano. Amazon: 510 m (1,640 ft.). Papallacta: 3300 m (10,827 ft.).
Check our best recommendations to explore Quito and its surroundings. RECOMMENDED TRIPS FOR YOU (PRICE PER PERSON) Quito City Tour Experience $90,00 Quilotoa Enchanted Crater Lake $165,00 Mindo Cloud Forrest $165,00 Otavalo Market $113,00 Papallacta Hotsprings $165,00 Transfer in / out (per way) 1-2 people max $75,00
Clients receive interpretation and education about the ecology and conservation of the Andes, Amazon Rainforest and Galapagos Islands, and learn about the factors that threaten it. We aim to promote long-term conservation of both local people cultural identity and the environment. We transport out and recycle all non-organic garbage and we prefer to work with local suppliers. Your visit will encourage the local communities to support responsible eco-tourism as a sustainable alternative for their living.
Clients have the possibility of leaving their extra suitcases at the first hotel in the city of Quito with no additional cost.
Your head guide is Paola
All trips on Skyhook are run by small, hand-picked local guiding companies. For this trip your guides run Adventure Journeys, based in Quito.
By booking through Skyhook you'll be joining a small-group trip. This can make it nice and sociable (you'll be added to a group chat after booking), and guarantees great value for money!
