Luxury Adventure in the Ecuadorian Amazon & the Galápagos - 10 Days

Highlights

• Learn the joys of Ecuadorian cuisine in Quito and visit nearby hot springs
• Venture into the Amazon rainforest for nature hikes to spot exotic animals
• Jet off to the Galápagos Islands and walk with giant tortoises
• Hope between uninhabited islands and snorkel at the best spots

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Quito, Exclusive Cooking Class

Welcome to Ecuador! To look at this South American nation on a map, you wouldn't immediately guess that it's home to two of the most exotic ecosystems on the planet: the Amazon and Galápagos Islands. You'll experience both on this journey, starting with your arrival in the Andes highlands and Quito. Not only is Ecuador's capital a solid base for excursions to the jungle and islands, but its wealth of history and culture makes it a bucket-list destination in its own right.

Since you're leaving for the Amazon tomorrow, tonight you'll stay near the airport at EB by Eurobuilding, a 5-star hotel that doesn't skimp on class and comfort. Its well-appointed rooms and suites feature adjustable beds with luxury linens, minibars, and flat-screen TVs. There's also a swimming pool where you can relax in a lounger amid views of Quito's surrounding green hills. And in case you want a midnight snack, the hotel offers 24-hour room service. 

In the evening, prepare your taste buds for an explosion of flavor as you head to the city and the kitchen of a historic colonial home. There, you'll work closely alongside an expert chef in a culturally rich environment full of Andean flavors. Throughout the two-hour experience, you'll learn about Ecuadorian flavor profiles as you prepare a traditional dish with local ingredients. Once the hard work is finished, sit down and enjoy the freshly made dinner you prepared before returning to the hotel.

Day 2: Transfer to Tena, Transfer to Minga Lodge & Rainforest Hike

And you're off to the Amazon! This morning, you'll meet your driver for an epic road trip that will take you down into the Amazon basin from the highlands of Quito. It's a half-day drive, but there's no shortage of exotic scenery along the way. Of course, there will be plenty of stops to eat, meet locals, and snap pics from dazzling viewpoints. As you go, your driver will reveal insight into the changing ecosystems and historical and cultural highlights you pass.

Eventually, you'll arrive in the Amazon at Tena, a city on the Río Napo. A representative will meet you there for the transfer upriver by private boat to Minga Lodge & Reserve. Sitting on 700 acres (283 ha) of pristine rainforest, this luxury lodge offers a secluded and immersive experience in one of the world's most biodiverse regions. The comfy rooms blend seamlessly with the surrounding nature—an effect heightened by the private balconies looking out into the jungle. The lodge offers plenty of activities to keep you busy, from visits with local Indigenous communities to guided nature hikes.

Speaking of which, you'll sit down for a delicious Amazonian lunch upon arrival. After eating, meet a local naturalist guide and set off on a private hike deep into the rainforest to discover its exotic flora and fauna. Even today, new species of plants and insects are being discovered! Then, visit a local shaman for a traditional cleansing ceremony and blessing. The elder will also point out certain plants commonly used for medicine and healing in the region. The day ends with indigenous weapons training, during which, among other activities, you'll learn to throw a spear and shoot a blowgun.

Day 3: Minga Bird-Watching & Agricultural Tour

A full day of Amazon activities is in store today, starting with an early bird-watching tour. After breakfast, you'll meet your private guide at the river. There, you'll hop in a canoe or kayak and paddle down a tributary of the Río Napo. Even in just 30 minutes or so, you're sure to spot dozens of endemic birds, like macaws, crested eagles, and the dazzling hoatzin.

Afterward, return to the lodge and enjoy a delicious lunch. Later in the afternoon, you'll visit the Minga Agricultural Learning Center. On a tour through the 173-acre (70 ha) farm, you'll learn all about sustainable agriculture and rainforest conservation. For an added treat, you'll sample in-season fruits and vegetables that grow only in this part of the world. The day ends with dinner back at the lodge, followed by a nocturnal nature hike in the rainforest. 

Day 4: Transfer to Quito, Visit Papallacta Hot Springs

It's time to say goodbye to the Amazon as you leave after breakfast on the boat ride back to Tena. There, you'll meet your driver for the ride back to Quito. On the way, you'll stop at the famous Papallacta Hot Springs, where you'll soak in volcanic waters. Situated at 12,100 feet (3,700 m) in an evergreen páramo (Andean high grasslands) landscape, this area is renowned for its healing waters. You'll spot the giant Artisana volcano looming above if the weather is clear.

You'll also spend time at the Termas de Papallacta Resort and Spa, which offers nine warm and three cold pools at various temperatures, plus an on-site spa with multiple health and beauty treatments, including hydromassage, a Turkish steam bath, and a mud wrap. It's also a great spot to eat with local dishes such as fresh-grilled trout. Upon returning to Quito, you'll check back into EB Hotel by Eurobuilding. Get a good night's rest—you're off to the Galápagos tomorrow!

Day 5: Fly to Isla Santa Cruz, Visit Charles Darwin Research Station

Early this morning, you'll return to the airport and catch a two-hour flight to Isla Santa Cruz in the Galápagos. This archipelago of 13 main volcanic islands needs no introduction. One of the most biodiverse spots on earth, the islands' ecosystems attracted Charles Darwin and inspired his theory of natural selection. A driver will pick you up for the ride to Santa Cruz's south side and its main town of Puerto Ayora.

There, you'll check into Finch Bay Galápagos Hotel. With its eco-friendly design and gorgeous freshwater pool, Finch Bay offers resort-style luxury in the Gálapagos. The spacious rooms and suites feature private terraces with hammocks, plus modern baths with rainfall showers. The hotel offers kayaks and bicycles for guest use, and when you get hungry, you can grab a bite at the Finch Bay Restaurant, which specializes in fresh seafood utilizing locally sourced ingredients.

After settling in, head just outside Puerto Ayora to the famous Charles Darwin Research Center. Here, scientists worldwide work together to protect the flora and fauna of the Galápagos. Environmental projects include water analysis, protection of endemic wildlife, effects of tourism on nature, and other pressing issues. Visit the Galápagos tortoise rearing station to see where these animals are raised before being released into nature, and keep an eye out for land iguanas who live around the station. Later, you'll enjoy dinner in a restaurant overlooking the water before returning to your hotel.

Day 6: Galápagos Hidden Gems Boat Tour

Spend the day cruising around some of the Galápagos' hidden gems in style on a private charter. This full-day tour begins early at the port in Puerto Ayora, where you'll board the vessel and set sail to one of the uninhabited islands and islets around Santa Cruz. Depending on the specific itinerary (and the permits granted by the park authority), you might head for Seymour Norte, Bartolomé, Plazas, and Santa Fé.

At each one, you'll immerse yourself in the archipelago's unspoiled natural beauty and encounter the iconic wildlife that has made the Galápagos a bucket-list travel destination. Watch for the famed blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, and playful sea lions that relax on the beaches and occupy the rocky coastline. Lunch will be a delectable spread served on board, refueling you for the adventures ahead.

As the afternoon sun dips, don your snorkeling gear and hop in the water to spend time with marine animals like tropical fish, sea turtles, sea lions, and perhaps even Galápagos sharks. Not to worry, though, as in the entire recorded history of these islands, there has never been a fatality due to shark attacks. Afterward, return to the ship and relax on deck as you cruise back to Puerto Ayora.

Day 7: Fly to Isla San Cristóbal, Visit Tijeretas Hill

This morning, you'll return to the airport and board an island-hopper for the 30-minute flight east from Santa Cruz to Isla San Cristóbal. Here, you'll find the Golden Bay Galápagos, a specialty boutique hotel that enjoys a gorgeous waterfront location right on Playa de Oro (Golden Beach). Its spacious rooms feature double beds and French tubs—plus private terraces and floor-to-ceiling windows with sea views. You don't have to travel far to observe the local wildlife, either, as the sands fronting the hotel are home to sea lions and blue-footed boobies.

After dropping off your bags, you'll be whisked off to an interpretation center for an overview of the Galápagos' diverse wildlife and conservation efforts. Afterward, enjoy a brisk hike along a coastal trail to Las Tijeretas Hill. Along the way, you'll see some of the archipelagoes' wildlife in its natural habitat. Named for the tijeretas (frigatebirds) that nest in this area, you may also glimpse whales offshore if you visit the island in June-Oct. Cap the day with a dip in the water to do some snorkeling as you swim with sea lions and tropical fish.

Day 8: Day Trip to Kicker Rock & Snorkeling

Enjoy an aquatic adventure as you hop aboard a speedboat this morning for a ride along the coast of San Cristóbal to Kicker Rock. Also known as León Dormido (sleeping lion), this is one of the most spectacular snorkeling sites in the archipelago. While snorkeling around this massive rock formation, which rises 500 feet (152 m) from the ocean floor, you can encounter sea lions, rays, turtles, and an array of fish. Get lucky, and you might even spot hammerhead sharks.

Lunch will be served on board the boat, and after eating, you'll zip over to an unspoiled beach to do some sunbathing, swimming, and more snorkeling. In the afternoon, return to the port on Isla San Cristóbal, where you can spend time strolling the promenade before dinner.

Day 9: Day Trip to Isla Española, Farewell Dinner

Today, you'll cruise south of San Cristóbal by boat to Isla Española, landing at a striking white beach on Gardner Bay, which also happens to be an important breeding site for Pacific green turtles. However, its main attraction is its large colony of Galápagos sea lions. Females stay year-round in this natural nursery, suckling their pups up to the age of three years, though they learn how to fish at five months. Take some time to enjoy and photograph the spectacle. Upon returning to San Cristóbal, you'll sit down for a grand farewell dinner at a gourmet seaside restaurant.

Day 10: Morning at Playa Mann, Fly to Quito, Depart 

Sneak in some more relaxing beach time this morning as you head north of town to Playa Mann. This gorgeous white-sands beach is hemmed in by cliffs and fronted by shallow waters home to tropical fish and sea turtles. It's also a great bird-watching area, as you'll likely spot various gulls, frigatebirds, and even blue-footed boobies. There are also hiking trails that will take you to viewpoints offering grand vistas of the bay. In the afternoon, you'll transfer to San Cristóbal's airport, where you'll board a plane back to the mainland and catch your connecting flight home. See you next time!

More Great Galápagos Itineraries