G Adventures
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Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, Peru · 51 days · Active
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Next: 20 JunThe adventure
Experience the wildlife of the Galápagos and the diversity of the Amazon on this ultimate Ecuadorean adventure. Get to know Ecuador inside out—from the Andes to the Islands and miss nothing in between. Explore the jungle by canoe and stay with a local Quichua family. Scour the indigenous handicraft market at Otavalo for special treasures before flying to the Galápagos to spend a week exploring the islands aboard Xavier. Our exclusively operated fleet of yachts offers great value—there’s no better way to explore the region.
At a glance
Where you'll go
Day by day
Your journey through
Ecuador
Day 1Arrival dayArrivalThere are no planned activities before an evening welcome meeting.
There are no planned activities before an evening welcome meeting.
Day 2Travel to Papallacta Hot Springs and opt…AmazonTake a local bus through the heights of the Andes en route to the Amazon. Stop for the night in Papallacta and relax in the natural mineral hot pools.
AmazonTake a local bus through the heights of the Andes en route to the Amazon. Stop for the night in Papallacta and relax in the natural mineral hot pools.
Day 3Travel by bus into the Amazon JungleDescend into the Amazon Jungle region. Notice the scenery change dramatically heading from the mountains into the lush, tropical Amazon rainforest. Stay with a Quichua family enjoying the hospitality of these wonderful people, and experience life in the jungle firsthand. Optional activities include visiting an animal rescue centre, caving, and whitewater rafting.
AmazonDescend into the Amazon Jungle region. Notice the scenery change dramatically heading from the mountains into the lush, tropical Amazon rainforest. Stay with a Quichua family enjoying the hospitality of these wonderful people, and experience life in the jungle firsthand. Optional activities include visiting an animal rescue centre, caving, and whitewater rafting.
Day 4Spend a full day in the Amazon learning…
AmazonSpend a full day in the Amazon learning about life at a homestay. Enjoy cooking demonstrations and hiking to nearby waterfalls.
Day 5Journey further into the Amazon to a jungle lodgeTravel to a jungle lodge located on the Napo River, one of the Amazon’s two major tributaries. Explore by foot and canoe to learn about the natural history of this area. There is also an option for an exhilarating whitewater rafting trip on the Napo.
AmazonTravel to a jungle lodge located on the Napo River, one of the Amazon’s two major tributaries. Explore by foot and canoe to learn about the natural history of this area. There is also an option for an exhilarating whitewater rafting trip on the Napo.
Day 6Spend another day exploring the area
Spend another day exploring the area.
Day 7Travel to Baños and enjoy numerous outdoor optional…
Travel to Baños and enjoy numerous outdoor optional activities available like hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking or soaking in the hot springs.
Day 8Enjoy free time to experience all this adventurous town has to offer
Enjoy free time to experience all this adventurous town has to offer.
Day 9Enjoy another free day to experience all this…
Enjoy another free day to experience all this adventurous town has to offer.
Day 10Travel south to the colonial city of CuencaTravel along the 'Avenue of Volcanoes', through Ecuador's central valley of mountains to the colonial town of Cuenca. Enjoy a full day trip with spectacular views along the way, stopping at the Inca ruins of Ingapirca — the largest and best-preserved archaeological site in Ecuador. Explore the city’s sights, including cobblestoned streets, red-tiled roofs, art galleries, flower markets, shady plazas, and museums.
Travel along the 'Avenue of Volcanoes', through Ecuador's central valley of mountains to the colonial town of Cuenca. Enjoy a full day trip with spectacular views along the way, stopping at the Inca ruins of Ingapirca — the largest and best-preserved archaeological site in Ecuador. Explore the city’s sights, including cobblestoned streets, red-tiled roofs, art galleries, flower markets, shady plazas, and museums.
Day 11Enjoy a free day to explore
Enjoy a free day to explore. Opt for a city tour or go hiking in Cajas National Park.
Day 12Fly back to Quito and continue on to Cayambe
QuitoFly back to Quito and continue on to Cayambe. Spend the night in a 400-year-old hacienda at the base of a volcano.
Day 13Travel to Otavalo
Travel to Otavalo. Optional activities include visits to Peguche Waterfall or the Cotacachi leather market, or a hike around Cuicocha Lake.
Day 14Explore the famous Otavalo handicraft marketExplore the largest handicraft market in South America. Villagers from the surrounding countryside come every week to sell handmade goods as well as livestock, fruits, and vegetables.
Explore the largest handicraft market in South America. Villagers from the surrounding countryside come every week to sell handmade goods as well as livestock, fruits, and vegetables.
Day 15Spend free time in the city before…
Spend free time in the city before an informational meeting about the Galápagos itinerary in the evening.
Day 16Fly to San Cristóbal Island
Fly to San Cristóbal Island. Meet the Galápagos CEO and transfer to the boat. In the afternoon, visit the Tortoise Breeding Centre before setting off to explore the Galápagos.
Day 17Visit Punta Pitt and look for three types…
Visit Punta Pitt and look for three types of boobies as well as frigatebirds. After, visit Cerro Brujo on San Cristóbal Island to observe sea lions, marine iguanas, and seabirds along the beach. Continue to the dramatic Kicker Rock in the afternoon for a snorkelling excursion.
Day 18Morning excursion to Playa Espumilla
Morning excursion to Playa Espumilla, one of the most idyllic beaches in the Galápagos Islands and home to thick mangroves and flamingo and sea turtle nesting sites. Continue to Buccaneer Cove to witness the towering cliff wall rock formations before going to Puerto Egas to see a dark-sand beach and tidal pools.
Day 19Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to see…In the morning, arrive in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. Santa Cruz is the second largest in the island group, and has the largest population with Puerto Ayora as its main town. In the afternoon, have the opportunity to visit the highlands and see giant land tortoises in the wild.
In the morning, arrive in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. Santa Cruz is the second largest in the island group, and has the largest population with Puerto Ayora as its main town. In the afternoon, have the opportunity to visit the highlands and see giant land tortoises in the wild.
Day 20Visit Chinese Hat for snorkelling opportunities…Spot Galápagos penguins and explore marine life that is fantastic for snorkelling. There is also a large sea lion colony at Chinese Hat as well as many marine iguanas that can be seen on the guided walk. Hike among the volcanic scenery, with good views to the cone of the island's volcano. In the afternoon, take an excursion by "panga" to Black Turtle Cove to witness the extensive mangrove system and interesting waterway canals. Sea turtles and different species of rays can often be seen in this cove, offering a peaceful and fascinating glimpse into the diversity of the area.
Spot Galápagos penguins and explore marine life that is fantastic for snorkelling. There is also a large sea lion colony at Chinese Hat as well as many marine iguanas that can be seen on the guided walk. Hike among the volcanic scenery, with good views to the cone of the island's volcano. In the afternoon, take an excursion by "panga" to Black Turtle Cove to witness the extensive mangrove system and interesting waterway canals. Sea turtles and different species of rays can often be seen in this cove, offering a peaceful and fascinating glimpse into the diversity of the area.
Day 21Visit Cerro Dragón on the west coast…
Visit Cerro Dragón on the west coast of Santa Cruz Island to see land iguanas and a salt water lagoon frequented by flamingos and other species of birds. Continue to Daphne Island in the afternoon to spot birds and wildlife.
Day 22Land at South Plaza in the morning…
Land at South Plaza in the morning for wildlife spotting opportunities. Afternoon visit to Santa Fé Island for guided walks to observe the wildlife and plentiful marine iguanas. Opportunities for swimming and snorkelling with the sea lions.
Day 23Visit the Interpretation Centre on San Cristóbal Island…Quito
QuitoVisit the Interpretation Centre on San Cristóbal Island before flying back to Quito.
Day 24Departure dayDepartureDepart at any time.
Depart at any time.
Discover Ecuador
A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.
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