Exuberant wildlife, crystal-clear waters and remote rainforest expeditions await on this adventure from the lowlands of Guayaquil to the remote volcanic islands of the Galápagos.
Cruise between remote islands aboard a small expedition yacht, encountering giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies and marine iguanas along the way. Hike across dramatic volcanic landscapes, snorkel alongside sea lions and sea turtles, and discover secluded bays and beaches accessible only by boat. Back on the mainland, spend time exploring Quito’s colonial streets and chocolate shops before venturing deep into the Amazon, where rainforest walks, canoe excursions and visits to Indigenous communities reveal one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth.
This itinerary is merely a suggestion to inspire your adventures; we tailor-make each and every journey from the ground up to ensure it’s a perfect fit.
WHEN TO TRAVEL
June – September
SUGGESTED LENGTH
14 nights
DAYS 1-8
Guayaquil and the Galápagos Islands
Fly into Guayaquil and spend the night at Hacienda La Danesa. The following morning, you’ll fly from Guayaquil to the Galapagos where you’ll spend seven nights aboard one of the Origin & Theory yachts, two identical ships which each host up to twenty guests.
Explore volcanic remnants and rare plant life on Sombrero Chino Island. Visit the turquoise coves of Vicente Roca Point on Isabela and watch penguins at Tagus Cove. Get up close to hundreds of marine iguanas sunbathing on black lava rocks on Fernandina, before heading to Urbina Bay to sight turtles and rays.
Explore Moreno’s beautiful rocky shoreline where rare blue herons are usually spotted, then journey to Santa Cruz to hike into the rugged highlands where giant tortoises roam free. Santa Fe Island is a volcanic uplift hosting a forest of Opuntia and Palo Santo, where endemic land iguanas are often hiding.
One of the most incredible wildlife zones in the archipelago is Espanola Island – head to Gardner Bay to enjoy a magnificent beach, turquoise waters and a large colony of playful sea lions.
DAYS 9-10
Quito
After your Galapagos experience, take a short flight to Quito, where you’ll spend the next two nights at the excellent Casa Gangotena.
In the morning, explore the city with a private guide. Starting from Panecillo Hill, located at 10,200 feet with marvellous wide-angle views of colonial Quito, head downtown to Plaza de la Independencia for a chocolate tasting at one of Quito’s top chocolatiers, along with visits to the city’s architecturally-magnificent churches and religious landmarks.
DAYS 11-13
The Ecuadorian Amazon
From Quito, take a short onward flight to Coca. On arrival, you will board a small boat to journey deep into the Amazon, where you will be staying at Napo Wildlife Center.
Spend the next three days exploring the Ecuadorian Amazon and Yasuni National Park with their team of guides. The wildlife and birdlife in this area of the Amazon is spectacular – enjoy nature walks through the jungle spotting anacondas and other snake species, giant armadillo, macaws, toucans, parakeets, parrots as well as monkeys, tapirs, and ocelots.
Other activities include river navigations, canoe riding, canopy climbing, birdwatching and interacting with remote Amazonian communities.
Return to Quito for one final night in the capital before your journey home.
Our Approach
Our journeys are built around people. Over more than two decades travelling across Latin America, we’ve developed relationships with the artists, conservationists, winemakers, guides, hoteliers and local characters who bring a destination to life.
These connections allow us to open doors that rarely appear in guidebooks, whether that’s arranging a stay on a private estate, introducing travellers to a leading contemporary artist or securing access to places that aren’t normally open to visitors.
Every itinerary is designed from scratch, drawing on first-hand knowledge and a trusted network developed over years of exploration throughout the region.
CONTACT US
Tailor-made journeys across Latin America, designed by specialists.
Conde Nast Traveler Specialists every year since 2017
Looking for more inspiration?
