G Adventures
Ecuador: Volcanoes, the Amazon & the Galápagos Islands
Ecuador: Volcanoes, the Amazon & the Galápagos Islands
Take Ecuador by storm on this 15-day immersive trip through all of the country’s essential highlights. Start on the mainland with a week to climb to new heights in Cotopaxi National Park. Canoe along Napo River in the Amazon to a jungle lodge and spend a relaxing and adventurous couple of days under the thick leafy canopy above. Then, circle back to Quito before hopping on a flight to the richly diverse plant, animal, and marine life of the Galápagos Islands. Spend another week exploring by land and sea, while coming face-to-face with many incredible creatures and impressive vistas. From indigenous culture and native species, to kayaking and sunset cocktail-sipping, there’s an abundance of adrenaline and serenity to be found in small, but mighty Ecuador.
Highlights
Hike in Cotopaxi National Park amidst stunning views and breathtaking altitudes, Head out on nature walks and learn about local life in the Amazon Jungle from the lodge, Soak in the natural hot springs of Papallacta, Set off on a snorkelling and coastal walking excursion at Los Túneles to spot wildlife, Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to see and learn all about the giant land tortoises
Accommodation
Hotels (12 nts), Amazon Jungle Lodge (2 nts).
Group Leader
CEO (Chief Experience Officer)/Naturalist Guide while in the Galápagos Islands (certified by the Galápagos National Park Authority), local guides.
Group Size Notes
Max 16, avg 12.
Meals Included
14 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 8 dinners
What’s Included
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment – Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Foodie Moment: Cooking Class at the Lodge, Cotopaxi
Your OMG Day: Bike Tour From La Suiza to Baños or Hiking Between Torre al Cielo and Casa del Arbol, Baños
Your Local Living Moment: Visit a Local Family in the Amazon, Tena
Your Wellness Moment: Papallacta Hot Springs Visit, Papallacta
Your OMG Day: Tintoreras Snorkeling Excursion, Isabela Island
Your Local Living Moment: Organic Farm Visit Near Garrapatero, Santa Cruz Island. Complimentary arrival transfer. Welcome dinner. Mitad del Mundo & Intiñan Museum Visit. Full-Day exploration of Cotopaxi National Park. Cooking class at the Cotopaxi lodge.. Pailon del Diablo Waterfall Visit. Baños Orientation Walk & Melcocha Demonstration. Visit with a Local Family in the Amazon. River Tubing in the Amazon. Caiman Lagoon Visit. Chocolate Culinary Experience. Snorkelling Excursion at Los Túneles. Tortuga Bay Walk & Kayaking. Charles Darwin Research Station Visit. Garrapatero Beach Time. Highlands Giant Tortoises Visit. Sunset cocktail-making experience. Free time in Baños, the Amazon, and on Isabela & Santa Cruz Islands. Internal flights. Farewell dinner. All tips included for activities and meals, except for CEO and porterage. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
| Day 1 |
Situated on the equator and nestled beneath an imposing volcano, the rugged, sprawling, and vibrant city of Quito offers adventure galore. A South American gem and Ecuador’s capital, Quito combines the best of its Incan and Spanish influences in fascinating cultural attractions, and the city’s surrounding natural beauty will surely astound you. From stunning churches and basilicas to exquisite art galleries and museums, visit Old Town to explore Quito’s history and architectural splendor. Highlights include the city’s Gothic-style Basílica del Voto Nacional, whose vaulted spires and stained-glass windows tower over the city center, the sumptuous Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, decorated throughout with rich golds, and the expansive Convento de San Francisco, the Spanish style convent brimming with centuries-old art. Plaza Grande, the city’s central square, provides access to all of these religious landmarks, as well as excellent shopping and dining opportunities. Venture to the city limits to experience Quito’s natural marvels. A quick cable car ride from TelefériQo will take you to the peak of Pichincha volcano, whose dizzying heights offer magnificent views of the city below. Better yet, journey to the middle of the world at Mitad del Mundo, which marks the exact spot where the equator crosses through Ecuador. Find your next adventure in Quito! |
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| Day 6 |
Exploring the Amazon Jungle in Brazil is like venturing into the heart of a living, breathing world. The Amazon Rainforest, often referred to as the "lungs of the Earth," is a lush, sprawling expanse that teems with extraordinary biodiversity. Located primarily in northern Brazil, this vast jungle covers over 5.5 million square kilometers and is home to an estimated 10% of the known species on the planet. One of the highlights of visiting the Amazon Jungle is immersing yourself in its rich ecosystem. From guided boat tours along the meandering Amazon River to treks through dense jungle trails, the region offers unparalleled opportunities for wildlife spotting. Expect to encounter vibrant toucans, elusive jaguars, and playful pink river dolphins. For an in-depth exploration, you might consider a stay at an eco-lodge, where you can experience the forest's serenity while supporting sustainable tourism. In addition to its natural splendor, the Amazon is a cultural treasure trove. Indigenous communities, such as the Yanomami and Kayapo, live in harmony with their environment and offer visitors unique insights into traditional practices and crafts. Engaging with these communities through responsible tourism initiatives helps preserve their heritage and fosters a deeper understanding of their way of life. Fun Fact: The Amazon Rainforest is so vast that it influences global weather patterns. Its dense vegetation releases moisture into the atmosphere, which helps regulate the Earth's climate. So, by visiting the Amazon, you're not only experiencing its natural beauty but also contributing to the health of the planet. Whether you're an adventure seeker or a nature enthusiast, the Amazon Jungle offers an unparalleled journey into one of the world's most vital and vibrant ecosystems. |
| Day 7 |
The Amazon River, winding through the heart of South America, is a marvel of nature that offers unparalleled adventure in one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth. Originating from the Peruvian Andes, the Amazon travels through nine countries before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean. The Amazon is the largest river by discharge volume in the world, carrying more water than the next seven largest rivers combined! It's home to the Amazon Rainforest, often referred to as the "lungs of the Earth" due to its vast production of oxygen. Visitors can embark on river cruises, jungle treks, and cultural tours, offering a glimpse into the wildlife and unique way of living along the river. Imagine gliding along the river's waters, surrounded by lush rainforest, spotting exotic animals, and experiencing the vibrant cultures of the river communities. Whether you're birdwatching, kayaking through black-water lakes or hiking in search of rare flora and fauna, the Amazon River promises an unforgettable adventure. |
| Day 8 |
Situated on the equator and nestled beneath an imposing volcano, the rugged, sprawling, and vibrant city of Quito offers adventure galore. A South American gem and Ecuador’s capital, Quito combines the best of its Incan and Spanish influences in fascinating cultural attractions, and the city’s surrounding natural beauty will surely astound you. From stunning churches and basilicas to exquisite art galleries and museums, visit Old Town to explore Quito’s history and architectural splendor. Highlights include the city’s Gothic-style Basílica del Voto Nacional, whose vaulted spires and stained-glass windows tower over the city center, the sumptuous Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, decorated throughout with rich golds, and the expansive Convento de San Francisco, the Spanish style convent brimming with centuries-old art. Plaza Grande, the city’s central square, provides access to all of these religious landmarks, as well as excellent shopping and dining opportunities. Venture to the city limits to experience Quito’s natural marvels. A quick cable car ride from TelefériQo will take you to the peak of Pichincha volcano, whose dizzying heights offer magnificent views of the city below. Better yet, journey to the middle of the world at Mitad del Mundo, which marks the exact spot where the equator crosses through Ecuador. Find your next adventure in Quito! |
| Day 9 |
Isabella Island is the largest of the Galapagos islands, on the western end of the archipelago. Shaped like a seahorse when viewed from above, Isabella is home to more wild tortoises than any other island, as well as a wide variety of other animal, bird and marine life.
On Isabella's west coast lies Tagus Cove, a natural protected harbor where centuries ago whalers safely spent the night and left their ships' signatures painted on the rocks. Near Elizabeth Bay, Moreno Point is a birdwatcher's delight. Further inland, visitors will find six volcanoes, five of which are still active and two that sit directly on the Equator. At the base of Alcedo Volcano is Urbina Bay, a perfect spot for snorkeling and home to the biggest land iguanas in the Galapagos. To the north, located at the "mouth" of the island, is Punta Vicente Roca. Although it's a marine-only site (meaning it can only be accessed via dinghy or SCUBA diving), the formation nonetheless draws plenty of visitors eager to see its spectacular sea life - penguins, seahorses, sea turtles, sunfish, and more. |
| Day 10 |
Isabella Island is the largest of the Galapagos islands, on the western end of the archipelago. Shaped like a seahorse when viewed from above, Isabella is home to more wild tortoises than any other island, as well as a wide variety of other animal, bird and marine life.
On Isabella's west coast lies Tagus Cove, a natural protected harbor where centuries ago whalers safely spent the night and left their ships' signatures painted on the rocks. Near Elizabeth Bay, Moreno Point is a birdwatcher's delight. Further inland, visitors will find six volcanoes, five of which are still active and two that sit directly on the Equator. At the base of Alcedo Volcano is Urbina Bay, a perfect spot for snorkeling and home to the biggest land iguanas in the Galapagos. To the north, located at the "mouth" of the island, is Punta Vicente Roca. Although it's a marine-only site (meaning it can only be accessed via dinghy or SCUBA diving), the formation nonetheless draws plenty of visitors eager to see its spectacular sea life - penguins, seahorses, sea turtles, sunfish, and more. |
| Day 11 |
Isabella Island is the largest of the Galapagos islands, on the western end of the archipelago. Shaped like a seahorse when viewed from above, Isabella is home to more wild tortoises than any other island, as well as a wide variety of other animal, bird and marine life.
On Isabella's west coast lies Tagus Cove, a natural protected harbor where centuries ago whalers safely spent the night and left their ships' signatures painted on the rocks. Near Elizabeth Bay, Moreno Point is a birdwatcher's delight. Further inland, visitors will find six volcanoes, five of which are still active and two that sit directly on the Equator. At the base of Alcedo Volcano is Urbina Bay, a perfect spot for snorkeling and home to the biggest land iguanas in the Galapagos. To the north, located at the "mouth" of the island, is Punta Vicente Roca. Although it's a marine-only site (meaning it can only be accessed via dinghy or SCUBA diving), the formation nonetheless draws plenty of visitors eager to see its spectacular sea life - penguins, seahorses, sea turtles, sunfish, and more. |
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| Day 14 |
Situated on the equator and nestled beneath an imposing volcano, the rugged, sprawling, and vibrant city of Quito offers adventure galore. A South American gem and Ecuador’s capital, Quito combines the best of its Incan and Spanish influences in fascinating cultural attractions, and the city’s surrounding natural beauty will surely astound you. From stunning churches and basilicas to exquisite art galleries and museums, visit Old Town to explore Quito’s history and architectural splendor. Highlights include the city’s Gothic-style Basílica del Voto Nacional, whose vaulted spires and stained-glass windows tower over the city center, the sumptuous Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, decorated throughout with rich golds, and the expansive Convento de San Francisco, the Spanish style convent brimming with centuries-old art. Plaza Grande, the city’s central square, provides access to all of these religious landmarks, as well as excellent shopping and dining opportunities. Venture to the city limits to experience Quito’s natural marvels. A quick cable car ride from TelefériQo will take you to the peak of Pichincha volcano, whose dizzying heights offer magnificent views of the city below. Better yet, journey to the middle of the world at Mitad del Mundo, which marks the exact spot where the equator crosses through Ecuador. Find your next adventure in Quito! |
| Day 15 |
Situated on the equator and nestled beneath an imposing volcano, the rugged, sprawling, and vibrant city of Quito offers adventure galore. A South American gem and Ecuador’s capital, Quito combines the best of its Incan and Spanish influences in fascinating cultural attractions, and the city’s surrounding natural beauty will surely astound you. From stunning churches and basilicas to exquisite art galleries and museums, visit Old Town to explore Quito’s history and architectural splendor. Highlights include the city’s Gothic-style Basílica del Voto Nacional, whose vaulted spires and stained-glass windows tower over the city center, the sumptuous Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, decorated throughout with rich golds, and the expansive Convento de San Francisco, the Spanish style convent brimming with centuries-old art. Plaza Grande, the city’s central square, provides access to all of these religious landmarks, as well as excellent shopping and dining opportunities. Venture to the city limits to experience Quito’s natural marvels. A quick cable car ride from TelefériQo will take you to the peak of Pichincha volcano, whose dizzying heights offer magnificent views of the city below. Better yet, journey to the middle of the world at Mitad del Mundo, which marks the exact spot where the equator crosses through Ecuador. Find your next adventure in Quito! |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
05/10/25 - 05/24/25 |
Starting At $7,899 |
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|
07/12/25 - 09/20/25 |
Starting At $7,199 |
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|
10/18/25 - 11/22/25 |
Starting At $7,899 |
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|
12/20/25 - 03/07/26 |
Starting At $8,199 |
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|
04/04/26 - 05/09/26 |
Starting At $7,899 |
Get A Quote | |
|
06/20/26 - 09/19/26 |
Starting At $7,199 |
Get A Quote | |
|
10/17/26 - 11/21/26 |
Starting At $7,899 |
Get A Quote | |
|
12/19/26 - 01/02/27 |
Starting At $8,199 |
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Local Flights
All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.
BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE FOR DOMESTIC FLIGHTS TO/FROM THE GALAPAGOS:
Maximum one piece of luggage per person weighing a maximum of 23 kilograms (50 pounds), plus one carry-on piece weighing a maximum of 10 kilograms (22 pounds).
Dossier Disclaimer
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
