10-Day Galapagos and Amazon Adventure - Explore Ecuador’s Natural Wonders

DAY 1: QUITO – BALTRA – PUERTO AYORA

We begin our journey with a flight from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra Island. Upon landing, your English-speaking guide will meet you at Baltra Airport and take you on a scenic drive to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, where you’ll have your first encounter with the magnificent Galapagos giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Lunch will be served amidst this stunning landscape before heading to your hotel, La Fiesta (or similar).

In the evening, we’ll enjoy a special dinner at El Muelle de Darwin, one of our favorite oceanfront restaurants. Watch the sunset and perhaps spot some sea lions as you dine by the water.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel La Fiesta (or similar)

DAY 2: LAS GRIETAS & TRANSFER TO ISABELA

After breakfast, we’ll visit the impressive Las Grietas, where you can snorkel in the clear waters and possibly spot small Galapagos sharks along with other vibrant marine life. Following this, we return to the hotel, gather our luggage, and prepare for a speedboat transfer to Isabela Island.

On arrival in Isabela, enjoy a peaceful walk to see the island’s flamingos and unwind on the beach, where you can watch the sunset at your leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel La Laguna (or similar)

DAY 3: SIERRA NEGRA VOLCANO TREK & CONCHA PERLA SNORKELING

After breakfast, we embark on a trek to the Sierra Negra Volcano, known for its immense volcanic crater—one of the largest in the world, measuring 9.7 km in diameter. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the Volcan Chico and witness volcanic activity up close, feeling the warmth beneath your feet. We’ll enjoy a boxed lunch before returning to the hotel for a short rest.

In the afternoon, head to Concha Perla for some snorkeling, where you can encounter sea turtles, sea lions, and a wide array of marine life.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel La Laguna (or similar, no Wi-Fi available)

DAY 4: PUERTO AYORA & CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION

We’ll take the public speedboat back to Puerto Ayora and enjoy breakfast before heading to the Santa Cruz Highlands to observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat. After lunch in the Highlands, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, where you’ll learn about ongoing conservation efforts and the remarkable story of Lonesome George.

In the evening, celebrate your Galapagos adventure with a Goodbye Dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel La Fiesta (or similar)

Optional: Enjoy an evening of dancing and entertainment in the lively town of Puerto Ayora.

DAY 5: THE TWINS & BALTRA – RETURN TO QUITO

After breakfast, we’ll depart for Baltra Airport, but first, we’ll stop at The Twins (Los Gemelos)—two dramatic sinkholes formed by collapsing lava tunnels. Surrounded by a lush Scalesia forest, it’s a stunning final stop before your return flight.

The tour concludes at the airport, where we catch our flight back to Quito. Tonight’s accommodation is at Hotel IBIS (or similar).

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel IBIS (or similar)

DAY 6: FREE DAY IN QUITO

(Or opt for a Day Trip – extra cost)

Spend the day exploring Colonial Quito with a free walking tour that begins at 10:30 AM. Wander through the historic old town and hear fascinating stories about its rich history. As you walk the cobblestone streets, it feels like stepping back 500 years in time.

At night, we’ll head to the bus station for an overnight journey to Lago Agrio, a 7-hour ride through the Ecuadorian countryside.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight bus to Lago Agrio

DAY 7: CUYABENO AMAZON EXPEDITION

Our Amazon adventure begins at 8:00 AM (Meeting Point Restaurant). We travel by bus or truck to Tierras Orientales (2 hours), where we’ll embark on a canoe journey down the Aguarico River, continuing along the Cuyabeno blackwater river until we arrive at Waita Lodge. After dinner, your bilingual naturalist guide will give a captivating lecture about the rainforest and its incredible biodiversity.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Waita Lodge

DAY 8: CUYABENO AMAZON EXPEDITION

In the early morning, we set out for a canoe excursion, the best time to witness the rainforest’s thriving wildlife. After breakfast, we’ll trek through the primary rainforest with our naturalist and native guides, who will share their knowledge of the plants’ medicinal and practical uses. After lunch, we venture out on paddleboards or motorized canoes, where we might spot monkeys and pink river dolphins. In the evening, we explore the forest to search for nocturnal insects, snakes, and frogs.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Waita Lodge

DAY 9: CUYABENO AMAZON EXPEDITION

We start the day with an early morning excursion to observe the colorful Parrots and Parakeets feeding at the salt lick. After breakfast, we trek deeper into the pristine rainforest, where our native guide will explain the delicate balance of life here, as well as the medical uses of various plants and animals. After lunch, we explore the Cuyabeno River, where we may spot pink and grey dolphins, and try our hand at piranha fishing. Later, we visit the Kichwa Birdwatching Tower, offering breathtaking views of the rainforest canopy and sightings of Toucans, Monkeys, and more. In the evening, we head out for a night excursion to search for Caimans and other nocturnal wildlife.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Waita Lodge

DAY 10: CUYABENO AMAZON EXPEDITION

After breakfast, we navigate down the Cuyabeno River, then travel along the Aguarico River back to Puerto Gregorio, where we’ll catch our bus or truck to Lago Agrio (arrival at 15:00 approx.). From here, you can take a flight or bus back to Quito.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
End of Services

The operator reserves the right to modify the itinerary due to weather conditions, National Park regulations, or unforeseen circumstances.

Minimum 2 pax required
Single supplement available at approximately $500 extra