Duration: 14 Days
Best Time to Go: Any
Starting From: $3499
If you’re already exploring Ecuador on terra firma you’re this close to the eco-lovers paradise: The Galápagos, so we’ve brought both together in one 14-day tour. Start with all the on-land highlights like the Amazon, the stunning landscapes in the Ecuadorian highlands, and get an unforgettable experience at a jungle homestay. Experience the Galápagos aboard the Xavier III where comfy cabins, giant tortoises, and sea lions will have you wanting to jump ship – but only to go snorkeling, of course.
Day 1. Arrive in Quito at any time.
Day 2. Travel to Baños and be spoiled for choice with optional outdoor activities like hiking, ziplining, and canyoning. Or, take it easy and relax in the hot springs or horseback riding.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3. Enjoy another free day to take full advantage of all the activities in this adventurous town. Optional Tours: hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, hot springs, whitewater rafting, Baños Canyoning Adventure, Baños Ziplining Adventure.
Exclusive Inclusions: Carte Blanche
Day 4. Travel by bus into the Amazon Jungle. Spend two nights with a local Quichua family at a homestay in a small village. Enjoy nature walks and learn about local culture.
Exclusive Inclusions: Local Living Amazon Jungle Local Experience
Meals included: Lunch | Dinner
Day 5. Spend a full day in the Amazon learning about life at a homestay. Enjoy nature walks and visits with the local shaman. Optional Activities: Whitewater rafting, AmaZoonico Animal Rescue Center
Exclusive Inclusions: Local Living Amazon Jungle Local Experience
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 6. Take a local bus to Papallacta and relax in the natural mineral hot pools with volcanic views.
Day 7. Enjoy a relaxing morning at the hot springs before traveling back to Quito for free time to explore.
Exclusive Inclusions: Recharge Papallacta Hot Springs Visit
Day 8. Enjoy a free day to get out and explore the many sights Quito has to offer. Optional Activities: Cotopaxi Volcano, Mindo Cloud Forest, Teleferico, Otavalo Market, Quito City Tour & Equator
Day 9. Fly to San Cristóbal Island. Meet the guide and transfer to the boat. Visit Isla Lobos in the afternoon to spot blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, and sea lions.
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 10. Explore two tiny islands that are big on wildlife. North Seymour offers great views of nesting seabirds, including frigatebirds and Mosquera is home to large colonies of sea lions.
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 11. Visit Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island to witness the giant lava formations contrasting the white-coral-sand beach. Continue to Bartolomé Island for a guided tour to see the dramatic volcanic features before hiking to a panoramic viewpoint.
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 12. Disembark in Puerto Ayora and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to see the giant Galápagos tortoises. In the afternoon, explore Academy Bay on a boat tour. Snorkel with sea lions and walk over a volcanic path to a crystal clear saltwater lagoon.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 13. Visit the highlands of Santa Cruz to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Fly back to Quito for a final night in the city.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 14. Depart at any time.
Meals included: Breakfast
- Local Living: Amazon Jungle Local Experience, Tena
- Recharge: Papallacta Hot Springs Visit, Papallacta
- Baños stay
- Amazon Jungle homestay and cooking demonstrations (2 nights)
- Papallacta Hot Springs stay
- Cruise the Galápagos Islands aboard the Xavier (3 nights)
- All meals aboard the Xavier
- Certified Galápagos National Park Service Guide
- Overnight on Santa Cruz Island
- Snorkeling at Isla Lobos, North Seymour, and Sullivan Bay
- Visit North Seymour to see nesting seabirds
- Hike to the Bartolomé Island viewpoint overlooking the famous Pinnacle Rock
- Visit the Charles Darwin Foundation (Santa Cruz)
- Academy Bay tour
- Excursion to see giant tortoises in the wild
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Internal flights
- Snorkeling equipment and wetsuits while aboard Xavier
Accommodations
- Hotels (8 nights), simple village cabañas/homestay (2 nights, multi-share), aboard the Xavier in twin-share cabins (3 nights).
Meals
- 8 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
Transportation
- Private van, public bus, walking, motorized yacht (Xavier), plane, panga.
Staff & experts
- CEO/Naturalist Guide while in the Galápagos Islands (certified by the Galápagos National Park Authority), Chief Experience Officer (CEO) in mainland Ecuador, local guides.