Ecuador & Galapagos: Amazon & Island Hopping
13 Days | 12 Nights | Quito – Galapagos Islands – Amazon Rainforest
Tour Overview
Explore Ecuador’s extraordinary natural diversity on this unforgettable journey combining the wildlife-rich Galapagos Islands, the depths of the Amazon rainforest and the cultural heart of Quito. Island hop between San Cristobal and Santa Cruz to experience rare marine life, volcanic landscapes and pristine beaches, before venturing into the Amazon for immersive jungle experiences. The journey concludes in Quito, where colonial architecture and Andean scenery provide a vibrant finale.
This itinerary is ideal for travellers seeking wildlife, adventure and cultural discovery, with guided highlights balanced by free time to explore independently.
Tour Highlights
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Island hopping in the Galapagos: San Cristobal & Santa Cruz
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Snorkelling with sea lions and marine wildlife
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Rare encounters with giant tortoises and volcanic landscapes
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Guided exploration of Quito’s historic centre
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Amazon rainforest lodge stay with jungle activities
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Internal flights and transfers for seamless travel
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 – UK / Ireland → Quito
Depart from the UK or Ireland on an overnight flight to Quito.
Overnight: Night on board
Day 2 – Arrive Quito
Arrive in Ecuador’s capital, dramatically set in the Andean mountains. Transfer to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure exploring the city’s streets, plazas and viewpoints.
Overnight: Quito
Day 3 – Quito at Leisure
Enjoy breakfast before spending the day at leisure. Optional excursions include visiting the Middle of the World Monument, where you can stand on the equator and explore interactive museums.
Overnight: Quito
Day 4 – Quito → San Cristobal, Galapagos Islands
Fly to the Galapagos Islands and transfer to your hotel in San Cristobal. Meet your local representative and enjoy the remainder of the day exploring Puerto Baquerizo Moreno at your own pace.
Overnight: San Cristobal
Day 5 – San Cristobal & Loberia Beach
Visit Loberia Beach, where you can snorkel with sea lions and observe land iguanas, marine iguanas and coastal birdlife. The afternoon is free, with optional snorkelling excursions to Isla Lobos available.
Overnight: San Cristobal
Day 6 – San Cristobal at Leisure
Free day to relax or join optional excursions such as snorkelling at Kicker Rock or exploring the island’s highlands to see giant tortoises and dramatic landscapes.
Overnight: San Cristobal
Day 7 – San Cristobal → Santa Cruz
Transfer by speedboat to Santa Cruz Island. On arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Optional bay tours offer insight into the island’s marine ecosystems.
Overnight: Santa Cruz
Day 8 – Santa Cruz at Leisure
Enjoy a full day to explore independently or join an optional excursion to the Santa Cruz Highlands, visiting lava tunnels, twin craters and giant tortoises in their natural habitat.
Overnight: Santa Cruz
Day 9 – Santa Cruz → Quito
Transfer to Baltra Airport for your return flight to Quito. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Overnight: Quito
Day 10 – Quito → Tena → Amazon Rainforest
Enjoy a guided walking tour of Quito’s historic centre before travelling east through the Andes into the Amazon basin. Arrive at your lodge near Tena and take part in a guided night walk to discover nocturnal rainforest wildlife.
Overnight: Amazon Lodge
Day 11 – Amazon Rainforest
Spend the day at leisure or choose from optional activities including waterfall walks, canoe excursions, visits to local communities or a chocolate-making workshop.
Overnight: Amazon Lodge
Day 12 – Amazon → Papallacta → Quito
Travel back towards Quito, stopping in Papallacta to admire the lagoon and, if you wish, enjoy the thermal hot springs (payable locally). Continue to Quito for your final night.
Overnight: Quito
Day 13 – Quito → UK / Ireland
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK or Ireland, bringing your Ecuadorian adventure to a close.
What’s Included
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Return international flights from selected UK / Ireland airports
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Internal flights: Quito → San Cristobal, Santa Cruz → Quito
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All airport and intercity transfers
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11 nights accommodation in Charm and Superior category hotels
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11 breakfasts
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Guided sightseeing and entrance fees as per itinerary
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English-speaking guides for included activities
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All air taxes and fuel surcharges
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ATOL protection
What’s Not Included
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Galapagos Transit Control Card (TCC)
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Galapagos National Park entrance fee (payable locally)
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Drinks and meals not stated
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Optional excursions and activities
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Tips and personal expenses
Accommodation
Stay in carefully selected Charm and Superior category hotels and lodges, ideally located in:
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Quito
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San Cristobal, Galapagos Islands
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Santa Cruz, Galapagos Islands
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Amazon Rainforest (Tena region)
(All accommodation is confirmed closer to departure and will be of the same or higher standard.)
Pricing
From £2,699 per person
(based on two adults sharing)
Prices are subject to availability and flight pricing at time of booking