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Ecuador

Ecuador: Galapagos & The Amazon

The Amazon Rainforest represents more than half of the planet’s remaining rainforests, spreading over Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. The Amazon is the largest and most species-rich tropical rainforest in the world, with an unparalleled biodiversity, inhabited by one in every 10 species.

THE ITINERARY

DAY ONE

Arrive in Quito today, where you will be met at the airport and transferred to your sleek, contemporary hotel in the modern, northern part of the city. Quito is a city set between two mountains, the northern section is home to striking urban parks and modern architecture. A city of artisans, Quito’s crafstpeople are renowned in several fields, including guitar-making. Fair Trade markets, showcasing local wool and wooden products, as well as Ecuador’s famous silver jewelry, dot the city’s plazas.

We will provide you with suggestions for dinner this evening.

 

DAY TWO

Land at the Baltra airport today and cross the Itabaca Channel to Santa Cruz Island. You’ll be met by a bilingual naturalist guide who will take you for a simple and delicious lunch at a sprawling farm in the highlands, after which you’ll have a complete tour of the area, exploring different vegetation zones and microclimates. Walk around volcanic pit craters and through lava tunnels, and explore the Scalesia and Guayabillo forests.

Make your way to the Tortoise Reserve, where you’ll observe the most recognized symbol of the Galápagos, the giant tortoise, in its natural habitat. There are 11 different species of tortoises throughout the islands, some weighing over 500 pounds with shells reaching up to 59 inches long, believed by naturalists to have first arrived here clinging to a piece of driftwood.

Your tour will end at your camp, where you’ll enjoy a sunset cocktail followed by dinner.

 

DAY THREE

After an early rise this morning, you’ll take a boat trip to explore one of the neighboring islands (North Seymour, Bartolomé, Plazas, Santa Fé, Floreana, or Isabela). Each island is unique, and you will be guided through the natural marvels of your area of visit. In addition to a natural park, the Galápagos Islands and surrounding waters are part of a marine reserve, and snorkeling off of the boat today will allow you to experience the richness and diversity of the ocean life.

 

DAY FOUR

Spend another day exploring the islands surrounding Galapagos. Relax and enjoy the experience of close encounters with native wildlife at your own pace.  If you are SCUBA certified we can replace one or both day trips with diving.

 

DAY FIVE

Tortuga Bay must be one of the world’s most extraordinary beaches. Enjoy swimming along the two km. of white sand and deep blue water buzzing with wild life. Lunch at a restaurant in Puerto Ayora, or we can arrange a picnic to be laid out for you at the beach, where sea kayaking is also an option. In the afternoon your naturalist guide can accompany you to the Charles Darwin Research Station in to delve into scientific thinking and meet the famous Lonesome George. You can also enjoy the lively town with its shops or simply enjoy a massage at Chi Spa (upon request).

DAY SIX

On your last morning on Galapagos, you’ll have an optional tour of the farm of your camp, where you can enjoy the sunrise from one of several stunning view points, and continue for a walk to the barn owl’s cave before breakfast and your transfer to the airport.

Upon your arrival in Quito, you will be transferred three-and-a-half hours to your accommodation, a contemporary lodge nestled in the Amazon Rainforest, surrounded by lush vegetation and overlooking the nearby Napo River. After check-in, enjoy a short rainforest walk and a visit to one of the largest butterfly gardens in Ecuador.

Dinner this evening is a French-Ecuadorian fusion meal, served in the outdoor dining area of your accommodation.

 

DAY SEVEN

At a nearby reserve, you’ll trek six hours through both the secondary (lack of full canopy, full ground vegetation, often described as the “jungle”) and primary (full canopy, little light and less ground vegetation, pristine forest) rainforest with an experienced native guide. Discover the mysteries of the Amazon, including medicinal plants, birds, wild animals, bizarre insects, and colorful frogs and reptiles.

Break for a picnic lunch in Santa Barbara, an indigenous community set deep in the jungle, after which you’ll take a canoe trip before returning to the lodge.

Please note that there are alternatives for both older and younger travelers.

 

DAY EIGHT

After breakfast this morning, you’ll begin your day on the river riding exciting rapids, swimming in calm ponds, and taking in your lush jungle surroundings. Pass through stunning canyons, and break along the riverbed for a picnic lunch.

You may choose between class II, III, and IV rapids depending on your level of comfort and itch for adventure!

Alternative activities can be arranged upon request.

 

DAY NINE

Enjoy a simple yet delicious breakfast this morning, taking time to relax in the lodge’s rainwater swimming pool, or treating yourself to a soothing massage before your private transfer to Quito, where you’ll meet your departure flight or continue on to your next Willing Foot destination.

IDEAL MONTHS

TRIP STYLES

Adventure

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