Galápagos Islands & Ecuadorian Amazon
An immersive exploration of Ecuador’s most biodiverse regions, combining the wildlife-rich Galápagos Islands with the Ecuadorian Amazon.
10+ days
Quito
Wildlife Adventure
Easy to Moderate
Year-round
Overview
This itinerary is designed as a cohesive Ecuador experience rather than a collection of add-ons. Beginning with two nights in Quito allows time to acclimate comfortably while gaining cultural and historical context before moving deeper into the country’s natural landscapes.
The Amazon portion is scheduled before the Galápagos, creating a logical progression from rainforest to ocean ecosystems while avoiding unnecessary backtracking. Carefully timed flights, private transfers, and an overnight hacienda stay near Quito ensure smooth transitions throughout the journey.
By combining a guided Amazon lodge stay with a Galápagos expedition cruise, travelers experience Ecuador’s biodiversity from multiple perspectives, supported by knowledgeable guides at every stage.
What This Journey Typically Costs
Because every Galápagos and Amazon journey we design is fully custom, pricing varies based on travel dates, accommodations, cruise selection, and internal flights.
As a general guideline
Starting from approximately $5,000 per person, based on double occupancy. Final pricing varies by season, accommodation level, cruise selection, and internal flights. Every itinerary is custom-quoted once we understand traveler priorities.
We’ll walk you through the options transparently and recommend what makes the most sense for your trip.
Daily Itinerary
Arrive Quito
Arrive in Quito and transfer privately to your hotel. The remainder of the day is intentionally light to rest after international travel and begin adjusting to altitude.
Highlights
- Private airport transfer
- Hotel check-in
Quito’s Historic Center & the Equator
Enjoy a privately guided introduction to Quito at an unhurried rhythm. The day typically includes highlights of the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with a visit to the Equator line.
Highlights
- Historic Old Town
- Equator Monument
- Private guide
Fly to the Amazon & Lodge Transfer
Fly from Quito to the gateway city for the Ecuadorian Amazon. Continue by motorized canoe to your rainforest lodge, arriving in time to settle in and begin your first guided excursion.
Highlights
- Flight to Amazon
- Motorized canoe transfer
- First jungle excursion
Amazon Rainforest Exploration
Spend full days exploring the Amazon with resident naturalist guides. Activities may include guided jungle walks, river excursions, wildlife observation, and night outings. Daily programming is adapted to weather and wildlife activity.
Highlights
- Guided jungle walks
- River excursions
- Wildlife observation
Return to Quito
Depart the Amazon and return to Quito. Stay overnight at a traditional hacienda-style property near the airport for a relaxed transition before onward travel.
Highlights
- Return flight to Quito
- Hacienda stay
Fly to the Galápagos & Embark Expedition Cruise
Fly to the Galápagos Islands and transfer to your expedition vessel. Begin your cruise with guided shore landings and wildlife encounters.
Highlights
- Flight to Galápagos
- Cruise Embarkation
- First excursion
Galápagos Expedition Cruise
Explore the Galápagos Islands with expert naturalist guides through guided hikes, snorkeling, zodiac excursions, and wildlife observation. Cruise length ranges from four to eight days depending on vessel and itinerary.
Highlights
- Daily island landings
- Snorkeling
- Wildlife observation
Disembark & International Departure
Disembark the cruise and fly to either Quito or Guayaquil for your international flight home, depending on routing.
Highlights
- Disembarkation
- Return flight to mainland
- International departure
What’s Included
Optional Extensions & Variations
Because every journey we design is fully custom, we can adjust timing and add extensions based on what you’re most excited about. Common options include:
Extended Wildlife Immersion
Extend your Amazon or Galapagos experience to four or more nights for deeper wildlife observation and cultural exchange.
Luxury Upgrades
Upgraded accommodations throughout your journey for those who value added comforts and amenities. Browse our vessel directory to compare expedition ships by class and onboard style.
Explore More Journeys
Machu Picchu & the Galápagos Islands
A multi-region journey combining Peru’s cultural highlights with a Galápagos expedition cruise.
Classic Galápagos Expedition Cruise
A naturalist-led expedition cruise designed for first-time Galápagos travelers.
Peruvian Amazon & Machu Picchu
A biologically immersive journey combining rainforest lodge explorations with the historic heart of the Andes.
Traveler Stories
"Every detail was checked and re-checked with care and precision. The trip felt thoughtful, seamless, and incredibly well planned."
— Julie Meehan · Verified Review
"All accommodations, food, excursions, and guides were top notch. We felt completely comfortable and supported throughout our travels."
— Melissa Goebel · Verified Review
"We had a memorable experience in the Amazon, Galapagos and Machupicchu during Feb 2025. Thanks to Max for his meticulous planning, all went like clockwork."
— Greg Epstein · Verified Review
Frequently Asked Questions
Start Your Journey
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