Travel suggestion: Galapagos and Amazon Adventure in Ecuador
Home – Quito - Tena - Quito - Galapagos - Home
Remember, this is only a route proposal for your big trip. If you wish to receive personal assistance designing your road trip, please get in contact with our adventurous travel experts. They love designing dream trips and they give you great insider travel advice.
Quito Get a smooth arrival
Once you're landed and settled in Quito, you can explore the city in your own pace. You can catch a cable car to the top of the Pichincha volcano for an amazing view, wander the city's historic quarters, do some coffee and chocolate tasting, or sample some craft beer at a local pub. After a night in Quito, you'll leave for the Amazon the next morning by bus and truck.
Tena Into the jungle
Tena is a town in the Ecuadorian part of the Amazon, where you'll stay for the next four nights with a local Quichua family hosting you. During your time here you will experience loads of different activities, among which are a cacao culinary experience and tasting, jungle walks, a shamanic healing ceremony and a mock jungle marriage ceremony.
On one of the days you'll also take a bike ride to the nearby town of Shandia to learn more about the beauty of the Amazon with guidance from a member of the community.
Quito Back in the capital
After saying goodbye to your host family, it's time to head back to Quito. Here you have some free time, while you prepare for your next adventure: the breathtaking Galapagos Islands. A bucket list item for many, you'll be excited for sure - but first you have to make your way there, most likely by taking a local flight to Baltra, before taking a ferry to Santra Cruz.
Santa Cruz Welcome to the Galapagos!
Once you make it to Santa Cruz, get yourself to Puerto Ayora where you meet your new travel buddies at the hotel for a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station. Here you can see the famous giant tortoises up close - truly magical to see. After this great start to the tour, maybe it's time to get to know each other a little over a couple of drinks - we bet there are plenty of travel stories to share!
Isabela Island Volcanoes and surfing
Hop on a speedboat to your next destination, Isabela Island. Better pay attention to the water, you might even see whales or dolphins swim alongside the boat! After dropping your bags at the hotel, it's time for some more action as you hike the Sierra Negra volcano. The landscapes and views are worth the effort, it's simply spectacular.
The second day on Isabela Island you've got a full free day. Choose to take an excursion to Los Tuneles, go snorkelling at Tintoreras, take a surf lesson or just lay on the beach.
Santa Cruz
Your adventure on Isabela ends with a snorkelling excursion at Concha de Perla. Catch a speedboat back to Santa Cruz Island where you can explore at your own pace. In the afternoon it's time head out to see more of Puerto Ayora town, where you can shop or have some delicious foods.
San Cristobal Explore the history of the Galapagos
Your last stop on the Galapagos is San Cristobal, the fifth largest island in the archipelago. Here you'll visit the Galapagos National Park Interpretation Center near town to learn about the unique history of the ecosystems, flora, and fauna of the islands. In the afternoon, go snorkelling at Tijeretas to look for wildlife like sea lions, rays and marine iguanas before taking a lovely evening walk along the malecón for the best sunsets, possibly with a nice drink in hand.
The second day on San Cristóbal Island is fully yours to do what you want. Choose to snorkel at Kicker Rock or Isla Lobos, enjoy the soft white sands of Playa Mann, or head to La Lobería to see the resident sea lions up close.
Quito End your adventure in charming Quito
Your adventure ends where it all started; in the charming city of Quito. Spend a few days and get lost in the colonial styled old town and take in the vibrant atmosphere of this city. If you're ready to go home board the plane from Quito, and if you're not done traveling yet, we can talk about some of all the other experiences that awaits in South America.
Recomended duration
3-4 weeks
Start/End
Quito
Travel type
Backpacking & wildlife
Inclusions
Flights & Adventure Tours
Prices from
2,999 GBP
If the Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands aren’t already on your bucket list, they will be after you see this itinerary! Galápagos is one of the best destinations in the world to spot wild animals, but that’s not all! Good snorkelling conditions, white sandy beaches and hikes in amazing landscapes are also some of the reasons why you’re going to love this place!
In this travel suggestion it’s all about going local and helping out, while immersing yourself in the culture, nature and people of Ecuador. You’ll start off in Quito, where you'll meet your new travel friends that will join you on a journey deep into the Amazon jungle. Explore the local life and enjoy the beautiful nature here, before heading back to Quito.
You don't have much time to rest, as the next item on the itinerary is already waiting for you! It's time to make your way to Santa Cruz on the Galapagos Islands (transport here not included) where you join a new group of travellers to explore the best of the Galapagos islands in about a week. Marvel at all the nature and wildlife while snorkelling, swimming and hiking. This is something you'll remember forever!
Once the tour comes to an end, it's time to head back to Quito for your flights home, though we do recommend to add a couple of extra days for yourself to explore the city! This itinerary shows you the best of Ecuador the Galápagos – are you joining?
*The price is a from price per person and based on 2 people travelling together.
