A Darwinian Adventure in Ecuador & The Galápagos Islands
Exuberant wildlife, crystal-clear waters and remote rainforest expeditions await on this adventure from the lowlands of Guayaquil to the remote volcanic islands of the Galápagos. Sparkling sandy bays, ancient lava flows, and deep blue waters set the stage for encounters with sea lions, blue-footed boobies and marine iguanas.
After a week exploring the islands by luxury yacht, the adventure continues in the high-altitude capital of Quito where you’ll explore its colonial history and magnificent architecture. Finally, venture deep into the Ecuadorian Amazon, one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth, where jaguars roam, river dolphins swim, and howler monkeys echo through the trees.
This itinerary is merely a suggestion to inspire your adventures; we tailor-make each and every journey from the ground up to ensure it’s a perfect fit.
Enquire NowHIGHLIGHTS
- Seven nights aboard a boutique expedition yacht in the Galápagos Islands spotting giant tortoises, swimming with sea lions and turtles, diving and hiking ancient volcanoes
- Two days exploring Quito’s colonial streets and chocolate shops
- Three days of nature walks, bird-spotting, canoeing and meeting remote Amazonian communities at Napo Wildlife Centre in the Ecuadorian Amazon
GUAYAQUIL & THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Fly into Guayaquil and spend the night at Hacienda La Danesa. The following morning, you’ll fly from Guayaquil to the Galapagos where you’ll spend seven nights aboard one of the Origin & Theory yachts, two identical ships which each host up to twenty guests.
Explore volcanic remnants and rare plant life on Sombrero Chino Island. Visit the turquoise coves of Vicente Roca Point on Isabela and watch penguins at Tagus Cove. Get up close to hundreds of marine iguanas sunbathing on black lava rocks on Fernandina, before heading to Urbina Bay to sight turtles and rays.
Explore Moreno’s beautiful rocky shoreline where rare blue herons are usually spotted, then journey to Santa Cruz to hike into the rugged highlands where giant tortoises roam free. Santa Fe Island is a volcanic uplift hosting a forest of Opuntia and Palo Santo, where endemic land iguanas are often hiding.
One of the most incredible wildlife zones in the archipelago is Espanola Island – head to Gardner Bay to enjoy a magnificent beach, turquoise waters and a large colony of playful sea lions.
Explore the Galapagos Islands
QUITO
After your Galapagos experience, take a short flight to Quito, where you’ll spend the next two nights at the excellent Casa Gangotena.
In the morning, explore the city with a private guide. Starting from Panecillo Hill, located at 10,200 feet with marvellous wide-angle views of colonial Quito, head downtown to Plaza de la Independencia for a chocolate tasting at one of Quito’s top chocolatiers, along with visits to the city’s architecturally-magnificent churches and religious landmarks.
Discover Quito & the Highlands
THE ECUADORIAN AMAZON
From Quito, take a short onward flight to Coca. On arrival, you will board a small boat to journey deep into the Amazon, where you will be staying at Napo Wildlife Center.
Spend the next three days exploring the Ecuadorian Amazon and Yasuni National Park with their team of guides. The wildlife and birdlife in this area of the Amazon is spectacular – enjoy nature walks through the jungle spotting anacondas and other snake species, giant armadillo, macaws, toucans, parakeets, parrots as well as monkeys, tapirs, and ocelots.
Other activities include river navigations, canoe riding, canopy climbing, birdwatching and interacting with remote Amazonian communities.
Return to Quito for one final night in the capital before your journey home.
Explore the Ecuadorian AmazonIntrigued by this journey? Speak to our travel specialists about designing your own bespoke adventure to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.
