Enchanting Ecuador tour with Galápagos Islands & Amazon

Embark on an epic tour of Ecuador from Quito to the Amazon rainforest and Galápagos Islands, with excursions and travel included

Day 1: UK/Ireland - Quito

Today you’ll be touching down in Quito, the bustling Ecuadorian capital famed for its high vantage point in the Andean mountains and ancient Incan heritage. From here, you’ll transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 2: Quito

After breakfast, a local guide will meet you to give you an overview of the next few days. With that done, your day in Quito is yours to spend at your leisure, whether you choose to get exploring or rest up before your adventure begins. Hit the ground running with an optional full-day excursion to Otavalo, stopping by various towns in the Andean highlands to discover the local gastronomy and traditional way of life. (Meals: breakfast)

Day 3: Quito - Tena

This morning, head out for a guided tour of Quito to tick off some of the capital’s most important sights. Stroll through the city centre’s narrow streets to admire dazzling colonial-era architecture and picturesque plazas, before visiting a local market to sample some local produce.

In the afternoon, you’ll set off into the Ecuadorian highlands and down into the rainforest, headed for Punta Ahuano in the Amazon. Take in the magical verdant landscapes as you immerse yourself in the heart of the jungle, where your atmospheric lodge awaits. You’ll get there just in time to watch the glorious sunset over a welcome cocktail, ahead of dinner and an overnight stay in Tena. (Meals: breakfast, dinner)

Day 4: Tena

The early start will be more than worth it as you set out on a wildlife walk through the primary and secondary rainforest of the Amazon. Your local guide will point out some of the area’s native species as you hike through the sprawling jungle, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and awed by the magnitude and otherworldly beauty of the Amazon. Afterwards, you’ll return to the lodge for lunch, before spending the afternoon at your leisure. (Meals: breakfast, dinner)

Day 5: Tena - Papallacta - Quito

After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to the rainforest and return to Quito. As you journey back through spellbinding mountain scenery, you’ll stop at the Papallacta Hot Springs, a serene thermal spa where you can unwind after your action-packed adventures.

Once you’re back in the bustling capital, you’ll be able to spend the rest of the day as you wish, perhaps going for a spot of souvenir shopping or sampling delicious local eats La Floresta, the city’s gastronomic hub. (Meals: breakfast)

Day 6: Quito - San Cristóbal (Galápagos)

This morning, embark on the next leg of your journey with a flight to the Galápagos Islands, a world-famous treasure-trove of natural beauty and biodiversity. You'll start in San Cristóbal, an island teeming with unique wildlife and the first to be explored by Charles Darwin. Meet your guide on arrival before continuing on to reach the cruise ship, where your guide will go over the afternoon’s activities after lunch onboard.

First up, you’ll visit the San Cristóbal Interpretation Centre in the small town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, and walk to “La Colina de las Fragatas,” the seasonal nesting-site of the island’s frigate birds. Afterwards, go down the hill to reach a small inlet known as Punta Carola, home to a colony of sea lions. (Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Day 7: Isla Española (Galápagos)

Today, your first port of call will be Punta Suarez, a bird and wildlife hotspot where endemic species include the Spanish mockingbird, Spanish lava lizard, marine iguanas, tropical birds, waved albatross, blue-footed boobies and many more. Later on, trade the binoculars for a bathing suit as you head to Gardner Bay, whose beautiful beach is perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Look out for a large colony of playful sea lions, Darwin's finches, mockingbirds and sea turtles - and if you’re lucky, you may even spot a Galápagos hawk circling overhead. (Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Day 8: Isla Floreana (Galápagos)

In the morning you’ll pay a visit to Punta Cormorant, the Galápagos’ flamingo hotspot whose lagoon boasts the unique green and flour-sand beaches, so-called after their fascinating colours. Later on, return to the ship for a spot of snorkelling in the Corona del Diablo, which is Spanish for “Devil's Crown.”

In the afternoon, you’ll visit Post Office Bay, a historic site where the crew of an 18th-century whaling ship exchanged letters through a wooden barrel. Next, you’ll stop by the Asilo de la Paz (“Asylum of Peace”), known for its peculiar history as one of the first occupied spaces on the islands. Finally, you'll return to the ship and begin navigating towards Puerto Ayora, the largest city in the Galápagos. (Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Day 9: Santa Cruz (Galápagos) - Quito

Your final trip will be to the Fausto Llerena Interpretation Centre this morning, where you’ll observe a variety of species of land turtles of all different sizes, before transferring to the Itabaca Channel to catch a local ferry and shuttle to Baltra Island Airport. From here, take in your last views of the Galápagos Islands as you fly back to Quito, where you’ll be transferred to your hotel for your final overnight stay. (Meals: breakfast)

Day 10: Quito - UK

Having filled your bags with souvenirs and your camera roll with documentary-worthy snaps, say goodbye to Quito as you end your adventure and transfer to the airport for your flight home.