Inclusions
- Return International Flights
- Daily breakfast
- 3 nights stay at 4 star in Quito
- 2 nights stay at 3 star in Tena
- 3 nights stay at 3 star in Galapagos (San Cristobal)
- 2 nights stay at 4 star in Guayaquil
- Full-day Route of Dreams tour in the Amazon (with lunch)
- Full-day Quito & Middle of the World guided tour (entrance to Middle of the World complex included)
- Excursion to Lobos Island (with snorkeling)
- Excursion to Kicker Rock Islet (with snorkeling and lunch)
- Guided sightseeing tours in Quito and Guayaquil with English-speaking guide
- All transfers and boat rides as mentioned in the itinerary
- Entrance fees to national parks and reserves as specified (except where noted)
- Domestic flights: Quito – Galápagos (San Cristóbal) – Guayaquil
- Assistance throughout the trip
You'll Love
- Amazon Rainforest Adventure in Tena – Explore the lush jungle on the Route of Dreams, with waterfalls, rivers, and indigenous culture.
- Stand on the Equator – Visit the Middle of the World Monument in Quito and experience unique equatorial phenomena.
- Snorkeling at Lobos Island – Swim alongside playful sea lions, turtles, and tropical fish in crystal-clear waters.
- Kicker Rock Excursion – Discover one of the Galápagos’ most iconic snorkeling spots, home to manta rays, reef sharks, and vibrant marine life.
- Historic Quito & Vibrant Guayaquil – Walk through UNESCO-listed Quito’s colonial streets and enjoy Guayaquil’s colorful riverside neighborhoods and iguana park.
Overview
This 11-day journey through Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands combines culture, adventure, and nature in one unforgettable experience. Begin in the vibrant capital of Quito before venturing deep into the Amazon rainforest at Tena, where lush landscapes and indigenous traditions await. Return to Quito to explore its UNESCO-listed colonial center and stand on the equator at the iconic Middle of the World Monument. Continue to the Galápagos Islands, where San Cristóbal serves as your base for wildlife encounters—swim with playful sea lions, snorkel around Lobos Island, and explore the dramatic cliffs of Kicker Rock. Conclude your journey in Guayaquil, Ecuador’s bustling coastal city, discovering its colorful neighborhoods, boardwalks, and cultural treasures. Perfectly blending history, adventure, and biodiversity, this itinerary showcases the very best of Ecuador.
When/Date
Itinerary
On arrival at Quito Airport, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure to relax and adjust to the altitude.
After breakfast, leave Quito behind as you journey through the Ecuadorian highlands and descend into the lush Amazon rainforest. Arrive in Tena, gateway to the Ecuadorian Amazon, and settle into your lodge surrounded by pristine jungle.
After breakfast, embark on the Route of Dreams day tour. Discover rainforest rivers, waterfalls, and indigenous communities while enjoying an authentic Amazonian lunch. This excursion gives you an unforgettable immersion into the culture and natural beauty of the Amazon.
Enjoy breakfast before checking out. Today, transfer back to Quito, retracing the scenic route from the rainforest to the capital city.
After breakfast, begin a fascinating full-day exploration of Quito and its surroundings. Visit the Basilica del Voto Nacional (entrance not included), climb its high domes for panoramic views, and continue to El Panecillo hill for breathtaking cityscapes. Stroll through the charming La Ronda neighborhood, famous for artisan workshops and cultural traditions. Later, head to the Middle of the World Monument, where you’ll stand on the equator and experience fun physics-defying demonstrations. Return to Quito.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to the Galápagos Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its biodiversity. Arrive at San Cristóbal Island, the first island visited by Charles Darwin. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy free time to soak in the unique island atmosphere.
After breakfast, take a boat trip to Lobos Island, home to colonies of sea lions, blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, and marine iguanas. Walk along scenic trails with volcanic rock formations and enjoy snorkeling with playful sea lions, rays, and turtles. Relax at Playa Ochoa before returning to San Cristóbal.
Set out after breakfast for a full-day trip to Kicker Rock (León Dormido). This dramatic volcanic formation rises sharply from the ocean and is one of the Galápagos’ best snorkeling sites. Swim among tropical fish, manta rays, sea turtles, and—if lucky—hammerhead sharks. Enjoy lunch on board and unwind on a deserted beach before returning to your hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.
After breakfast, explore Guayaquil’s highlights. Visit Parque Seminario, famous for its resident iguanas, and admire the Metropolitan Cathedral. See the grand Palacio Municipal, stroll along the scenic Malecón 2000 boardwalk, and stop at the Hemiciclo de la Rotonda monument. Walk through the colorful Las Peñas neighborhood with its colonial houses, and finish at Puerto Santa Ana. Optionally, visit a local factory to see the making of the iconic Panama hat.
Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for your international flight home.
