Your tailor-made holiday will be as unique as you are. These itineraries are just a starting point, a bit of inspiration to show what’s possible. Your own trip all starts with a conversation with one of our Galapagos and Ecuador experts, who’ll take the time to understand what matters most to you and design the perfect holiday to match.
Taking in the rich biodiversity of the cloud forest, Ecuadorian Amazon and the Galapagos, this itinerary is the dream for wildlife enthusiasts. This fortnight itinerary not only includes incredible wildlife, but you will also take in impressive dramatic scenery, view thousands of types of flora and spend some time in colonial Quito.
Galapagos trips are very much expedition voyages rather than your typical ‘cruise’ itinerary. With activity rather than relaxation in mind, you will typically have at least two excursions per day with an occasional pause thrown in for the odd siesta! All meals are included throughout the cruise, these are typically a buffet style and are a sociable experience. Activities will vary – perhaps you’ll have a snorkelling trip to see colourful marine life in the morning, followed by a stroll through highlands to spot tortoises or a boat ride to see blue-footed boobies nesting in the rocks. You are accompanied throughout by your naturalist guide, with a maximum of 16 other passengers. Your guide is on hand to answer questions and will give details on the geology and wildlife of each destination.
Here's a summary of what you might get up to day-to-day on this Ecuador & Galapagos holiday. As always, this is just an idea. Every single day of your trip will be tailored to suit you.
Fly to Quito. You will be greeted by our friendly representatives and transferred into the historic centre, a beautiful city with a spring-like climate year-round thanks to its altitude.
Meet your guide to explore Quito, with its beautifully restored historic centre and central plaza. Admire the elegant colonial architecture, enjoy dramatic views over the city from Panecillo Hill, and visit the Equator line just outside the city, where you can stand with one foot in each hemisphere.
Transfer by road into the beautiful Mindo cloudforest region, just a couple of hours from Quito. Your base here is a charming nature lodge where you will stay for a couple of nights, surrounded by spectacular scenery and the chance to spot some of the 600 recorded bird species found in the area.
Explore Mindo and its surroundings with your guide, taking hikes through the cloudforest in search of the beautiful hummingbirds, butterflies and orchids that characterise the flora and fauna of this biodiverse region. If you have a specific interest, be sure to let the lodge staff know so they can tailor your experience.
An early start today for your flight to the Amazon, followed by a transfer deep into Yasuni National Park by motor canoe and paddle boat. You will arrive at your beautiful jungle lodge, your home for the next three nights. All activities, meals and naturalist-guided tours are included during your stay.
Mornings offer the best chance to spot wildlife, so be prepared for early starts and busy days. Typical activities include nature walks, canopy tower climbs and leisurely trips by paddle canoe. Many lodges in the Amazon are set in dense forest, with surrounding walking trails to explore. Your expert naturalist guide will scan the treetops and water’s edge, pointing out lurking caiman, playful river otters or perhaps a colourful macaw along the way.
Fly back to civilisation today and return to Quito for an overnight stay. You will be transferred to your hotel near the airport. It is worth getting an early night, as flights to the Galapagos Islands usually depart quite early in the morning.
Your Galapagos adventure begins today. Fly from Quito to the incomparable Galapagos Islands, a truly unique wildlife destination. Join your small expedition cruise, which will be your home for discovering the islands over the next few days.
Each day brings a new adventure as you sail from one island to the next, disembarking each morning and afternoon at a different landing point. Your naturalist guide is always on hand to explain which remarkable species you might encounter. Depending on your cruise itinerary, you may land on a deserted beach by zodiac with your fellow passengers. Keep your camera ready and be prepared to spot marine iguanas lazing in the sun, diving blue-footed boobies and giant tortoises roaming the wild.
As you continue exploring the spectacular Galapagos Islands, you may have the opportunity to snorkel or swim with curious sea lions, sea turtles, rays and sharks. The marine life here is just as impressive as the wildlife on land, making each experience truly unforgettable.
Say your final goodbye to the Galapagos Islands, usually with one last morning visit before disembarking your expedition vessel. You will then transfer to the local island airport for your flight back to mainland Ecuador, where you will spend a final night in Guayaquil.
You will meet your guide for a tour of Guayaquil, exploring the modern riverfront Malecón and the steep steps of the historic Las Peñas district. In the evening, you will be transferred to the airport for your overnight flight home.
We offer tailor-made holidays to suit a wide range of tastes. Our experts Dawn and Louise are dedicated to all things Galapagos and are here to help you plan your perfect trip.
Speak to one of our travel specialists today.
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