Ecuador Mainland & the Galápagos Islands

If you’re already exploring Ecuador on terra firma you’re this close to the eco-lover's paradise: the Galápagos, so we’ve brought both together in one 14-day tour. Start with all the on-land highlights like the Amazon, the stunning landscapes in the Ecuadorian highlands, and get an unforgettable experience staying right in the Amazon jungle. Experience the Galápagos aboard the Xavier III where comfy cabins, giant tortoises, and sea lions will have you wanting to jump ship — but only to go snorkelling, of course.

Day 1 Quito
Arrive at any time.

Day 2 Quito/Baños
Travel to Baños and be spoiled for choice with optional outdoor activities like hiking, ziplining, and canyoning. Or, take it easy and relax in local hot springs.

Day 3 Baños
Enjoy another free day to take full advantage of all the activities in this adventurous town.

Day 4 Baños/Tena
Travel by bus into the Amazon Jungle. Spend two nights in rustic jungle huts in a local Quichua community. Enjoy nature walks and learn about local culture.

Day 5 Tena
Enjoy a full day in the Amazon learning about local life in the jungle. Spend the night in rustic jungle huts in a Quichua community.

Day 6 Tena/Papallacta
Cycle to the nearby community of Shandia and discover the beauty of the Amazon with a member of the community as your guide. Later, take a local bus to Papallacta and relax in the natural mineral hot pools with volcanic views.

Day 7 Papallacta/Quito
Enjoy a relaxing morning at the hot springs before travelling back to Quito for free time to explore.

Day 8 Quito
Enjoy a free day to get out and explore the many sights Quito has to offer.

Day 9 Quito/Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
Fly to San Cristóbal Island. Meet the guide and transfer to the boat. Visit Isla Lobos in the afternoon to spot blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas and sea lions.

Day 10 North Seymour/Mosquera Islet
Explore two tiny islands that are big on wildlife. North Seymour offers great views of nesting seabirds, including frigatebirds and Mosquera is home to large colonies of sea lions.

Day 11 Santiago Island/Bartolomé Island
Visit Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island to witness the giant lava formations contrasting the white-coral sand beach. Continue to Bartolomé Island for a guided tour to see the dramatic volcanic features before hiking to a panoramic viewpoint.

Day 12 Puerto Ayora
Disembark in Puerto Ayora and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to see the giant Galápagos tortoises. In the afternoon, explore Academy Bay on a boat tour. Snorkel with sea lions and walk over a volcanic path to a crystal clear saltwater lagoon.

Day 13 Puerto Ayora/Quito
Visit the highlands of Santa Cruz to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Fly back to Quito for a final night in the city.

Day 14 Quito
Depart at any time.