14-Day Adventure in the Ecuador Amazon Rainforest & Across the Galápagos Islands

Your Ecuadorian adventure to the Amazon and Galápagos Islands will begin in the capital city, Quito. Here, you will admire the enchanting cultural influences of the cityscape that combines Moorish and European characteristics with ancient Incan qualities. Traditional plazas share the history of Ecuador, cathedrals spotlight the colonial charms, and views of the Andes Mountains backdrop the diverse neighborhoods. There is much to discover in and around Quito, and you may spend some time in the evening acclimating to Ecuadorian city life.

There will be no time to waste on the first morning of your vacation, so wake up as the sun rises and local Ecuadorians flock to the streets for a traditional bite to eat. After breakfast, your guide will collect you for a private tour starting at the La Mitad del Mundo monument. This towering landmark, situated on the equator, is a sensational place to snapshot images of you standing with one foot in each hemisphere. You will then sip artisanally brewed beverages at a local hacienda, tour the old Historic Center, visit Iglesia de la Compañía, and more.

Today, you will leave bright and early for the Amazon Rainforest surrounding Archidona. Crossing the Ecuadorian countryside, you will cherish an opportunity to stop at the hot springs of Papallacta, a modest village in the Napo province that features views of sprawling wilderness and towering snowy peaks. Afterward, you will arrive at a kitted lodge in the shadows of the tall Amazonian trees and begin your adventure from the get-go. Explore the reserve’s private white sand beach by the Inchillaqui River, protected forest, refreshing pool, and more.

You may wake up with the sunrise and take advantage of the many exhilarating and inspiring experiences in and amongst the breathtaking canopy. The Amazonian adventure will begin in a canoe on the Arajuno River, where you will glide gentle streams as you spot colorful birdlife soaring overhead. A salt lick on the other side of your cruise attracts boundless parrots, parakeets, and other birds to the area for stunning birdlife photography. You will then share a meal with an indigenous community, walk the enchanting jungle trails, and watch the capuchin monkeys at Misahualli.

You will tuck into a sumptuous Ecuadorian breakfast spread this morning as the sunlight dances off the trees and welcomes a new day in the Amazon Rainforest. Today’s activity is a thrilling river rafting escapade down the Jatunyacu River that excites beginners and advanced rafters alike. You will race over rapids and zigzag along the winding waterway past birds perched in the trees, monkeys leaping from the branches, and snakes slithering through the jungle to a natural pool at the end of the expedition where you may catch your breath in the refreshing water. You will then return to Quito.

After a night to rest and relax in Quito, you will be yearning to see more of the Amazon Rainforest’s magnificent natural beauty. You will check out early and transfer to the Napo Cultural Center, where your Amazon excursion begins. A motorboat will navigate the surreal Amazon streams and immense rainforest rivers, giving you a unique perspective of the jungle and its creatures, including herons, kingfishers, capuchin monkeys, and other indigenous creatures. You may also hike the playas, or trails, or kayak along the Napo River before you arrive at your room in Puerto Ayora.

After breakfast, you will delve into Amazon history, traditions, and customs as you explore the cultural center managed by the women of the community. You will work alongside the locals crafting curiosities that remain spiritually intertwined with their rural rainforest lifestyles, and appreciate the community culinary culture during lunch. A hike around the corner from the center will showcase the many birds, howler monkeys, squirrel monkeys, toucans, parrots, and sloths that inhabit the wilderness. In the afternoon, you will canoe Añangu creek and relish a night hike to see the nocturnal creatures in action.

The perfect conclusion to your escape in the Amazon Rainforest will be an early morning wayusada ritual hosted by a local family with ancestral roots in the forest. The peculiar experience is complete with chants, readings, and other fascinating traditions that will give you insight into the indigenous kichwa way of life. You will head to breakfast after the ceremony, and then grab your belongings and transfer to the airport for your flight back to Quito. You may have an early night at an accommodation nearby the pier courtesy of your cruise captain the following day.

This morning marks your escape to the Galápagos Islands, a gorgeous volcanic archipelago that boasts many marvelous isles and islets to discover during the following few days. The first stop on your island-hopping adventure is Lobos Island, a small island with crystal clear waters that offer incredible snorkeling. Here, you will spot seals, frigate birds, marine iguanas, lava lizards, and the small endemic Galapagos snake. You will spend your evenings on the catamaran in the comfort of a lavish cabin, and enjoy exquisite Ecuadorian cuisine prepared by the master chefs on board.

Vast stretches of the sea separate the volcanic islands, and you will cross these glistening waters to see the remarkable scenes from all angles. Today, you will anchor at Santa Fe Island and swim in the breathtaking bay surrounded by enormous rock formations. The more time that you spend on the sparkling shores and in the translucent waters, the more opportunities to catch glimpses of the local marine life, including marine tortoises, rays, sea lions, and more. You will continue to South Plazas Island afterward to see the 1,000 sea lions that call the southern waters home.

You will wake up to the sound of the sea breeze and the light flickering through your window. You may step out onto the deck and soak up the scenery before you tuck into breakfast in anticipation of your travels to North Seymour Island. Arriving at the island, you will admire the volcanic marine lava landscape and learn about the history of Captain Alan Hancock. After spotting some indigenous creatures amongst the immaculate volcanic backdrop, you will continue to Mosquera Islet and walk among the sea lions on the white shoreline.

Today will be your last day exploring the Galápagos Islands, so you are encouraged to wake up early and absorb the stunning scenery from the balcony of your catamaran. You will soon arrive at Genovesa Island and glide into Darwin Bay where wildlife and birdlife thrive amongst the sparkling beach and dense mangrove swamp. You can lap up the splendor from the comfort of recliners on the beach, walk the shady trails around the volcanic island, or snorkel in the crystalline water before you continue to Prince Phillip’s Steps and ascend them for magnificent 360-degree views of the Galápagos Islands.

Your Ecuadorian adventure will end where it all began, in the capital city of Quito. You will transfer via the Santa Cruz highlands and relish one last walk across the forested island. Along the way, giant tortoises will lumber across the landscape and colorful birds will glide through the sky, sharing marvelous photographic moments to capture before you return to the busy cityscape. After arriving in Quito, take some time to unwind before you wander the neighborhood in search of your last Ecuadorian supper.

The morning of your last day in Ecuador will be bittersweet. You will be thrilled to have spent so much time exploring the magnificent Amazon Rainforest and the sensational Galápagos Islands and will already yearn for your next adventure in South America. For the time being, you may shop at boutique stores and tuck into delectable treats at charming cafés peppering the city before you pack your bags, meet your private transfer, and head for the airport in time for your flight back home.