- 4.9/5 493 Latest reviews
- Destination: Ecuador
- Duration: 12 Days
- Tour Type: Private & Bespoke
- Tour Style: Classic
About This Trip
Ecuador Amazon Galapagos Tour is a breathtaking 12-day journey through three of the planet's most extraordinary ecosystems — the Andean highlands, the Amazon rainforest, and the legendary Galápagos Islands. Begin in Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage city, exploring its colonial center, straddling the Equator, and venturing north to the vibrant Otavalo Market and the volcanic Cuicocha crater lake.
Dive deep into the heart of the Amazon at Yasuní National Park, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, before flying to the Galápagos Islands for an extraordinary cruise — encountering giant tortoises, trekking volcanic islets, snorkeling with sea lions, and creating memories that last a lifetime. This Ecuador Amazon Galapagos Tour is the most complete way to experience everything Ecuador has to offer.
Summary
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
1 - 3
Quito
Independence Square, El Panecillo Hill, Middle of the World, Otavalo, Cuicocha Lake
4 - 6
Yasuni National Park
Lodging in the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest with Jungle Walk, Canoe Safari, Kichwa Community Visit
7 - 12
Galapagos Islands Cruise
Santa Island, Santiago Island, Santa Cristobal Island
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Quito – Start of Your Ecuador Amazon Galapagos Tour
Begin your remarkable Ecuador Amazon Galapagos Tour upon arrival in Quito — the world’s highest capital city, situated at 2,850 metres (9,350 feet) above sea level in the Andes.
A friendly local driver will greet you at the airport and transfer you comfortably to your hotel. After check-in, spend the remainder of the day at your own pace, resting and acclimatizing to the Andean altitude before the adventure begins.
- Quito
- Day 2: Quito City Tour & Equator Experience
Begin the day exploring Quito’s UNESCO-listed historic center, where colonial architecture meets vibrant city life. Around Independence Square, admire the San Francisco Church, the ornate Carondelet Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace, and La Compañía de Jesús — celebrated for its gold-covered interior and intricate Baroque design.
Continue to El Panecillo Hill, topped by the iconic Virgin of Quito statue, for sweeping panoramic views of the city and surrounding volcanoes.
In the afternoon, travel to the Middle of the World, where you can stand with one foot in each hemisphere along the Equator line. Conclude at the Intiñan Museum, exploring ancient Andean astronomy and cultural knowledge — one of the most unique cultural experiences on this Ecuador Amazon Galapagos Tour.
Highlights: Quito UNESCO historic center, La Compañía Church, El Panecillo Hill, Middle of the World, Intiñan Museum
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- Quito
- Day 3: Otavalo Market & Cuicocha Lake Excursion
Head north from Quito to Otavalo — home to one of the most famous indigenous markets in all of South America. Wander through stalls filled with alpaca wool sweaters, handwoven blankets, traditional jewelry, and textiles crafted by local Kichwa artisans who have honed their skills over generations.
Continue to Cotacachi, celebrated for premium leather goods, then on to the stunning Cuicocha crater lake, a volcanic caldera nestled high in the Andes. Stroll the rim for breathtaking mountain views, spot hummingbirds in flight, and observe mineral gas bubbles rising from the water’s surface.
Return to Quito overnight, refreshed and ready for the Amazon leg of your Ecuador Amazon Galapagos Tour.
Highlights: Otavalo indigenous market, Cotacachi leather village, Cuicocha crater lake, Andean wildlife
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- Quito
- Day 4: Quito – Yasuní | Amazon Jungle Arrival
Take a 35-minute flight to Coca — the gateway to Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest. Transfer to the river pier and board a motorized canoe for a scenic two-hour journey along the Napo River, spotting prehistoric hoatzin birds and lively monkeys along the way.
Arrive at your jungle lodge inside the Yasuní UNESCO Biosphere Reserve — one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth, sheltering over 600 bird species, 150 amphibian species, and 100 mammal species. Enjoy a welcoming lunch and a gentle first afternoon exploring the rainforest surroundings.
This is where your Ecuador Amazon Galapagos Tour enters a completely different world.
Highlights: Flight to Coca, Napo River canoe journey, Yasuní Biosphere Reserve arrival, hoatzin and monkey spotting
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- Yasuni National Park
- Day 5: Amazon Rainforest Exploration
After an early breakfast, canoe to a nearby clay lick where hundreds of colorful parrots and parakeets — representing over ten species — descend to feed on mineral-rich clay. Bring binoculars for this spectacular natural spectacle.
Continue to KuriMuyu, a cultural center managed by Kichwa women, to learn about traditional customs, medicinal plants, and local handicrafts.
In the afternoon, follow jungle trails to the Añangu stream through wetlands, upland forests, and flooded habitats teeming with wildlife. As evening falls, paddle a small canoe along the river to spot nocturnal animals, including caimans in the darkness. Return to the lodge for dinner.
Highlights: Clay lick parrot spectacle, KuriMuyu Kichwa cultural center, Añangu stream trail, caiman night canoe
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- Yasuni National Park
- Day 6: Amazon Rainforest Immersion – Kichwa Culture & Night Walk
Begin at dawn exploring community-led initiatives and discovering the Kichwa people’s deep spiritual relationship with the rainforest — a highlight of any Ecuador Amazon Galapagos Tour. Wander trails through terra firme forest where towering ceiba trees and diverse wildlife create a living, breathing ecosystem.
After lunch, climb a tall observation tower for panoramic views of the forest canopy and a chance to spot brightly colored toucans and macaws. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Amazonian dinner featuring local delicacies such as maito (fish grilled in leaves) and chontakuru (roasted palm worms).
As darkness falls, set off on a guided night walk to discover the Amazon’s nocturnal world — insects, reptiles, and creatures rarely seen by daylight.
Highlights: Kichwa community forest walk, canopy observation tower, traditional Amazonian dinner, guided night walk
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- Yasuni National Park
- Day 7: Yasuní – Coca – Return to Quito
Rise at 4:30 am to join Kichwa community members in preparing a traditional plant-based ceremonial drink, accompanied by soulful songs welcoming the new day. After this unforgettable farewell ceremony, enjoy breakfast, pack up, and transfer by boat and vehicle to Coca Airport.
Fly back to Quito and transfer to your hotel near the airport or city center for an overnight stay — rested and ready for the Galápagos leg of your Ecuador Amazon Galapagos Tour.
Highlights: Kichwa dawn ceremony, farewell to Yasuní, Coca to Quito flight, overnight in Quito
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- Quito
- Day 8: Quito – Galápagos Islands | El Chato Reserve
Fly from Quito to the Galápagos National Park — the UNESCO-protected archipelago that inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, your welcoming cruise crew will escort you to the waiting yacht, marking the final phase of your Ecuador Amazon Galapagos Tour.
In the afternoon, explore El Chato Reserve on Santa Cruz Island, home to giant tortoises roaming freely in their natural environment. Learn about tortoise conservation and habitat protection before returning to the yacht for dinner and an evening of reflection.
Highlights: Flight to Galápagos, Baltra arrival, El Chato Giant Tortoise Reserve, cruise yacht embarkation
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- On Board
- Day 9: Galápagos Cruise – Volcanic Wonders of Santiago & Bartolomé
Disembark at Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island, where expansive fields of hardened lava reveal the island’s recent volcanic activity. Walking across rippled, rope-like lava formations feels like stepping onto another planet.
Continue to Bartolomé, a rugged volcanic islet dotted with spatter cones and ancient craters. Hike to the summit for the archipelago’s most iconic view — Pinnacle Rock rising dramatically from turquoise waters far below.
Highlights: Sullivan Bay lava fields, Bartolomé summit hike, Pinnacle Rock panoramic view, volcanic geology
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- On Board
- Day 10: Galápagos Cruise – North Seymour & South Plaza Wildlife
Begin at North Seymour Island, home to the largest seabird breeding colonies in the entire Galápagos National Park. Watch nesting frigatebirds display their bright red throat pouches and blue-footed boobies perform their distinctive courtship dances right beside the trail.
In the afternoon, explore South Plaza Island’s cactus-covered terrain, where land iguanas — often called the “Galápagos dragons” — move freely through vibrant sesuvium-covered ground.
Highlights: North Seymour bird colonies, frigatebird display, blue-footed booby courtship, South Plaza land iguanas
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- On Board
- Day 11: Galápagos Cruise – San Cristóbal Highlights
Visit Pitt Point on San Cristóbal Island — the easternmost tip of the Galápagos and the very first land spotted by Charles Darwin during his historic voyage on the HMS Beagle in 1835. Two towering tuff cones shaped by persistent Pacific winds rise dramatically from the coastline.
In the afternoon, swap volcanic rock for the soft white sands of Witch Hill’s crescent beach. Swim, kayak, snorkel among colorful reef fish, or simply relax and absorb the extraordinary beauty of this remarkable Ecuador Amazon Galapagos Tour.
Highlights: Pitt Point Darwin landing site, tuff cones, Witch Hill beach, snorkeling, kayaking
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- On Board
- Day 12: Galápagos – Interpretation Center – Departure
Begin your final morning at the Interpretation Center near Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, where engaging exhibits offer a deeper understanding of the Galápagos’ wildlife, ecosystems, and conservation history.
Your naturalist guide and crew will assist you to San Cristóbal Airport for your flight to the mainland, where you’ll connect with your onward international journey — carrying with you the extraordinary memories of an unforgettable Ecuador Amazon Galapagos Tour across 12 remarkable days.
Highlights: Interpretation Center, farewell to the Galápagos, San Cristóbal Airport departure
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