en
- Signature
- 18-day trip
- From €17,290 p.p.
Ecuador and Galapagos trip | Luxury trip Amazon and Galapagos
On this trip, get to know Ecuador's cloud forest and Amazon , then explore the unique Galapagos archipelago by superyacht. After a short stay in the capital Quito, where you will explore the colonial centre with a guide, you will travel to a special part of Ecuador: the Amazon rainforest. Here you will explore the jungle on foot and by boat and look for wildlife such as parrots, tapirs and monkeys. You spend the night in the middle of nature in a spectacular ecolodge. Next, you visit the beautiful cloud forest region north of Quito, where you stay in a unique lodge. You then travel to the breathtaking Galapagos Islands, a pristine eco-destination. Here you will stay at the exclusive Pikaia Lodge, a stunning hotel on the Galapagos. You will discover the islands with various excursions and admire the impressive wildlife, such as marine iguanas, penguins, turtles, sea lions, hawks, rays and sharks. Enjoy ultimate comfort, pure nature and the spectacular wildlife this wonderful trip has to offer.
Travel programme
Travel overview
- Day 1 - 2 Flight to Ecuador
- Day 3 Journey to the Amazon
- Day 4 Amazon Rainforest
- Day 5 Amazon Rainforest
- Day 6 Amazon Rainforest
- Day 7 Return to Quito
- Day 8 The cloud forests of Masphi
- Day 9 Mashpi cloud forest
- Day 10 Mashpi cloud forest
- Day 11 Mashpi cloud forest
- Day 12 Return to Quito
- Day 13 Trip to the Galapagos Islands
- Day 14 North Seymour & Bachas (Tuesday)
- Day 15 Bartolome & Chinese Hat (Wednesday)
- Day 16 Highlands Santa Cruz (Thursday)
- Day 17 Half-day tour of Santa Cruz Island
- Day 18 Departure from Ecuador
- Day 19 Arrival
Air travel to Ecuador
You start your trip in Ecuador's Andean capital Quito. A transfer will take you to the hotel where you will stay.
On the second day, you will enjoy Quito with all your senses. The Quito Six Senses Tour is a unique day tour of the city's historic centre, where all the senses are stimulated. You will explore lively squares, colonial streets and impressive churches, and meet local artisans who practice their craft with passion. Along the way, you will taste traditional delicacies, admire art in distinctive neighbourhoods such as La Ronda and San Marcos, and end the day with a cultural activity and a cocktail on a terrace with stunning views of the city and the iconic Panecillo Hill. A complete and sensory introduction to Quito's rich culture and history.
In the evening, you have a dinner reservation at Nuema, one of the 50 Best Discovery restaurants in the world. Nuema is known for its innovative Ecuadorian cuisine, presenting local ingredients and traditional flavours in sophisticated and creative ways.
Inclusief:
- Meet & Greet at the airport
- Private transfer to your hotel
- Private Quito Six Senses Tour
- Dinner reservation at Nuema, including transfers
- Overnight stays including breakfast
Exclusief:
- International flight
Journey to the Amazon
Upon arrival at Quito International Airport, you will be met by one of the La Selva representatives in the national departure area. Here they will assist you with check-in and give you a brief briefing on the trip. After a 30-minute commercial flight to Puerto Francisco de Orellana "El Coca", the representative will transfer you by private transfer to the city's main port on the Napo River.
For the next two hours, you will descend the river in a motorised canoe on what will be the start of an unforgettable experience in the tropical rainforest, the Amazon. At the end of the motorised canoe trip, you will be dropped off at La Selva's main jetty and begin your first encounter with the rainforest. All you need to take care of during this part of the trip is your hand luggage and camera equipment, all other luggage will be carried by La Selva staff.
The manager will be waiting for you with a refreshing juice, snacks and a short briefing with general information about your stay at La Selva. One of the nature guides will give you basic information about the tropical rainforest, the Amazon and how La Selva works. The idea is to start your activities with background knowledge of the amazing place you have just arrived at.
You can go hiking on the Matapalo Trail. This trail got its Spanish name from the famous strangler fig (Ficus sp), one of the many remarkable trees you will find on this short hike. Mahogany trees more than 400 years old can be seen and your guides will share their knowledge about the flora and fauna. Because of the time of day, there is plenty of natural light and the diurnal and nocturnal animals begin their daily transitional activities.
Inclusief:
- Private transfer to the airport
- Domestic flight Quito - El Coca
- Transfer to the port
- Motorised canoe trip to the lodge
- 5 days/ 4 nights stay at La Selva Ecolodge on full board basis including all guided activities and excursions in the reserve
Amazon Rainforest
After a 20-minute walk, the observation tower comes into view. This amazing structure will allow you to climb 120 feet above the forest. Your naturalist and indigenous guides will help you spot the colourful birds of the Amazon and maybe even certain primates. On the way back from the tower, there is the opportunity to take the Tucaneta Trail where your guide can show you some of the medicinal plants still in use today and your naturalist guide will provide you with interesting information about the ecology and natural history of the Amazon.
You can also follow the Charapa Trail. This trail takes about an hour and starts at the lodge and ends at the edge of the lagoon. It is a great loop where various mammals, monkeys and birds can be seen coming closer to the lagoon at this time in search of food. It is also perfect for watching the Amazon sunset from the water in the canoe.
Inclusief:
- 5 days/ 4 nights stay at La Selva Ecolodge on full board basis including all guided activities and excursions in the reserve
Amazon Rainforest
Today, return to the Napo River and take a motorised canoe trip to the clay licks, one of the most fascinating displays of wildlife. Hundreds of parrots and parakeets gather here to eat the mineral-rich soil, an important part of their diet. Binoculars are essential to really capture the moment.
After this, you will be taken to a cultural activity. An Amazonian Kichua woman will welcome you to their community centre to tell you about Kichua life in the Amazon. This is special because this is a part of the Amazon you won't find on maps, and it offers the special and unique opportunity to learn more about the people of the Amazon.
In the afternoon, take a fantastic hike on the Coto Trail that leaves from the lodge to the edge of Garzacocha Lagoon. In the afternoon, the light of the sun usually comes from behind, making this hike a great experience and the perfect opportunity to enjoy the beauty of this amazing forest. During this walk, groups of tamarin monkeys can be spotted and sometimes you can even spot tapirs.
Your naturalist guide will explain all the different creatures that can be found and the native guide will show you some of the medical plants they have been using for thousands of years. A canoe trip back to the lodge is a nice ending to this activity.
Inclusief:
- 5 days/ 4 nights stay at La Selva Ecolodge on full board basis including all guided activities and excursions in the reserve
Amazon Rainforest
Not all lodges can offer an exotic deep wilderness trip like where you are going on this adventure. You will hike for about 3-4 hours through an amazing primary forest of Mandi Forest, starting at the main dock on the Napo River. In this type of ecosystem, there are chances to find some of the largest mammals of the rainforest, such as peccaries or wild pigs, deer or tapirs.
Eventually, you will reach the Mandi Cocha lagoon. Here you board a fibreglass canoe and paddle through the wondrous Igapo forest. This is a temporarily flooded blackwater forest. Here you may see several bird species and some of the guests, who are extra lucky, may encounter the elusive giant otter.
The Garzacocha lagoon is one of the most beautiful in the entire Ecuadorian Amazon. On this trek along the Ceiba Trail, you are more likely to see different species of monkeys and birds. Sometimes large groups of squirrel monkeys join families of capuchin monkeys to forage for food. Howler monkeys also like to spend late afternoons around the lagoon and you can hear their huge calls echoing on the lake. You might even see the famous dwarf marmoset, the smallest monkey in the world. Seven species of primates can be seen in La Selva. More wildlife that can be seen are the Hoatzin, a famous bird with very strange appearance and adaptations, toucans, macaws, and many other species of birds.
On a night walk give you the chance to enjoy the creatures and sounds of the Amazon forest by night. Sometimes you will see amazing things during this activity. Make sure to bring a torch for this amazing experience.
Inclusief:
- 5 days/ 4 nights stay at La Selva Ecolodge on full board basis including all guided activities and excursions in the reserve
Return to Quito
Your multi-day adventure in the Ecuadorian Amazon comes to an end today. You will fly via domestic flight back to Quito where you will spend one night before starting your next adventure. You will spend the night in the same hotel you stayed in at the beginning of the trip.
Inclusief:
- Transfer and boat transfer to the airport
- Domestic flight Coca - Quito
- Private transfer to your hotel
- Overnight accommodation including breakfast
The cloud forests of Masphi
In the morning, you will be taken by transfer to the Mashpi Reserve, a 1,200-hectare nature reserve located within Quito's capital district. The area is part of the Ecuadorian Choco rainforest, known as one of the world's greatest biodiversity hotspots. The sudden shift in altitude from 2,800m to 1,000m above sea level will allow you to discover the spectacular natural diversity of the Andean landscape as we travel through the dry valley of Pomasqui to the western flank of the Cordillera, into lush, misty cloud forests, and enter the magical world of Mashpi.
After lunch and a briefing, you will be comfortably installed in your room where you can rest before starting your afternoon activities. During the briefing, you will be introduced to the cloud forest and its conservation, the activities to choose from during your stay, and useful tips on what to wear and take on excursions.
After a short rest, you will gather in the lobby for your first adventure on one of the reserve's trails, chosen by the guides depending on daily conditions. This walk will serve as an introduction to the ecological successional processes and the importance of forest conservation for the Chocó region. All trails offer great scenic beauty and each contains a unique attraction, such as a forest of "iron palm" (Iriartea deltoidea), special bird-watching opportunities, or other unexpected surprises.
For all guests who want to know more about the ecology of the cloud forest, the lodge gives a series of different lectures every evening, such as the "Secret Wildlife of Mashpi, the camera project", or the "Chocó, a biological hotspot", which deal with the origins and diversity of the Chocó, and scientific research projects. The lectures are given by one of the naturalists or the biologist at 7.30pm.
Inclusief:
- Shared transfer to Mashpi
- 5-day/4-night stay at the Mashpi Lodge on a full board basis including all guided activities and excursions in the reserve
Mashpi cloud forest
The forest always rewards the "early birds", as daylight brings a variety of fascinating bird species in their search for food. A good place to find birds is the hotel terrace, with a cup of fresh coffee, tea or hot chocolate in hand, from where you can enjoy not only the beauty of the forest, but also the many species that come to feed on insects and fruits on nearby trees. The guides will help you see what is around, and offer a peek through their telescope for a personal look at the incredible birdlife of Mashpi property. This activity starts at 6:30 am and lasts about an hour. Afterwards, enjoy breakfast at the lodge's restaurant.
You will have the opportunity to experience between eight and 10 rainforest experiences, as well as time to enjoy the new wellness offerings. Your guides will recommend the best daily programme for you and your group, depending on your interests, your level of physical fitness and daily weather and trail conditions. Choose from the many trails and activities, including area waterfalls, Life Centre, observation tower, dragonfly canopy ride, sky bike, hummingbird viewpoint, night walks, wellness centre and night briefings.
Inclusief:
- 5-day/4-night stay at the Mashpi Lodge on a full board basis including all guided activities and excursions in the reserve
Mashpi cloud forest
At sunrise, why not rejoin the early risers on the hotel terrace? Afterwards, enjoy a fresh cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate. From above, the natural beauty of the forest presents itself loud and clear as a multitude of animals flutter, fly and buzz around in search of their own morning treat. The nature guides at Mashpi Lodge are no strangers to this scene, and are happy to help you identify the almost overwhelming number of different species here, and lend you their binoculars to admire the mesmerising array of birds that seem to be just inches from your eyes.
Inclusief:
- 5-day/4-night stay at the Mashpi Lodge on a full board basis including all guided activities and excursions in the reserve
Mashpi cloud forest
Head to the Yoga Deck and awaken your mind and soul in the beautiful expanse of the cloud forest. Cool off from the excitement and refuel for the day ahead by heading down for breakfast. After breakfast, your guides will suggest the best day programme for you and your group, depending on your interests, your level of physical fitness and daily weather and hiking conditions. Choose from the many trails and activities and keep adding new experiences to your trip. A delicious lunch and dinner await you after each new adventure.
Inclusief:
- 5-day/4-night stay at the Mashpi Lodge on a full board basis including all guided activities and excursions in the reserve
Return to Quito
Your multi-day adventure in the cloud forests of Mashpi comes to an end again and you will travel by transfer back to Quito where you will spend the next night again at the now-familiar hotel. Here you will prepare for your next destination: the magical Galapgos Islands!
Inclusief:
- Shared transfer to your hotel
- Overnight accommodation including breakfast
Travel to the Galapagos Islands
A private transfer will take you to Quito airport from where you will fly to the Galapagos archipelago by domestic flight. On arrival, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred by transfer to the unique Pikaia Ecolodge. Here you will have lunch at the Evolution Restaurant.
In the afternoon, you will have time to relax and familiarise yourself with the lodge's facilities and beautiful surroundings. We recommend having a therapeutic treatment at our Sumaq spa, swimming in the Infinity Pool, exercising in the gym, or hiking or cycling within the lodge's 31-hectare grounds, located in the heart of a turtle sanctuary. You will have dinner in the evening at the Evolution Restaurant included.
Inclusief:
- Private transfer to the airport
- Domestic flight Quito - Baltra
- Transfer to your lodge
- Full-board accommodation including activities
North Seymour & Bachas (Tuesday)
The day starts in the lobby, where you will find a coffee/tea station. Here you will meet your assigned nature guide for the day's adventure. Shortly after boarding the Vision Pikaia yacht, breakfast will be served while the yacht is en route to North Seymour, the first island. Here you can explore the unique flora and fauna of the Galapagos, including blue-footed boobies, frigate birds and sea lions.
As the yacht navigates to the second island, Bachas Beach, don the provided wetsuits to participate in a snorkelling activity. At Bachas Beach, enjoy a walk along the white sand beaches, famous for their sea turtles and lagoons filled with native birds such as flamingos.
Afterwards, retire to your private air-conditioned cabin to shower and freshen up before lunch is served. About two hours before sunset, the yacht returns to Pikaia Lodge.
Tips Travel Specialist
The programme can be tailored to the days you stay at the Pikaia Lodge.
Inclusief:
- Full-board accommodation including activities
Bartolome & Chinese Hat (Wednesday)
Board the Vision Pikaia yacht where your breakfast will be served as you sail to the first island, Bartolomé. Here you can enjoy stunning views from Pinnacle Rock and explore the volcanic landscapes and beaches.
Then, as the yacht navigates to Chinese Hat, you will have the chance to don wetsuits for a snorkelling activity. At Chinese Hat, enjoy the quiet bays and beaches, where you may encounter sea lions, Galapagos penguins and reef sharks.
After the activity, retire to your private air-conditioned cabin to shower and freshen up, before lunch is served. About two hours before sunset, the yacht returns to Pikaia Lodge.
Inclusief:
- Full-board accommodation including activities
Highlands Santa Cruz (Thursday)
The day starts with breakfast in the lodge's own restaurant. You will meet your assigned nature guide in the lobby, after which you will depart for the first part of the day's adventure.
In the morning, you will visit the highlands of Santa Cruz, where you will hike through lush vegetation and see the famous giant tortoises in their natural habitat. This region also offers impressive lava tunnels and stunning views of the island.
Next, visit the Twin Craters, two impressive craters created by collapses of volcanic vents. This unique geological formation offers stunning views and is an ideal place to learn more about the geology and ecosystem of the Galapagos.
In the afternoon, you will make a visit to the Charles Darwin Station, where you will learn more about conservation efforts in the Galapagos Islands. You will have a chance to visit the turtle hatchery and learn about the scientific projects focused on preserving the islands' unique flora and fauna.
Inclusief:
- Full-board accommodation including activities
Half-day Santa Cruz island
Today, you will take part in an exciting half-day excursion on Santa Cruz Island, where you will have the chance to explore its unique landscapes, observe fascinating wildlife and learn more about the island's rich natural history.
In the afternoon, you will return to the luxurious Pikaia Lodge, where you will have plenty of time to unwind and enjoy the excellent facilities. Relax by the infinity pool with panoramic views of the Galápagos, treat yourself to a soothing spa treatment or simply enjoy the serene atmosphere and exceptional service for which the lodge is renowned.
Inclusief:
- Full-board accommodation including activities
Accommodations
Casa Gangotena Hotel
Casa Gangotena is located on the corner of Plaza San Francisco in Quito, just steps away from several attractions such as the Jesuit Church of La Compañía de Jesús, Plaza Santo Domingo, the palace and the hustle and bustle of Quito's Old Town.
The historic mansion has been restored as an elegant...
Casa Gangotena is located on the corner of Plaza San Francisco in Quito, just steps away from several attractions such as the Jesuit Church of La Compañía de Jesús, Plaza Santo Domingo, the palace and the hustle and bustle of Quito's Old Town.
The historic mansion has been restored as an elegant boutique hotel with neoclassical elements. There is a restaurant and lounge areas both indoors and outdoors. There are stunning views from the terrace. There are several room types, all in style and equipped with all conveniences.
The hotel also offers five different experiences inclusive. All experiences are conducted on site, except the Secrets of Quito walk. On each visit, a Casa Gangotena staff member will accompany you, as if you were being guided by a family member.
Casa Gangotena is a member of Relais & Châteaux; a global community of family-owned and family-managed luxury hotels and restaurants that values the richness and diversity of the world's culinary and hospitality traditions. Casa Gangotena is the only Relais & Châteaux hotel in Quito.
Your stay: 2 nights
La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat
Located in Ecuador's paradise rainforest and adjacent to Yasuni National Park is the luxury resort La Selva lodge. The lodge overlooks the beautiful waters of Lake Garzacocha. As night falls, you will enjoy delicious dishes in the restaurant prepared by renowned chefs with on the...
Located in Ecuador's paradise rainforest and adjacent to Yasuni National Park is the luxury resort La Selva lodge. The lodge overlooks the beautiful waters of Lake Garzacocha. As night falls, you will enjoy delicious dishes in the restaurant prepared by renowned chefs with the singing of the birds and animals of the Amazon in the background. The stylish cabanas are inspired by native bamboo designs. Many have tubs, rainforest showers and lake views.
At La Selva, the day focuses on excursions, in which you and your group are accompanied by a local English-speaking nature guide, exploring the trails, lagoon and rivers of the Amazon rainforest. There are literally thousands of plants and animals to observe around the lodge and lagoon, including parrots, monkeys, toucans, caimans and frogs.
Sustainability
La Selva Ecolodge is actively committed to keeping the lodge in line with the sustainable developments of recent times. For instance, they are in the process of becoming as fossil-free a lodge as possible and using solar panels. Furthermore, they have a strong partnership with the indigenous Pilchi community for work and the lodge is a member of The International Ecotourism Society (TIES). In addition, the lodge is affiliated to the Pack for a purpose initiative.
Pack for a purpose
La Selva Amazon Ecolodge & Spa is affiliated with Pack for a Purpose. Pack for a Purpose is a charitable organisation that allows travellers to spend several kilos of their luggage weight to help local residents. Think school supplies, clothes, medical equipment and other necessities donated to the local project through the lodge. To make sure you bring what is actually needed locally, the lodge explains the project.
Click here for information about the project at La Selva Amazon Ecolodge & Spa:
https://www.packforapurpose.org/destinations/south-america/ecuador/la-selva-amazon-ecolodge-and-spa/
Your stay: 4 nights
Casa Gangotena Hotel
Casa Gangotena is located on the corner of Plaza San Francisco in Quito, just steps away from several attractions such as the Jesuit Church of La Compañía de Jesús, Plaza Santo Domingo, the palace and the hustle and bustle of Quito's Old Town.
The historic mansion has been restored as an elegant...
Casa Gangotena is located on the corner of Plaza San Francisco in Quito, just steps away from several attractions such as the Jesuit Church of La Compañía de Jesús, Plaza Santo Domingo, the palace and the hustle and bustle of Quito's Old Town.
The historic mansion has been restored as an elegant boutique hotel with neoclassical elements. There is a restaurant and lounge areas both indoors and outdoors. There are stunning views from the terrace. There are several room types, all in style and equipped with all conveniences.
The hotel also offers five different experiences inclusive. All experiences are conducted on site, except the Secrets of Quito walk. On each visit, a Casa Gangotena staff member will accompany you, as if you were being guided by a family member.
Casa Gangotena is a member of Relais & Châteaux; a global community of family-owned and family-managed luxury hotels and restaurants that values the richness and diversity of the world's culinary and hospitality traditions. Casa Gangotena is the only Relais & Châteaux hotel in Quito.
Your stay: 1 night
Mashpi Lodge
The Mashpi Lodge is designed to make the most of the serene natural beauty. The five-star level is not just limited to the accommodation: the comfort, the service AND the guides - during your stay a number of nature excursions are included (such as bird watching, hikes, or a visit to the...
The Mashpi Lodge is designed to make the most of the serene natural beauty. The five-star level is not limited to the accommodation alone: the comfort, the service ánd the guides - during your stay a number of nature excursions are included (such as bird watching, hikes, or a visit to the butterfly centre) - are of equal, if not higher, standard.
The sophisticated and strikingly contemporary lodge is designed as the ideal base for exploring the reserve's biodiverse world. The Mashpi Lodge is situated on a high plateau surrounded by a cloud forest accessible only to guests of the lodge. The lodge was built using the latest techniques in sustainable construction and designed to blend beautifully into its natural surroundings. It has a contemporary, minimalist décor; a mix of warm earth tones, tones of bright colours, clean lines and striking angles and beautiful vistas: ideal for contemplation and relaxation.
Sustainability
By staying at Mashpi Lodge, you support conservation and a better understanding of the unique ecosystem of the Choco rainforest. It is estimated that the tropical forests, which cover only 6% of the world's surface, contain somewhere between half and three-quarters of the Earth's plant and animal species. Mashpi also works strongly with the local community, implementing an innovative programme in which they, as well as lodge employees, become shareholders in the company.
Your stay: 4 nights
Casa Gangotena Hotel
Casa Gangotena is located on the corner of Plaza San Francisco in Quito, just steps away from several attractions such as the Jesuit Church of La Compañía de Jesús, Plaza Santo Domingo, the palace and the hustle and bustle of Quito's Old Town.
The historic mansion has been restored as an elegant...
Casa Gangotena is located on the corner of Plaza San Francisco in Quito, just steps away from several attractions such as the Jesuit Church of La Compañía de Jesús, Plaza Santo Domingo, the palace and the hustle and bustle of Quito's Old Town.
The historic mansion has been restored as an elegant boutique hotel with neoclassical elements. There is a restaurant and lounge areas both indoors and outdoors. There are stunning views from the terrace. There are several room types, all in style and equipped with all conveniences.
The hotel also offers five different experiences inclusive. All experiences are conducted on site, except the Secrets of Quito walk. On each visit, a Casa Gangotena staff member will accompany you, as if you were being guided by a family member.
Casa Gangotena is a member of Relais & Châteaux; a global community of family-owned and family-managed luxury hotels and restaurants that values the richness and diversity of the world's culinary and hospitality traditions. Casa Gangotena is the only Relais & Châteaux hotel in Quito.
Your stay: 1 night
Pikaia Lodge
Pikaia Lodge is an adventure eco-lodge located on one of the islands in the Galapagos archipelago. The lodge offers luxurious comfort and unique views. During your stay, you will enjoy various land and marine activities with knowledgeable guides in small groups. In the evenings, unwind in the spacious and peaceful...
Pikaia Lodge is an adventure eco-lodge located on one of the islands in the Galapagos archipelago. The lodge offers luxurious comfort and unique views. During your stay, you will enjoy various land and marine activities with knowledgeable guides in small groups. In the evening, you will unwind in the spacious and peaceful lodge. With its central location in the island archipelago, Santa Cruz Island offers the perfect opportunity to explore the Galapagos.
The lodge has its own luxury ships so you can sail to the various islands in a short time. Also, Santa Cruz offers stunning scenery with some of the most beautiful white beaches. Surrounding the Pikaia Lodge is a private turtle reserve where you can take walks to view the special animals. The Pikaia Lodge will make your stay in the Galapagos a unique experience.
The Pikaia Lodge is a member of Relais & Châteaux; a global community of luxury hotels and restaurants owned and managed by a family, where the richness and diversity of the world's culinary and hospitality traditions are highly valued.
Sustainability
Pikaia Lodge has been designed and equipped to the highest environmental specifications. World-class experts were brought in to help the lodge meet the challenge of providing their guests with five-star luxury where all energy, resource and water needs are met for optimal comfort, while achieving an operational carbon-neutral status.
Pack for a purpose
Pikaia Lodge is affiliated with Pack for a Purpose. Pack for a Purpose is a charitable organisation that allows travellers to spend several kilos of their luggage weight to help local residents. Think school supplies, clothes, medical equipment and other necessities donated to the local project through the lodge. To make sure you bring what is actually needed locally, the lodge explains the project.
Click here for information about the project at Pikaia Lodge:
https://www.packforapurpose.org/destinations/south-america/ecuador/pikaia-lodge/
Your stay: 5 nights
Experiences
Avila Experience- Quito Six Senses Tour - Experience Quito with all your senses
The Quito Six Senses Tour is a unique and innovative experience, where all human senses are stimulated during an unforgettable exploration of the historic heart of Quito. During this day trip, you will explore lively squares, colonial streets such as the "Street of the Seven Crosses", visit...
The Quito Six Senses Tour is a unique and innovative experience, where all human senses are stimulated during an unforgettable exploration of the historic heart of Quito. During this day trip, you will explore lively squares, colonial streets like the "Street of the Seven Crosses", visit impressive churches and meet local artisans who keep the secrets of the Escuela Quiteña alive. You will taste traditional sweets, admire art in bohemian La Ronda and charming San Marcos, and end the day with a cultural activity and a cocktail on a terrace with stunning views of the city and the iconic Panecillo Hill. This sensory journey offers an in-depth introduction to the culture, history and flavours of Quito.
Destinations
North Seymour Island
Despite its small size, North Seymour Island is well worth a visit for its amazing amount of wildlife. You will be treated to sea lions, iguanas basking in the sun and pelicans flying along the shore. The island is also famous for the Blue-footed John of Ghent. At Bachas, you can enjoy some excellent snorkelling spots and the lagoon where you are likely to see swarms of flamingos. With its extraordinary abundance of wildlife and proximity to Santa Cruz, North Seymour Island makes an ideal destination for an adventurous day trip.
Bartolome Island
Bartolome is one of the most visited and photographed islands for its diversity of nature. At the foot of an extinct volcano are mangrove forests, tufa cones and black lava fields. Visitors usually swim and snorkel around the iconic Pinnacle Rock, where they are treated to an impressive natural environment that is home to penguins, sea turtles, white reef sharks and other marine animals. Many of these are found nowhere else on earth.
Sombrero Chino
This islet is located just off the coast of the island of Santiago and, as the name suggests, it is shaped like a Chinese hat. The island has a landing strip which is located to the north on the white sandy beach. From here you can follow a hiking trail where you are almost certain to spot Galapagos penguins. sea lions and crabs. The hiking trail takes you to the western part of the island where you can clearly see its volcanic features. An otherworldly landscape topped off by Iguanas bathing in tide pools.
Santa Cruz Island
Santa Cruz is centrally located and also the second largest island in the archipelago. Puerto Ayora is located here which in turn is the largest city in the Galapagos. Here you will therefore find everything else you could possibly need (from ATMs to bars and internet cafés). For visitors, it is a very varied island where all kinds of things can be undertaken.
Galapagos Islands
The archipelago that inspired Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. The remote volcanic islands, a thousand kilometres off the Ecuatorian coast, are home to extraordinary biodiversity. Many animal species are found nowhere else in the world. These include marine iguanas, giant Galapagos tortoises and blue-footed boobies. Sea lions, penguins and albatrosses also have their home here. Below the surface of the sea, as on land, it teems with life. Marine mammals and fish, including whales, manta rays and hammerhead sharks have populated the ocean.
N.B.: The Galapagos archipelago is a protected nature reserve where strict regulations must be followed during your visit; always follow your guide's instructions so as not to damage the very special and unique ecosystem.
Quito
Quito averages 2,850 metres above sea level in the Andes mountains. The colonial downtown was one of the first city centres to be inscribed on the World Heritage List and is beautifully maintained. Quito is ranked among the continent's most beautiful cities. It also has one of the largest colonial centres in Latin America; only Havana in Cuba has a larger historic core, but is not nearly as beautifully restored. Outside the old city centre, Quito also has modern neighbourhoods.... On a clear day, Quito offers stunning views of the snow-capped summit of the Cotopaxi volcano. And where Rio de Janeiro has the famous statue of Christ, in Quito a stone Maria looks out over the city from the 'Panecillo' hill.
Amazon Basin
The Amazon is the world's largest rainforest with biodiversity unmatched anywhere in the world. The Amazon River, together with all its tributaries, forms by far the largest system of rivers in the world. The area spans nine countries including Brazil. It is the habitat of 20% of all birds and plants, and 10% of all mammals on earth. Surpassing and mega figures aside, a stay in the jungle is surely the way to turn numbers into experiences. The rich flora and fauna exceed any visitor's expectations. By boat and on foot, explore the rainforest and look for monkeys, parrots, crocodiles and other jungle animals!
Ecuador
The Amazon Ecuador
The Amazon stretches across as many as eight South American countries, with the highlight being the Ecuadorian Amazon. Here, visitors can experience a combination of adventurous jungle trails and rich bird and animal life. It also features indigenous settlements and jungle eco-lodges that allow guests to get up close and personal with the natural environment.
Mashpi Biodiversity Reserve
The Mashpi reserve is a large area of untouched wilderness which is located between a cloud forest and a rainforest. The surrounding cloud forest is a paradise for birdwatchers and hikers. As many as 450 bird species live among the green forests, including 39 hummingbirds. You will also find many species of orchids and bromeliads, as well as the rare Andean bear.
Galapagos National Park
The spectacular Galapagos National Park is located about 1,000 kilometres off the coast of Ecuador on the Santa Cruz island of the Galapagos archipelago. The park is often called a 'living museum' for its phenomenal melting pot of species.
The area inspired Charles Darwin's evolutionary theories and is considered a living laboratory where evolution is still going on. The park is home to a variety of animals and plants found nowhere else. These factors, along with ongoing volcanic and seismic activity, have earned the park UNESCO status.
Visitors can spot animals such as land iguanas, giant tortoises, a diversity of finches and many other animal and plant species here. Located at the confluence of three sea currents, there is also an incredibly rich and abundant marine life off the coast.
N.B.: The Galapagos Archipelago is a protected nature reserve where strict regulations must be followed during your visit; always follow your guide's instructions so as not to damage the very special and unique ecosystem.
Cloudforest Ecuador
Running along most of the length of the country, Ecuador's subtropical Cloud Forest is a wonderland of phenomenal nature, thrilling adventure sports, and fascinating traditional villages. Set at around 2000 metres above sea level, the forest lives up to its name with sky-scraping trees decorated with brightly coloured orchids and bromeliads. It boasts more than 20 per cent of the world's bird species, including 35 species of hummingbirds, among other showstoppers. Animal lovers may catch glimpses of the endangered spectacled bear, as well as puma, Andean coati, and tayra. Activities on offer include sky-biking - pedalling over the canopies - as well as zip lining, mountain biking, rappelling down waterfalls, horse riding, and cable car rides. Discover the area's unique culture in the village of Mindo, or visit one of the local chocolate farms.
Northern Andes Ecuador
With a dramatic landscape of soaring peaks, numerous volcanoes and exuberant cloud forests are the Northern Andes, a long, narrow plateau looming over Ecuador's western region. Visitors to the area can lose themselves in the wide variety of things to do on the mountain slopes, ranging from exciting outdoor activities to fascinating cultural experiences. Highlights include a scenic hike and canopy tour along the verdant landscape of Mindo Cloud Forest and a stroll along the cobblestone streets of Quito's Old Town to see the beautiful colonial architecture. Don't miss a visit to the small town of Otavalo, home to the hugely popular Otavalo Market, known as the largest market for traditional jewellery, textiles and handicrafts in South America.
Ecuador and Galapagos trip | Luxury trip Amazon and Galapagos
We offer the described trip from €17,290 per person.
The travel price is an indication and is subject to availability and travel period.
Included
• Domestic flights including hold luggage
• Accommodation in excellent and distinctive lodges and hotels
• All meals as specified in the ‘itinerary’
• All necessary private transfers as mentioned
• All excursions as mentioned in the ‘itinerary’, including a city tour of Quito, a multi-day Amazon adventure and activities at the Mashpi Lodge
• Entrance fees where applicable
• Meet & Greet on arrival
• National Geographic or similar travel guide
• Administration fees (€50 per booking)
Positive impact of your trip:
• Contribution of €100 per person towards a positive impact via the Avila Foundation
• Accommodation at La Selva Eco-lodge in the Amazon, Masphi Lodge and Pikaia Lodge in the Galápagos
Not included
- International flights
- Upgrade room type
- Travel and/or cancellation insurance
- Entrance fee Galapagos Islands (USD 220,- p.p. cash)
- Tourist tax (if applicable)
- Seat reservations
- Personal expenses/tipping
- Departure tax if applicable when leaving destination
- Entrance fees if applicable
- Not specified meals and optional excursions
- Contribution Calamity Fund (€2,50 per booking)
- SGR contribution (€5 per person)