Ecuador: Amazonas to Galapagos

Welcome to Quito, the capital of Ecuador! When you arrive at the airport, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel.

Take a private tour of the historic districts of Quito today. On the drive from your hotel in the newer section of the city, watch as your surroundings transform to the historic character. Notice architecture from the colonial period of Ecuador’s history. Visit beautiful churches, such as La Basilica Church and La Compañia Church. Tour the many plazas and local shops and take time to experience the wonderful atmosphere of the city. Your tour then continues to El Panecillo Hill, which is in the center of the city and offers amazing views of the whole city and even the snow-capped volcanoes that surround Quito. In the afternoon, visit the Equator at “Mitad del Mundo” – the middle of the world. Here you can straddle the equatorial line, placing one foot in each hemisphere, or try some experiments for fun.

Return to the Quito airport today for a flight to Lago Agrio. A bus from the Siona Lodge will pick you up and drive you to the east for about 1.5 hours to reach the Cuyabeno Reserve. Along your drive, notice the effects of increased human habitation in this important tropical region, especially the dominant presence of the oil industry. The bus brings you to “el puente,” which means “the bridge.” Stop for lunch here, then leave the bus and enter the reserve by canoe. Soon after your canoe is in the water, signs of civilization will disappear. In this exotic wilderness, watch for the amazing and diverse wildlife all around you. You might see snakes, including anacondas, a variety of monkeys, and many birds, including herons, kingfishers, and cormorants. When you reach the lodge, you’ll learn more about what is planned for your stay in the Cuyabeno Reserve.

Today offers a full slate of activities to help you explore the jungle. The lodge will supply you with rubber boots for an exciting walk through the jungle. Sail through breathtaking lagoons where you can take in the exquisite scenery and watch for all kinds of wildlife. The afternoon holds opportunities to fish for piranhas or search the river for pink dolphins. At sunset, enjoy a swim in the lagoon, then after dark take a walk to experience the jungle at night. Rest well at the Siona Lodge after an absolutely magical day.

Learn more about the indigenous people of this region with a visit to a local Siona community. Ride in a lovely long canoe from the lodge to the two local communities where the native people farm the land and fish in the river. Visit the home of a family who will show you more about their daily life and demonstrate how they make yuca bread. There may also be an opportunity to visit the local shaman. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the village then return to the lodge by canoe. Watch for parrots, dolphins, monkeys, and other wildlife along the river.

Leave the Siona Lodge today, canoeing down the river to Lago Agrio. From here, fly back to Quito airport and transfer to your Quito hotel for the night.

Return to the Quito airport and fly to the Galapagos Islands. Begin your Galapagos experience with a guided tour of the Charles Darwin Center in Puerto Ayora. This tour provides you with a fascinating introduction to this truly unique part of the world and will help you to better appreciate and enjoy your time here.

Explore the Galapagos today on your own. A recommended destination is Tortuga Bay, where you’ll find a large, sandy beach. It’s a great location to go snorkeling, swimming, kayaking or surfing depending on your interest. You can also relax on the beach or take a walk to enjoy your incredible surroundings.

In the morning, make your way to the Baltra Island Airport and transfer to your cruise ship for your Galapagos Island Cruise. Cruise itineraries vary depending on which tour you choose. Some cruises will explore the Santa Cruz highlands in the afternoon.

Your itinerary will vary, however for example you may cruise to the island of Floreana. Spend the morning exploring Post Office Bay and the Baroness Lookout. In the afternoon, enjoy Devil’s Crown and Cormoran Point.

Your itinerary will vary, however for example you may visit the island of Española today. On the itinerary are stops at Suarez Point, Gardner Bay, Gardner Islet, and Osborn Islet.

End your Galapagos cruise today with a visit to San Cristobal Island. From the airport at San Cristobal, fly to Guayaquil airport on the mainland. Your Amazonas to Galapagos tour has now reached its end. Please plan your return flight from the Guayaquil airport late in the evening.