Ecuador 12 Days Quito Amazon Rainforest Galapagos Cruise

Upon arrival in Quito, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and privately transferred to your selected boutique hotel. Quito, known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” sits high in the Andes and offers a fascinating blend of colonial charm and vibrant modern life. Depending on your arrival time, you may stroll through the cobblestone streets of the old town, enjoy panoramic views from a rooftop terrace, or simply rest at your hotel after the journey. Tonight is about relaxation and preparing for the adventures ahead. Overnight in Quito.

After breakfast, set out on a private guided tour of Quito’s historic center, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin at Independence Square, where the Presidential Palace and the Cathedral dominate the plaza. Visit the ornate Church of La Compañía, famous for its golden interior, and the San Francisco Monastery, one of the oldest religious complexes in South America. Stroll the charming streets filled with colonial architecture, artisan shops, and local markets. Later, ascend Panecillo Hill for sweeping views of the city framed by Andean peaks. The day ends with leisure time to enjoy the city’s culinary scene. Overnight in Quito.

This morning, transfer to Quito airport for your short flight to Coca, the gateway to Ecuador’s Amazon. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by your lodge team and transferred via motorized canoe along the Napo River. The journey itself is an adventure, surrounded by lush jungle and exotic sounds. Arrive at your luxury eco-lodge, where you’ll be greeted with refreshing drinks and an introduction to the rainforest environment. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walk through nearby trails, learning about medicinal plants and spotting wildlife. As night falls, the jungle awakens with nocturnal creatures. Overnight in the Amazon lodge.

Awaken to the sounds of howler monkeys and exotic birds as you prepare for a full day of Amazon exploration. Activities may include canoe rides through oxbow lakes, where giant otters and caimans dwell, or hikes deep into the forest guided by expert naturalists. Birdwatching is exceptional here, with hundreds of species including toucans, parrots, and macaws. Learn about indigenous traditions and the intricate ecosystem that sustains life in the rainforest. In the evening, join a night excursion to discover frogs, insects, and other creatures that thrive after sunset. Overnight in the Amazon lodge.

Today you venture deeper into the rainforest for even more immersive experiences. Paddle silently through narrow creeks, observing monkeys leaping through the canopy and colorful butterflies fluttering overhead. Visit a parrot clay lick, where hundreds of parrots and parakeets gather in a spectacle of color and sound. Hike to observation towers rising above the treetops for panoramic views of the endless green jungle. The day blends adventure with quiet reflection in one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth. Return to the lodge for a final dinner in the Amazon. Overnight in the lodge.

After breakfast, enjoy a final canoe ride along the Napo River as you bid farewell to the Amazon. Transfer back to Coca airport for your flight to Quito. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and taken to your boutique hotel in the city. The afternoon is free to rest, shop for artisan crafts, or explore the lively neighborhoods. This evening is yours to enjoy at leisure, perhaps sampling Ecuadorian cuisine in one of the city’s acclaimed restaurants. Overnight in Quito.

Early in the morning, transfer to Quito airport for your flight to the Galápagos Islands. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by the yacht’s crew and escorted to the harbor to embark on your exclusive cruise. Settle into your private cabin and enjoy lunch on board as the yacht sets sail into turquoise waters. The afternoon may include your first island excursion, where you encounter sea lions, marine iguanas, or seabirds. As the sun sets, relax on deck with a cocktail while anticipating the days ahead. Overnight aboard the yacht.

Floreana is known for its intriguing history and rich wildlife. Visit Punta Cormorant, where a green-sand beach leads to a brackish lagoon home to flamingos and shorebirds. Continue to Devil’s Crown, a submerged volcanic crater that offers some of the best snorkeling in the Galápagos, teeming with reef sharks, sea turtles, and colorful fish. In the afternoon, discover Post Office Bay, a unique tradition where travelers leave postcards in a wooden barrel to be hand-delivered around the world. Floreana’s blend of wildlife, history, and landscapes makes it a captivating destination. Overnight aboard the yacht.

Española is one of the most biodiverse and iconic islands in the Galápagos. Begin at Punta Suárez, where trails lead to colonies of blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, and the majestic waved albatross (seasonal). Marine iguanas unique to this island display vivid red and green colors. The dramatic cliffs are home to blowholes that spray water high into the air, adding drama to the landscape. Later, relax at Gardner Bay, a stunning white-sand beach lined with sea lions. Snorkeling here offers encounters with reef fish, rays, and playful sea lions. Overnight aboard the yacht.

San Cristóbal, one of the main inhabited islands, offers both natural and cultural experiences. Visit Cerro Brujo, a striking tuff cone formation with pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, perfect for snorkeling and kayaking. Later, explore Punta Pitt, home to all three species of boobies—blue-footed, Nazca, and red-footed. In the afternoon, stroll through Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, where local life thrives amidst a backdrop of sea lions lounging along the waterfront. San Cristóbal perfectly blends Galápagos wildlife with human presence. Overnight aboard the yacht.

This morning, enjoy a final excursion in the Galápagos before transferring to the airport for your return flight to Quito. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed and transferred to your boutique hotel for one last evening in the capital. The afternoon is free for leisure, whether it’s last-minute shopping, visiting art galleries, or enjoying a farewell dinner. Overnight in Quito.

Your final day in Ecuador is free until your scheduled transfer to the airport. Depending on your flight, you may have time to enjoy a morning coffee in the old town or simply relax at your hotel. At the coordinated time, you will be escorted to the airport for your international flight home, marking the end of this unforgettable journey through Quito, the Amazon, and the Galápagos.