Journeys: From the Amazon to the Galápagos

Journeys: From the Amazon to the Galápagos

• Trip code: 417X045
• Dauer: 16
• Stil: National Geographic Journeys

From dramatic coastlines and emerald jungle trails where nature reigns supreme, to storied colonial plazas, Ecuador unfolds one striking landscape at a time. Taste cacao in historic Quito, step across the equator line, and hike through the shadow of Cotopaxi Volcano. Then fly to the Galápagos to plant native trees, walk among giant tortoises, and jump into turquoise waters teeming with marine life. This is a country where two worlds, mainland and archipelago, tell one continuous story.

Übersicht

Checklist

Amazon:
• Knee-length socks
• Loose-fitting, light coloured hiking pants
• Loose-fitting, light coloured long-sleeved shirts
• Pack liners to waterproof bags

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Footwear (required) (Closed toe suggested)
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Hat
• Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Smart Dress:
• Smart outfit (For evenings out)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Meal Budget

Plane USD445-580 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein

Optional Activities

Quito
- Stadttour in Quito und Äquator

Papallacta
- Wanderung

Baños
- Wanderung (Gratis)
- Reiten (25USD pro Person)
- Mountainbiken (10USD pro Person)
- Heiße Quellen (4USD pro Person)
- Wildwasser-Rafting (35USD pro Person)

Mindo
- Tagesausflug zum Nebelwald Mindo (70-100USD pro Person)

Start / Finish

von Quito

What's Included

Dein Journeys-Highlight-Moment: Weben lernen in Otavalo, Otavalo
Dein Journeys-Highlight-Moment: Besuch einer Familie am Amazonas, Tena
Dein Journeys-Highlight-Moment: Visit the Orchids Botanical Garden, Puyo
Dein Journeys-Highlight-Moment: Organic Farm Visit, Santa Cruz Island
Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Kawsaymi Community Lunch, Otavalo
Dein Wellness-Moment: Besuch der Thermalquellen von Papallacta, Papallacta. Arrival transfer. Overnight in an historic hacienda. Explore the Otavalo handicraft market. Cloud forest reserve visit. Two nights at an Amazon lodge with jungle excursions. Excursion to Cotopaxi National Park. Quito city tour with local chocolate and cacao tasting. Visit the Intiñan Museum at the Equator line. Full-day tour by boat to uninhabited island to spot wildlife with swimming and snorkelling. Walk to Tortuga Bay on Santa Cruz Island. Charles Darwin Research Station visit. Visit San Cristóbal's Interpretation Centre and Las Tijeretas. Internal flights. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodation

Hotels (15 nts)

Group Leader

National Geographic Expedition Leader throughout, Local Guides, Naturalist Guide Expedition Leader in the Galápagos Islands (certified by the Galápagos National Park Authority)

Group Size Notes

Max 16, Avg 12

Highlights

Visit the Otavalo Weaving studio and get a lesson from local weaver. Explore villages and learn about traditional handicrafts and folk art from locals. Traverse the Amazon jungle with a local naturalist guide. Learn about the relationship between cultures and the plants around them at the Jardín Botánico Las Orquídeas. Walk through Quito's historical heart with a local guide to taste regional cacao and artisanal chocolate. Travel to the middle of the world at the Intiñan Museum for interactive experiments right on the equator line. Explore an organic farm, learn about crops, and plant an endemic tree to support island conservation. Sail to an uninhabited island to hike wild trails and snorkel alongside turtles, rays, and sharks. Walk through the Charles Darwin Research Station to see giant tortoises and learn about habitat protection. Discover volcanic origins and human history at the Gianny Arismendi Interpretation Center, then hike up to the Tijeretas lookout

Introduction

From dramatic coastlines and emerald jungle trails where nature reigns supreme, to storied colonial plazas, Ecuador unfolds one striking landscape at a time. Taste cacao in historic Quito, step across the equator line, and hike through the shadow of Cotopaxi Volcano. Then fly to the Galápagos to plant native trees, walk among giant tortoises, and jump into turquoise waters teeming with marine life. This is a country where two worlds, mainland and archipelago, tell one continuous story

Transport

Private vehicle, motorized canoe, ferry, speedboat, water taxi, walking

Internationale Flüge

No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour.

However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details.

In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport

Meals Included

15 Frühstück, 7 Mittagessen, 2 Abendessen

Minimum Age

Um ohne Begleitperson mit G Adventures zu reisen, musst du mindestens 18 Jahre alt sein. Das Mindestalter für Kinder in Begleitung eines Erziehungsberechtigten (über 21) beträgt 12 Jahre

Itinerary

Day 1 Quito

Ankunft zu jeder Zeit möglich. Ankunftstransfer inklusive

Day 2 Quito/Otavalo

Drive into the mountainous Andean highlands to Otavalo, surrounded by misty volcanoes, and visit the town’s famous handicraft market—one of the largest outdoor markets in South America. Browse stalls selling colourful local art, textiles, and souvenirs, and try your hand at haggling. Then, visit a local community establishment for an included lunch of traditional specialities. Later, settle into your room at a historic hacienda, where we’ll spend the night

Day 3 Otavalo/Papallacta

Make your way to the village of Papallacta, known for its abundant natural hot springs. En route, visit the home and studio of a renowned traditional weaver, who is working to preserve the indigenous weaving techniques of the Otavalo region. Get a glimpse of daily life, and observe members of the community at work on the backstrap loom, which has been used in these parts for centuries. Continue to the Papallacta Hot Springs Resort for an afternoon of relaxation. Soak in the mineral-rich waters of the thermal pools, enjoying stunning mountain views, and indulge in a variety of optional spa treatments

Day 4 Papallacta/Tena

Head towards Tena, often called Ecuador’s gateway to the Amazon. On the way, we’ll stop at El Quetzal Protected Forest to explore the property’s reserve—home to a plethora of avian species, including 8 varieties of hummingbirds. Enjoy lunch at the onsite restaurant, then continue to Misahualli. This charming town is one of the oldest ports in the Ecuadorian Amazon, and harbours a thriving population of Capuchin monkeys. Arrive in Tena and board a motorized canoe to our jungle lodge, perched along the banks of the Arajuno River. This evening, embark on a walk into the forest with a naturalist guide, looking out for the Amazon’s nocturnal creatures

Day 5 Tena

Wir brechen früh auf und fahren mit dem Kanu zu einer Salzlecke (Saladero). Mit unserem Naturführer beobachten wir Papageien und Sittiche, die sich hier versammeln, um den mineralreichen Lehm zu fressen, der ihnen hilft, Obst und Samen besser zu verdauen. Danach geht es zum Frühstück zurück in die Lodge und dann weiter zu AmaZOOnico, einem Schutzzentrum, in dem Tiere, die für den illegalen Handel gefangen wurden, gepflegt, versorgt und wieder ausgewildert werden. Danach kannst du eine einzigartige kulturelle Erfahrung im Haus einer einheimischen Familie genießen, bei der du die Familie, ihre Traditionen und das tägliche Leben am Amazonas kennenlernst

Day 6 Baños/Yasuni Nationalpark

Leave the Amazon behind and travel to Baños. This popular resort town is packed with gorgeous landscapes, thrilling outdoor activities, and—as the name indicates—thermal springs originating from the base of the Tungurahua Volcano. Along the way, stop at Jardin Botanico Las Orquideas for a walk with an expert guide, discovering the diverse flora of the region and learning about the indigenous uses of the various plants found there. After arriving in Baños, enjoy free time to stroll through the town

Day 7 Yasuni Nationalpark

Tag zur freien Verfügung, um Baños zu erkunden. Hier erwartet dich eine Reihe optionaler Aktivitäten wie Wandern, Reiten, heiße Quellen und Mountainbiken

Day 8 Yasuni Nationalpark/Quito

Rückfahrt nach Quito entlang der malerischen „Straße der Vulkane“ mit einem Besuch des Cotopaxi-Nationalparks unterwegs. Genieße den atemberaubenden Blick auf den perfekt geformten Vulkan (einer der höchsten aktiven Vulkane der Welt)

Day 9 Quito

Spend the day soaking up the Andean capital on your own terms. Stroll through the plazas and shops of the Mariscal neighbourhood, pausing at one of the many trendy restaurants and cafes. Or, opt for a day trip into the lush cloud forest of Mindo to spot hummingbirds darting through moss-draped canopy trails. As evening falls over the surrounding peaks, gather back at the hotel to meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and welcome a fresh group of fellow travellers joining for the next leg of the journey. End the day swapping stories and getting to know your new companions over an optional group dinner at a local spot, taking in the easy rhythm of the city

Day 10 Quito

Set off on a walking tour through Quito's historical heart, strolling from Plaza Grande to the gold-leaf interior of La Compañía de Jesus and out to San Francisco Plaza. Stop at a local shop to learn how cacao transforms into rich regional chocolate, complete with tastings. After lunch, head to the Intiñan Museum at the equator line, where interactive experiments reveal the strange physics of standing at the middle of the world. As evening falls, the city is yours: follow the scent of street food, duck into a hidden café, or watch the Andes catch the last light from a rooftop terrace

Day 11 Quito/Santa Cruz Island

Take a morning flight from Quito to Baltra, the gateway to the Galápagos. Cross to Santa Cruz Island and visit an organic farm for lunch and a hands-on look at local sustainability. Walk the property with your host and naturalist guide to discover how hydroponic crops conserve precious water and how pineapples, coffee, and native Scalesias thrive in volcanic soil. Plant an endemic tree of your own to help with island reforesting, then check into your hotel for a relaxed evening

Day 12 Santa Cruz Island

Travel to the Itabaca Channel to board a boat for an inspiring day at sea, bound for one of the region's remarkable islands: Bartolomé, North Seymour, South Plaza, or Santa Fé. Upon arrival, disembark onto wild trails where native fauna roam freely against striking, untouched geological backdrops. After a morning of discovery on foot, gather on board for a fresh lunch before taking a refreshing plunge into the ocean. Strap on your mask to snorkel alongside sea turtles, gentle rays, darting tropical fish, and reef sharks before returning to town for an evening at your own pace

Day 13 Santa Cruz Island

After breakfast, set out on a morning walk along the causeway to Tortuga Bay, where marine iguanas laze on the white sand by the surf. Spend the morning exploring the shore before heading back to town for lunch. In the afternoon, walk to the Charles Darwin Research Station and its breeding centre. See giant tortoises up close, learn about reintroduction efforts, and visit the "Symbol of Hope" exhibit housing the preserved remains of Lonesome George. The rest of the afternoon and evening are free for you

Day 14 Santa Cruz Island/San Cristóbal Island

Board a morning speedboat to San Cristóbal Island, the archipelago's original port of call. Visit the Interpretation Center to trace its story, from volcanic origins to colonization and modern conservation. Follow the scenic uphill trail to the Tijeretas viewpoint, where ocean vistas open below skies wheeling with frigatebirds. Watch for sea lions dozing in the sand, marine iguanas basking on lava rock, and blue-footed boobies along the surf. As the sun sets, the harbour comes alive with fishing boats and gulls

Day 15 San Cristóbal Island

Embrace a full free day to shape your own Galápagos adventure. For an optional excursion, choose between a boat trip to Kicker Rock, snorkeling past dramatic rock formations with sea turtles and sharks, or a San Cristóbal 360 tour circling the island's secluded bays. Or, stay closer to town: stroll the oceanfront boardwalk to watch sea lion pups tumble through shallow tide pools, or relax at a waterfront café. Tonight, gather with your group for an optional dinner to celebrate the week

Day 16 San Cristóbal Island/Quito

Enjoy a final morning taking in the salt air and the sounds of sea lions resting along the shore. Around midday, board your flight back to Quito, where your journey concludes upon arrival at the airport

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Quito

Booking pre- or post-trip accommodation is highly recommended to fully experience the city and take advantage of the optional activities available

Day 2 Quito/Otavalo

Wir verbringen eine Nacht in der Gegend von Otavalo und besuchen dort den weltberühmten Kunsthandwerksmarkt, den größten von Südamerika. Dorfbewohner aus den ländlichen Regionen in der Umgebung kommen jede Woche hierher, um handgefertigte Waren sowie Nutztiere, Obst und Gemüse zu verkaufen.

Eines der offenkundigsten Anzeichen für die kulturelle Integrität der Bewohner von Otavalo („Otavaleños“) ist ihre traditionelle Tracht. Diese wird nicht nur für die Touristen auf dem Samstagsmarkt angezogen, sondern auch im alltäglichen Leben getragen.

Day 3 Otavalo/Papallacta

Day 4 Papallacta/Tena

Die Lodge liegt am Flussufer des Rio Arajuno, etwa 40 Minuten von Tena entfernt. Wir übernachten in komfortablen Cabañas am Fluss, die über ein eigens Bad mit einer Warmwasser-Regendusche, Strom und einen Balkon verfügen. Auf deinem Balkon kannst du in einer Hängematte oder einem Liegestuhl entspannen und die Kolibris, Vögel am Flussufer und Schmetterlinge beobachten. Am Abend lauschst du dem nächtlichen Klang der unzähligen Frösche und sonstigen nachtaktiven Kreaturen. Die Lodge bietet auch eine Open-Air-Lounge mit einem Pool und einer Bar mit Bedienung, die über einen erhöhten und überdachten Bohlenweg mit den Gästezimmern verbunden ist.

Die Lodge engagiert sich dafür, die unberührte Dschungellandschaft zu schützen und hat ein spezielles Recycling-Programm und ein Energiesparprogramm etabliert. Zudem werden biologisch abbaubare Pflegeprodukte wie Shampoo und Duschgel in den Bädern zur Verfügung gestellt.

Day 5 Tena

Day 6 Baños/Yasuni Nationalpark

Baños ist einer der beliebtesten Orte des Landes. Viele ecuadorianische Familien machen hier Urlaub. Ein Blick auf diese herrlich grüne Gebirgsstadt und du weißt, warum. Baños bedeutet „Bäder“ und das ist genau das, wofür die Stadt berühmt ist. Bei einigen handelt es sich um Thermalquellen vom Fuß des Vulkans Tungurahua, was auf Quichua „kleine Hölle“ bedeutet. Andere Bäder werden durch Schmelzwasser von den vergletscherten Hängen des Tungurahua gespeist. Die Einheimischen schwören, dass die Bäder gut für die Gesundheit sind, und es ist es absolut wert, früh aus den Federn zu hüpfen, um von einer Thermalquelle aus den Blick auf die Morgendämmerung über den Bergen zu genießen.

Day 7 Yasuni Nationalpark

The town is the perfect setting for outdoor pursuits. Activities include hiking, mountain biking, and rafting on the River Patate.

Day 8 Yasuni Nationalpark/Quito

Day 9 Quito

Day 10 Quito

Day 11 Quito/Santa Cruz Island

Day 12 Santa Cruz Island

Day 13 Santa Cruz Island

Day 14 Santa Cruz Island/San Cristóbal Island

Day 15 San Cristóbal Island

Day 16 San Cristóbal Island/Quito

Please do not book onward flights departing from Quito earlier than 8pm