Galapagos Islands & Amazon Kayaking

Welcome to Quito! The biggest, best-preserved colonial city of South America was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. The city is considered the Cultural Capital of South America and the second most important city of the old Inca Empire.

Depending on arrival time, you can spend your day exploring the old town of Quito and the surrounding area. Ecuador & Galapagos Insiders can help you to organize a day trip.

In the evening, one of our trip leaders will meet you at the hotel for a welcome briefing and there will be plenty of time to discuss details and answer any questions you may have regarding the adventure to come.

Accommodation: Anahi Hotel Boutique or similar

Early in the morning we start our drive across the eastern Andean range towards the Amazon basin. This journey of 4 hours will show you fascinating landscapes of the Amazon forest, waterfalls, and small colorful local villages. Before we get ready for kayaking, a picnic will be served on the river shore. While exploring the upper part of the Arajuno River and paddling downstream for 2 hours, we are on the lookout for wildlife such as neo-tropical otters, caimans, toucans, parrots, monkeys, etc.

After arriving and checking in at the Itamandi eco-lodge you will have the possibility to go on a night hike to discover all the beautiful night-active creatures. Your insider guide will tell you a lot about the wildlife in the jungle.

Accommodation: Itamandi Jungle Lodge

Meals included: Breakfast, box lunch & dinner

In the morning we start our adventure taking a hike for 3 hours in the heart of the pristine Amazon jungle to explore the secrets and wonders of this magical rainforest, ending up in a small Quichua community. We will share some time with local people, learning about their traditions and customs, we will also learn to prepare chocolate in their ancestral way. Our kayak expedition begins here, at the Arajuno River.

We will paddle down the river for one hour discovering the beauty and wildlife that inhabits this river, such as neo-tropical otters, parrots, king fishers, moocows, toucans and the smallest monkey in the planet (pigmy marmoset monkey). Later on, we will stop for a nice break and enjoy our lunch. We will then take our kayaks and continue paddling down the river for two more hours until we reach an amazing Amazon animal shelter, we will arrive at the Anaconda Island where we will take a short walk to see the famous hoatzin bird and a few caimans.

Once back at the lodge we will enjoy some relaxing time at the luxury pool.

Accommodation: Itamandi Jungle Lodge

Meals included: Breakfast, box lunch & dinner

Early in the morning before breakfast we take the canoe up the Arajuno river to the parrots clay lick, to watch different types of this colorful birds, then we continue and have a quick stop to see the pocket monkey, the smallest primate in the world. After breakfast we will go back up to the Andes to soak in the Papallacta volcanic hot springs and also go for a short walk into the cloud forest to see bromeliads and orchids.

In the late afternoon we will be transferred to your hotel close to the airport in Quito.

Accommodation: Posada Mirolindo or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

We start the day early today, first we take a flight from Quito to Baltra airport. Before even arriving into Puerto Ayora, we will visit the Twins, two massive pit craters one next to each other. Here we will have lunch and continue our journey to the docks.

In the afternoon, we will take the fast boat to Isabela Island. In season is possible to see whales and dolphins while we cross between islands. In the evening we have the town to enjoy!

Accommodation: Wooden House Hotel or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today we jump on our bikes to discover the first glances of Isabela. Our ride starts at the Iguana Crossing, where many individuals of this species gather. We will pass by the wetlands where is common to see Flamingos and other shorebirds to finally arrive at the Breeding Center. Here we will have the chance to see giant tortoises in all stages of life!

After lunch, we will head to the beach to start our kayak expedition. We will paddle for a couple of minutes until we reach the Tintoreras Islet. These rocks are the favorite spots for penguins to take sunbaths, the clear waters make the snorkeling a pretty nice experience!

Accommodation: Wooden House Hotel or similar

Meals included: Breakfast and box lunch

After an hour of a boat ride from Isabela, we will reach Cabo Rosa, also known as the Lava Tunnels. Today we will snorkel under clear waters full of marine life, is common to find giant green sea turtles, penguins, and white-tipped shark caves. If we are lucky we can also get to see seahorses! In the landing part of the tour, we will walk through lava paths to reach the nesting area of the blue-footed boobies and could even get to see babies.

In the afternoon, we return to Puerto Villamil to enjoy the beautiful beach and relax after all the activities of the day.

Accommodation: Wooden House Hotel or similar

Meals included: Breakfast and box lunch

Early in the morning, we will take the boat back to Santa Cruz Island, after freshening up, we will visit the Charles Darwin Station. Here we will learn about the conservation projects running in the islands and several species of Giant tortoises and land iguanas that are kept there to make sure they are in optimal conditions to return to their natural habitat.

After lunch, we will drive for a couple of minutes to the highlands of Santa Cruz, in Manzanillo Ranch, we will get to see the Giant tortoises in the wild while we enjoy of the view of the whole island. At our return we have free time to enjoy Puerto Ayora's nightlife.

Accommodation: Galapagos Suites Hotel or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

After our final breakfast on the Galapagos Islands and the last photos taken of sea lions, we have a transfer to Baltra’s airport on time to catch the flight back to mainland.

Accommodation: Anahi Hotel Boutique or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast or at your preferred time on this day, we will pick you up from your hotel and your guide will be dropping you off at the Airport International departures, end of services and end to a magical Galapagos Islands and Amazon Kayaking trip!

Meals included: Breakfast