Welcome to Quito! The largest and best-preserved colonial city in the Americas, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. Known as the Cultural Capital of South America, Quito is nestled in a valley at the foothills of the majestic Pichincha volcano, right on the equator.

Depending on your arrival time, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the historic Old Town and its surrounding areas. ADVENTURE JOURNEYS can assist you in organizing an optional day trip — please let us know in advance.

In the evening, one of our trip leaders will meet you in the hotel lobby for a welcome briefing at 18:00. This is a great moment to get to know your group, ask questions, and prepare for the adventure ahead. Today serves as an acclimation and information day.

Today we get ready to explore the most amazing archipelago on the Pacific coast — the Galapagos Islands, the place that inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. We will take a morning flight from Quito to the island of Baltra. Upon arrival, we continue to Puerto Ayora, the largest town in the Galapagos.

From there, we board a speedboat to reach Isabela, the largest island in the archipelago. Isabela is one of the most volcanically active places on Earth, formed by six shield volcanoes — Alcedo, Cerro Azul, Darwin, Ecuador, Sierra Negra, and Wolf — five of which remain active.

The Galapagos Islands lie about 600 miles (965 km) from mainland Ecuador. It is important to keep in mind that reaching them requires air, road, and sea travel — a true adventure from the start!

Explore the fascinating lava formations sculpted by recent volcanic eruptions along the shores of Isabela Island. This unique site, famously featured in BBC and National Geographic documentaries, is a surreal labyrinth of lava arches and crystal-clear waters teeming with wildlife — sea turtles, eagle rays, sea lions, sharks, and more. Known as “Los Túneles”, this area offers one of the best snorkeling experiences in the Galapagos. You may even catch a glimpse of the playful Galapagos penguins!

Before or after the main excursion, you may enjoy optional activities such as snorkeling at “Concha de Perla”, biking, or simply relaxing on the stunning white-sand beaches of Isabela. We also recommend visiting the nearby Giant Tortoise Breeding Center — just a short walk from your hotel — for an up-close encounter with these iconic creatures.

After driving up from Puerto Villamil to the trailhead, we’ll prepare for a hike into a young forest ecosystem — a setting rich in recent geological history. Our destination is the rim of Sierra Negra Crater, an active volcano that last erupted in June 2018. Once there, we’ll take in breathtaking panoramic views and explore the circumference of the massive, lava-filled caldera, which spans more than six miles across at its widest point.

For those with extra energy, we can continue hiking to Volcán Chico, a secondary crater featuring an otherworldly landscape of puffing fumaroles and colorful lava formations — a vivid display of the volcanic forces that have shaped the Galapagos over millennia.

In the afternoon, we return to the pier for a kayaking adventure in the bay, observing Galapagos wildlife up close. Expect sightings of penguins, blue-footed boobies, pelicans, marine iguanas, sea turtles, sea lions, eagle rays, and occasionally juvenile white-tipped reef sharks (“tintoreras”).

We’ll end the day with a short visit to Concha & Perla — a serene snorkeling site reached by a scenic boardwalk through mangroves. Here, in turquoise waters, you’ll enjoy swimming alongside vibrant fish, sea lions, sea turtles, pelicans, mockingbirds, and possibly marine iguanas.

In the morning, we’ll travel from Isabela to Santa Cruz Island to visit the world-renowned Charles Darwin Research Station. After checking in at the hotel, we will dive into the island’s natural history by learning about endemic species and ongoing conservation efforts that are vital to preserving the Galapagos ecosystem.

In the afternoon, we head to the lush highlands of Santa Cruz to explore the “Primicias” reserve — a habitat for the iconic Galapagos tortoises. Hiking alongside these gentle giants through the scenic landscape is a magical and unforgettable experience. We’ll also spot various highland birds like pintail ducks, egrets, flycatchers, finches, and even frigatebirds, often seen bathing in the freshwater lagoons to remove salt from their feathers.

After our adventure in the highlands, we’ll return to Puerto Ayora to spend a relaxing evening in the island’s largest and most vibrant town.

After enjoying our final breakfast on the Galapagos Islands and capturing a few last photos of the charming sea lions, we’ll transfer to Baltra Airport to catch our flight back to mainland Ecuador.

Early in the morning, we will drive down a curved panoramic road toward the Amazon Rainforest. As we descend from an altitude of 3,000 m to 500 m (9,843 ft to 1,640 ft), you’ll witness a dramatic transformation in both landscape and vegetation. Along the way, we’ll stop at the stunning “Guacamayos-Macaw Lookout,” nestled between the Antisana and Sumaco National Reserves, where a blanket of clouds often shrouds the Amazon below.Our journey continues to the Arajuno River, where a 20-minute motor canoe ride upstream brings us to our Eco Lodge. After a short break and time to settle in, there will be an optional nocturnal hike available before dinner—perfect for spotting Amazonian insects in their natural habitat.

After breakfast, we’ll set off on a guided hike through pristine Amazon rainforest to explore its rich biodiversity. Along the way, we’ll learn about native plants, fascinating animals, and traditional survival techniques used by those living deep in the jungle.In the afternoon, we’ll visit a local Kichwa community, where members will warmly welcome us and share their customs, stories, and traditions. This cultural exchange is a meaningful opportunity to connect with the people who call the rainforest home.

Today, we journey back into the majestic Andes Mountains. On the way to Quito, we’ll take a refreshing break at the renowned Papallacta Hot Springs, nestled in a scenic valley surrounded by volcanoes and lush cloud forest.Enjoy a relaxing soak in the natural thermal pools. For those seeking extra indulgence, optional spa treatments are also available on-site, offering a perfect way to unwind before returning to the capital.

Today marks the end of our unforgettable journey. As you prepare for your international departure, we hope you carry with you not only beautiful memories and stunning photographs, but also a piece of Ecuador in your heart.May this adventure inspire you to return again soon and discover even more of this spectacular paradise. Until then, we wish you a heartfelt “¡Buen viaje!”