Home Activities Ecuador Quito 10-Day Galapagos and Amazon Quest

Activity Quito, Ecuador

10-Day Galapagos and Amazon Quest

5.0 (15 reviews) 10 days

out of 5

15 reviews

5.0

10-Day Galapagos and Amazon Quest — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

AKGP — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Amazon river navigation, sea-kayaking, snorkeling & trekking all in one trip! Join the combination adventure in Ecuador, discovering the high diversity of the pristine Amazon rainforest where you can spot parrots, toucans, monkeys, otters and more. Share time with the local Kichwa community and learn about their ancestral customs and at the same time, enjoy the best comfort by staying at Itamandi Eco-Lodge.

Travel to Galapagos to be part of the most amazing experience of wildlife, swimming with sea lions, sea turtles, penguins and sharks, taking close pictures of the only marine iguana in the world, hiking the top of active volcanoes in Isabela Island and meeting the giant tortoises.

"Unique Experiences"

Visit a native local family in the middle of the Amazon jungle and look for the smallest monkey in the world.

Snorkel through lava formations with sea turtles, penguins, sea horses, sea lions and sharks at Lava Tunnels.

Multi-day Tours Zombie Short term availability Weather Dependent - Moderate Conditional Booking Questions

At a glance

Duration: 10 days
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 16 people
People per booking: 1–16
Guide: English
Operated by: Adventure Journeys

Ages: Adults (12–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Airport shuttles (Domestic flights)
Included: Certified expert English-speaking Adventure Naturalist local guides
Included: Lunch
Included: Dinner
Included: Breakfast
Included: Gear: Hiking sticks, kayak and paddling gear, life vest, snorkeling mask and fins
Included: Activities
Included: Accommodation based on double occupancy

Not included

Not included: My Own Room supplement
Not included: International flights
Not included: Airport transfers (international flights)
Not included: Airfare Quito - Galapagos - Quito round trip
Not included: Meals not described in the itinerary
Not included: Galapagos National Park & TCT Fee Per Person
Not included: Pier use fee at Puerto Villamil
Not included: Tips
Not included: Travel insurance (mandatory)

Itinerary

Day 1 · Arrival in Quito City

Quito Old Town

one hour

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

Depending on arrival time, you can spend your day exploring the old town of Quito and the surrounding area. ADVENTURE JOURNEYS can help you to organize a day trip (please request in advance). In the evening, one of our trip leaders will meet you at the hotel’s lobby for a welcome briefing at 18:00 hours. At this time we will discuss the details and questions you may have regarding the adventure. Our first day is an acclimation and information day.

Sheraton Quito or similar

Day 2 · Galapagos - Isabela

Isabela

8 hours

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!

Isamar Hotel or Similar

Day 3 · Snorkel at Lava Tunnels

Isabela Island

6 hours Admission included

Explore the amazing formations of lava created by the last eruptions of the volcanic island along the seashore. This magical place has historically been filmed by BBC and National Geographic for their documentaries. It is a labyrinth of lava arches comprised of crystal clear water full of sea turtles, eagle rays, sea lions, sharks and more. The turtles navigate their own highway from the mangroves to the open sea through "Los Tuneles". Here, we will have the best snorkeling opportunity with all these beautiful animals, including the curious Galapagos penguins playing around.

Before or after the trip, you can enjoy some optional activities such as snorkeling at "Concha de Perla", taking surfing lessons, biking or just relax on the exotic white-sand beaches of Isabela Island. We recommend you to take some time to visit the giant tortoise breeding center located walking distance from the hotel.

Boat ride to the Lava Tunnels time: 1 hour each way

Snorkeling time: 2 times of 1 hour each

What to wear today: shorts, water long sleeve t-shirt, sandals or tennis shoes, bathing suit, hat or baseball cap, sun cream, mosquito repellent, buff.

Isamar Hotel or Similar

Day 4 · Hike and kayak

Isabela Island

8 hours Admission included

After driving from Puerto Villamil, we’ll hike through a young forest to the rim of Sierra Negra Volcano, where spectacular views await over one of the world’s largest volcanic calderas. Those looking for a greater challenge can continue to Volcán Chico to explore dramatic lava fields and fumaroles.

In the afternoon, enjoy kayaking in the bay, with opportunities to spot penguins, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, marine iguanas, sea turtles, eagle rays, and more. The day concludes with snorkeling at Concha & Perla, a tranquil site where you can swim alongside colorful marine life in crystal-clear waters.

Isamar Hotel or Similar

Day 5 · Charles Darwin Research Station

Santa Cruz Island

8 hours Admission included

In the morning, traverse from Isabela to Santa Cruz Island to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. During our island crossing, we will be on the lookout for dolphins and whales (July to October). Once we arrive, we will check-in at the hotel. We will then visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn more about many of the endemic species seen in the wild, as well as the ongoing conservation and management efforts on the Galapagos Islands. In the afternoon, we will head to the 'El Chato' reserve in the highlands of Santa Cruz, home to the famous Galapagos tortoises. Hiking through El Chato's beautiful landscape with these lumbering giants is an unforgettable experience! We will also see other highland wildlife such as pintail ducks, egrets, flycatchers, finches and frigatebirds, which gather to wash the salt off their feathers at a freshwater lake. Afterward, return to Puerto Ayora to spend the evening in Galapagos' most populous town.

Fiesta Hotel or Similar

Day 6 · Flight back to Quito

Quito Old Town

8 hours Admission included

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

What to wear today: Pants, t-shirt, fleece top, tennis shoes, hat.

Sheraton Quito or similar

Day 7 · First Amazon Exploration

Stop 1

8 hours Admission included

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.

Amazon Lodge

Day 8 · Amazon Hike and Kichwa People

Napo River

8 hours Admission included

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

Amazon Lodge

Day 9 · Hot Springs

Termas de Papallacta

8 hours Admission included

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.

Sheraton Quito or similar

Day 10 · Departure day

Quito Old Town

Passing by

Today our trip will end with your International departure. Take with you your memories and photos and leave a piece of your heart, as you will want to return to Ecuador soon to experience more of this spectacular paradise. We wish you a "Buen Viaje!"

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Meet at the Hotel Lobby with an Adventure Journeys Representative at 18:00pm on day one, for your welcome briefing

End point

Meet at the Hotel Lobby with an Adventure Journeys Representative at 18:00pm on day one, for your welcome briefing

Using your ticket

A current valid passport is required on the day of travel. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the time of travelling
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended

Cancellation

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

If you cancel	You get back
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
It is our intention to adhere to the itinerary described; however, due to our travel style, on occasions it may be necessary or desirable to make small changes. Weather conditions and unpredictable local circumstances may lead us to make alterations to the route and/or travel times. Hotels and flight schedules might change according to availability. Any mention to specific wildlife in the itinerary or trip details is not a guarantee that it will be seen during the trip.
Territory: Quito City, Galapagos islands National Park and Amazon rainforest
Provinces: Pichincha, Napo and Galapagos
Flight time: 2h 45 min each way from Quito to Galapagos. Regular size aircraft: about 140 passengers.
Driving time: 2 - 3 hours a day while in mainland.
45 minutes Airport transfers in Quito.
45 minutes Airport transfers in Galapagos.
45 minutes each way in Sierra Negra.
20 minutes each way to Itamandi Jungle Eco-lodge.
Boat time: 2 hours each way from Isabela to Santa Cruz.
15 minutes each way - Tintoreras.
Hiking time: Amazon.- 3 hours moderate.
Amazon.- 1 hour easy loop for the nocturnal hike in the jungle.
Cloudforest.- 2 hours easy uphill; 1 hour downhill same way back.
Galapagos: Sierra Negra.- 30 minutes easy uphill; 1 and a half hours on flat terrain; 30 minutes downhill; 2 hours same way back.
Season: All year
Weather: December to May: 80ºF to 90ºF / 25ºC to 30ºC. June to September: 60ºF to 70ºF / 15ºC to 20ºC. October to December: 70ºF to 80ºF/ 15ºC to 25ºC
The waters of the Galapagos Islands are a unique mixture of warm and cold water, ranging between 65ºF and 85ºF
Elevation: In Quito.- 2800 m (9,186 ft.
Amazon.- 510 m (1,640 ft.
Papallacta.- 3300 m (10,827 ft.
In Galapagos.- From sea level (most activities) to 1200 m (3,937 ft.) - Sierra Negra Volcano
Level of Activity: Moderate to challenging: The jungle walks are moderate, but can become challenging in case of heavy rain; the trekking in the cloudforest is moderate, the hiking in Sierra Negra is moderate but long, and muddy during the wet season (from July to November); the sea-kayaking on Isabela Island is easy as well as the snorkelling.
Sit on top kayaks, dry bags, life jackets, paddles and a dugout canoes with outboard motor, rubber boots, snorkels, masks and fins.
All prices are based on double-occupancy. If you are travelling solo, you will be matched with another participant of your same sex. If you prefer to have a single room, please contact AJ prior to your departure to arrange your accommodation at an extra cost.
Food: Travelling with Adventure Journeys you will have the possibility to experience and taste local food and snacks. Your guide will help you identify typical food and suggest the best places to enjoy it. Some meals are not included in order to give you some flexibility about where, what and with whom to eat. You have the option to share these meals with the group, however there is no obligation to do this. If you have any allergies or food restrictions, please inform AJ prior to your departure.
Guides: All AJ guides and trip leaders are highly experienced, licensed to operate in Ecuador and certified as Wilderness Adventure First Aid responders. We always carry a complete first aid kit in our trips.
In some location and for some activities, local guides join the trip leaders to provide an added service. In the Galapagos Islands, minimum 4 participants for the AJ trip leader service are required.
Sustainable travel: Clients receive interpretation and education about the ecology and conservation of the Andes, Amazon Rainforest and Galapagos Islands, and learn about the factors that threaten it. We aim to promote long-term conservation of both local people cultural identity and the environment. We transport out and recycle all non-organic garbage and we prefer to work with local suppliers. Your visit will encourage the local communities to support responsible eco-tourism as a sustainable alternative for their living.