10-Day Galapagos and Amazon Quest

5.00(8)

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.

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.

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