12-Day The Best Of Ecuador & Galapagos

4.95(40)

Unique lifetime adventure blending the fascinating geography of Ecuador's mainland, made of active volcanoes, big canyons, large tropical rainforests and huge waterfalls, with the mythical Galapagos Islands, where the magic diversity of fearless animals and the stunning landscapes of the volcanic islands create a unique atmosphere. This is a perfect combination that includes a wide variety of outdoor activities, while discovering the highlights of Ecuador

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
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.
2h 45 min each way from Quito to Galapagos. Regular size aircraft. About 140 passengers
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
2 hours each way from Isabela to Santa Cruz
45 minutes each way - Lava Tunnels
15 minutes each way - Tintoreras
Cloudforest: 2 hours easy uphill; 1 hour downhill same way back.
Sierra Negra: 30 minutes easy uphill; 1 and a half hours on flat terrain; 30 minutes downhill; 2 hours same way back.
1 hour moderate uphill; 2 hours downhill (terrain: cobblestone, dirt, muddy and asphalt)
RAFTING TIME
From 3 to 4 hours depending on water level.
SNORKELLING TIME
Tintoreras: 1 hour.
Lava Tunnels: 2 times of 1 hour each.
All year
Pichincha, Cotopaxi, Tungurahua, Pastaza, Napo, Galapagos.
Andes highlands, Amazon rainforest and Galapagos Islands in Ecuador.
Quito: 2800 m (9,186 ft.
Quilotoa: 3962 m (13,000 ft.
Baños: 1820 m (5,971 ft.
Amazon: 510 m (1,640 ft.
Papallacta: 3300 m (10,827 ft.
Galápagos: From sea level (most activities) to 1200 m (3,937 ft.) - Sierra Negra Volcano.
Day 15-34ºC / 59-93ºF - Night 12-17ºC / 53-62ºF.
Moderate to Challenging: In the cloud forest the uphill biking part can be challenging but there is always a truck behind supporting the team; the whitewater rafting on the Jatunyacu is Class III; the trekking in the cloud forest is moderate; the hiking in Sierra Negra is moderate but long and muddy during the wet season (from July to November); snorkeling is easy.
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.
The waters of the Galapagos Islands are a unique mixture of warm and cold water, ranging between 65ºF and 85ºF
All prices are based on double-occupancy. If you are travelling solo, you will be matched with another participant of your same gender. If you prefer to have a single room, please contact AJ prior to your departure to arrange your accommodation at an extra cost.
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.
Clients receive a conservationist interpretation of the ecology of the Andes, Amazon Rainforest and Galapagos Islands with the factors that threaten it. We aim to promote long-term conservation of both Local People cultural identity and their environment. Your visit will encourage them to support responsible ecotourism. We transport out and recycle all non-organic garbage.support responsible eco-tourism as a sustainable alternative for their living.

3 HOURS HIKING IN COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK, 3 HOURS BIKING IN THE LLANGANATES NATIONAL PARK, 4 HOURS WHITE-WATER RAFTING ON JATUNYACU RIVER IN THE AMAZON RAINFOREST, 3 HOURS CANYONING AT PIMPILALA WATERFALLS, BIRD WATCHING AND HIKING EXPLORATION IN THE CLOUD FOREST, SOAKING IN PAPALLACTA HOT SPRINGS, 5 HOURS TREKKING THE LOOP OF CUICOCHA CRATER LAKE, SHARE TIME WITH LOCAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLE IN THE AMAZON, MAKING CHOCOLATE, SALSA LESSON, SNORKELING IN THE LAVA TUNNELS, HIKING TO THE TOP OF SIERRA NEGRA ACTIVE VOLCANO, SNORKELING AND KAYAKING IN TINTORERAS, VISIT THE CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION, HIKING IN SANTA CRUZ HIGHLANDS.
CERTIFIED EPL EXPERT ENGLISH-SPEAKING ADVENTURE TRIP LEADER AND LOCAL GUIDES
Dinner
TREKKING OR HIKING: BLACK DIAMOND TREKKING STICKS BIKING: TREK X CALIPER MTB (HYDRAULIC DISC BRAKES, FRONT ROCK SHOCK SUSPENSION), BONTRAGER HELMETS, FULL FINGER GLOVES CANYONING: RUBBER BOOTS, ROPES, HARNESSES RAFTING: AIRE AND NRS 7-PEOPLE- RAFTS, NRS LIFE JACKETS, NRS PADDLES, SPLASH JACKETS SNORKELING: MASK AND FINS
FIRST CLASS HOTEL IN QUITO, 4-STAR HOTEL IN BAÑOS, HOME STAY IN THE AMAZON, 5-STAR SPA RESORT IN PAPALLACTA, 4-STAR HOTELS IN GALAPAGOS