Ecuador to Galápagos: Jungle Beats & Island Heat
- Trip code: 417X041
- Dauer: 17
- Stil: 18-to-Thirtysomethings
If wild jungles crystal-clear crater lakes and volcanic island vibes sound like your kind of adventure, Ecuador is about to blow your mind. This 17-day trip kicks off deep in the Amazon where you’ll wake up to monkey calls and fall asleep to jungle symphonies. Pedal through local communities eat your weight in handmade chocolate and soak in the thermal energy of Baños. Then it’s off to Quilotoa — a dreamy turquoise crater lake you’ll hike down to and maybe even kayak across. Just when you think the trip couldn’t get any better you’ll head to the legendary Galápagos Islands for epic snorkelling, volcanic hikes, and more wildlife than your camera roll can handle. This is Ecuador turned all the way up.
Übersicht
Accommodation
Simple hotels (12 nts), Community Lodge (2 nts), Eco-friendly Inn (2 nts, multi-share)
Checklist
Amazon:
• Knee-length socks
• Loose-fitting, light coloured hiking pants
• Loose-fitting, light coloured long-sleeved shirts
• Pack liners to waterproof bags
Cold weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers
Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)
Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket
Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
Marine:
• Drybag (Will help keep cameras and essentials dry)
• External battery pack
• Motion sickness tablets
• Sarong
• Snorkel gear (optional) (Only if own equipment is preferred.)
Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear
Group Leader
CEO (Chief Experience Officer)/Naturalist Guide while in the Galápagos Islands (certified by the Galápagos National Park Authority), local G Adventures Representative in Quito, local community guide
Group Size Notes
Max 16, Avg. 14
Highlights
Stay deep in the Amazon jungle surrounded by the sounds and sights of the wild, Bike through a local community and learn how chocolate is made from bean to bar, Chill or thrill in Baños with hot springs hikes and giant canyon swings, Hike down to a lake at the centre of the crater in Quilotoa and choose to paddle across its turquoise waters, Snorkel with sea lions and spot blue-footed boobies in the Galápagos, Trek the Sierra Negra volcano and feel the power of a truly wild landscape
Introduction
If wild jungles crystal-clear crater lakes and volcanic island vibes sound like your kind of adventure, Ecuador is about to blow your mind. This 17-day trip kicks off deep in the Amazon where you’ll wake up to monkey calls and fall asleep to jungle symphonies. Pedal through local communities eat your weight in handmade chocolate and soak in the thermal energy of Baños. Then it’s off to Quilotoa — a dreamy turquoise crater lake you’ll hike down to and maybe even kayak across. Just when you think the trip couldn’t get any better you’ll head to the legendary Galápagos Islands for epic snorkelling, volcanic hikes, and more wildlife than your camera roll can handle. This is Ecuador turned all the way up
Meals Included
16 Frühstück, 2 Mittagessen, 4 Abendessen
Meal Budget
Plane USD285-370 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein
Optional Activities
Baños
- Heiße Quellen (4USD pro Person)
- Mountainbiken (10USD pro Person)
- Reiten (25USD pro Person)
- Wanderung (Gratis)
- Wildwasser-Rafting (30USD pro Person)
- Baños Canyoning
- Visit Casa del Arbol
- Baños – Zipline-Bundle (25USD pro Person)
- Ethnobotanischer Park Omaere
Cotopaxi
- Cotopaxi Volcano - Full Day
Quito
- Stadttour in Quito und Äquator
Isabela Island
- Wall of Tears Bike Visit (20USD pro Person)
- Schnorcheln (140-150USD pro Person)
- Schnorcheln auf der Islote Tintoreras (45-50USD pro Person)
- Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre Visit
- Ausflug zur Flamingo Lagune
Puerto Ayora
- Surfstunde (120USD pro Person)
San Cristóbal Island
- Puerto Chino Beach Visit
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
- Besuch des Strandes La Lobería (8USD pro Person)
Playa Mann
- Besuch am Playa Mann
Isla Lobos
- Schnorcheln (Isla Lobos) (90-110USD pro Person)
Kicker Rock
- Schnorcheln (Kicker Rock) (140-160USD pro Person)
Start / Finish
von Quito
Transport
Public bus, private vehicle, taxi, plane, public speedboat
What's Included
Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Shandia Community Lodge, Shandia
Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Shandia Community Erlebnis & Radtour, Shandia
Dein Welcome-Moment: Anreise und Begrüßungstreffen
Dein First-Night-Out-Moment: Begegne neuen Freunden
Dein Discover-Moment: Baños
Dein Big-Night-Out-Moment: Quito
Dein Big-Night-Out-Moment: - San Cristóbal Island, San Cristóbal Island. Cacao and Chocolate Experience. Amazon Jungle Walk & Pimpilala Waterfalls Visit. Community Artisan Workshop Visit. Guayama Community Project Visit. La Carolina Park Orientation Walk. Interpretation Centre Visit (San Cristóbal Island). Snorkelling equipment and activity at Tijeretas (San Cristóbal). Concha de Perla snorkelling excursion. Hike to Sierra Negra volcano (Isabela Island). Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz Island). Isabela Municipal Tax. Opportunities for snorkelling, swimming, and incredible wildlife encounters. Internal flights. Free time in Tena, Baños, Quilotoa, & Quito. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Minimum Age 18+
The minimum age for this trip is 18 years
Itinerary
Day 1 Quito
Arrive at any time and prepare for an epic adventure through Ecuador’s highlights and hidden gems. It will be 1000% better than watching reels of these beautiful places! Attend a welcome meeting in the evening and then choose to hang out with the group afterwards for an optional dinner in Quito. Break the ice, get to know each other, and share your best travel stories before making new ones together over the next nine days
Day 2 Quito/Tena
Hop on a bus and travel into the lush Amazon Jungle and your community lodge stay in the rainforest. Learn about local food production and everything there is to know about cacao. If in season, collect cacao pods from the nearby plants. At the end of the experience, the group will enjoy a taste of this sweet treat amid the sounds of the forest. It is here you will experience life in the jungle firsthand and connect with the local indigenous culture. It’s the perfect way to fall in love with the Amazon you have been learning about since you were younger
Day 3 Tena
Put the pedal to the metal on a cycling excursion to the Indigenous Shandia community. This rural village is surrounded by rivers and the fertile Amazon landscape. Take in the beauty as you ride through the jungle. And take pride in being able to help support the preservation of the community’s indigenous culture. Afterwards, spend free time at the lodge and choose to enjoy some of the activities available to visitors. Choose to walk to the nearby beach along the river and try to spot wildlife in the jungle. Later go on an included walk to the Pimpilala Waterfalls and perhaps there will be time for a quick dip into the natural pool formed at the base of the falls. Group selfie, anyone?
Day 4 Tena/Baños
Experience a slice of local life on a public bus ride between Tena and Baños. Download those road trip playlists and stare at the passing scenery. Arrive in the afternoon and get settled. The town is surrounded by lush cloud forest and has an abundance of outdoor optional activities for travellers to indulge in. Maybe soak in the nearby hot springs to relax after bumping along on the bus. But rest up because you’re in the adventure capital of Ecuador and tomorrow there’s no time to waste
Day 5 Baños
Discover your adventurous spirit on this full free day to enjoy the epic outdoor adventure activities in Baños. Nestled at the foot of the active Tungurahua volcano, this town is a gorgeous place to hangout for the day. From ziplining to canyoning and visiting the famous Casa del Arbol, you won’t have time to worry about what to do next. And maybe end the day with a group dance party to see if you can make the next viral Tik Tok
Day 6 Baños/Quilotoa
Leave Baños behind to travel to Quilotoa and its stunning caldera lake formed by a volcanic eruption. It’s a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers. Along the route the group will stop for a visit to an art workshop and gallery that celebrates the indigenous art of the region, showcasing the breathtaking works of Julio Toaquiza, a pioneer in Tigua's artistic community.Here, you can meet local artisans, learn about their techniques, and even participate in workshops to create your own piece of art. Upon arrival to the town of Quilotoa the group will hike down to the lake in the centre of the crater to enjoy the dramatic surrounding landscape and turquoise coloured water. Check-in to your eco-friendly accommodations in the evening located high in the Ecuadoran Andes at over 10,400 feet in elevation (3200 meters above sea level) with views that will make you fall in love. Who wants to move here and stay forever?
Day 7 Quilotoa
Feel the warmth and impact of community connection today on a visit to the Guayama Community project nearby. Learn about the culture and lifestyle of the area’s indigenous peoples while supporting the sustainable development of this project. Enjoy time at the bee farm where you will learn about the honey extraction process, and discover the ceramic art and culture project led by the local population. Lunch will be had on your own at the on site restaurant. You’ll be welcomed into their indigenous community with open arms and leave with a deeper love of this region and its people. Later, relax back at your accommodations in Quilotoa, play some cards, swap travel stories, and laugh together as a group
Day 8 Quilotoa/Quito
After breakfast, travel back to Quito swapping stories with your travel crew on the ride back. Take some time to grab lunch on your own, maybe find some potato soup, or fried cheese empanadas, or fresh ceviche. Then, come back together with everyone for an orientation walk at La Carolina Park with its natural oasis within the city. The night belongs to you and it’s time to let loose. Find somewhere to dance your heart out and let the beat move your soul
Day 9 Quito
Get those legs moving on a full free day in Quito. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site and highest constitutional capital in the world. Choose to check out the equator and visit the museum there or simply walk to a local park and chill out with some good food from a delicious café. No judgement, the choice is all yours
Day 10 Quito/Santa Cruz Island
Flug zu den Galápagos-Inseln. Fahrt über die Insel Santa Cruz in der Stadt und Führung am Nachmittag in der Charles-Darwin-Forschungsstation, wo du die berühmten Riesenschildkröten aus der Nähe sehen kannst
Day 11 Santa Cruz Island/Isabela Island
Hop on a speedboat and head to Isabela Island. Soak up the views around you — you might even see dolphins or whales alongside the boat! After dropping your stuff at the hotel, get up close and personal with a volcano as you hike the Sierra Negra. Explore the incredible landscape and admire spectacular views from above
Day 12 Isabela Island
Take advantage of a full free day on Isabela Island where optional activities abound to do as much or as little as you like. Choose to take an excursion to Los Tuneles, go snorkelling at Tintoreras, take a surf lesson or just laze on the beach
Day 13 Isabela Island/Santa Cruz Island
This morning enjoy a snorkelling excursion at Concha de Perla. Travel by speedboat back to Santa Cruz Island and enjoy a free afternoon exploring the town. Later, head out to explore Puerto Ayora town, time for shopping or enjoy a bite to eat
Day 14 Santa Cruz Island/San Cristóbal Island
Take another speedboat to San Cristóbal Island and visit the Galapagos National Park Interpretation Center near town to learn about the unique history of the ecosystems, flora, and fauna of the islands.. Later, go snorkelling at Tijeretas to look for wildlife like sea lions, rays and marine iguanas before wandering along the malecón to look for a local place to watch the sunset. Later, choose to get your dance on!
Day 15 San Cristóbal Island
Tag zur freien Verfügung auf der Insel San Cristóbal. Du kannst bei Kicker Rock oder Isla Lobos schnorcheln, den weißen Sandstrand Playa Mann besuchen oder bei La Lobería den Seelöwen Hallo sagen
Day 16 San Cristóbal Island/Quito
Heute heißt es „Adios!“ sagen zu den Galápagosinseln. Am Morgen geht der Rückflug nach Quito. Nach der Fahrt zum Hotel kannst du dich ein wenig entspannen, bevor ihr abends in der Stadt noch mal ausgehen könnt
Day 17 Quito
Abreise zu jeder Zeit möglich
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Quito
Day 2 Quito/Tena
Day 3 Tena
Day 4 Tena/Baños
Day 5 Baños
Opt to pre-book the "Baños Canyoning Adventure" or "Baños Ziplining Adventure Bundle" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include one of these optionals on your tour.
Day 6 Baños/Quilotoa
Day 7 Quilotoa
Day 8 Quilotoa/Quito
Day 9 Quito
Day 10 Quito/Santa Cruz Island
Day 11 Santa Cruz Island/Isabela Island
Please note that travel between islands is done by speedboat. The ride can be quite rough, especially from July to December. Make sure to bring sea sickness medication if you are prone to sea sickness
Day 12 Isabela Island
Please note that space may be limited for optional activities during high season, these activities are operated by third-party operators and will be subject to availability
Day 13 Isabela Island/Santa Cruz Island
Day 14 Santa Cruz Island/San Cristóbal Island
Please note, the accommodation for the night is multi-share in a hostel.
Day 15 San Cristóbal Island
Day 16 San Cristóbal Island/Quito
G Adventures strongly recommends not booking departure flights on the day the group returns to Quito. Local flight times are often subject to change and could potentially cause issues if delayed. We recommend booking flights on the last day of the tour as noted on the Full itinerary page
Day 17 Quito
