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    Amazon & Island Hopping in Galapagos

    Ecuador in 13 Days, 11 Nights in Destination

    Valentine, Travel Expert

    Valentine
    Travel crafter

    Get to know the beauty of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands in this journey that will take you from the country’s capital city to some of the world’s most pristine beaches before unearthing the impressive Amazon Forest.

    Trip Highlights

    1. map-pin-check-icon
      Amazon
    2. map-pin-check-icon
      Galapagos Islands
    3. map-pin-check-icon
      Quito
    4. map-pin-check-icon
      San Cristobal Island
    5. map-pin-check-icon
      Santa Cruz Island

    Included

    1. All flights

    2. Accommodation

    3. All transfers

    4. Activities

    5. Breakfast only

    Availability

    1. Departures available until March 2027

    2. Available Group tours

    3. Solo travelers from + $620

    4. Add up to 3 nights to your stay

    5. WHAT'S THIS?

    Categories available

    1. charm included

    2. superior from + $1,000

    3. WHAT'S THIS?

    From

    $4,459

    $1,999

    /person

    -55%

    Book with an expert:

    1-888-488-0592

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    Best Price Guarantee

    SmartFare has secured the lowest fares on flights & services for this trip

    Itinerary

    Explore Ecuador and all its natural wonders. Jump from the island of San Cristobal to Santa Cruz to fully immerse yourself in the treasures of the Galapagos; from rare marine wildlife to some most of the beautiful landscapes and beaches in the world. Next, uncover the secrets of the Amazon forest before treating your senses to an explosion of colors in Quito.

    1st Day: US - Quito

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    Arrive at your US departure airport*, ready for a flight to Quito. Arrive in the capital of Ecuador, a city famed for its high vantage point in the Andean mountains and its ancient Incan history. Transfer to your hotel** and overnight stay in Quito.

    *If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

    **If you want to have the hotel room available before 2:00 p.m., you can add early check-in at an additional cost. In case you are interested, you will be able to see the price and do the upsell in the next step of the purchase process.

    Please note: The transfer from the airport to the hotel is a shuttle with a Spanish-speaking driver.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Holiday Inn Quito Airport... or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    226 Reviews

    See our full selection

    2nd Day: Quito

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    Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, a local representative will relay all the information regarding the next few days of your trip to you. Afterwards, the rest of the day is free to spend at your leisure; take this time to start exploring Quito at your own pace. Alternatively, we recommend you take part in our optional Middle of the World Monument excursion*. Overnight stay in Quito. 

    *Optional Middle of the World Monument Excursion: Take a photo with one foot in each hemisphere against the backdrop of a mesmerizing mountain landscape. Visit the Museo Solar Intiñán, which features an interactive tour, and then enjoy a chaguarmishqui tasting at the Museo de la Experiencia del Agave to learn about the versatile and delicious plant used to make this ancient drink.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Holiday Inn Quito Airport... or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    226 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    Optional
    Half day excursion in the middle of the world in Museo Intiñan

    Light

    See more

    3rd Day: Quito - San Cristobal, Galapagos Islands

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    Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, transfer to the airport in Quito to board a flight to the Galapagos Islands. Upon arriving at San Cristobal Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. You will then meet with one of our staff members to get briefed on the next few days of your trip including a quick description of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital city of the Galapagos province.

    The rest of the day is yours to spend as you see fit; take this time to familiarize yourself with your new surroundings. Overnight stay in San Cristobal.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    hotel Casa Opuntia or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    313 Reviews

    See our full selection

    4th Day: San Cristobal, Galapagos Islands

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    Breakfast at the hotel. Today, begin your adventure visiting the stunning Loberia Beach for a relaxing start to your day*. To get to the beach, you will first be picked up by a taxi and then hike to your destination where you'll encounter land iguanas, various birds and flora typical of the region. Once at the beach, you can enjoy the view, swim/snorkel among sea lions, and if you're lucky, also spot marine iguanas and turtles.

    Return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure exploring the island at your own pace. Alternatively, we recommend you take part in our optional half-day tour snorkeling in Isla Lobos*. Overnight stay in San Cristobal. 

    *Optional Half-Day Tour with Snorkel in Isla Lobos: Board a boat to visit Isla Lobos where you will encounter blue-footed boobies, sea lions, sea turtles and rays before getting to snorkel and swim in the crystal clear waters of this island. From here, make your way to Ochoa Beach to relax, swim and take in the beauty of this stunning landscape. Lunch is included.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    hotel Casa Opuntia or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    313 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    included
    Excursion to Loberia Beach with Snorkeling

    Light

    See more
    Optional
    Half-Day Tour with Snorkeling in Isla Lobos

    Moderate

    See more

    5th Day: San Cristobal, Galapagos Islands

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    Breakfast at the hotel. Free day to enjoy the beautiful island at your leisure. Alternatively, we recommend you take part in one of our two optional excursions of the day: either a visit to Kicker Rock for some snorkeling* or a visit to San Cristobal’s highlands**. Overnight stay in San Cristobal. 

    *Optional Excursion to Kicker Rock with Snorkeling: Early in the morning sail to the lava formation in the middle of the sea where you will walk around to observe different species of birds that use this rock as a resting place for nesting. From here, enjoy some leisurely time to snorkel and try to catch a glimpse of different shark species (including hammerheads!), turtles, rays and more.

    After this, continue to Manglecito Beach, a white coral beach offering the opportunity to walk and swim in its shallow waters and take in the beauty of this stunning location. Lunch is included.

    **Optional Full-Day Highlands & Giant Tortoises Excursion: Discover the wildlife-rich highlands or 'Altos' of San Cristobal island! Begin at the white-sand beach of Puerto Chino before taking a short nature hike to visit the sea lion colony and spot blue-footed boobies!

    An uphill walk rewards you with excellent views of the surrounding landscapes before travelling to La Galapaguera, a Galapagos Tortoise hatchery where wooden walkways allow you to walk amongst these gentle giants.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    hotel Casa Opuntia or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    313 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    Optional
    Excursion Kicker Rock with Snorkeling

    Moderate

    See more
    Optional
    Full-Day Highlands & Giant Tortoises Excursion

    Moderate

    See more

    6th Day: San Cristobal - Santa Cruz, Galapagos Islands

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    Breakfast at the hotel. Early in the morning, transfer to the dock to hop on a speedboat to take you to Santa Cruz Island. The duration of the transfer is approximately 2.5 hours. 

    Upon arriving in Santa Cruz, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure; take this time to acclimate to your new surroundings. Alternatively, take part in our optional tour of Santa Cruz Bahia*.Overnight stay in Santa Cruz.

    *Optional Half-Day Santa Cruz Bahia Tour: Discover Santa Cruz and its bays during this incredible experience. Visit some of the most beautiful and important areas of the island and learn about the importance of the archipelago. Discover the beautiful seascapes with your knowledgeable guide.

    Depending on the weather, the public ferry service in the Galapagos Islands can become quite choppy at times. If you suffer from seasickness, we recommend taking precautions to alleviate your symptoms in case of rough seas.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Albatross or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    51 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    Optional
    Half-day Santa Cruz Bahia Tour

    Moderate

    See more

    7th Day: Santa Cruz, Galapagos Islands

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    Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy the entirety of the day at your own leisure; take this time to further explore the beauty of the island. Alternatively, we recommend you take part in our optional excursion to the Santa Cruz Highlands*. Overnight stay in Santa Cruz. 

    *Optional Full-Day Excursion to the Santa Cruz Highlands: This day trip includes a visit to the El Chato Reserve, where you’ll observe the renowned giant turtles in their natural habitat. Discover the Lava Tunnels formed when a flow of lava quickly goes cold as it comes into contact with the cold atmosphere thus creating these interesting tube-like formations.

    Following this, gaze at the incredible view of the Twin Craters, two mind-blowing volcanic material holes formed by a long process of slow subsidence of the land, where exceptional scalesia trees, ferns, mosses and orchids can be seen. Lunch is included.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Albatross or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    51 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    Optional
    Excursion to Santa Cruz Highlands (Parte Alta)

    Active

    See more

    8th Day: Santa Cruz, Galapagos Islands - Quito

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    Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, transfer to the airport in Baltra Island for a flight back to Quito. Upon arrival in the city of Quito, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day at your own leisure.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Holiday Inn Quito Airport... or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    226 Reviews

    See our full selection

    9th Day: Quito - Tena - Amazon

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    Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, start your guided adventure visiting the beautiful colonial center of Quito known as one of the best preserved in Latin America. Walk through its charming narrow streets, enjoy its beautiful squares (Plaza de la Independencia, Palacio de Gobierno) and taste typical Ecuadorian fruits in a local market.

    After, continue to the Ecuadorian Highlands, the highest point of the road in the moors of Papallacta and down to the eastern jungle of the country, until you reach the Lodge. This drive will take approximately 5 hours (120 miles).

    To end the day, explore the Amazon at night walking around the gardens where you can catch a glimpse of the many toads, grasshoppers and various species of  insects. With a bit of luck, you might just come across bioluminescent mushrooms; a true feast for the eyes! Overnight stay in Tena.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Huasquila Amazon Lodge or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    338 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    included
    Quito City Tour

    Moderate

    See more
    included
    Night-walk in Tena

    Moderate

    See more

    10th Day: Amazon

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    Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy the entirety of the day at your leisure; take this time to further explore the Ecuadorian jungle. If you wish to use this time to relax, do so by taking advantage of the hotel facilities at your disposal.

    Alternatively, we recommend taking part in our optional activities, which include; a walk along a waterfall*, a half-day Amazonian excursion** and/or a chocolate-making workshop***.

    *Optional Waterfall Walk: Join this incredible walk where you will be guided to spectacular views of the Waterfall, and learn about the tropical fauna and flora along the way.

    **Optional Half-Day Amazonian Excursion: Discover Paikawe Lagoon on a canoe ride, with curious large fish that you can see swimming and coming to the surface. Head to Misahualli Monkey Village, this sleepy jungle town where you can meet its most popular inhabitants, the monkeys! Finally visit the Amupakin community, to understand the traditional local way of life. Including lunch.

    ***Optional Chocolate-Making Workshop: A foodie experience where you can make your own chocolate. Learn the entire process through practice, all the way from the seed until creating your own chocolate sauce.

    Please note: None of these activities overlap, therefore it is possible to book all of them.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Huasquila Amazon Lodge or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    338 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    Optional
    Chocolate-Making Workshop

    Light

    See more
    Optional
    Waterfall Walk in the Amazon

    Moderate

    See more
    Optional
    Half-day Amazonia Excursion

    Active

    See more

    11th Day: Amazon - Papallacta - Quito

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    Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, enjoy some extra time exploring the jungle before visiting Papallacta*, en route to Quito with a 5 hour drive (approx. 120 miles). Papallacta is a town mostly known for its thermal waters said to have medicinal properties. The lagoon found in Papallacta supplies most of Quito’s drinking water with 80% of its territory belonging to the ecosystem of the moors. 

    You will have time to admire the lagoon and, if you choose to, bathe in one of its hot springs for an additional cost (approx. 10 USD per person). Return to your hotel and overnight stay in Quito.

    *Please note: Entrance to the thermal waters is not included; you will be able to pay on site. Please also note that this activity is subject to availability. 

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Holiday Inn Quito Airport... or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    226 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    included
    Visit to Papallacta

    Light

    See more

    12th Day: Quito - Night on board

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    Breakfast at the hotel. Sadly, it's time to bring your adventure through Ecuador and the amazing Galapagos Islands to an end. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to the US. Night on board.

    Please note: Depending on the flight departure time you may arrive back in the US today.

    13th Day: US

    arrow-icon

    Arrive in the US and end your trip.

    Categories

    charm

    From $1,999

    Selected
    • Accomodation in Charm category hotels.
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    superior

    From $2,999

    • Accomodation in Charm and Superior category hotels.

    Pick a date and start customising your trip

    Learn more

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    April 2025
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    Included activities

    Included

    Excursion to Loberia Beach with Snorkeling

    Included activity for day 4 in La Loberia Beach

    Enjoy some time at La Lobería beach on San Cristóbal Island to swim with sea lions, snorkel or simply admire the stunning natural beauty of the surroundings, accompanied by a guide.

    Duration 03:00h Approx. Pick up time: 09:00 Approx

    Physical rating:

    Light

    Pick up can be at 9:00 or 12:00, depending on when the sea conditions are more favorable.

    more information
    Included

    Quito City Tour

    Included activity for day 9 in Quito

    Explore Quito, Ecuador’s historic capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This panoramic tour showcases iconic landmarks, stunning views, and rich culture. A perfect introduction to the city!

    Duration 02:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

    Physical rating:

    Moderate

    Pick up time will inform at destination.

    more information
    Included

    Night-walk in Tena

    Included activity for day 9

    Night-walk through the jungle to admire the nocturnal wildlife as the rainforest comes to life after sundown.

    Duration 02:00h Approx. Pick up time: 20:00 Approx

    Physical rating:

    Moderate

    Natural jungle trails not suitable for people with physical mobility difficulties. / It is suggested to bring a flashlights and insect repellent.

    more information
    Included

    Visit to Papallacta

    Included activity for day 11 in Papallacta Hot Springs

    Get to know the thermal waters of Papallacta, said to have medicinal properties, and explore the lagoon and hot springs of this beautiful location.

    Duration 01:00h Approx.

    Physical rating:

    Light

    You can access the hot springs of Papallacta with an extra cost of 10 USD approx. This activity is subject to availability.

    more information

    Available Activities

    Activities are subject to availability. The price for each optional activity will be shown in the next step of the booking process.
    Optional

    Half day excursion in the middle of the world in Museo Intiñan

    Suggested activity for day 2 in Quito

    Visit the Intiñan Interactive Museum where you can perform experiments related to the equator and the Agave House for activities related to the Agave and its ancestral beverages.

    Duration 04:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

    Physical rating:

    Light

    more information
    Optional

    Half-Day Tour with Snorkeling in Isla Lobos

    Suggested activity for day 4 in Galapagos Islands

    Dive into the crystal clear waters of this stunning island to snorkel alongside blue-footed boobies, sea lions and other marine life.

    Duration 05:00h Approx. Pick up time: 07:30 Approx

    Physical rating:

    Moderate

    There is a second departure at 12:00 pm. / Part of the trail has volcanic rock so you will have to walk on it, it is recommended to wear closed shoes.

    more information
    Optional

    Excursion Kicker Rock with Snorkeling

    Suggested activity for day 5 in Galapagos Islands

    Take part in an exciting snorkeling experience where you can snorkel around the rock formations and have the chance to catch sight of different species of sharks, turtles rays and more!

    Duration 06:30h Approx. Pick up time: 07:30 Approx

    Physical rating:

    Moderate

    The excursion is a full snorkeling excursion, so a good level of swimming is required, as the sea currents are strong.

    more information
    Optional

    Full-Day Highlands & Giant Tortoises Excursion

    Suggested activity for day 5 in Galapagos Islands

    Head to Puerto Chino and take a short walk to observe sea lions and blue-footed boobies before visiting La Galapaguera, a Galapagos tortoise hatchery. Finish the day with a visit to the coffee farm "Voluntad de Dios".

    Duration 06:00h Approx. Pick up time: 09:00 Approx

    Physical rating:

    Moderate

    The duration will depend on weather conditions.

    more information

    Show more

    The price includes

    • Departures from main US airports.
    • International flights: US - Quito - US.
    • Internal flights: Quito - San Cristobal, Santa Cruz - Quito. *
      more information
    • 11 nights accommodation in Charm category hotels.
      See hotels included
    • 11 breakfasts.
    • All transfers
    • Visits and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary.
      See itinerary
    • All air taxes & fuel surcharge.
    • English-speaking guide in the indicated activities.

    Not included

    Transit Control Card (TCC) and entrance to the Galapagos National Park. Galapagos transit control card is mandatory and is checked at the airport in both Quito and Guayaquil before travel to the Galapagos Islands. Cost US$20 per person (subject to change) and made by cash payment.

    At the airport Galapagos passengers must present their transit control card (TCC) with their passport and pay the entrance fee to the Galapagos National Park. Cost: US$100 per person until July 31, 2024, and from August 1, 2024 US$200 for adults and US$100 for children.

    Entrances, drinks, tips and any other services not mentioned in what's included.

    Please Note: Travelers with passports from the following countries are required to present a tourist visa in their country of origin:
     
    Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Burma, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Haiti, India, Iraq, Iran, Kenya, Libya, Mali, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Republic of Congo, Senegal, North Korea, Syria, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Venezuela, Vietnam, Myanmar and Yemen.

    *Documentation of the internal flights will be delivered at your destination. It is essential to fill in the passport information correctly for each passenger in the given boxes at the end of the reservations process.

    We strongly recommend you consult your doctor regarding the possible effects of altitude sickness before you travel.

    Included transfers are to be shared with other travelers. Please also note that drivers often only speak Spanish. 

    Depending on the weather, the public ferry service in the Galapagos Islands can become quite choppy at times. If you suffer from seasickness, we recommend taking precautions to alleviate your symptoms in case of rough seas.

    The itinerary is subject to changes and alterations due to weather conditions or force majeure.

    For the flight to Galapagos we will transfer you to the airport 3 hours in advance in order to complete the required formalities.

    • Entry requirements

      Minimum of 6 months validity with one passport page. Mandatory travel insurance.

    • Visa

      No visa required for stays of up to 90 days

    • Currency

      US Dollar

    • Language

      Spanish

    • Electricity

      Types A and B, 110 V North American type plug

    • Health

      Please consult your doctor regarding the vaccination against yellow fever and malaria prophylaxis. Travellers over 60 years must consult their doctor as the Yellow Fever vaccine can have serious side effects.

    • Time zone

      UTC -5

    • Other useful information

      It is mandatory for tourists to carry a valid health insurance policy.

    • Tourist Office website

      https://ecuador.travel/en/

    Remember to download your e-ticket to confirm the times of your flights and to complete online check-in using the airline's website, or directly at the check-in desk at the airport.

    Accommodation at the hotels is as indicated. In the event of any changes to accommodation, they will always be of the same or a higher category. The category of hotels is not standardized across all countries in the world. For this reason, the criteria may differ depending on the destination country's own standards.

    In the case of adverse weather conditions, for safety reasons or for any other reasons deemed appropriate, the order and duration of the excursions included in the itinerary may be changed or canceled without prior notice.

    Galapagos transit control card (TCC) is mandatory and is checked at the airport in both Quito and Guayaquil before travel to the Galapagos Islands. Cost US$20 per person (subject to change) and made by cash payment.

    At the airport Galapagos passengers must present their transit control card (TCC) with their passport and pay the entrance fee to the Galapagos National Park. Cost: US$100 per person until July 31, 2024, and from August 1, 2024 US$200 for adults and US$100 for children.

    If you have reduced mobility, require the use of a wheelchair, or you would prefer this tour to be a private experience for you and your group, you must contact our Experts at +1 888-488-0592 before booking to ensure that your needs can be met.

    While on the road, it is highly unlikely that the vehicle will be equipped with wifi or bathroom facilities, though rest stops will be made for long trips. We recommend purchasing a new SIM card at the airport or placing an e-SIM before travel to guarantee internet connection.

     

    Room allocation: We will do our best to accommodate your family in the same room. If availability doesn't permit this, we guarantee your family will be accommodated as close together as possible. Children will always be accomodated in a room with at least 1 adult.

    Booster seats: Not available in all destinations. Feel free to take your own if you need one.

    Pay in installments

    Pay only 60% today to reserve your trip.

    Pay the rest in installments depending on your departure date

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