Welcome to Quito! Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978 and considered the cultural capital of South America, it is the largest and best-preserved colonial city of America. The first day is an informational and acclimation day with no scheduled activities. One of the trip leaders will meet you at the hotel for a welcome briefing at 6:00 pm and there will be plenty of time to discuss details and to answer any questions you may have regarding the adventure. Depending on arrival time, you can spend your day relaxing or exploring Quito and the surrounding area.

Overnight: Swissôtel Quito

Today get ready to explore the most amazing archipelago along the Pacific coast and the place where Charles Darwin developed his theory on the evolution of species. You'll board a morning flight from Quito to the island of Baltra. Upon arrival, you'll head to the town of Puerto Ayora, the largest town in the Galapagos. From here you'll take a speed boat to Isabela Island, the largest island in the archipelago and where most of the volcanic activity in the Galapagos occurs. The island is being formed by six shield volcanoes: Alcedo, Cerro Azul, Darwin, Ecuador, Sierra Negra, and Wolf. All but Ecuador are still active, making the island one of the most volcanically active places on earth. During the island crossing, be on the lookout for dolphins and whales (July to October).

Flying time: 3 hours (including the stop at Guayaquil city on the way to Baltra airport)
Speed boat time from Santa Cruz to Isabela: 2 hours (If you normally get seasick it's important to take medication before getting on the boat)
What to wear today: Light pants, t-shirt, fleece top, tennis shoes, hat, sunscreen

Accommodation: Cormorant or similar
Meals included: Breakfast

Today you'll explore the amazing lava formations created along the seashore of Isabela Island, a magical place that has been used by the staff of BBC and National Geographic for documentaries. The labyrinth of lava arches have formed amongst the crystal-clear water where you can find huge sea turtles (sometimes man-sized), eagle rays, sea lions, fish, white-tipped reef sharks, and more. Turtles navigate their own highway from the mangroves to the open sea through “Los Tuneles.” It is here where you'll have the best opportunity to snorkel with the local wildlife, including the curious Galapagos penguin.

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

Boat ride time to the lava tunnels: 1 hour each way
Snorkeling time: Two 1 hour sessions
What to wear today: shorts, water long sleeve t-shirt, sandals or tennis shoes, bathing suit, hat or baseball cap, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, buff

Accommodation: Cormorant or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

After driving up from Puerto Villamil to the trail head, the group will prepare their packs for the hike into the young forest ecosystem, a world of recent geological history. Today's destination is the rim of Sierra Negra Crater, an active volcano which last erupted in June 2018. Upon arrival, you'll take in the breathtaking views and explore the circumference of the massive, lava-filled crater, a caldera that is over six miles across at its widest point. If everyone is feeling energetic enough, you can continue your hike to Volcan Chico, a secondary crater that has a wild landscape of puffing fumaroles and colorful lava formations; great examples of the dramatic geological events that have formed the Galapagos Islands over millennia.

In the afternoon you'll visit Tintoreras Islet, located at a short distance from Puerto Villamil and home to a great variety of wildlife. Its turquoise, crystalline waters are inhabited by white-tipped reef sharks, Galapagos Penguins, marine turtles and sea lions. One of its beaches, surrounded by mangroves, is one of the few sites where marine iguanas can reproduce successfully.

Hiking time: 4 hours both ways
Hiking distance: 6 miles (9.6 km) (optional hike to Volcan Chico, 10 miles / 16 km)
Hiking elevation gain: 950 feet (289.5 m)
Maximum elevation while hiking: 3,687 feet (1,124 m)
What to wear today for hiking: shorts, t-shirt, tennis shoes, rain jacket, hat, buff, sunscreen, mosquito repellent

Kayaking time: 2 hours
Snorkeling time: 1 hour
What to wear today for kayaking & snorkeling: sandals, shorts, water long sleeve t-shirt, bathing suit, hat, sunscreen, mosquito repellent

Accommodation: Cormorant or similar
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

In the morning, transfer from Isabela to Santa Cruz Island to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. During the island crossing, be on the lookout for dolphins and whales (July to October). Once you arrive, you'll check in at the hotel. The group 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, you'll 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! You'll 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 fresh water lake. Afterwards, return to Puerto Ayora to spend the evening in Galapagos' most populous town.

What to wear today: shorts, t-shirt, tennis shoes or sandals, hat, rain jacket (for the boat ride), sunscreen

Accommodations: Silberstein or similar
Meals included: Breakfast

After a final breakfast in the Galapagos and one last chance to take photos of the sea lions, you'll transfer to Baltra's airport in time to catch your flight back to the mainland.

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

Accommodation: Swissôtel Quito
Meals included: Breakfast

Today after breakfast you'll take a scenic drive across the eastern range of the Ecuadorian Andes. Your first stop will be at Guango, a hummingbird reserve located in the cloud forest. Here you'll hike for 2 hours searching for these beautiful colorful birds and learn about the magnificent flora that can be found in this ecosystem. Later, continue down the road and enjoy a traditional lunch. In the late afternoon, you'll arrive at the Amazon Lodge and have time to relax. Before dinner tonight there is an optional night hike to view insects.

What to wear today for hiking: pants, t-shirt, hiking shoes, rain jacket, hat, buff, sunscreen, mosquito repellent

Accommodation: Amazon Lodge
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Early in the morning you'll take a canoe up the Arajuno River to go visit the saladero, also known as a parrot's clay lick. The parrots are attracted to the clay deposits here which are full of minerals that the birds need to digest their diet of nuts. These birds come here almost every morning, so there is a good chance you'll get to see these birds in their natural environment. After breakfast you'll go for a hike in the Amazon's pristine forest to learn more about the flora and fauna, and the survival techniques that people need when living here.

In the afternoon you'll visit the nearby Kichwa community and they will share their traditions and stories with you.

What to wear today: shorts, t-shirt, tennis shoes or sandals, hat, rain jacket (for the boat ride), sunscreen

Accommodation: Amazon Lodge
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Today you'll head back to the Andes Mountains, but before returning to Quito you'll stop at Papallacta hot springs to soak in the volcanic pools. You also have the option of enjoying a spa treatment.

Accommodation: Swissôtel Quito
Meals included: Breakfast

Say goodbye to Quito! Make your way to the airport for your flight back home.

Meals included: Breakfast