Ecuador & Galapagos Journey tour itinerary details & highlights
Galapagos & Ecuador Journey 19 day itinerary
The below itinerary is based on an 4 day Amazon cruise on board the Manatee Amazon Explorer, 8 day Galapagos Islands cruise departure on board the Galapagos Journey I and a 5 day cultural tour of Ecuador andes highlands. The below itinerary starts in Quito and can end in Quito or Guayaquil, the trip can be done backwards starting in Guayaquil ending in Quito before the cruise portion. Other itinerary options (3 and 4 night Galapagos cruises, or a 5 day Amazon cruise) and departure dates are available both on the Galapagos Journey I and the Galapagos Journey II.
The right hand column explains alternative travel itineraries
Day 1 Saturday: Quito
Arrive on your international flight. Greeting at the airport by a Latin Trails English speaking representative. Assistance and transfer to your hotel. Accommodation at Swissotel or similar in Quito.
Day 2 Sunday: Quito
Quito City tour - Colonial plazas, buildings and churches display a bizarre and fascinating mix of Spanish and indigenous styles as you walk the best preserved colonial downtown in South America. Visit an art gallery and the Panecillo hill (winged virgin) lookout for a wonderfull view of downtown Quito and its colorful rooftops. Entrance fees to churches are included. Middle of the world: Visit the Equatorial Monument straddle the Equator line and get a picture with a foot on each hemisphere and Intiñan Museum where you get to experiment with 0 Latitud and learn about the indigenous cultures of Ecuador.
Transfer to your hotel and accommodations.
(B)
Day 3 Monday: Quito - Otavalo - Cotopaxi
We head 1.5hrs north of Quito to visit the Otavalo indigenous market; the most important indigenous market in South America. On the way, we pass by small villages, the snow capped volcano Cayambe, the San Pablo Lake, and the Imbabura Volcano. In the city of Cayambe, we make a quick stop to try the traditional biscuits before continuing to Otavalo. The market is the largest of its kind in South America, offering many different kinds of arts and crafts from local communities.
After visiting the market we head back south outskirting Quito and arriving at an hacienda at the foot of the Cotopaxi volcano, The hacienda has Inca Ruins on premises and even in some rooms. Overnight at hacienda (San Agustin de Callo or similar).
(B, D)
Day 4 Tuesday: Cotopaxi - Riobamba
Today we enjoy waking up under the shade of the wolrds largest active volcano. We will be able to walk the hacienda grounds and learn about the Inca ruins located in the dining room and chapel. From the hacienda the views of the Cotopaxi volcano are phenomenal on a clear day. We depart in time to visit the Limpiopungo lake and enjoy the Cotopaxi National Park and its solitude. With some luck it is possible to observe wild horses, deer, rabbits, andean gulls, hummingbirds, caracara birds and with lots of luck even an Andean condor flying above. We will drive up to the parking lot, those in good physical condition can attempt hiking up to the climbers refuge. From the parking spot you have amazing views of the "Avenue of the Volcanoes", on a clear day you can spot both Illinizas, Chimborazo, Ruminahui amongst others. After our high altitude experience we head on south towards Riobamba, on the way we will have quick stops at the industrial city of Ambato, the rug shops at Guano and will enjoy a short city tour of Riobamba before checking into our hotel. Overnight country inn (Abraspungo or similar).
(B, D)
Day 5 Wednesday: Riobamba - Devils Nose train - Ingapirca - Cuenca
Early morning departure to the train station, we board for an Adventure on rails, the route today will take us through small Andean villages, indigenous communities, lakes, churches and more. The highlight of our train ride is the descent down the mountainside called "Devils Nose", the only way the mountain could be conquered was by using switchbacks. After riding down a true masterpiece in engineering, we head south, Ingapirca is our next stop. The Inca ruins are the most important archaeological site in Ecuador, impressive stone work and several compounds give a clear idea of how advanced this ancient society was. We continue to Cuenca. Overnight at a boutique hotel in the colonial center of the city (Mansion Alcazar or similar).
(B)
Day 6 Thursday: Cuenca - Quito
We start with a city tour of what is considered by many the most beautiful city of Ecuador. We will walk through colonial plazas, the flower market, cobblestone streets admiring old homes with their wrought iron balconies. Our tour of the city includes a stop at a straw hat factory (mistakenly called Panama Hats) and the central bank athropological museum. After enjoying Cuenca we head to the airport for a short flight to Quito. We arrive at Quito and check in at our hotel for the night (Swissotel or similar).
(B)
Day 7 Friday: Quito - Francisco de Orellana airport, Amazon
Francisco de Orellana arrival
Depart from Quito in the morning (11:00), flight to Francisco de Orellana (Coca), arriving to Coca at around 12:00. Transfer to the Napo River port then the motorized canoe ride downstream will be approximately one hour and 30 minutes. Once aboard the Manatee Amazon Explorer will start navigating downstream. The courteous crew will attend to your needs and the guides will introduce you to the surprising Amazon world, its people, more than 600 species of birds, and hundreds of botanical wonders. The Manatee sails along different ecosystems and important natural reserves such as the Yasuní National Park and the Limoncocha Biological Reserve.
(B,L,D)
Day 8 Saturday: Parrot lick and the Limoncocha Biological Reserve
Early departure by motor canoe to visit a very special corner of the jungle, the clay banks of the river where different species of parrots gather daily to eat this clay that helps them digest the seeds they feed on, it is quite a sight, colorful and noisy! Then, back aboard the Manatee to sail upriver and reach one of the tributaries of the Napo to observe the flora and fauna, the surprising pygmy monkeys and then a trek to the facilities of what used to be South America's Summer Institute of Linguistics in Limoncocha, currently the only Biological Reserve of Ecuador. Upon reaching the Limoncocha Lake, we will board a canoe and travel along the banks of this marshy ecosystem, where over 470 species of birds have been recorded. There is a possibility to fish for piranha, and for a short walk. At night, it is possible to observe the black caimans that inhabit the lagoon; quite an experience... Late return to the Manatee for dinner and overnight.
(B,L,D)
Day 9 Sunday: Culture / The Amazonian man / Giants of the Forest
The adventure today begins with a visit to the Museum of Pompeya, a small archaeological sample with Amazonian funeral urns that date back several centuries, as well as utensils and ways of life of the ancient denizens of the rain forest, which can still be seen today. We will also have the opportunity to see the giant trees of the Amazon, like the kapok, which rises over the forest canopy to more than 80 meters high, with huge, protrading roots. Guests can also try rowing the canoes on a tranquil tributary of the Napo River up to the house of a native family, to share a moment with them and learn their ways of life. (B,L,D)
Day 10 Monday: Francisco de Orellana / Quito
The Return While the Manatee navigates upriver, the guides wrap up our knowledge of the great Amazon region. Then transfer to the airport for the flight to Quito. Transfer in and transfer to your hotel. Afternoon free. Overnight
(B)
Day 11 Tuesday morning:
Quito - Baltra airport, Galapagos Islands
The flight from Quito (via Guayaquil) to the Galapagos is approximately 2 ½ hours on a Boeing 727. Upon arrival at Baltra travelers pass through an airport inspection point to insure that no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the islands and to pay the park entrance fee of $100 (unless prepaid). Guides will meet you, collect your luggage and escort you on the short bus ride to the Itabaca channel. From the channel it is a short 5 minute ferry ride to Santa Cruz. Here we will board a bus and travel to the Santa Cruz highlands were we will be able to enjoy a delicious lunch at a ranch.
Tuesday afternoon: Santa Cruz Island - Highlands
The highlands of Santa Cruz are an agricultural zone, near the National Park boundary, the Miconia Zone and then goes to the Fern and Sedge zone. With clear weather (unpredictable) this area affords beautiful scenes of rolling hills and extinct volcanic cones covered with grass and lush greenery all year round. Here you will be able to find the giant Galapago tortoises in the wild, they roam freely around farms and the Galapagos park reserve. After close encounters with the gentle giants we head towards Puerto Ayora, here we will have time to visit town. We board the Journey I and after a safety briefing we enjoy a welcome dinner and our first lecture introducing us to a unique learning experience.
(B,L,D)
Day 12 Wednesday morning:
Chinese Hat
Chinese hat is a tiny Island just off the southeastern tip of Santiago Island is less than a quarter of 1 sq km in size. It is a fairly recent volcanic cone, which accounts for its descriptive name, it has the shape of a down-facing Chinese hat. The hat shape is best appreciated from the northside. Opposite Sombrero Chino, on the rocky shoreline of nearby Santiago, Galapagos penguins are often seen.
A 400 mt. trail goes around the cove and through a sea lion colony - marine iguanas cover the landscape. The volcanic scenery is attractive, and there are good views of the cone. There are snorkeling and swimming opportunities in the cove.
Wednesday afternoon: Santiago Island - Puerto Egas
Wet Landing. James Bay at the western end. Puerto Egas with its black sand beaches was the site of small salt mining industry in the 1960s. A hike inland to the salt crater is an excellent opportunity to sight land birds such as finches, doves, and hawks. A walk down the rugged shoreline, especially at low tide, will turn up many marine species. Iguanas bask on the rocks and sea lions laze in the tide pools. At the end of the trail there is a series of grottoes or sea caves where fur seals and night herons are found resting on shady ledges.
The wet landing on the dark sands of Puerto Egas, James Bay leads to one of the more rewarding visits in the Galapagos. First, a trail leads inland to the remains of a salt mining operation, one of several largely unsuccessful attempts to commercialize the Galapagos. Some groups will make the 1 hour round trip to the Sugarloaf Volcano (about 1000 ft elevation). But it is the Fur Seal Grotto that produces the most pleasure for visitors. Here one can get very close views of both fur seals and sea lions in a series of rocky pools. For many, this is the only opportunity to see the Galapagos fur seal, once thought to be on the verge of extinction. In addition to the fur seals. James Bay offers the best opportunity for tide-pooling in the Galapagos.
(B,L,D)
Day 13 Thursday morning:
Santiago Island - Bahia Sullivan
This visitor site provides a unique opportunity to view a recent lava flow of approximately 100 years old. The East Side of James Island is known to have barren volcanic landscapes, dominated by black pahoehoe (ropy) lava flows of very young age. On the surface of the lava is possible to observe some tree that was carried down by the flow of the fresh lava. It is also interesting to see how some Mollugo plants are starting to colonize the small lava fissures.
Thursday afternoon: Bartolome Island
A small barren island, located across Sullivan Bay off James Island, Bartholomew has two visitors’ sites. At one of them it is possible to climb to the summit of the island, from where visitors can observe a variety of volcanic formations, spatter and tuff cones, lava flows and lava tubes. The moon like landscape provides the most scenic panorama in the archipelago. At the other site, the visitor may swim and snorkel from a beautiful beach or walk across the isthmus to another beach that faces south, where swimming is prohibited. Multi –coloured fish and occasionally penguins may be seen at the base of the tall pinnacle rock, which dominates Bartholomew’s landscape.
(B,L,D)
Day 14 Friday morning:
Santa Cruz Island - Bachas Beach
These two small beaches are found to the West of Turtle Cove. Their sand is made of decomposed coral, which makes it white and soft, making it a favourite nesting site for sea turtles. Behind one of the beaches there is a small brackish water lagoon, where occasionally is possible to observe flamingos and other coastal birds, such as black-necked stilts and whimbrels. The other beach is longer, but it has two old barges that were abandoned during the Second World War, when the USA used Baltra Island as a strategically point to protect the Panama Channel.
Friday afternoon: Plaza Island
These are two small islets that were uplifted a short distance from the East Coast of Santa Cruz. The unusual vegetation and location of the island create an interesting landscape in which the fauna and flora of Galápagos are enhanced. Moreover despite its small size, some of the most interesting and outstanding species of the archipelago occur here. It is possible to guarantee the observation of land iguanas that often are in the shade of a cactus. Nesting on the rugged southern cliffs, are usually swallow –tailed gulls, which seen along with various other sea birds. The protected rocky seashore is a prime habitat for a large colony of noisy sea lions. The principal attraction of Plazas is the land iguanas, the sea lions and the swallow – tailed gulls. Also we can see yellow – tailed mullets, Audubon’s shearwaters, red-billed tropicbirds, frigate birds, and brown pelicans gliding past the cliff.
(B,L,D)
Day 15 Saturday morning:
San Cristobal Island - Interpretation Center & Tijeretas Hill
The interpretation centre was built with the cooperation of the Spanish Cience Centre. It gives a very good introduction to the Galaagos islands, its marine and land life, fauna and flora. It is located in the outskirts of the small city of Pto. Baquerizo Moreno, which is the capital of the Galapagos Province.
The trip to the Hill takes approximately 20-40 minutes. Once there, visitors are treated to a spectacular view of the white beaches on one side and the roofs of Puerto Baquerizo on the other. The hill is often visited by Frigatebirds, giving it its name. Here it is possible to see Magnificent Frigatebirds and Great Frigatebirds in the same colony. This is the perfect place to compare and learn to distinguish them.
This site offers some safe snorkeling without strong currents. It is great for beginners. You can find sting rays, barber fish and butterfly fish.
Saturday afternoon: Isla Lobos (Sea Lion Islet)
This small islet, located only an hour by boat from Pto. Baquerizo Moreno is separated from the main Island by a narrow strecht of calm water. Upon its rocky shores blue-footed boobies nest and sea lions rest. The atmosphere is one of tranquility and primitive beauty. This shows a very typical Galapagos environment.
(B,L,D)
Day 16 Sunday morning:
Española island - Gardner Bay
Located on the northeastern coast of Hood, Gardner Bay provides an excellent beach for relaxing, swimming and an opportunity to observe sea lions. Here we can also observe sharks on the cristaline waters of the ocean.
Sunday afternoon: Española Island -Punta Suarez
This rocky point of land sustains one of the most impressive and varied colonies of sea birds in the Galápagos. Along its southern shore, high cliffs rise up from the sea affording the visitor spectacular views of soaring birds and of the blow whole, where water spouts up to 50-75 feet into the air according to the intensity of the surf.
(B,L,D)
Day 17 Monday morning:
Floreana Island - Cormorant Point & Devils crown
This site probably, offers one of the largest and the best flamingo lagoon in the Galapagos. It is situated between two tuff cones that give the area a special athmosphere. There are various species of shorebirds to be seen besides flamingoes, the mnost frecuent are common stilts, white-chceked pintail ducks and other migratories. This is a unique zone due to the high percentage of endemism in the plant life. Is also very interesting the two distinct beaches: the “grean beach (due to high percentage of olivine crystals in the sand) and the “Flour sand beach” made up of coral.
Monday afternoon: Post Office Bay
Historically, this site is the location of a wooden barrel that was placed in the 18th century by the crew of a whaling ship. It has been used since this time by mariners and tourists as a post office. The idea is to carry letters or postcards to their destination by hand. Apart from being the Post Office Barrel, this site was the landing area for some of the first colonists.
(B,L,D)
Day 18 Tuesday morning:
Santa Cruz Island - Charles Darwin Station - Baltra airport - Quito
Although the great majority of Galapagos visitors come here to observe and appreciate natural wonders, it is also interesting to learn how the protection and conservation of the islands are carried out. One of the principal attractions are National Park information center, Van Staelen Exhibition Hall, Breeding and Rearing Center for young tortoises, Lonesome George (tortoise from Pinta), adult Galapagos tortoises in captivity.
After your visit to the Charles Darwin Station, transfer to the airport in Baltra. Flight back to Quito or Guayaquil. Greeting and transfer to your hotel. Accommodation. Quito - Swissotel or similar / Guayaquil - Oro Verde or similar
(B)
Day 19 Wednesday morning:
Quito or Guayaquil - Trip extension or homebound
Transfer out by Latin Trails representative to the airport for your international flight or to join your trip extension.
Note: Itineraries are subject to variations due to weather conditions, captains discretion or Galapagos National Park regulations. B= breakfast, L= lunch, D= dinner.
Alternative Ecuador & Galapagos itineraries
Below are a list of alternative Galapagos & Ecuador itineraries with several options for departure days, 4 and 5 nights boarding both the Galapagos Journey I and II, 5 nights boarding the Manatee Amazon Explorer and 4 and 5 day tours of the Andes range in Ecuador.
Galapagos Journey I, 3 night Galapagos Islands cruise, Manatee Amazon Explorer, 3 night Amazon cruise, Andean journey, 3 night overland from Quito to Cuenca (program starts Saturday)
Day 1: Quito, arrival & transfer in
Day 2: Quito city tour
Day 3: Quito - Otavalo - Cotopaxi
Day 4: Cotopaxi - Riobamba
Day 5: Riobamba - Devils Nose train ride - Ingapirca - Cuenca
Day 6: Cuenca - Quito
Day 7-10: Amazon river cruise (Manatee Amazon Explorer)
Day 11 -14: Galapagos Islands cruise (Galapagos Journey I)
Day 15: Quito or Guayaquil, transfer out
Galapagos Journey II, 4 night Galapagos Islands cruise, Manatee Amazon Explorer, 4 night Amazon cruise, Andean journey, 4 night overland from Quito to Cuenca (program starts Wednesday)
Day 1: Quito, arrival & transfer in
Day 2: Quito city tour
Day 3: Quito - Otavalo - Cotopaxi
Day 4: Cotopaxi - Riobamba
Day 5: Riobamba - Devils Nose train ride - Ingapirca - Cuenca
Day 6: Cuenca
Day 7: Cuenca - Quito
Day 8-12: Galapagos Islands cruise (Galapagos Journey II)
Day 13 -17: Amazon river cruise (Manatee Amazon Explorer)
Day 18: Quito, transfer out
Galapagos Journey II, 3 night Galapagos Islands cruise, Manatee Amazon Explorer, 4 night Amazon cruise, Andean journey, 3 night overland from Quito to Cuenca (program starts Tuesday)
Day 1: Quito, arrival & transfer in
Day 2: Quito city tour
Day 3: Quito - Riobamba
Day 4: Riobamba - Devils Nose train ride - Ingapirca - Cuenca
Day 5: Cuenca
Day 6: Cuenca - Quito
Day 7 -11: Amazon river cruise (Manatee Amazon Explorer)
Day 12: Quito - Otavalo - Quito
Day 13 -16: Galapagos Islands cruise (Galapagos Journey I)
Day 17: Quito or Guayaquil, transfer out
Galapagos Journey II, 7 night Galapagos Islands cruise, Manatee Amazon Explorer, 4 night Amazon cruise, Andean journey, 3 night overland from Quito to Cuenca (program starts Tuesday)
Day 1: Quito, arrival & transfer in
Day 2: Quito city tour
Day 3: Quito - Riobamba
Day 4: Riobamba - Devils Nose train ride - Ingapirca - Cuenca
Day 5: Cuenca
Day 6: Cuenca - Quito
Day 7 -11: Amazon river cruise (Manatee Amazon Explorer)
Day 12: Quito - Otavalo - Quito
Day 13 -20: Galapagos Islands cruise (Galapagos Journey I)
Day 21: Quito or Guayaquil, transfer out
