Compare Galapagos & Mainland Ecuador Multisport Tour by Adventure Unbound vs Ecuador in 11 days - Private Amazon & Galapagos Experience - Charm by Exoticca

Day 1: Meet and Greet City Tour of Quito, Sundial Equator Project, Hacienda Cusin

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hacienda Cusin

Awake, gather your luggage, and depart your hotel for a morning meeting in the heart of Colonial Quito. Meet your guide and fellow travelers for a brief meeting in the lobby of Hotel Patio Andaluz before embarking on the day’s adventures.

Your adventure begins with a gentle walk along the cobblestoned streets of Colonial Quito, the capital of Ecuador. Founded on the ruins of an Inca city, Quito is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Architectural structures including St. Augustine Convent, La Compania de Jesus, Municipal Building, Presidential Palace, Archbishop’s Palace, and Independence Plaza are astonishing indications of Ecuador’s history and culture. You will also see one of the greatest religious structures of the New World: The Church of San Francisco.

Next, we make our way to a sundial located precisely on the equator in one of the most fertile valleys in the region. Here, an astral-archeological expert will share knowledge about how Ecuador has 12 hours of daylight throughout the entire year. Later this afternoon, we drive approximately 45 minutes to Hacienda Cusin, a restored 17th century Andean estate. At 8,500 feet above sea level, the quaint hotel looks like a picture from a postcard with its lush courtyards and cobblestone pathways. Marvel in the vibrant décor and breathe in the serene view of the Andes in the distance as the day comes to a close.

Day 2: Angla Settlement, Zuleta, Embroidery Artisans

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hacienda Cusin

Activity: Hike Angla to Zuleta

Distance: 7.5 miles

Difficulty: Easy-Moderate

Approximate Time: 2.5-3 hours

This morning, we travel to the small Angla settlement, where we have the opportunity to learn about modern educational culture from local students. We will spend time speaking with local school children, learning about their background and culture while helping them with their daily school activities.

Next, we begin an easy-to-moderate 7.5 mile hike through the area’s cattle farms, pastures, hills, and eucalyptus forests. During the 2.5-hour hike, we will likely have the chance to stop and speak with locals. In some cases, they choose to accompany us on our journey! We continue to walk until we reach the stunning landscapes of Zuleta, a town known for high-quality handicrafts. We are warmly-welcomed into the home of a local family of high-quality embroidery artisans, who will happily show us their craft. At the end of the day, we drive back to our accommodations at the Hacienda Cusin for a comfortable night of rest.

Day 3: Kayak San Pablo Lake, Indigenous Women Project, Otavalo Indigenous Market

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: The New Wyndham Gran Condor Quito

Activity: Kayak San Pablo Lake

Distance: 2.5 nautical miles

Difficulty: Easy

Approximate Time: 2.5 hours

Rise and enjoy breakfast with coffee or tea as we prepare for a morning of paddling near the picturesque Andes Mountains. We drive to our starting point, San Pablo Lake, which is located close to the “Father Mountain” of Ecuador’s indigenous mythology – Imbabura Volcano. You may choose to paddle a kayak or a stand up paddleboard (SUP), and our qualified guide will give a safety talk before we get started.

This afternoon, we drive to the village of Peguche to visit an elderly Otavaleno woman, Matico Lema. She has devoted the majority of her life to helping other local woman hone and develop traditional Ecuadorian skills, and she will show us how she prepare food, weaves, and dye textiles.

Lastly, we will visit Otavalo: the largest, most famous handicraft fair in South America. Indigenous weavers from Otavalo and the surrounding areas sell their products in the market, and artisans from all across the country bring sweaters, ponchos, blankets, scarves, shawls, woven textiles, tagua carved figurines, Andean musical instruments, paintings, ceramics, jewelry, and more. We will spend some time meandering through the market before heading back to our accommodations in Quito.

Day 4: Flight to Galapagos, San Cristóbal Island, Hike Frigate Hill, Snorkel Darwin’s Bay

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Blue Marlin

Today, we travel to one of the greatest wildlife destinations in the world, the Galapagos Islands! This morning, we transfer from our hotel to the airport in Quito, where we check in and fly to San Cristóbal Island in the Galapagos Archipelago. You are greeted by our naturalist guide who accompanies us to our hotel for lunch and gearing up for afternoon exploration.

After lunch, we visit the Cerro Tijeretas Environmental Center to learn about the fascinating volcanic geology of the islands. We also learn about San Cristóbal’s history, including the 1835 arrival of Charles Darwin, his theories and findings, and other fun facts about the history of the island.

We then hike Frigate Hill, which is rich with stunning coastal views dotted with frigatebirds, also known as “the pirates of the seas.” As we descend, we stop to snorkel with sea turtles and sea lions in Darwin’s Bay. We then continue to Carola Beach, where we are able to stop and enjoy the sunset.

Day 5: Snorkel Kicker Rock, Kayak Puerto Baquerizo - Manglesito

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Blue Marlin

Activity: Sea Kayak from Puerto Baquerizo to Manglesito

Distance 4-6.5 nautical miles

Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (depends on water conditions)

Approximate Time: 3.5 hours

We begin our day with a relaxed 30-minute sailboat ride to Kicker Rock, which is also known as Leon Dormido (Sleeping Lion). This formation holds an intriguing history, as it is formed by the remains of a lava cone eroded by the sea. Vibrant fish surround the natural phenomenon, making it a wonderful place for snorkeling.

After a brief snorkel session, we kayak from Manglesito to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of Galapagos. We paddle for approximately 3 hours, covering 4 nautical miles. On this path, we pass Lobos Island and other coastal areas that serve as fantastic photo opportunities for blue-footed boobies, brown pelicans, sea turtles, marine iguanas, and beautiful flora.

Day 6: San Cristóbal to Isabela, Flamingo Lagoon, Giant Tortoise Breeding Center, Hike the Wetlands

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Casa de Marita

Activity: Hike the wetlands of Isabela

Distance: 2 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Approximate Time: 2 hours

This morning, we begin by transferring to the airport to catch a small plane and fly from San Cristóbal to Isabela. Upon arrival in Isabela, we enjoy lunch and leisurely explore the island via a boardwalk that spans atop marshlands and humedales – brackish lagoons that provide a habitat for marine iguanas, flamingos, and numerous birds. We continue along wooden walkways that lead to the giant Galapagos tortoises breeding center.

Recovering the giant tortoise population has been a priority of the Galápagos National Park, and their immense recovery efforts have heeded incredible results. More than 2,000 giant Galápagos tortoises have been bred and released into the wild in just a few years. We spend time with these incredible creatures before we move on to a walk along the beach, which brings us through town and back to our hotel. Here, you are free to take a swim, explore town, or relax on your own.

Day 7: Hike Sierra Negra and Volcano Chico

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Casa de Marita

Activity: Hike Sierra Negra and Volcano Chico

Distance: 11 miles

Difficulty: Moderate-challenging

Approximate Time: 6 hours

Today, we begin by driving approximately one hour to the highlands of Isabela. On the commute, notice a significant difference between environments as weather and vegetation begins to change. We begin our hike on a path that leads us to the edge of the Sierra Negra volcano, which remains active to this day. The most recent eruption occurred in 2005, and deposited a new layer of volcanic lava on the landscape. It has the second-largest caldera in the world, spanning approximately 6.5 miles.

We continue our walk to Volcano Chico, where we will see its unique lava formations and learn about different types of lava. Steam rises from cracks beneath our feet as we ponder how organisms can adapt and grow in such conditions. From here, we can also see surrounding volcanoes and islands.

Day 8: Hike Wall of Tears, Snorkel Concha Perla

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Casa de Marita

Activity: Hike Wall of Tears

Distance: 4 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Approximate Time: 3 hours

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before we begin today’s hike to the Wall of Tears, a 25-meter lava rock wall built by prisoners during penal colonial times in Ecuador. Many locals claim they can still hear cries of prisoners coming from the wall. In addition to learning about the haunting history of the wall, there are plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing. Throughout our hike, be on the lookout for fiddler crabs, finches, and giant Galapagos tortoises in black mangroves.

We sit down for a light lunch before we head to our afternoon snorkel spot: Concha de Perla. This calm, shallow bay boasts crystal clear water and, with luck, sea lions and Galápagos penguins! After our snorkel, we make our way back to our hotel where the evening is yours for exploration or relaxation.

Day 9: Speed Boat Isabela to Santa Cruz, Visit Giant Tortoises, Kayak Academy Bay to Punta Estrada

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Angermeyer

Activity: Sea Kayak

Distance: 2.6 nautical miles

Difficulty: Easy

Approximate Time: 2 hours

Today, we begin with a comfortable 2-hour speed boat ride to the island of Santa Cruz. Upon arrival, we have time to relax before we begin our journey to a private farm that prioritizes conservation of native and endemic vegetation for the habitat of gigantic Galapagos tortoises. As we visit this farm, we have plenty of opportunity to marvel at the tortoise in its natural splendor. Their dome-shaped shell is often seen partially-submerged in mud ponds, in an effort to combat skin parasites and regulate body temperature. Once we are finished at the farm, we continue our exploration to the volcanic origins of the island by journeying through a lava tunnel.

Next, we drive back to our hotel and gear up for an afternoon of paddling. As we paddle from Academy Bay to Punta Estrada, look for blue-footed boobies and marine iguanas resting on the shoreline cliffs! Here, we are able to kayak near mangroves that are home to golden rays, sally lightfoot crabs, and lava herons. A nearby tranquil canal is lined with prickly pear opuntia cactus and resting common noddy birds.

Day 10: Puerto Ayora to Baltra, Flight to Guayaquil/Quito

Meals Included: Breakfast

Awake to a tranquil breakfast before catching our transfer across the island of Santa Cruz to Baltra’s airport. We catch a flight at Baltra’s former US Navy airport back to Guayaquil or Quito. Upon arrival, we arrange luggage and transfer to the hotel of your choosing.

Extend Your Trip: You may be able to fly home this day but many will choose to stay another night on the mainland or even extend their trip to Machu Picchu.

If you are to stay, we suggest booking the Wyndham Hotel in either Quito or Guayaquil.

*Itinerary subject to change due to Galapagos National Park regulations and restrictions.

Day 1: US - Quito

Arrive at your US departure airport, ready for a flight to Quito. Arrive in Quito, the capital of Ecuador and a city famed for its high vantage point in the Andean mountains and its ancient Incan significance. Private 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.

Day 2: Quito

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day in Quito at your leisure taking some time to enjoy the beautiful climate and natural environment. We recommend enjoying our excursion to Otavalo* or booking our Pack of 3 Excursions**. Overnight stay in Quito. * Optional Otavalo Tour: Otavalo is the capital of Cantón and is a predominantly indigenous city in the Imbabura province of Ecuador. The city has about 90,000 inhabitants and is surrounded by the peaks of Imbabura, Cotacachi, and the Mojanda volcanoes. You will be transported by your private driver and will enjoy tasting custard apples and biscuits before heading to visit Cotacachi and Cuicocha. ** Optional Experience Ecuador - Pack of 3 Excursions: Experience Ecuador to the fullest with this pack of three excursions. Visit the famous Quilotoa Crater Lake on an excursion through the Andean Mountains to discover the local culture and natural wonders of the Andes. In the Galapagos Islands, enjoy an authentic cooking class on Playa Mann in San Cristobal, known for its population of sea lions, to learn the secrets of the local cuisine. Finally, take a tour of Puerto el Morro in Guayaquil to visit a natural dolphin reserve, accompanied by a professional biologist guide.

Day 3: Quito - Tena - Amazon

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off into the Ecuadorian highlands and down into the rainforest, headed for Tena, in the Amazon. Continue through verdant landscapes towards the lodge, in the heart of the jungle. Along the way, you'll stop in Guango Lodge, where you'll see many species of hummingbirds. Arrive at the Amazon Lodge in time for dinner and enjoy a night-walk to admire the nocturnal wildlife as the rainforest comes to life after sundown. Overnight stay in the Amazon. Note: Activities in the Lodge are shared with other guests.

Day 4: Amazon

Seize the day and awake early for a short canoe ride upriver to visit the Parrot Saladero, a unique place where parrots and parakeets gather in order to obtain the minerals that help them to digest the fruits or seeds they eat. Hundreds of parrots descend to the clay wall to eat the mineral-rich soil. Return to the lodge for breakfast before heading out for a nature walk through the rainforest. In the afternoon, after lunch, visit an Amazonian Kichwa community to learn about their way of life and the interaction they have with the forest. Try a traditional fermented cassava drink and some of their traditional dishes. The visit ends with a traditional dance performed by the children of the community. Return to the lodge for dinner and an overnight stay. Note: Activities in the Lodge are shared with other guests.

Day 5: Amazon - Tena - Quito

After breakfast at the lodge, return to Tena and continue your journey, heading back towards the capital. At your arrival, meet a local guide who will take you on a fascinating guided tour of some most emblematic sights of Quito. Explore the Historic Center, declared a World Heritage Site for its great beauty, and also discover the city's traditional market where you can taste a great variety of tropical fruits grown in Ecuador. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay in Quito.

Day 6: Quito - Galapagos (San Cristobal)

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart to the airport this morning for a flight to the Galapagos Islands, a true wonder of nature known for its immense biodiversity! San Cristobal is the easternmost Galapagos island and is home to a rich array of unique wildlife, such as blue and red-footed boobies, marine iguanas and Galapagos sea lions. It's also the island that Charles Darwin first explored during his research into the islands. Upon arrival, private transfer to the hotel. Then, you'll have free time to explore the beautiful San Cristobal island on your own. Overnight stay in San Cristobal.

Day 7: Galapagos (San Cristobal)

Breakfast at the hotel. Today enjoy a private tour to the Interpretation Center & Tijeretas. There, you will get to know more about the formation of the islands, the arrival of humans and the importance of conservation. Then, during the 2 hours hike, you will find gorgeous views along the way and also a small cove in which you can snorkel. The rest of the day you be at your leasure. Overnight stay in San Cristobal.

Day 8: Galapagos (San Cristobal)

After breakfast at the hotel, the day is free for you to explore the Galapagos at your own. Overnight stay in San Cristobal.

Day 9: Galapagos (San Cristobal)

Breakfast at the hotel. Time at your leisure to continue discovering the island. We recommend you to visit some of the unhabitated islands around, you can book it at destiantion. Overnight stay in San Cristobal.

Day 10: Galapagos (San Cristobal) - Guayaquil

Breakfast at the hotel. Head back to the mainland, with a flight from San Cristobal airport. Arrive in Guayaquil, and join a private transfer to your hotel in the city centre. Guayaquil is the largest city in Ecuador and is located on the Pacific Coast. Later, enjoy a walking tour of the city, visiting the Malecon, Paque Iguanas and Las Peñas neighbourhood. Overnight stay in Guayaquil.

Day 11: Guayaquil - Night on board

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, private 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.

Day 12: US

Arrive in the US and end your trip.