Ecuador: Amazon, Hot Springs, Volcanoes & Galapagos Hopping

from 

AU$12,219

per person
 
Duration: 17 Nights
Destination: Quito, Ecuador
Region: South America
Deal Code: PA6PFZ7

 

 

Description

Ecuador is a small country that packs a punch when it comes to natural beauty, biodiversity, and indigenous heritage. Discover this South American jewel on a memorable adventure, travelling from the emerald-clad Andes to the Amazon’s thriving jungles. Come face-to-face with unique creatures on a nighttime walk through the forest and on a tour of an animal sanctuary; hike through awe-inspiring Cotopaxi National Park, crowned by the soaring Cotopaxi Volcano; and delve into indigenous culture on a visit to an Amazonian community and Omaere Ethnobotanical Park.

We know the dilemma: you want to maximize your time exploring the Galápagos Islands, and that includes making it as easy as possible to get to and from the islands. We've got your solution. We'll take care of your flight bookings in and out of Quito — with the cheapest flight cost possible. That way you’ll be secure in knowing you've saved money, giving you plenty of time to hike, snorkel, and befriend the amazing wildlife of these cool islands.


 Your Fly & Tour Package Includes:

  • $3000 flight credit per person
  • 8-night Ecuador: Amazon, Hot Springs and Volcanoes guided tour, Quito return
  • 1-night accommodation in Quito
  • 8-night Galapagos island hopping guided tour, Quito return

Tours include:

  • Stay in Hotels, historic hacienda, jungle lodge, hot springs resort and G adventures-supported community guesthouse
  • 16 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
  • Otavalo Weaving Lesson, Otavalo
  • Amazon Home Experience, Tena
  • Visit the Omaere Ethnobotanical Park, Baños
  • Papallacta Hot Springs Visit, Papallacta
  • Arrival transfer
  • Explore the Otavalo handicraft market
  • Cloud forest reserve visit
  • Excursion to Cotopaxi National Park
  • Floreana Community Restaurants, Floreana Island
  • Charles Darwin Research Centre visit (Santa Cruz Island)
  • Visit to Las Grietas
  • Snorkelling at Loberia (Floreana Island)        
  • Flamingo Lagoon visit (Isabela Island)
  • Sierra Negra volcano hike
  • Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre visit
  • Tortuga Bay hike (Santa Cruz Island)
  • Isabela Municipal Tax
  • Internal flights

Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 18 October to 4 November 2024

Solo traveller pricing available. Please speak to one of our travel consultants for more details


Tour one itinerary:

DAY 1: QUITO

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.

DAY 2: QUITO/OTAVALO

Drive into the mountainous Andean highlands, stopping for lunch in the village of Peguche. Meet some of the local residents, and learn about the community’s weaving traditions. Continue to Otavalo, surrounded by misty volcanoes, and visit the town’s famous handicraft market—one of the largest outdoor markets in South America. Browse stalls selling colourful local art, textiles, and souvenirs, and try your hand at haggling. Later, settle into your room at a historic hacienda, where we’ll spend the night.

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch

DAY 3: OTAVALO/PAPALLACTA

Make your way to the village of Papallacta, known for its abundant natural hot springs. En route, visit the home and studio of a renowned traditional weaver, who is working to preserve the indigenous weaving techniques of the Otavalo region. Get a glimpse of the family’s daily life, and observe them at work on the backstrap loom, which has been used in these parts for centuries. Continue to the Papallacta Hot Springs Resort for an afternoon of relaxation. Soak in the mineral-rich waters of the thermal pools, enjoying stunning mountain views, and indulge in a variety of optional spa treatments.

Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 4: PAPALLACTA/TENA

Head towards Tena, often called Ecuador’s gateway to the Amazon. On the way, we’ll stop at Guango Lodge to explore the property’s cloud forest reserve—home to a plethora of avian species, including more than 10 varieties of hummingbirds. Enjoy lunch in the lodge’s orchid garden, then continue to Misahualli. This charming town is one of the oldest ports in the Ecuadorian Amazon, and harbours a thriving population of capuchin monkeys. Arrive in Tena and board a motorized canoe to our jungle lodge, perched along the banks of the Arajuno River. This evening, embark on a walk into the forest with a naturalist guide, looking out for the Amazon’s nocturnal creatures.

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

DAY 5: TENA

Depart early by canoe to visit a saladero, or a parrot clay lick. Alongside our naturalist guide, observe brightly coloured parrots and parakeets gather here to snack on the mineral-rich clay, which studies suggest aids in digestion and provides an important nutrient supplement. Return to the lodge for breakfast, then take a tour of AmaZOOnico, an animal rescue centre that rehabilitates wild creatures that have been victims of illegal trafficking. Later, we’ll visit the home of a local Amazonian family for a unique cultural experience. Chat with your hosts about their traditions and beliefs and learn about everyday life in the jungle; then sit down to a delicious homemade lunch.

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

DAY 6: TENA/BAÑOS

Leave the Amazon behind and travel to Baños. This popular resort town is packed with gorgeous landscapes, thrilling outdoor activities, and—as the name indicates—thermal springs originating from the base of the Tungurahua Volcano. Along the way, stop at Omaere Ethnobotanical Park for a walk with an expert guide, discovering the diverse flora of the region and learning about the indigenous uses of the various plants found there. After arriving in Baños, enjoy free time to stroll through the town.

Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 7: BAÑOS

The day is yours to explore Baños and the surrounding area. Choose to head to the mountains for an invigorating hike, and later soak your tired muscles in one of the town’s thermal springs. Set off on a mountain biking adventure, pedaling past rivers, waterfalls, and delightfully green landscapes; opt to hit the rapids on a white-water rafting excursion; and much more.

Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 9: QUITO

Depart at any time.

Meals included: Breakfast


Tour two itinerary:

DAY 1: QUITO

Arrive at any time.

DAY 2: QUITO/PUERTO AYORA

Transfer to the Quito airport and catch a flight to the Galápagos. Arrive at Baltra and travel to the hotel in Santa Cruz. Later, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station for an introduction to some of the unique wildlife and history of the area before an evening welcome meeting to meet up with any travellers joining the group.

Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 3: PUERTO AYORA/FLOREANA ISLAND

In the morning, walk to "Las Grietas" located across Academy Bay, walk through a rugged cactus forest on the way to this stunning lagoon. In the afternoon, hop on a speedboat to nearby Floreana Island. Stay in the G Adventures-supported community guesthouses and eat meals in the community restaurants and help to support community tourism on the island.

Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner

DAY 4: FLOREANA ISLAND

Walk along the black-sand beach until Loberia, and enjoy beach snorkelling or swimming. Head up to the seldom-visited highlands of Floreana. Enjoy guided walks to observe birds and other wildlife and learn about the area's natural history.

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

DAY 5: FLOREANA ISLAND/ ISABELA ISLAND

Travel to Isabela Island. Hike up the active Sierra Negra Volcano and walk around the rim of the largest volcanic crater in the archipelago.

Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 6: ISABELA ISLAND

Enjoy free time in the morning, opt to take a wildlife boat excursion to 'Islote Tintoreras' to view breeding white-tip reef sharks, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, rays, and penguins. Later, visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre.

Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 7: ISABELA ISLAND/PUERTO AYORA

Travel by speedboat back to Santa Cruz Island. Later, enjoy a walk to Tortuga Bay, opt for a kayak, surf lessons or swim in the turquoise water.

Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 8: PUERTO AYORA/QUITO

Travel back to Baltra to catch the flight to Quito. Transfer to the hotel and enjoy the evening in the capital city.

Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 9: QUITO

Depart at any time.

Meals included: Breakfast


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Terms & Conditions

Prices listed are per person in Australian/New Zealand Dollars, based on twin occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. Prices/Offers are correct as at 23 August 2023 and can be withdrawn without notice. Hotels may charge resort fees not included in this package, payable direct upon check in. Visas are not included. Flight credit is applicable on airline of choice, subject to availability and subject to the carriers’ flight schedules and conditions. Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.