Galapagos Islands and the Amazon Jungle

Take a seven-day exploration deep in the Galapagos to a land of untouched islands and incredible wildlife. Flying from Quito, find yourself in a totally different world as you board the mighty M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz and follow in the footsteps of past explorers, cruising to the central islands of Isla Santa Cruz, North Seymour, Baltra and Santiago. See Tortuga Negra, Sombrero Chino and Cerro Dragon teeming with wildlife, and understand the conservation efforts of the giant tortoise at the Charles Darwin Research Station. With an expert licensed Galapagos guide joining you for the whole adventure, journey to the Galapagos Islands for a wildlife adventure like no other.

Next up, an exceptional jungle experience takes you into the very heart of Ecuador’s Amazon Basin. The remote, pristine setting of Sacha Lodge is a haven for nature lovers, birdwatchers, scientists and adventure seekers. The lodge provides quality accommodation, first class meals and expert guides in order for you to fully enjoy the wonders of the tropical rainforest. There is a wide range of activities to pick from including jungle walks, dugout canoe safaris and canopy walks, while a real highlight is the camouflaged, 43-metre high observation tower. This is the Amazon at its very best!

Your Holiday Package Includes:

• $1500 flight credit
• 7 day Galapagos Explorer: Central Islands guided holiday with Peregrine, Quito return
• Includes 2 nights hotel stay, 4 nights onboard M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz, 14 meals, select activities, transfers + more
• 4 day Ecuador: Amazon Jungle Independent Experience with Peregrine, Quito return
• Includes 3 nights in a jungle lodge, 9 meals, select activities, domestic flights, transfers + more

**Pricing is based on per person twin share for travel 13-22 December 2022

**Single traveller pricing available

**Extend your flights and stay longer - talk to our travel experts about more options

Galapagos Explorer: Central Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)

Why you'll love this trip:

• Follow in the footsteps of past explorers and cruise the marvellous Galapagos on board your comfortable vessel, the M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz.
• Explore the central islands from your upper decks, on foot and perhaps in the water on a snorkelling experience, keeping your eyes peeled for the next wildlife sighting.
• Have the chance to learn about the lives and conservation efforts of the giant tortoise on a group excursion to the Charles Darwin Research Station.
• Galapagos penguins, land and marine iguanas, Sally Lightfoot crabs, pintail ducks, sea lions – you'll be spotting this and so much more on your cruising expeditions.
• With a trained and licensed Galapagos guide joining you each step of this adventure, learn all about the flora and fauna of this incredible ecosystem.

Inclusions:

• Meals: 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
• Transport: Minibus, Boat, Plane, Zodiac
• Accommodation: Hotel (2 nights), Overnight boat (4 nights)

Included Activities:

• Isla Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Research Station (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing
• Isla North Seymour - Walk (2 hours) - Dry Landing
• Isla North Seymour - Snorkelling (1 hours)
• Isla Mosquera - Snorkelling (1 hour)
• Isla Mosquera - Beach Walk (1.5 hours) - Wet Landing
• Isla Santa Cruz - Black Turtle Cove - Panga ride (1.5 hours)
• Isla Santa Cruz - Cerro Dragon - Walk (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing
• Isla Santa Cruz - Cerro Dragon - Snorkelling or swimming (1 hour)
• Isla Santiago - Sombrero Chino - Snorkelling (1 hour)
• Sombrero Chino - Walk and Panga ride (2 hours) - Wet Landing
• Isla Rabida - Snorkelling (1 hour)
• Isla Rabida - Walk (1.5 hours) - Wet Landing
• Isla Santa Cruz - Bachas Beach Walk (1 hour) - Wet Landing

Itinerary:

Day 1: Quito

On arrival at Quito's Mariscal Sucre International Airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure. A welcome meeting will be held in the evening at either 5 pm or 6 pm when you meet others travelling with you on your cruise to the Galapagos Islands. As today is an arrival day, you can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting. Quito sits at high altitude under the towering Pichincha volcano. It is a beautiful city, arguably one of the most beautiful in South America. The city stretches along the valley and is surrounded by the Andes. The Old Town of Quito is awash with history, with more than 30 churches to explore, and a number of fascinating museums. La Compania de Jesus is considered to be the most beautiful and ornate churches in the Americas. The city's oldest street, Calle La Ronda, is well worth exploring.

Accommodation: Hotel Le Parc, Quito (1 night)

Meals Included: There are no meals included on this day.

Day 2: Baltra – Charles Darwin Research Station

This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to the Galapagos Islands. Please note the pick-up time will usually be as early as 4.30 am, as the airport is a 1-hour drive away and you must allow for delays and check-in times. Your tour leader will confirm this time with you at the welcome meeting. A boxed breakfast will be provided. The flight to the Galapagos will make one stop in Guayaquil to pick up other passengers. (Total flight time is about 3.5 hours). On arrival in the Galapagos, you will be met in the arrival hall of the airport (look out for 'Grand Queen Beatriz' signs) by a transfer guide and transferred to our motor yacht – the M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz – anchored on the other side of Isla Santa Cruz. A transfer guide will take you on an airport public bus for a 5-minute drive to where you board a public ferry across the Itabaca Channel. The ferry crossing takes only 7 minutes. Once you reach Santa Cruz Island, a private bus you board a private bus for a 45-minute drive to Puerto Ayora, the main port of the island. Here, there will be two dinghies to transport you and your fellow travellers to the M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz. Once on board, cabins will be assigned and there will be a welcome briefing and safety drill. You will then get to meet our crew members and get to know your naturalist guide while enjoying a delicious lunch. Your first stop in the afternoon is Santa Cruz, the second largest island in the Galapagos. The small town of Puerto Ayora is the economic centre of the archipelago, and home to the Charles Darwin Research Station. As well as undertaking vital conservation work, the station also makes for interesting exploration and offers the best opportunities for close encounters with giant tortoises. You will also observe baby tortoises and land iguanas.

Accommodation: M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz (1 night)

Included Activities: Isla Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Research Station (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 

Day 3: North Seymour – Isla Mosquera

This morning, take an excursion to North Seymour which is one of the most visited islands in the Galapagos. The trail on North Seymour crosses inland through the island and then explores the rocky coast. Along the way the trail passes colonies of blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds. The magnificent frigatebird – a large black bird with a long wingspan and a hooked beak – is extremely fast and has excellent vision. During mating season the males throw back their heads, inflate the pouch (sometimes to the size of a soccer ball), and shake trying to capture the attention of female frigates. Boobies and frigates have an interesting relationship. Sharing the same nesting area on North Seymour, blue-footed boobies nest on the ground making their nests from the twigs of the palo santos trees, while the frigatebirds nests just above them in the saltbushes. Your walk is followed by snorkelling where you will find a great variety of fish and possibly white-tipped reef sharks, rays and sea lions. After lunch, visit the small sandy island of Mosquera, a relaxing, picturesque stop situated between Isla Baltra and North Seymour. Along the rocks and in the tide pool, Sally Lightfoot crabs (red lava crabs) scamper back and forth, skipping across small pools of water in search of food. These crabs with their bright red shell tops and blue under shells are stunning against the black lava. The island also has a very large colony of sea lions as well as a sizeable resident brown pelican population. Depending on the tides and visibility, you may have a chance to go snorkelling here.

Accommodation: M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz (1 night)

Included Activities: Isla North Seymour - Walk (2 hours) - Dry Landing

Isla North Seymour - Snorkelling (1 hours)

Isla Mosquera - Snorkelling (1 hour)

Isla Mosquera - Beach Walk (1.5 hours) - Wet Landing

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Black Turtle Cove – Cerro Dragon

Today, take a morning excursion on a Zodiac to Caleta Tortuga Negra (Black Turtle Cove) – a red mangrove wetland on the north shore of Isla Santa Cruz. You will paddle among the cove’s peaceful waters, for your first taste of the underwater riches of this region – it’s a wonderful place to see green turtle and is a nursery for golden cow-nose rays, eagle rays and Galapagos sharks. There is also abundant birdlife, such as the yellow warbler and lava heron. This is also a breeding area for turtles, so it is not uncommon to see them mating. In the afternoon, cruise over for a walk on Cerro Dragon (Dragon Hill) this afternoon – one of the best places to see land iguanas in the islands. From a dry landing, walk to a brackish lagoon frequented by lagoon birds including stilts, pintail ducks, sandpipers, sanderlings and occasionally flamingos. Further inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western area of the archipelago. This area is a nesting site for land iguanas, which is constantly monitored and assisted by the Charles Darwin Research Station. The arid-zone vegetation makes for a rewarding location for birdwatching with Darwin's finches, Galapagos mockingbirds, the endemic Galapagos flycatcher and yellow warblers all regulars here. The path can be challenging but you will be well-rewarded with a spectacular view of the bay!

Accommodation: M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz (1 night)

Included Activities: Isla Santa Cruz - Black Turtle Cove - Panga ride (1.5 hours)

Isla Santa Cruz - Cerro Dragon - Walk (1.5 hours) - Dry Landing

Isla Santa Cruz - Cerro Dragon - Snorkelling or swimming (1 hour)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Isla Rabida – Sombrero Chino

Sombrero Chino is a small islet located near the south-east coast of Santiago. It's geologically fascinating, with many lava tubes leading from the cone to the coast. Approach Sombrero Chino via a beautiful crescent-shaped, sandy beach that is home to sea lions and Sally Lightfoot crabs. Opposite Sombrero Chino, on the rocky shoreline of nearby Santiago, Galapagos penguins are often seen. Follow a trail that circles the cove and passes through a sea lion colony and innumerable marine iguanas. The cove also offers some great snorkelling opportunities, hopefully with penguins and sharks. Isla Rabida is a tiny island sitting roughly five kilometres south of Santiago and is one of the most striking of the archipelago. Introduced species were eradicated in 1971, meaning that the indigenous wildlife has now been returned to a state of splendid isolation. Additionally, volcanic activity here has produced vivid, fantastical colours, not least the beaches of red sand and cliffs of scarlet. From the shore, the trail leads through to what is one of the finest lagoons in the Galapagos for viewing flamingos. Rabida is also a wonderful place to spot nesting pelicans. Elsewhere, pintail ducks, marine iguanas and sea lions are all present. There is an opportunity for snorkelling in a place where sea stars, damsels, gobies and surgeon fish are numerous.

Accommodation: M/Y Grand Queen Beatriz (1 night)

Included Activities: Isla Santiago - Sombrero Chino - Snorkelling (1 hour)

Sombrero Chino - Walk and Panga ride (2 hours) - Wet Landing

Isla Rabida - Snorkelling (1 hour)

Isla Rabida - Walk (1.5 hours) - Wet Landing

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Las Bachas – Baltra – Quito

As flights to the mainland from Galapagos depart mid morning, it is an early start for your last morning on the islands. Depending on the time of the flight, our time spent on this final excursion could be limited. Today you will take an early morning excursion to Las Bachas, which was so named after the barges abandoned by the American Navy here in the 1940s. The sandy, white beaches of Las Bachas on the north shore of Santa Cruz are a nesting site for the Pacific green turtle, and marine iguanas are also commonly seen. The sand here is particularly white and soft as it is made of decomposed coral. The rocks provide great snorkelling and are the perfect habitat for the Sally Lightfoot crabs, which are plentiful on the island. A saltwater lagoon near the beach is home to flamingo and whimbrel, and look out too for great blue herons. This is your final excursion before you return to the airport in Isla Baltra for your flight back to Quito. The flight will stopover in Guayaquil to drop off/pick up new passengers. Upon arrival in Quito Airport (approximately 4 pm) you will be transferred back to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Hotel Le Parc, Quito (1 night)

Included Activities: Isla Santa Cruz - Bachas Beach Walk (1 hour) - Wet Landing

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7: Quito

Your Galapagos adventure will come to an end today after breakfast. There are no activities planned for the final day so you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. There are many fascinating things to do in and around Quito, so please speak to our customer service representative about any optional activities that might be of interest. They can also assist you in booking a departure transfer to the airport.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Ecuador: Amazon Jungle Experience – Independent

Why you'll love this trip:

• This trip takes you to the heart of Ecuador's Amazon Basin. Set in the remote rainforest, Sacha Lodge is a haven for nature lovers, birdwatchers, scientists and adventure seekers
• Caiman, otters, sloths, hoatzin, monkeys, capybaras, anacondas... the Amazon is home to some of the most diverse wildlife on Earth.
• As well as comfortable accommodation and luxurious meals, your expert guides will enhance your experience with their unique knowledge of the Amazon.
• Explore the rainforest on various jungle treks, canopy walks and dugout canoe safaris, or relax in a hammock at the lodge. It's up to you to customise how active you'd like this trip to be.

Day 1: Quito/Amazon Jungle Lodge

Welcome to Quito, Ecuador. The joining point for this trip is the Quito hotel of your choice. Please ensure you give your booking agent the details of your hotel at least 15 days prior to this trip's starting date. Alternatively, we can also assist you to book additional accommodation in Quito if needed.

The evening before this trip starts, you'll be met at your hotel by your Peregrine representative by 6pm. Your Peregrine representative will provide you with vouchers and extra information that you'll need for the next four days.

At 7am on Day 1, you'll be met by your transfer driver in the lobby of your hotel, who will then drive you to the airport. The flight over the Andes to the river port town of Puerto Francisco de Orellana (Coca) will take approximately 45 minutes. From here, a local guide will meet you and transfer you to the town docks, where a covered, motorised canoe will take you on a two-hour journey down the Napo River to your Amazon lodge. Upon arrival, walk along a raised boardwalk for around 30 minutes through dense forest to Pilchicocha Lake, where dugout canoes await to take you to the lodge - arriving in the afternoon at around 4 pm. There's time this afternoon to take a walk, a swim or to explore the surrounding jungle and its wildlife. After dinner tonight you may want to accompany your naturalist guide into the jungle for a night walk or perhaps a canoe ride on the lake (great for spotting the glowing eyes of caiman).

Accommodation: Sacha Lodge or similar (1 night)

Meals Included: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Amazon Jungle Lodge

Rise early this morning and begin activity between 6 and 7am. Take the walking trail of Liana Chica (approximately 30 minutes) and arrive at the canopy walk for spectacular views of the rainforest canopy and various species of exotic birds. Designed to be a self-standing, rigid suspension canopy walk, it's one of only a few in the world. Two of the three towers have observation decks every 12 metres, making towers accessible for everyone. The canopy walkway is set at 36 metres high and 275 metres long, giving guests a panoramic view of the rainforest. After the canopy walk, hike through terra firma and igapo forest habitats where native guides will explain many different species of medicinal plants that have been being used in their culture for hundreds of years. Liana Grande will turn into the trail Higueron, which will take you through primary forest with huge Kapok and Fig trees towering hundreds of feet above your head. After lunch, you may choose to take a leisurely hike along the Rio Napo, or choose a little more challenging hike on the trail Leoncillo to try and spot the elusive dusky titi monkey. Either way, the trails will lead you back to the main boardwalk for your final hike and canoe ride back to the lodge.

Accommodation: Sacha Lodge or similar (1 night)

Included Activities: Amazon Jungle activities as mentioned in the trip notes

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Amazon Jungle Lodge

Leaving the lodge after breakfast, begin your hike on trail Lagartococha. This trail offers you the chance to learn more about the native people and their relationship with the forest. Learn about the trees where native people believe the spirits of their ancestors live, and the mysterious dwende (devil-man) of the forest. After arriving at lake Lagartococha, take a tranquil canoe ride through a natural swamp, which home to anacondas, caiman and capybaras. After the canoe ride, a walk on the other side of Largatococha may give you the opportunity to spot capuchin or squirrel monkeys. Return from the walk or canoe ride and head back to the lodge for a refreshing dip in the lake, or a nice relaxing nap in your personal hammock on your private balcony. After lunch, your native guide will teach you how to fish for the infamous razor-toothed piranha. Keep in mind that piranhas will never attack a person and swimming at the same time is perfectly safe. In the afternoon you will begin what many think is the best trail at Sacha, a silent canoe ride through the flooded Amazonian forest. Keep your eyes peeled for the shy and elusive river otter, as well as the camouflaged three-toed sloth. After your ride through the flooded forest, arrive at Sacha´s 135-foot wooden tower that's built around an ancient Kapok tree. Spot wildlife and watch the sunset, with an amazing view of Mount Sumaco. A canoe ride back through the flooded forest at night is unforgettable. Watch for several species of bats flying over your heads and caiman in the water below.

Accommodation: Sacha Lodge or similar (1 night)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Quito

Today you'll be transferred by boat back to Coca for your flight to Quito, where your trip ends upon arrival at Quito Airport. Flights usually arrive back in Quito at around 1 pm, but there's always the likelihood of your flight being delayed. This being the case, you may wish to book an additional night's accommodation in Quito and also a transfer from airport to hotel at an additional cost. These should be booked at the same time you book your trip. If you're planning to depart Quito today, we advise you not to book a departure flight until at least 4 pm.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Prices listed are per person in Australian Dollars, based on twin occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. The offer is subject to availability at time of booking and shown on the lowest inside category available at the time. Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. Prices/Offers are correct as at 09 July 2021 and can be withdrawn without notice. Cabin categories include prepaid government fees and port taxes unless otherwise stated. Hotels may charge resort fees not included in this package, payable direct upon check in. Visas are not included. Flight credit can be used on your choice of airline and subject to the carriers’ flight schedules and conditions. Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.