Wildlife of Ecuador & Galapagos

15 days

Indicative cost incl. flights & four nights on board the Seaman Journey:

 

 

A typical 4* holiday costs from

£10,025 per person

(includes four nights on board the Seaman Journey)

 

(Based on two people travelling. Low season can be a lot cheaper, and peak season or 5* hotels can be substantially more expensive.)

 

Speak to an expert on

01242 253 073

or add this holiday to your online quote

Day 1
Fly to Quito. You will be greeted by our friendly representatives and will head into the historic centre, a beautiful city with a spring like climate year-round thanks to its altitude.
Day 2
Meet your guide to explore Quito with its stunning restored historic centre and central plaza. Admire the elegant colonial architecture, enjoy some dramatic views over the city from Panecillo Hill and straddle the Equator line just outside the city.
Day 3
Transfer by road into the beautiful Mindo cloudforest region, a couple of hours from Quito. Your base here is a beautiful nature lodge for a couple of nights, to take in the spectacular scenery and look for some of the 600 recorded bird species found here.
Day 4
Explore Mindo and surroundings with your guide, taking hikes through the cloudforest looking out for the beautiful hummingbirds, butterflies and orchids that characterise the flora and fauna in this biodiverse area. If you have a specific interest, then do let staff know.
Day 5
An early start for your flights to the Amazon rainforest to then transfer deep into Yasuni National Park by motor canoe and paddle boat, to your beautiful jungle lodge, your home for the next three nights. All activities, meals and naturalist guided tours are included.
Day 6
Mornings offer the best chance to spot wildlife, so be prepared for early starts and busy days! Typical activities include nature walks, canopy tower climbs and leisurely trips by paddle canoe.
Day 7
Many lodges in the Amazon are set in dense forest with surrounding walking trails to explore. Your expert naturalist guide will scan the tree tops and water’s edge, pointing out lurking caiman, playful river otters or perhaps a colourful macaw along the way.
Day 8
Fly back to civilisation today to arrive back in Quito to overnight. You will be transferred to your hotel near to the airport – it is worth getting an early night as flights to the Galapagos Islands usually depart rather early!
Day 9
Your Galapagos adventure begins today. Fly from Quito to the incomparable Galapagos Islands, a truly unique wildlife destination. Join your small expedition cruise, your home for discovering the islands for the next few days.
Day 10
Every day is different as you sail from one island to the next and disembark each morning and afternoon at a different landing point. Your naturalist guide is always on hand to explain what remarkable species you can expect to see.
Day 11
Depending on your cruise itinerary, you may have a landing on a deserted beach by zodiac with your fellow passengers. Keep your camera to hand and get ready to spot lazing iguanas, diving blue footed boobies and rambling giant tortoises!
Day 12
Another day of exploring the spectacular Galapagos Islands with your naturalist guide. You may get the opportunity to snorkel or swim with curious sealions, sea turtles, rays and sharks – marine life here is as impressive as that on land.
Day 13
Say your final goodbye to the Galapagos Islands, usually with one last morning visit before disembarking your expedition vessel. Transfer back to the local island airport to fly to mainland Ecuador for a final overnight in Guayaquil.
Day 14
You will meet your guide for a tour of Guayaquil, exploring the modern riverfront Malecon and the steep steps of the historic Las Penas district. Transfer in the evening to the airport for your overnight flights home.
Day 15
Welcome home!

Everything we do is tailor-made; our itineraries are just suggestions to give you an idea of what is possible. Please contact us so we can tailor the perfect holiday exclusively for you.

Taking in the rich biodiversity of the cloudforest, Ecuadorian Amazon and the Galapagos, this itinerary is the dream for wildlife enthusiasts. This fortnight itinerary not only includes incredible wildlife – you will also take in impressive dramatic scenery, view thousands of types of flora and spend some time in colonial Quito.

Galapagos trips are very much expedition voyages rather than your typical ‘cruise’ itinerary. With activity rather than relaxation in mind, you will typically have at least two excursions per day with an occasional pause thrown in for the odd siesta! All meals are included throughout the cruise, these are typically a buffet style and are a sociable experience. Activities will vary –  perhaps you’ll have a snorkelling trip to see colourful marine life in the morning, followed by a stroll through highlands to spot tortoises or a boat ride to see blue-footed boobies nesting in the rocks. You are accompanied throughout by your naturalist guide, with a maximum of 16 other passengers. Your guide is on hand to answer questions and will give details on the geology and wildlife of each destination.

2 nights Quito – 2 nights Mindo – 3 nights Amazon – 1 night Quito – 4 nights Galapagos cruise – 1 night Guayaquil – 1 night on plane


Where you'll go

What you'll do

Where you'll stay

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