SAMPLE TOURS
Galapagos and Cloud Forest Ecosystem Explore
15 days
$3,125 pp
Visiting Galápagos, Ecuador, & the cloud forest
Base Hotel Areas:
Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island
Puerto Baquerizo, San Cristóbal Island
Puerto Velasco Ibarra, Floreana Island
Puerto Villamil, Isabela Island
Ecuador highlands
Ecuadorian Cloud Forest
Trip Highlights
8-nights in the Galápagos Islands
Accompanied by a top naturalist
All mainland logistics taken care of!
3-nights Cloud Forest and Paramo
Itinerary Summary
Day 1. Arrival in Quito
Day 2. To the Eastern Cloud Forest
Day 3. Exploring the Cloud Forest
Day 4. Into the High Andes
Day 5. Andean market and Equatorial line
Day 6. Flight to San Cristóbal, Galápagos
Day 7. Cristobal Highlands
Day 8. Cristobal Northern Coast
Day 9. San Cristobal - Santa Cruz
Day 10. North Seymour & Bachas
Day 11. Bartolome Island
Day 12. CDRS & Highlands
Day 13. Volunteer Day
Day 14. Flight to Quito
Day 15. Depart Ecuador
For a deeper look at this adventure, please read the detailed itinerary below.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Quito
Welcome to the Adventure! Your journey begins as soon as you touch down in the vibrant city of Quito.
After a warm greeting at the airport, you'll be whisked away to your hotel, where the excitement of the days ahead will start to build. Rest up - tomorrow, the exploration begins!
Day 2: To the Eastern Cloud Forest
After breakfast, drive two hours from Quito along the Amazon Trail, passing through the high-altitude Andes and cloud forest. Enjoy wildlife and bird watching, with stops to observe hummingbirds and take short walks. Arrive at San Isidro Lodge near Cosanga, a pristine forest rich in wildlife, birds, and monkeys.
Day 3: Exploring the Cloud Forest
Spend the morning exploring San Isidro Lodge, then visit the Hollín waterfalls. Enjoy walks, searching for orchids, wildlife, and stunning views in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions.
Day 4: Into the High Andes
Take an early walk around San Ysidro before heading to Papallacta, high in the mountains at 11,000 feet. Along the way, enjoy wildlife spotting, including spectacled bears, tapirs, and condors. Once in Papallacta, explore diverse nature, hike, and relax in thermal baths.
Day 5: Andean market and Equatorial line
A Cultural Feast for the Senses! Journey north to the bustling market town of Otavalo, where vibrant colors, sounds, and smells fill the air. Explore the largest indigenous market in South America, discover hidden gems in surrounding villages, and enjoy a delightful lunch in a charming colonial house.
Day 6: Flight to the Galápagos – San Cristobal
Off to the Enchanted Islands! Your adventure continues as you fly to the Galápagos Islands. Upon arrival in San Cristobal, your top-notch naturalist guide will welcome you.
After a delicious lunch, dive into the fascinating history at the Interpretation Center and snorkel at Cerro Tijeretas, where you’ll encounter your first taste of Galápagos marine life.
Day 7: Highlands of San Cristobal
A Day with Giants! Journey to the lush highlands of San Cristobal, where giant tortoises roam in their semi-natural habitat.
After a farm-fresh lunch, head back to the coast for an unforgettable snorkeling experience at La Loberia, where sea lions and marine iguanas play in the surf.
Day 8: Northern Coast Adventure
Sailing to Wonders! Set sail for Isla Lobos, where frigatebirds and blue-footed boobies abound.
Your journey continues to the stunning Playa Puerto Grande and concludes with a snorkel at Kicker Rock - a dramatic volcanic formation rising from the sea. This is a day of natural beauty that will leave you breathless.
Day 9: San Cristobal – Santa Cruz
Begin your day with a peaceful nature walk, immersing yourself in the island's landscapes and wildlife. Then, enjoy a final snorkel with sea turtles, exploring the vibrant underwater world. Relax before taking a two-hour ferry from San Cristobal to Santa Cruz, where new landscapes, wildlife encounters, and adventures await
Day 10: North Seymour and Bachas Beach
A Wildlife Wonderland! Embark on a journey to North Seymour, where you’ll encounter a dazzling array of wildlife, from land iguanas to blue-footed boobies.
After a walk through this natural haven, relax on the powdery sands of Bachas Beach, with a chance to snorkel in the crystal-clear waters.
Day 11: Bartolome Island
Crown Jewel of the Galápagos! Today’s destination is the iconic Bartolome Island, known for its spectacular volcanic landscape.
Snorkel with playful Galápagos penguins and marvel at the dramatic vistas that define the Galápagos experience.
Day 12: Charles Darwin Research Station & Highlands
Conservation in Action! Learn about the critical conservation efforts at the CDRS, and see the saddleback tortoises and hatchlings at the breeding center.
Then, head to the highlands to witness giant tortoises in their natural habitat, explore volcanic craters, and walk through ancient lava tubes—remnants of the islands’ fiery past.
Day 13: Volunteer Day
Giving Back to Paradise! Experience the satisfaction of contributing to the preservation of these incredible islands.
Spend the day volunteering with a local conservation project, helping to protect native plants and combat invasive species.
Day 14: Return to Quito
A Last Glimpse of Paradise! Cross the islands one last time as you make your way to the airport for your flight back to Quito.
Upon arrival, settle into your hostel and savor the memories of your Galápagos adventure.
Day 15: Depart Ecuador
Farewell to Adventure! As you board your flight, take a moment to reflect on the extraordinary journey you’ve just completed.
From the Amazon jungle to the enchanted Galápagos Islands, Ecuador has left an indelible mark on your soul. Until next time!
What's included?
Included
Hostel-type accommodation with 1-4 beds per room, meals for each day in the detailed itinerary, airport transfers and guides.
Not Included
$200 Galápagos National Park entrance fee, $20 airport transit fee, roundtrip airfare between your home, Quito and Galápagos, some meals as indicated in the itinerary, tips for yacht crews, guides, naturalists, laundry, beverages not with the meal, excess baggage charges, or other items of a personal nature. Price also excludes any insurance coverage for trip cancellation/interruption, MedEvac Emergency Insurance, travel accident, travel delay, baggage delay or baggage theft (we recommend you obtain coverage for these)