Galapagos and Amazon Vacation
A stunning trip combining perhaps the two most unique and diverse habitats in the world, the Galapagos islands and the Amazon
Personalised journeys from start to finish
Every trip helps support Conservation
Every detail taken care of
What's included
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Luxury Galapagos cruise
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Excursions lead by naturalist experts
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Private tour options in Guayaquil, the Amazon and Quito
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Luxury accommodation throughout
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Meet and greet airport service
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Full support from your Travel Concierge before, during and after your trip
At a glance
This is a remarkable trip that encompasses a grand tour of the Galapagos Islands and a comprehensive expedition into the Ecuadorian Amazon staying at one of our favourite jungle lodges.
Experience the magnificent and unparalleled wildlife kingdom of the Galapagos in the comfort of a luxury cruise with some of Ecuador’s most knowledgeable naturalist guides on a comprehensive seven night cruise.
Then return to the mainland to spend two nights in charming UNESCO city of Quito, allowing time to learn the customs and traditions of Ecuador, explore the cities art galleries and other sites of historical interest.
Finally, venture deep into the Amazon experiencing the biodiversity, flora and fauna of the rainforest with three last in this untamed wilderness.
Example trip itinerary
Guayaquil
Transfer
Private transfer from Guayaquil airport to your hotel
Accommodation in Guayaquil
Guayaquil
Overview
Located close to the airport, the Hilton Colon is an excellent option for Guayaquil. It’s the best hotel in the city with the level of service and finish that one comes to expect from this brand.
Recent refurbishment means that the interiors are elegant and contemporary. Features include a large outdoor pool area, an excellent spa and a choice of different restaurants. There is also an adjoining complex with shops and banks.
→ Find out moreGuayaquil
Overview
Originally built as a grand charity centre in the heart of Guayaquil in 1891, it avoided demolition after being bought and reconstructed, piece by piece, in its current location within Parque Historico on the banks of the Daule River, and restored into an elegant boutique hotel.
There are 44 guest rooms classically furnished with period local pieces, in subdued hues to contrast with the tropical park outside.
Overlooking the waterfront, the Hotel del Parque’s restaurant serves sophisticated modern takes on Ecuadorian cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood and local ingredients.
→ Find out more
Two nights in Guayaquil
The largest city in Ecuador and located on the Pacific coast, Guayaquil is the country's economic hub and with good flight connections, is more often than not simply a necessary stopover to or from the Galapagos. With a good selection of fine restaurants and cultural establishments, we can help you make the most of your short time here should you want to venture out.
Full day tour to El Castillo cocoa farm
Head out of Guayaquil to Hacienda El Castillo, a traditional cacao farm. After a warm welcome at the main house, visit the chocolate factory, where you will see all the process of turning cocoa beans into fine chocolate. Guests can also relax in the hammocks, hike and birdwatch in the original native forest or along cocoa and mango plantations. Enjoy a traditional lunch at the main house’s dining room before returning to Guayaquil in the early afternoon.
Transfer
Private transfer from Guayaquil hotel to the airport
Flight
Flight from Guayaquil to the Galapagos
Galapagos
Galapagos yachts and cruise ships
Galapagos - Cruises
Highlights
- 20 cabins
- Jacuzzi
- Sun deck
- Dining room and lounge
- Guided nature walks
- Snorkeling
- Glass-bottomed boat trips
Overview
The Isabella II is a comfortable expedition yacht and also one of the smaller vessels of this standard in the Galápagos with capacity for just 40 passengers.
The 20 cabins are relatively spacious with double, twin and triple rooms available. Decor is modern and sophisticated. On the main deck you’ll find the dining room, library and bar while the boat deck is home to the fitness room, an al fresco bar and hot tub.
Guiding is excellent on the Isabela and there is state-of-the-art technology for multimedia presentations and natural history lectures. There are glass-bottomed boats, kayaks and pangas for exploring as well as snorkelling equipment for getting up close to the Galápagos’ incredible marine wildlife.
→ Find out moreGalapagos - Cruises
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Highlights
- Family programme on select dates
- Restaurant, Al-fresco dining areas and bar
- Library
- Sun Deck
- Al-fresco dining area
- Hot tub
Overview
The vessel has capacity for just 48 guests, striking a good balance between size and facilities. All of the twenty four staterooms are located mid-ship on the upper deck and come with spacious double or twin beds. As one of the newer boats in the Galápagos, La Pinta is kitted out with the latest equipment and has an excellent restaurant and bar, jacuzzi and a gym.
All tours are conducted with small groups of just ten guests or less with expert naturalist guides. Travellers have exclusive use of snorkelling equipment, sea kayaks, wetsuits and trips in the glass bottomed boat.
→ Find out moreGalapagos - Cruises
Highlights
- Ten deluxe double staterooms
- Inside and outside dining and bar areas
- Sun deck with loungers, hammocks, Jacuzzi and hot tub
- Fitness centre
- Library
- Kayaking and standup paddle boarding
- Snorkelling and diving expeditions
Overview
Billed as both the most luxurious and the most environmentally efficient yachts in the Galapagos, the Origin, Theory and Evolve feature panoramic windows, a hot tub and while on board you’ll enjoy locally sourced, gourmet meals. They are both the only Relais & Châteaux-certified yachts operating in the Galápagos Islands and have been built with environmentally friendly, zero-emission material.
With ten deluxe double staterooms, each with large panoramic windows, private bathrooms, seating areas, local art work and satellite TVs, the yachts are able to accommodate up to 20 passengers in the utmost levels of comfort. The guide to passenger ration is one of the best in the Galápagos ensuring you enjoy first-class service.
The spacious interior features a dining and bar area, lounge, fitness centre, library, boutique and a computer station. Outside, the large sun deck features outside dining space, loungers, hammocks, Jacuzzi, hot tub and BBQ.
To ensure you make the most of your visit to the Galápagos Islands, daily excursions are led by two highly trained naturalist guides in small groups of no more than ten. You’ll enjoy nature walks with plenty of time for photographs and questions.
→ Find out moreGalapagos - Cruises
Overview
Natural Paradise is a newly launched luxury yacht designed specifically for cruising the Galapagos in comfort with custom features such as soundproofed engines.
There are nine cabins which can sleep up to 16 guests, all with comfortable beds, air-conditioning and private bathrooms. Four of these feature private balconies and the main deck suite can be converted into a triple room.
Her social areas include a beautiful teak sundeck with Jacuzzi and a cozy al fresco dining. On the main deck you will find a spacious lounge, bar and dining room.
To help you explore the archipelago’s underwater world, snorkeling gear, wetsuit and underwater camera are available for your use. 10 crew members, including a naturalist guide who will lead you on your exploration, ensure a high standard of service throughout your cruise.
→ Find out more
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Seven night Galapagos cruise
Spend your time cruising and exploring the Galapagos Islands on your choice of Jacada's selected luxury expedition cruises. The exact itinerary will depend on which you choose, our travel designer will help you choose which suits you best.
Nature walks on the Islands
There will be a number of varied nature trails with your guides to the different islands on your itinerary to explore both the wildlife up close and the astonishing geology of the islands.
Panga rides and snorkelling
Small group excursions by inflatable 'panga' zodiac boats to snorkel and see the dense marine wildlife.
Flight
Flight from the Galapagos Islands to Quito (via Guayaquil)
Quito
Transfer
Private transfer from Quito airport to your hotel
Accommodation in Quito
Quito
Highlights
- 31 rooms
- Restaurant
- TV
- WiFi
- Room upgrade will be provided subject to availability
- Box of Pacari chocolates upon arrival
Overview
Removed you may think, but the hotel sits quite comfortably in this characteristically Old World part of town, and being conveniently positioned at the colonial and cultural heart of Quito its thirty-one rooms have magnificent views over the square and surrounding monuments.
Inside the décor is elegantly traditional, but is kept quite minimal for a contemporary twist. Downstairs is the lobby, complete with marble floors, velvet Chesterfields, and peppered with the odd antique, as is the dining room, bar and conservatory central patio. Then via the spiral stairs (or lift) are the rooms that feature all the contemporary amenities matched to the more modern soft furnishings, but the high ceilings, mouldings, wall murals and marbled bathrooms nod loyally to the mansion’s past and the opulence of a bygone era.
We can arrange for a number of private city tours of Quito with our expert, local guides. Please discuss this with our consultants when planning your itinerary
→ Find out moreQuito
Overview
The Plaza Grande, set in a beautifully converted Belle Epoque mansion of one of the city’s founding fathers, is not lacking in history.
The hotel is set in a prime spot in the beautiful old town on the Plaza de la Independencia. Fitting to the setting and history of the building the hotel is decorated in luxurious and opulent style with heavy drapes, tapestries and artwork adorning the walls.
As well as the traditional fittings, rooms are appointed with all of the modern amenities that one might expect from a hotel of this calibre, with 42 inch flat screen televisions, jacuzzis and sound-proofed windows installed in all the rooms.
Service is excellent and the hotel has several restaurants and a well-stocked wine cellar.
→ Find out moreQuito
Overview
One of Quito’s largest hotels, the JW Marriott Quito is perfect for those who want all the extensive infrastructure, amenities and service that only a five star business class hotel can provide.
Rooms are well decorated and equipped, most with views of the city or volcano. Hotel facilities include a very large heated outdoor pool area (almost unique in Quito), four restaurants, bars, lounges and a well equipped spa.
→ Find out moreQuito
Overview
Step back into Ecuador’s fascinating history, with a stay at this charming historical hotel in the centre of Quito, which has quite rightly been awarded UNESCO status. Situated amongst the narrow, cobbled streets and baroque architecture this hotel is located in a restored colonial mansion, with 22 beautifully decorated colourful rooms, replete with décor from the colonial era. For some peace and quiet from the bustling bohemian streets, you can sit back and relax in the hotels central patio, carefully designed to represent the importance of Quito’s historical past and the present, modern day.
Outside of the hotel you will find some of Quito’s most beautiful historical monasteries, churches and a splendid collection of art shops, cafes and restaurants. At the weekend this area is a very lively with a fantastic atmosphere, a great place to be to be immersed into Quito’s culture.
→ Find out more
Two nights in Quito
Enjoy Ecuador's capital, the first ever UNESCO World Heritage city. You'll have our list of recommendations as well as private guides on hand to enjoy the best of this historical city and contemporary hub. We can arrange a number of private, interest-led tours to booking fine restaurants for you. Talk to your travel designer about how you would like to spend your time here.
Quito 'Mystical City' Tour
The tour starts with a panoramic overview of the city and its surrounding volcanoes from one of the city’s viewpoints. Then stop at a local food, fruits and vegetables market. This is one of the oldest markets in the city and during the visit you will be able to enjoy the smells and colours of the fruits and vegetables and learn more about the history of this ancient market and the local products as well as some secrets of the local natural medicine.
Then continue to the Independence Square which is the centre of the political life of the country due to the presence of the President’s Palace. In the afternoon visit La Compañia church, known as the best example of baroque style in the country, and San Francisco Church, the first Catholic church built by the Spaniards in Quito. The tour ends with a visit to the museum Casa del Alabado, a Pre-Columbian art museum that owns more than 5,000 archaeological pieces from most of the communities living in Ecuador before the arrival of the Spaniards.
Transfer
Private transfer from your Quito hotel to Quito airport
Flight
Flight from Quito to Coca
The Amazon
Transfer
Transfer from Coca airport to your lodge in the Amazon
Accommodation in The Amazon
The Amazon
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Overview
The Napo Wildlife Centre is one of the best-run and most environmentally sound lodges in this area of the Amazon. There are 16 lakefront bungalows which are all spacious and decorated simply but comfortably, with king-size beds in every room. Each bungalow also has its own private balcony (with hammock) from which to enjoy the views.
Guiding is excellent and the lodge has a great observation tower from which to view the area as well as a macaw clay lick (one of the only one in the area). No motorised vehicles are allowed anywhere near the lodge and the last part of the journey to the lodge itself is by canoe.
→ Find out moreThe Amazon
Overview
Slightly closer to the town of Coca, Sacha lodge is more easily reached than other lodges (just 2.5 hours journey). The location is still excellent however and the lodge is one of the best in the area.
There are 26 comfortable cabins nestled in the jungle all including private bathrooms and hot showers. The high thatched roofs mean the rooms are spacious and airy and whilst by no means luxurious they are comfortable considering the wilderness location. There are interconnecting rooms perfect for families.
Guiding is generally of excellent quality with all tours in small groups and accompanied by two guides, a local, native guide raised in the area and a bilingual naturalist.
The lodge also has a very pleasant dining area and a canopy walk through the jungle great for spotting birdlife. The self standing suspension canopy walkways, 275m long and 36m high, is one of only a few in the world.
→ Find out moreThe Amazon
Overview
Focusing supporting the local community and protecting its biodiverse surroundings, Sani is an ecolodge set in 40,000 hectares (100,000 acres) of beautiful rainforest between two of the most diverse ecological reserves on the planet.
Make yourself at home in a rustic, yet spacious cabin, offering an intimate experience of the Amazon rainforest. Up to 38 guests can be accommodated in thatched-roofed cabanas and family-sized cabins, which are all screened to keep insects out and have eco-friendly solar lights. Warm fabrics and rich wood panels made for an inviting place to relax as you take in the sounds of the jungle.
The more adventurous can stay at the camping site, an hour away from the lodge. Together with local guides, guests make their way to the site in canoes. Tents are on platforms with thatched roofs to provide a little extra shelter, and all meals are prepared on site by a chef.
Twitchers will have a field day as there are some 550 species identified in the area. It is estimated that on a 4-day trip you may come across around 120 of these, while real enthusiasts may even hit the 250 mark. These flit between 1500 species of tree along with 1000 types of butterfly and 13 monkey species.
From the top of the 37m high tree tower, get an awe-inspiring view of the region, before heading out at dusk to explore Oxbow Lake – home to the endangered black caiman. Night time is when the forest truly comes alive, with night hikes to discover an astounding world of insects and animals. Take time to visit the Sani community and the Kichwa people and let them show you how their traditions still shape their lives today.
→ Find out more-724x420-cc.jpg)
Three days exploring the Ecuadorian Amazon
During your time in the Amazon you will be able to choose from a host of activities which will allow you to marvel at the incredible biodiversity of this magical area, which will allow you to experience nature at it's best.
Transfer
Transfer from your Amazon Lodge to Coca airport
Flight
Flight from Coca to Quito
We design private journeys for people who wish to go beyond the typical and experiencing something truly special. Our amazing team of travel designers, concierges and local guides work together to create unique journeys that get deep under the skin of where you’re visiting.
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Galapagos and Amazon Vacation
How we work
This is a remarkable trip that encompasses a grand tour of the Galapagos Islands and a comprehensive expedition into the Ecuadorian Amazon staying at one of our favourite jungle lodges. Experience the magnificent and unparalleled wildlife kingdom of the Galapagos in the comfort of a luxury cruise with some of Ecuador’s most knowledgeable naturalist guides on a comprehensive seven night cruise. Then return to the mainland to spend two nights in charming UNESCO city of Quito, allowing time to learn the customs and traditions of Ecuador, explore the cities art galleries and other sites of historical interest. Finally, venture deep into the Amazon experiencing the biodiversity, flora and fauna of the rainforest with three last in this untamed wilderness. | Whats included?
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Days 1-3 |
Guayaquil |
|
Flights & transfers
Private transfer from Guayaquil airport to your hotel |
|
|
Accommodation in Guayaquil
•
Hilton Colon Guayaquil - $$$$$
Located close to the airport, the Hilton Colon is an excellent option for Guayaquil....
•
Hotel del Parque - $$$$$
Originally built as a grand charity centre in the heart of Guayaquil in 1891, it avoided...
|
|
| Two nights in Guayaquil The largest city in Ecuador and located on the Pacific coast, Guayaquil is the country's economic hub and with good flight connections, is more often than not simply a necessary stopover to or from the Galapagos. With a good selection of fine restaurants and cultural establishments, we can help you make the most of your short time here should you want to venture out. |
|
| Full day tour to El Castillo cocoa farm Head out of Guayaquil to Hacienda El Castillo, a traditional cacao farm. After a warm welcome at the main house, visit the chocolate factory, where you will see all the process of turning cocoa beans into fine chocolate. Guests can also relax in the hammocks, hike and birdwatch in the original native forest or along cocoa and mango plantations. Enjoy a traditional lunch at the main house’s dining room before returning to Guayaquil in the early afternoon. |
|
|
Flights & transfers
Private transfer from Guayaquil hotel to the airport |
|
| Flight from Guayaquil to the Galapagos | |
Days 3-10 |
Galapagos |
|
Galapagos yachts and cruise ships
•
Isabela II - $$$$$
The Isabella II is a comfortable expedition yacht and also one of the smaller vessels of this...
•
La Pinta Yacht - $$$$$
One of the top expedition vessels in the Galapagos, La Pinta is an excellent choice for those...
•
Origin, Theory & Evolve - $$$$$
Billed as both the most luxurious and the most environmentally efficient yachts in the...
•
Natural Paradise - $$$$$
Natural Paradise is a newly launched luxury yacht designed specifically for...
|
|
| Seven night Galapagos cruise Spend your time cruising and exploring the Galapagos Islands on your choice of Jacada's selected luxury expedition cruises. The exact itinerary will depend on which you choose, our travel designer will help you choose which suits you best. |
|
| Nature walks on the Islands There will be a number of varied nature trails with your guides to the different islands on your itinerary to explore both the wildlife up close and the astonishing geology of the islands. |
|
| Panga rides and snorkelling Small group excursions by inflatable 'panga' zodiac boats to snorkel and see the dense marine wildlife. |
|
|
Flights & transfers
Flight from the Galapagos Islands to Quito (via Guayaquil) |
|
Days 10-12 |
Quito |
|
Flights & transfers
Private transfer from Quito airport to your hotel |
|
|
Accommodation in Quito
•
Casa Gangotena - $$$$$
Resembling something you are more likely see on a street corner of some Parisian...
•
Hotel Plaza Grande - $$$$$
The Plaza Grande, set in a beautifully converted Belle Epoque mansion of one of the...
•
JW Marriott Quito - $$$$$
One of Quito’s largest hotels, the JW Marriott Quito is perfect for those who want all...
•
La Casona de La Ronda - $$$$$
Step back into Ecuador’s fascinating history, with a stay at...
|
|
| Two nights in Quito Enjoy Ecuador's capital, the first ever UNESCO World Heritage city. You'll have our list of recommendations as well as private guides on hand to enjoy the best of this historical city and contemporary hub. We can arrange a number of private, interest-led tours to booking fine restaurants for you. Talk to your travel designer about how you would like to spend your time here. |
|
| Quito 'Mystical City' Tour The tour starts with a panoramic overview of the city and its surrounding volcanoes from one of the city’s viewpoints. Then stop at a local food, fruits and vegetables market. This is one of the oldest markets in the city and during the visit you will be able to enjoy the smells and colours of the fruits and vegetables and learn more about the history of this ancient market and the local products as well as some secrets of the local natural medicine. Then continue to the Independence Square which is the centre of the political life of the country due to the presence of the President’s Palace. In the afternoon visit La Compañia church, known as the best example of baroque style in the country, and San Francisco Church, the first Catholic church built by the Spaniards in Quito. The tour ends with a visit to the museum Casa del Alabado, a Pre-Columbian art museum that owns more than 5,000 archaeological pieces from most of the communities living in Ecuador before the arrival of the Spaniards. |
|
|
Flights & transfers
Private transfer from your Quito hotel to Quito airport |
|
| Flight from Quito to Coca | |
Days 12-15 |
The Amazon |
|
Flights & transfers
Transfer from Coca airport to your lodge in the Amazon |
|
|
Accommodation in The Amazon
•
Napo Wildlife Centre - $$$$$
The Napo Wildlife Centre is one of the best-run and most environmentally sound lodges in this...
•
Sacha Lodge - $$$$$
Slightly closer to the town of Coca, Sacha lodge is more easily reached than other lodges...
•
Sani Lodge - $$$$$
Focusing supporting the local community and protecting its biodiverse surroundings, Sani is an...
|
|
| Three days exploring the Ecuadorian Amazon During your time in the Amazon you will be able to choose from a host of activities which will allow you to marvel at the incredible biodiversity of this magical area, which will allow you to experience nature at it's best. |
|
|
Flights & transfers
Transfer from your Amazon Lodge to Coca airport |
|
| Flight from Coca to Quito |
