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Ecuador & Galapagos: Islands, Andes and Amazon Adventure Scroll

Location
Ecuador & Galapagos

Ecuador & Galapagos: Islands, Andes and Amazon Adventure

Details
18 DAYS FROM 11250 PP

Best time to go
Year Round

GAL St Galapagos Bartolome Island Jess Kraft

Islands, Andes and Amazon Adventure

On this adventure you will spend 7 nights on the Grand Majestic yacht, a luxury vessel specifically designed to explore the Galapagos Islands, getting up close with the Galapagos wildlife; from iguanas and frigate birds, to tortoises and boobies. Enjoy a relaxing few days in the Zuleta region, one of Ecuador’s true hidden gem. Spend time in the mighty Amazon Rainforest with expert guides searching for caiman, primates, scarlet macaws, sloth or even elusive wildcat.

What to expect

You'll be welcomed into Quito to enjoy an exploratory half-day tour of Quito, which was the first city declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO back in 1978. Strolling through the magical Old Town, you will pause to admire some of the staggeringly well-kept architecture, from the Cathedral to the President's Palace on Plaza Independencia. The following day, transfer to the airport for your included flight to the Galapagos and on arrival into San Cristobal, you will be met by a Grand Majestic crew member and transferred to settle in to the yacht.

The Islands

North Seymour was formed by a series of submarine lava flows containing layers of sediment that were uplifted by tectonic activity. While you hike, keep a look out for Galapagos sea lions, blue-footed boobies and frigate birds and whilst snorkelling, also look out for rays and reef sharks. Visit Black Turtle Cove, in the northern part of Santa Cruz, this inlet is surrounded by mangroves and only accessible by dinghy. A haven for marine life, keep a lookout for black-tip and white-tip reef sharks, sea turtles and a variety of rays. Bartholomew Island is where the famous Pinnacle Rock is found, an extinct volcano with a variety of red, orange, black and even green volcanic formations. Take a trail of stairs to the summit of the volcano and visit a small, beautiful beach surrounded by the only vegetation found on the island, perfect for snorkelling and swimming with the Galapagos penguins.

Zuleta Region

On arrival to the mainland, you will be met and transferred to your lodge after a scenic drive through the Avenue of Volcanoes, a journey of about 2 hours. Spend the next 2 days enjoying the stunning setting of Zuleta, Zuleta is known for its Zuleteño horse, a unique mixture of Spanish – Andalusian, English and Quarter horses. The outcome of this crossbreeding is a robust, noble and smooth Andean horse with a perfect disposition for trail riding. Spend time learning about the local condor conservation project, or enjoy hiking on the nearby trails with a chance to spot the elusive Andean bear. You can also go birdwatching, biking, stargazing or just sit back with a glass of wine and take in the fresh air.

The Amazon

Fly to Coca, located in Ecuador`s Amazon region and be transferred by boat to your lodge in the Amazon rainforest, approximately two hours upstream. This is an area of primary rainforest and there are many great opportunities for spotting a variety of wildlife. The birdlife is most notable here. Over the next 2 days, you will be able to choose from a range of excursions to experience life in the jungle and view some of the interesting flora and fauna that lives here. Napo lists over 560 species of bird and around 140 species of mammals. There is also a canopy tower, which allows you to ascend through the different levels of the forest and various trails that you can explore as your guide is on hand to spot the wildlife and teach you about the unique eco system that is the Amazon jungle. Each night, return to the lodge for dinner and a nightcap as the sounds of the forest resonate all around you.

GAL St Galapagos Black Spotted Eagle Ray Shutterstock Wildestanimal

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Why book this trip?

  • Visit the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre, in Puerto Ayora where giant tortoises are bred in captivity and the babies are kept until they are strong enough to survive on their own
  • Enjoy hiking and snorkelling to see the underwater lava formations and marine wildlife at James Bay, home to Galapagos hawk, the gorgeous fur seals and the Galapagos lava lizard.
  • Visit Punta Vicente Roca, a large bay with spectacular sea life - keep an eye out for seahorses, sea turtles, and the strange, fascinating mola mola (or sun fish) while you snorkel.
  • Enjoy hiking and learning about the fascinating geology of Sullivan Bay, covered by lava flows which have formed small volcanoes.
  • Watch the marine iguanas lounge and the Sally Lightfoot crabs attract the hunting herons performing the dance of predator and prey at Espumilla Beach. Snorkelling is highly recommended as you could come face to face with an octopus, moray eel, shark and a variety of other species of tropical fish.
St Galapagos Sea Turtle Shutterstock Laverne Nash

Accommodation Highlights

Grand Majestic Yacht

Built in 2018, the Grand Majestic is a modern motor yacht. Measuring 127 feet with 7 air-conditioned cabins, all cabins have hot water and private bathrooms. The Grand Majestic also features a sundeck, Jacuzzi and social area to wind down after a long day of exploration with an expert naturalist guide. The indoor dining room (where fine-dining is served daily), lounge and bar also provide ample space to sit back and marvel at stunning seascape vistas.

Napo Wildlife Centre Eco Lodge

Located within the Yasuni National Park, deep in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, Napo Wildlife Centre is an intimate lodge which provides guests with a truly authentic Amazon experience. The lodge contains just 10 large, luxury cabanas, providing its guests with optimum comfort and space, whilst emphasising the beauty of the natural surroundings.