Two Wildlife Wonderlands: Ecuador’s Amazon & Galápagos

Trip Type: Nature & Wildlife, Family Length: 12 days Season: Nov-May Rating: Grade II

Ecuador’s lush Amazon rainforest and its dramatic Galápagos Islands are two of the most wildlife-rich regions in South America! Discover the natural beauty in Ecuador with kids and teens, who will be amazed by the open-air zoo of animals in their midst.

On this trip, you’ll find outdoor fun in nature for youngsters, as well as creature comforts for parents. Enjoy active easy-to-moderate adventure activities and epic fauna-spotting that everyone can share.

Includes 4 days in the Ecuadorian Amazon and 5 days in Galápagos.

Trip Highlights:

• Board a dugout canoe and paddle into the depths of the Amazon rainforest
• Spot mischievous monkeys and colorful birds in the forest treetops on a 118-foot canopy walk
• Meet a local Amazonian Kichwa family and learn about their culture and traditions
• Witness the fragile and remarkable interconnectedness of the Amazon ecosystem
• Learn about evolution in the place Darwin himself began hatching his theory
• Walk along the black lava landscapes and white sandy beaches of Galápagos
• Encounter Galápagos’ charismatic cast of animals: sea lions, iguanas and blue-footed boobies!
• Snorkel in the clear island waters into a subaquatic world teeming with colorful life
• Find “teachable moments” and create vivid memories that will expand your child’s worldview

Brief Itinerary

DAY 1: USA / QUITO
Evening arrival to Quito, Ecuador’s capital. Stay at a country inn.

DAY 2: QUITO / COCA / NAPO WILDLIFE CENTER
Fly to Coca and embark on a canoe journey to reach the lodge.

DAY 3: AMAZON: CANOPY WALK / JUNGLE TRAIL HIKE
Amazon adventure on the canopy walkway, then jungle trail hike.

DAY 4: AMAZON: CLAY LICK / KICHWA COMMUNITY
Visit a flock of macaws feeding, then a local Kichwa community.

DAY 5: COCA / GUAYAQUIL
Depart from the Amazon and board a flight to the coastal city of Guayaquil.

DAY 6: GUAYAQUIL
The full day city tour of Guayaquil includes a scrumptious traditional lunch.

DAY 7: GUAYAQUIL / GALAPAGOS
Arrive in Galápagos and discover giant tortoises in their habitat.

DAY 8: GALAPAGOS: SEYMOUR ISLAND
Excursion to Seymour Island to look for friendly Galápagos wildlife.

DAY 9: GALAPAGOS: SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
See the sights on the main island of Santa Cruz, including beaches.

DAY 10: GALAPAGOS: SOUTH PLAZA ISLAND
Excursion to South Plaza Island for snorkeling and a wildlife walk.

DAY 11: GALAPAGOS / GUAYAQUIL
Flight back to the Ecuadorian mainland and board an overnight flight home.

DAY 12: USA
Arrive in USA and make onward connections home.

Detailed day-by-day itinerary (PDF)
With full trip profile, difficulty rating, weather, and other planning details.

Departures

On request, for any dates during the November-May season.
(Alternate options available for the June-October season)

This trip is customizable according to travel preferences and season.
A Galápagos small-boat cruise can be substituted in place of a land-based hotel stay. See all Galápagos cruise vessels.

2024 Land Cost

4-6 participants: from $7,700 p.p.d.
7-12 participants: from $7,350 p.p.d.
Single Supplement: from $2,550

Special discounts apply for kids ages 7-17
p.p.d. = per person based on double occupancy. Price does not include international or local flights. Southwind ticketing affiliate helps coordinate flights to match your itinerary.

Detailed day-by-day itinerary (PDF)
With full trip profile, inclusions/exclusions, estimated airfare, and other info.