Day 1 Arrival Quito - Papallacta • Welcome to Ecuador! After landing in Quito, you will be warmly greeted by your German-speaking tour guide and escorted to your hotel. Nestled in the majestic Andes at 2,850 meters above sea level, Quito is the highest capital city in the world.  Your journey starts through the western Andes at an altitude of 4,000 meters. Visit the most beautiful volcanic hot springs in Ecuador, where body, mind, and soul can rejuvenate in the Papallacta thermal baths. Accommodation in Papallacta.

 

Day 2 Papallacta – Amazon rainforest • Journey into the lush Amazon Basin with impressive viewpoints over the biologically richest area in the world. Along the way, you will visit the mysterious Jumandy Caves, where you will be taken on a journey into the past of the indigenous culture to learn about the stories and legends of these caves. Upon arrival at the jungle lodge, you will be greeted with the traditional Guayusa drink and introduced to the unique variety of plant and animal life. For the night walk, flashlights and rubber boots will be provided, before your guide introduces fascinating reptiles, insects, birds and the legendary Paiche fish. Accommodation in the Amazon rainforest.

 

Day 3 Amazon rainforest • Today awaits you a very special Amazon adventure, the "Full Day Amazoonico 360°." You can choose to enjoy the refreshing waters while tubing on the peaceful Arajuno River or to relax as you drift along in a canoe before reaching the animal sanctuary. It is the perfect opportunity to observe local animals while contributing to their well-being. Later, in the motorized canoe, you will visit Anaconda Island, where you will encounter an authentic indigenous tribe to learn about blowpipe techniques, traditional dances, the extraction of fibers from the pita plant, as well as the preparation and tasting of chicha, a fermented drink made from yuca – a type of rainforest potato. Lunch on the riverbank. Afterwards, we will watch for the iconic bird, the hoatzin, in the swamp while observing caimans up close. Return by motorized canoe to the lodge. Accommodation in the Amazon rainforest.

 

Day 4 Amazon rainforest • This morning you are invited on a short hike and a quiet canoe tour in the lagoon of a unique nature reserve. A local guide will introduce you to the harmonious coexistence with the rainforest as you immerse yourself in the diverse wildlife of the jungle. In the afternoon, the tour continues with a presentation and tasting of cocoa—the food of the gods. An interactive cocoa-making experience with hot chocolate, fruits, and a chocolate face mask awaits you. Accommodation in the Amazon rainforest.

 

Day 5 Amazon - Quito - Galapagos • Transfer to Quito airport where your flight to the Galapagos Islands awaits. Upon arrival on San Cristobal, the most biodiverse island of the archipelago, a private transport will take you to your hotel. In the afternoon, you will visit the interpretation center, which will familiarize you with the history, nature, and ecology of the islands. Afterwards, enjoy the beautiful warm sandy beach 'Playa Mann,' where you can swim with playful sea lions! Enjoy the nighttime activities of the Galapagos Islands!

Accommodation in Puerto Baquerizo.

 

Day 6 Galapagos – The Highlands of San Cristobal • Today you will explore the community of 'El Progreso' and the 'El Junco' crater lake with your naturalist guide, the only freshwater lake in the archipelago, where frigatebirds like to wash their wings to remove excess salt. Afterwards, you will drive to 'Cerro Colorado' to visit the giant tortoise breeding station! The day ends at one of the most beautiful beaches of the archipelago, 'Puerto Chino,' where you can observe marine iguanas, Galápagos crabs, blue-footed boobies, lava lizards, sea lions, and much more. Afterwards, you will have time to relax along the seaside boulevard! Accommodation in Puerto Baquerizo.

 

Day 7 Galapagos - Paths and Coasts • We start the day with a hike up "Tijeretas Hill," where Charles Darwin first set foot with his ship "Beagle"! Along this trail, you will encounter many Galapagos finches. Once at the top, you will be overwhelmed by the breathtaking view and the amazing feeling of being in the middle of nowhere! Enjoy a refreshing swim at the tranquil "Playa Carola" and then visit "La Lobería," a paradise for sea lions and marine iguanas, and a popular spot for surfers from all over the world. Accommodation in Puerto Baquerizo.

 

Day 8 Galapagos – Quito • Your tour guide will accompany you to the airport to take the flight back to Quito where you can continue your personal onward journey or international return flight.