From Galapagos to the Amazon
Snapshot
David travelled with two friends from Canada to Ecuador for this special adventure. They joined a group tour with G Adventures to the Galápagos Islands, then traveled inland to explore the Amazon rainforest on their own.
He visited Quito, the Galápagos Islands (Santa Cruz, Floreana, Isabella), and the Cuyabeno National Wildlife Preserve in the Amazon Rainforest - all within Ecuador (14 nights total)
Highlights
Explore Quito, a fascinating South American city
Spot sharks, iguanas, rays, and blue-footed boobies! (Galápagos Islands)
Learn about the islands’ unique biodiversity at the Charles Darwin Research Station (Santa Cruz)
Sun-bathe on a black sand beach with friendly sea lions (Floreana)
Interact with giant tortoises at the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre (Isabella)
Hike up the active Sierra Negra Volcano (Isabella)
Stay at a lodge in the Ecuadorian Amazon jungle
Observe the rare and unique pink dolphins that swim in the Cuyabeno River
Jungle walks and nighttime boat rides to observe insects, spiders, caymans, and other nocturnal creatures of the Amazon
Visit a indigenous village to learn about their way of life, and help prepare a local bread
“Although it is possible to do the Galapagos independent of any tour or cruise company, this is an area of the world where it is very advantageous to go with a small group tour.
There are many places to explore that we would not know about without an experienced guide, and having all of the practical matters arranged in advance (ie accommodation and transportation) frees up time and energy to focus on what matters most: the nature and beauty of the islands.”
Quito, 2 nights
The journey begins in Quito: the capital & most populous city of Ecuador. Quito was founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an ancient Inca city and is located on the slopes of an active stratovolcano in the Andes Mountains. At an elevation of 2,850 metres above sea level, it is the second highest capital city in the world, and the closest to the equator.
Needless to say, it’s quite a fascinating place!
Take your first evening in Quito to relax and explore your surroundings. I stayed at the Nu House Boutique Hotel located in the heart of Quito in a vibrant area full of dining, bars, and nightlife options. If we weren’t so exhausted from flying all day, it would be a lot of fun to go out and party - but, we found it a bit more lively (read: noisy) than we needed at the time.
The next day, visit the Middle Of The World, a major attraction in the north end of Quito.
This is where most explorers and astronomers originally believed the line of the equator was located, i.e. latitude 0º - enabling you to ‘stand with one foot in each hemisphere’ (like I’m doing - pictured, left).
However with modern GPS systems, they have recently determined that the actual line of the equator technically passes about 240 metres north of the supposed latitude 0º line around which the monument has been built…
But, the attractions are nonetheless very interesting and informative.
Back in Quito, a lovely neighborhood to explore is the Quito Old Town, the city’s historic district and a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site full of beautiful architecture (pictured, below). I would highly recommend a local-led walking tour, who can guide you among the sites and buildings for a more in-depth experience of this historic area, and other important sites in Quito.
In the evening, meet up with the G Adventures group at a nearby hotel. You’ll meet your G Adventures rep in Quito and your other travel buddies for the next few days.
There is a maximum of 16 people for G Adventures tours, and I find the small-group experience ideal. You also get to meet some other travelers from around the world.
The very next morning, it’s onwards to the Galápagos !
Santa Cruz Island, 2 nights
You’ll depart Quito and take a short flight to Santa Cruz island, the gateway to the Galápagos (the flight is conveniently included in the G Adventures tour, making it quite stress-free).
It had long been a Bucket List dream to visit the isolated haven of biodiversity that is the Galápagos, as it is home to a dazzling array of birds, reptiles, fish and mammals that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
And with no known predators, the wildlife in the Galápagos exhibit almost no fear of humans.
Transfer from the airport to the hotel in Santa Cruz. There you’ll meet your Naturalist Guide, who will be the group leader while in the Galápagos Islands, and is certified by the Galápagos National Park Authority.
Later, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station for an introduction to some of the unique wildlife and history of the area.
We spent 2 nights on Santa Cruz, taking a boat in between the islands to see sites during the day, and relaxing in the evenings. It’s a beautiful island with a lot to offer, whatever you’re looking for.
We also lounged on the beach, and partook in kayaking and snorkeling expeditions.
But most importantly, Santa Cruz was our first introduction to the giant tortoises that are endemic to the islands.
A few FUN FACTS:
Within the Galápagos archipelago, up to 15 species of tortoises have been identified, although only 11 survive to this day
The Galápagos Giant Tortoise can grow to be 5 feet tall - this makes them the largest tortoises in the world
The Galápagos Giant Tortoise will keep growing until they are about 40-50 years old, and can reach a weight of 500 pounds!
Baby giant tortoises having lunch
Floreana Island, 2 nights
The most sparsely populated of the inhabited islands, only a few hundred people live on Floreana, and the roads are all unpaved.
David, chilling with some beach babes
We stayed in a guest house nearby the black sand beach, which is a haven for adorable lounging sea lions!
During our stay on Floreana, we got a bit more active - which is a fantastic way to explore your surroundings and have some fun! We went snorkeling with some incredible marine life, and did a bike ride down from the top of the mountain.
We also enjoyed some gorgeous sunsets (pictured, below).
Sunset in Floreana
This island is also home to the “post office” - a barrel where travelers leave a postcard addressed to themselves (or anyone else they choose), and sift through to find another postcard addressed to a stranger who lives near them, to deliver personally when they return home.
Isabella Island, 2 nights
Next, we moved on to Isabella Island, which is the largest of the Galápagos islands but the least populated.
It is home to more sea lions, tortoises & iguanas, as well as a large flock of blue-footed boobies with their curious faces and bright blue feet (pictured, below).
Their territory was only accessible by a hike and kayak around an uninhabited area of the island, but well worth it to see them.
During the 2 night stay on Isabella, you’ll take a tour the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre to learn more about these gentle giants; and visit Flamingo Lagoon, a protected home and breeding area for flamingos.
David at Sierra Negra Volcano
We also hiked up the active Sierra Negra Volcano (pictured, left) and walked around the rim - this is the largest volcanic crater in the archipelago, and a very cool experience.
And instead of hiking back down, we biked down the hill into town.
Santa Cruz Island, 1 night
Travel by speedboat back to Santa Cruz island for one last evening soaking up the natural beauty of the Galápagos.
We enjoyed a walk to Tortuga Bay, but you can also opt for a kayak, surf lessons, or swim in the turquoise water.
Did you know?
There are no “regular” ferries going between the islands of the Galápagos, almost all boats are private charters/taxis. It makes getting around just a bit harder, and requires a little more planning and foresight.
This is yet another reason that makes it highly advantageous to visit this archipelago with an organized group tour.
Shark spotting!
Quito, 1 night
On the final day of the tour, you’ll fly back to Quito, then transfer to the hotel and enjoy the evening in the capital city.
We went up the TelefériQo , a cable car that runs along the edge of the city to some of the mountain peaks surrounding Quito, and climbs up the east side of Pichincha Volcano to lookout Cruz Loma.
It is one of the highest aerial lifts in the world, and the views were incredible! *But be aware, the altitude difference can catch you off guard, especially when you’ve spent the last week more or less at sea level in the Galápagos islands.
The ascent takes only about twenty minutes, so make sure to add it to your Quito ‘Must Do’ list.
Cuyabeno National Wildlife Preserve, 3 nights
Amazon Rainforest
After departing Quito, we were on our own.
First we took a local flight from Quito to Lago Agrio, the last major town on the edge of the Ecuadorian Amazon jungle. The flight itself is an experience - though only an hour, it is striking to watch the landscape transform abruptly from the mountainous highlands around Quito to the flat jungle of the Amazon.
Upon landing in Lago Agrio, we were driven about 2 hours to a bridge in the middle of nowhere, where we descended to waiting motorized canoes on a winding river through the forest (pictured, right).
We took another 2 hour boat ride down the river, making our way to our destination: a lodge within the Cuyabeno National Wildlife Preserve in the Amazon Jungle.
It was quite an adventure just getting there, but we were excited for the peace, privacy, and total jungle immersion!
We finally arrived at Jamu Lodge, where we would spend the next 3 days and 3 nights.
Jamu Lodge
The lodge is located within the Ecuadorian Amazon and sits on the banks of the Cuyabeno River, one of the major tributaries of the mighty Amazon River itself.
Over the next few days, we took part in the following activities:
Swimming in the nearby lagoon
Birdwatching along the bank of the river
Hiking through the forest, learning about the ecosystem and creatures of the jungle
Observing the rare and unique pink dolphins that swim in the river
Nighttime boat rides to observe insects, spiders, reptiles, and other nocturnal creatures (…like the ones pictured below!)
Spent time in a nearby indigenous village, learning about their way of life, and helping prepare a local bread made from the yuca plant
Anaconda
Tarantula
“Staying in the Amazon Jungle was such a unique and unforgettable experience, unlike anything I’ve ever done. This lodge stay is definitely ‘off the beaten path’!”
When it was time to head home, we made the return trip back to Lago Agrio by the same route, and flew back to Quito. From there, we took our return flight back to Canada via Mexico City, saying goodbye to stunning Ecuador.
When is the best time to visit the Galápagos?
“The Galápagos Islands have a very unique range of wildlife, and many travellers go there with the hope of meeting specific creatures. However, different times of year will yield different animals at various stages in their life cycles.
I travelled in August, which is an ideal time to see the giant tortoises in the wild, as they are typically on the move, migrating from the coastal regions up to the highlands on each island. It is also a good time to see the blue-footed boobies, as they are typically nesting at this time and are gathered in larger groups around nesting sites.
However, there were no whales and sharks in the area, which can be seen at other times of the year. Though the air temperature remains consistent year round, the water temperature is at its coldest in August. There are different cycles for sea turtles, penguins, and other aquatic birds as well. ”
Please consult your Wanderlust Concierge for the best time to visit for the specific experience you’re looking for.