Independent Galapagos cruise aboard the Galápagos Legend with Ecuador's Amazon
Independent Galapagos cruise aboard the Galápagos Legend with Ecuador's Amazon
Independent Galapagos cruise aboard the Galápagos Legend with Ecuador's Amazon
11 Days Starting in Quito, Ecuador and ending in Guayaquil, Ecuador
Visiting: Quito, Amazon Lodge, Amazon Rainforest, North Seymour Island, Bartolomé Island, San Cristobal Island, San Cristobal, Guayaquil
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ISK2-2024
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the Independent Galapagos cruise aboard the Galápagos Legend, combined with an exploration of Ecuador's Amazon. Begin your journey in Quito, where you will be immersed in the rich cultural heritage of the city. Venture into the Amazon rainforest, staying at a lodge on the Napo River, and experience guided nature excursions, canopy walks, and night explorations. Continue to the Galápagos Islands, where you will cruise to North Seymour, Bartolomé, Santiago, and San Cristobal Islands. Encounter diverse wildlife, including blue-footed boobies, sea lions, and giant tortoises, while enjoying activities like snorkeling and hiking. Conclude your trip in Guayaquil, reflecting on the incredible biodiversity and natural wonders you've witnessed.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Quito,Ecuador
Location: Quito
Accommodation Name: Hilton Colon Quito
Welcome to Quito, where your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.
ARRIVE IN QUITO, ECUADOR Welcome to Quito, where your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.QUITO-COLONIAL-CITY-VIEW.jpg
Day 2: Quito,Coca,Amazon Lodge
Location: Quito
Accommodation Name: Napo Wildlife Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
QUITO–COCA–AMAZON LODGE • Fly to Coca where you will be met by your Naturalist. • Travel by motorboat down the Napo River with opportunities to spot birds like herons, kingfishers, and others. • Arrive at your Amazon lodge located on the banks of Napo River Lake surrounded by pristine rainforest. • Tonight, enjoy a welcome briefing and dinner. (B,L,D)AMAZON-LODGE-NAPO-RIVER.jpg
Day 3: Amazon Lodge
Location: Amazon Lodge
Accommodation Name: Napo Wildlife Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
AMAZON LODGE • During your stay, enjoy nature excursions with a Naturalist who introduces you to the Amazon. Activities each day vary based on weather conditions. • On the suspended rainforest canopy walk, your Naturalist points out many different species of vibrantly feathered birds. • Jungle walks show off the immense biodiversity and medicinal plants that have been used by the native cultures for hundreds of years. • Take a night walk or canoe ride with your Naturalist to discover creatures that can rarely be seen during the day! (B,L,D)AMAZON-LODGE-SUSPENDED-WALK.jpg
Day 4: Amazon Lodge
Location: Amazon Rainforest
Accommodation Name: Napo Wildlife Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
AMAZON LODGE• Continue your Amazon exploration. • Visit the lodge’s butterfly house, one of Ecuador’s largest. • You will also cruise through the flooded forest in search of troops of squirrels, capuchin, and howler monkeys—and maybe even the incredibly well camouflaged 3-toed sloth. • After fishing for piranhas, arrive at the Kapok Tree tower, perched 150-feet high. Get close-up views of birds as the sun sets on volcanic Mount Sumaco and the Andes. (B,L,D)AMAZON-CANOE.jpg
Day 5: Amazon Lodge,Coca,Quito
Location: Quito
Accommodation Name: Hilton Colon Quito
Meals Included: Breakfast
AMAZON LODGE–COCA–QUITO • Depart your Amazon lodge and fly from Coca to Quito today. • The remainder of your afternoon is at leisure. (B)AMAZON-MONKEY.jpg
Day 6: Quito
Location: Quito
Accommodation Name: Hilton Colon Quito
Meals Included: Breakfast
QUITO • Your included private city tour showcases the rich legacy left by the Incas and the Spaniards. See Independence Square, dominated by its formidable cathedral, San Francisco Plaza Church, and the Basilica with its marvelous stained-glass windows. (B)QUITO-SAN-FRANCISCO-PLAZA.jpg
Day 7: Quito,Baltra (Embarkation),Galápagos Cruising: North Seymour Island
Location: North Seymour Island
Accommodation Name: Galápagos Legend
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
QUITO–BALTRA (EMBARKATION)–GALÁPAGOS CRUISING: NORTH SEYMOUR ISLAND • Fly to Baltra and transfer with your expert Naturalist to the Galápagos Legend for your 3-night cruise. • Sail to North Seymour, a landmass formed by a series of underwater volcanic eruptions, which deposited layers of lava on the ocean floor. Take a walk amidst large nesting colonies of blue-footed boobies, magnificent and great frigate birds, and swallow-tailed gulls for an in-depth encounter with sea bird breeding cycles. You will also encounter sea lions, land iguanas and, on a lucky day, you might even come across the endemic Galápagos snake.(B,L,D)NORTH-SEYMOUR-FRIGATE.jpg
Day 8: Cruising: Bartolomé Island & Santiago Island
Location: Bartolomé Island
Accommodation Name: Galápagos Legend
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
CRUISING: BARTOLOMÉ ISLAND & SANTIAGO ISLAND• Wake up at Bartolomé Island to discover a fascinating moonscape formed by volcanic parasitic cones. Hike to the summit for impressive views of the surrounding islands and Pinnacle Rock. You will also encounter marine iguanas, lava lizards, and blue-footed boobies. Bartolomé offers some of the best spots to snorkel, thanks to clear waters and abundant sea life, including sea turtles, white-tipped reef sharks, and maybe even Galápagos penguins. • This afternoon, sail to Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island and take a walk on young Pahoehoe lava flows formed during the last quarter of the 19th Century. See the reddish-yellow tuff-cones with various flora growing from the fissures. Walking on the solidified lava gives the impression of walking on another planet. After your guided walk, spend time snorkeling from the white sand beach where you may see penguins, sea lions, sharks and rays. (B,L,D)BARTOLOME-ISLAND.jpg
Day 9: Cruising: San Cristobal Island
Location: San Cristobal Island
Accommodation Name: Galápagos Legend
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
CRUISING: SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND • Arrive at Pitt Islet on San Cristobal and walk to the top of a volcanic tuff to be rewarded with several magnificent viewpoints. This is one of the few sites where the Galápagos’ three booby species (blue-footed, red-footed, and Nazca) can be seen together. You will also find the two species of frigate birds and a sea lion colony. The island waters are excellent for dinghy rides to see a range of seabirds—and a great spot to snorkel! • At Cerro Brujo, visit a lagoon where migratory bird species can be seen: black-necked stilts, ruddy turnstones, whimbrels, other sandpiper species, and white-cheeked pintails. Cerro Brujo offers beautiful views of Kicker Rock, the southern part of San Cristobal, and the adjacent coast. Your visit includes time to swim with the sea lions and other marine life. (B,L,D)SAN-CRISTOBAL-ISLAND-SEA-LIONS-ON-THE-BEACH.jpg
Day 10: Cruising: San Cristobal (Disembarkation),Guayaquil
Location: San Cristobal
Accommodation Name: Hilton Colon Guayaquil
Meals Included: Breakfast
CRUISING: SAN CRISTOBAL (DISEMBARKATION)–GUAYAQUIL • After breakfast, disembark in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and visit the Giant Tortoise Reserve on San Cristobal. Learn about the national park’s conservation and breeding programs to protect the endangered tortoise species. • Also, visit the port village for a last chance at souvenirs before bidding farewell to the enchanted Galápagos Islands. • Transfer to San Cristobal Airport and fly to Guayaquil, where the remainder of the day is at leisure. (B)SAN-CRISTOBAL-GIANT-TORTOISE.jpg
Day 11: Guayaquil
Location: Guayaquil
Accommodation Name: Hilton Colon Guayaquil
Meals Included: Breakfast
GUAYAQUIL Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)GUAYAQUIL-DOOR.jpg
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation in Quito at Hilton Colon Quito, in Coca at Napo Wildlife Center, and in Guayaquil at Hilton Colon Guayaquil.
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Meals
Buffet breakfast daily; 6 lunches; 6 three-course dinners.
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Transportation
Transportation as outlined in the day-by-day itinerary, including private airport transfers to/from intra-vacation flights. Internal flights to/from the Galápagos and the Ecuadorian Amazon are included.
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Guided Tours
Local guide service in Quito. A Naturalist in the Galápagos and Amazon are also provided.
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Nature Excursions
Nature excursions with a Naturalist in the Amazon, including jungle walks, canopy walks, and night walks or canoe rides.
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Galápagos Cruise
3-night cruise aboard the Galápagos Legend with visits to North Seymour Island, Bartolomé Island, Santiago Island, and San Cristobal Island.
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UNESCO Sites
Visits to the City of Quito and the Galápagos Islands, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry, and phone calls are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
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International Flights
International flights to and from Ecuador are not included.
UNESCO Sites
City of Quito|Galapagos Islands
Meals
Buffet breakfast daily; 6 lunches; 6 three-course dinners
Notes
Transportation is as outlined in the day-by-day itinerary and include private airport transfers to/from intra-vacation flights. Internal flights to/from the Galápagos and the Ecuadorian Amazon are included. Local guide service is provied in Quito. A Naturalist in the Galápagos & Amazon are also provided. In the Galápagos, there will be “wet landings” meaning guests will need to be able to jump in the water, out of the boats/zodiacs and walk a couple of meters to the beaches. Terrain is rocky and uneven. Itinerary in the Galápagos are subject to change. For the Amazon adventure, guests should be prepared for eco-lodging due to their remote nature in the rainforest. Further, guests should be prepared for sustained walking, possibly muddy conditions, and have the ability to jump in/out of small water crafts such as canoes and small fishing boats. Itinerary is subject to change in low or high water situations. Maximum elevation is 9,350 ft.
Accommodation
Quito: Hilton Colon Quito (SAT), Coca: Napo Wildlife Center (SAT), Guayaquil: Hilton Colon Guayaquil - SAT
Mode of Transport
Transportation includes private airport transfers to/from intra-vacation flights. Internal flights to/from the Galápagos and the Ecuadorian Amazon are included. Local guide service is provided in Quito, with a Naturalist in the Galápagos and Amazon.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the Amazon Lodge stay?
During your stay at the Amazon Lodge, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including vibrantly feathered birds, troops of squirrel, capuchin, and howler monkeys, and possibly the well-camouflaged 3-toed sloth. You may also encounter creatures that are rarely seen during the day on night walks or canoe rides.
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What activities are included during the Amazon Lodge stay?
Activities at the Amazon Lodge include nature excursions with a Naturalist, a suspended rainforest canopy walk, jungle walks showcasing biodiversity and medicinal plants, night walks or canoe rides, visiting the lodge’s butterfly house, cruising through the flooded forest, fishing for piranhas, and visiting the Kapok Tree tower for bird watching and sunset views.
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What can I expect during the Galápagos cruise on North Seymour Island?
On North Seymour Island, you will take a walk amidst large nesting colonies of blue-footed boobies, magnificent and great frigate birds, and swallow-tailed gulls. You will also encounter sea lions, land iguanas, and possibly the endemic Galápagos snake.
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What activities are available on Bartolomé Island and Santiago Island?
On Bartolomé Island, you can hike to the summit for impressive views, encounter marine iguanas, lava lizards, and blue-footed boobies, and snorkel in clear waters with abundant sea life including sea turtles, white-tipped reef sharks, and possibly Galápagos penguins. On Santiago Island, you can walk on young Pahoehoe lava flows, see various flora, and snorkel from the white sand beach where you may see penguins, sea lions, sharks, and rays.
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What can I see and do on San Cristobal Island?
On San Cristobal Island, you can walk to the top of a volcanic tuff for magnificent viewpoints and see the Galápagos’ three booby species, two species of frigate birds, and a sea lion colony. You can also take dinghy rides to see seabirds and snorkel. At Cerro Brujo, you can visit a lagoon to see migratory bird species and swim with sea lions and other marine life.
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What is included in the private city tour of Quito?
The private city tour of Quito includes visits to Independence Square, San Francisco Plaza Church, and the Basilica with its marvelous stained-glass windows, showcasing the rich legacy left by the Incas and the Spaniards.
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What should I be prepared for during the Amazon adventure?
For the Amazon adventure, be prepared for eco-lodging due to the remote nature of the rainforest, sustained walking, possibly muddy conditions, and the ability to jump in and out of small water crafts such as canoes and small fishing boats.
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What are 'wet landings' in the Galápagos?
'Wet landings' in the Galápagos mean guests will need to be able to jump in the water, out of the boats/zodiacs, and walk a couple of meters to the beaches. The terrain is rocky and uneven.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
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Low Deposit
Globus requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of globus charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.