Compare Amazon Rainforest Adventure by Adventure Unbound vs Galapagos Islands Retreat by Tours of Distinction
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
|
5 | Excellent
|
| Duration | 7 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 920 | $ 4,000 |
| Price Per Day | $ 131 | $ 500 |
| Highlights |
|
|
| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
|
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
|
|
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
| Activities |
|
|
| Meals Included |
4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches and 4 Dinners |
6 Breakfasts | 3 Lunches | 5 Dinners |
| Description |
There are several wonderful lodges in Ecuador which lie in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, known as “El Oriente.” Each is slightly different and we are here to help you choose the one that will match your interests and style of travel best. We have chosen these particular lodges in large part because they both are responsible eco-tourism projects that support the local population while also promoting conservation. A couple of them are also community-owned lodges. They are excellent choices in terms of the experience, activities and facilities provided. We have visited all of these lodges and our adventure consultants are here to guide you in choosing the one that will best meet your expectations and desires. |
Be inspired by the serenity of yoga on this wellness tour of the Galapagos Islands where wildlife frolics unfettered and free on this wildlife and wellness vacation. The journey begins in Quito, Ecuador, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and then visits four Galapagos Islands where you can walk in the footsteps of Darwin. Imagine the thrill of spotting penguins, flamingos, and giant tortoises, watching the dance of marine iguanas and seeing a parade of blue-footed boobies as frigate birds soar overhead. |
Day 1:
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
This is a sample itinerary. The lodges we use are all in the same vicinity, so this itinerary gives you an idea of the incredible Amazon adventures that await! Also, the majority of our trips to the Amazon are customized to the guest, so please call to create a trip perfect for you.
Depart from Quito
(30 minute flight to Coca over the eastern Andes mountain range)
Upon arrival mid-morning, a short ride will put us at the local port for an exciting two hour cruise along the Napo River. Seated comfortably in your covered motorboat, enjoy a boxed lunch en route as you meander merrily past herons, kingfishers and other beautiful birds.
Once we reach our destination dock, there will be time for a quick break before boarding our dugout canoes for a blissful one hour float down a nearby narrow creek. Scores of trees form a canopy overhead, where it's not uncommon for playful primates to turn branches into real life "monkey bars". Meanwhile, macaws, toucans, parrots and other awe-inspiring avians dart through the sky.
Early evening will find us at our gorgeous lakeside lodge. Join the group for a welcome drink before an astounding included dinner.
Later, if you're feeling adventurous, why not make your way outside the lodge and around the lake for a spectacular cayman (alligator) viewing. Observing these guys up-close and in their natural environment is sure to be a thrill.
Day 2:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
An early start to the day grants you the incredible opportunity to witness the best parrot clay lick spot in all of Ecuador. Thought to neutralize the toxins from their seed-heavy diet, it is here you'll see a rainbow of birds licking the earthy walls like popsicles. Eleven species in all can be found feasting on the sodium-rich clay, from parrots to parakeets.
Next we'll embark on a trek and pay a visit to the Quichua community for a lesson on local culture. After that, another short hike will put us at our second clay lick of the day for another round of unique viewing. We'll get a chance to check out the observatory and enjoy a box lunch before heading back to our lodge for a low-key evening.
Day 3:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Following a spectacular morning meal, it's off to tour the community of the Kichwa of Añangu. It's a fascinating opportunity to see how local folk maintain a traditional way of life.
A riverside stroll will then find us within the boundaries of the impressive Amazon, a heaven and haven for creatures of all kinds. Your expert guide will inform you with facts on everything from plants to pigmies.
A trip to a nearby school and village of the natives is next on the agenda. You'll discover how the community has evolved over the years for the better, developing leaps and bounds in areas such as health care and education. Again you'll be afforded the opportunity to commune with a local family, sure to be an experience you'll treasure.
After a hotel-brought lunch, we'll forge back into the forest towards the pristine Añangu lagoon. While we're walking the walk, we'll be talking the talk... of the dizzying variety of flora that surrounds us. Many of the delights we'll encounter are useful for medicines and other purposes.
We'll arrive back at the lodge in the early evening for a good dinner and good night's rest before tomorrow's adventures.
Day 4:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
This morning we'll rise early for our return paddle by way of the Napo River. As we canoe away from this awesome area, otters, monkeys and rare bids will be around to bid us farewell.
Once at the docking station, there will be time for a bathroom break before we embark back onto the boat that saw us here. We'll review the group's flight details on our return journey to Coca.
Day 5:
Meals: Breakfast
There are plenty of optional activities at hand for you to fill your last hours in Ecuador. A multitude of different trails, creeks, licks and workshops are available for your last-minute exploration and entertainment.
NOTE: The above itinerary serves as a guideline only and is subject to alterations from the weather and group interest. Wherever possible, your experience will be enhanced to maximize animal viewing and outdoors enjoyment. You can also opt for a tour with a customized itinerary to better suit your travel needs and desires.
Day 1 - Home - Quito, Ecuador
Today, transfer to the airport for the flight to Quito, Ecuador. Upon arrival in Quito, we transfer to our hotel.
Day 2 - Quito, Ecuador
Following breakfast, we head out to explore Quito. Our city tour of Quito includes: the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Basilica del Voto Nacional, La Compañia Church, San Francisco Square, Plaza Grande and the Panecillo which is a statue of the virgin of Quito that overlooks and protects the city.
Then, we travel to the middle-of-the-world, Mitad-del-Mundo. At 0 degrees latitude, you can stand with both feet in each hemisphere and learn the gravitational forces at work along this imaginary line. We have some free time this afternoon before our included dinner this evening at the hotel. (B,D)
Day 3 - Quito - Galapagos Islands
This morning after breakfast, we transfer to the Quito airport for our flight to the Galápagos Islands. We arrive on the island of Baltra and transfer to our hotel in Santa Cruz. After check-in, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station for an introduction to the Island’s unique wildlife and history. The Charles Darwin Research Station works to preserve the unique and balanced ecosystem. Here, we have a thorough introduction to the flora and fauna that make these islands so special.
Later, we travel to Rancho Chato, in the highlands of Santa Cruz, and get up-close and personal with the giant Galápagos tortoise. The area also has volcanic lava tubes we can explore underground. We top off our time in these spectacular natural surroundings with a local, traditional lunch. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Galapagos Islands
Today, we hop-over by speed boat and visit South Plazas, one of the smallest islands in the Galápagos. Though one of the smallest islands in the Galapagos, it has the island chain’s largest population of land iguanas. Birdlife is also abundant. Look out for red-billed tropicbirds and indigenous swallow-tailed gulls and sea lions frolicking the water as we tour the area. Our time on South Plaza includes lunch before we return to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz island. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - Galapagos Islands
We begin our day with a yoga lesson in Tortuga Bay. Tortuga bay is one of the most beautiful stretches of white sandy beach and turquoise waters in the Galapagos Islands.
This morning, we depart for San Cristobal to witness amazing wildlife watching and interesting geological formations. Each island in the Galapagos is truly a different experience and San Cristobal is one of the most unique. Upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel. In the afternoon, we head into the highlands of San Cristobal and have a yoga lesson in the typical highlands of the San Cristobal.
San Cristobal is the fifth largest and easternmost island in the Galapagos. It consists of a few fused volcanoes and is the island where Darwin first went ashore in 1835. (B,D)
Day 6 - Galapagos Islands
Today, we take a small boat to Isla Lobos. We have a guided tour and will learn about frigate birds, blue footed boobies and sea lions that inhabit the island from our Naturalist Guide. Afterwards, we have time to snorkel and swim with playful sea lions and observe rays and turtles. We continue to a local restaurant for lunch before ending our Lobos excursion on Playa Ochoa ~ a white coral beach. Here, we have a yoga lesson surrounded by views of the Pacific Ocean.
After, we transfer back to our hotel and have dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Galapagos Islands - Quito
Today, after our last yoga session, we have some free time for some last minute shopping or sightseeing around San Cristobal. Some great sites to explore include:
Jacinto Gordillo Breeding Center
A giant tortoise breeding center where you can view various species of these incredible creatures that can to be over 100 years old!
Early this afternoon, we transfer to the airport for the flight to Quito. Upon arrival in Quito, we will check-in for our overnight flight home to Bradley International Airport. (B)
Day 8 - Arrive USA
Arrive back in the USA this morning and transfer home rested and relaxed with incredible memories.
*Yoga lessons and snorkeling are included activities. They are not mandatory to participate in.
