Galapagos, Rainforest and Andes Multisport Tour

Galapagos, Rainforest and Andes Multisport Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival at Quito

There are no activities planned for your first day for you to be able to explore the beautiful city of Quito on your own terms, with city tours available as well. Please keep in mind that there is a meeting at 18:00 in the hotel’s lobby on the first day to meet your guide and the rest of the group as well as learn about what’s in store for the days of your expedition!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Quito
Meals: None

Day 2 Travel Day to Galapagos

Today in the morning you will be picked up and taken to the airport for a three-hour flight to Baltra and then road and water transport to Isabela Island one of the youngest islands in the Galapagos. Isabela is mostly uninhabited and remains a sanctuary for wildlife, being home to animals such as iguanas, flamingos, giant tortoises and even penguins. Once you arrive, you will have check in at the hotel and enjoy the sunset.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Isabela Island
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 Biking Exploration in Galapagos

After breakfast you will head out on your next day of Adventure, biking along an exclusive road around the side of the island. Each stop on your journey will take you to leisurely walking trails with impressive views of the different landscapes and immerse you in the diverse ecosystem of the island. Highlighting your ride are stops at Playa del Amor and the Tortoise Breeding Center. Playa del Amor, or Love Beach, is home to the largest population of iguanas on the Island. Lounging about, these creatures are exclusive to the Galapagos and are marine animals, having the ability to forage underwater. At the Tortoise breeding center, you will learn of the impressive efforts of workers at the National Park in the preservation of the tortoise population. Your day finishes after five hours of exploration though richly diverse environments at the Flamingo lagoon. Once back in town you will be able to enjoy the golden sunset amidst the gentle sounds of crashing waves.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Isabela Island
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 Trekking Sierra Negra and Snorkel Tintoreras

The morning is to explore the Highlands of Isabela, as you will trek the rim of Sierra Negra Volcano for 10 miles total. There you can see fresh volcanic material from the last eruptions of 2018, with clear weather you can also have a nice view of Elizabeth bay. In the afternoon you will go to Tintoreras, an islet of jagged volcanic rock that form small underwater canyons thriving with wildlife. Be on the lookout for feisty penguins and blue-footed boobies! Want to get the view from above and below? Get up close and personal by submerging in serene crystal waters in search of more varieties of fish, turtles, and sea lions.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Isabela Island
Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Day 5 Lava Tunnels

Enter a world like no other at Los Tunneles. Famous for its arch like volcanic formations this is an ecosystem brimming with different species of animals and is nesting ground for blue-footed boobies. Possible sightings include white-tip reef sharks, penguins, golden and eagle rays, among many others! Explore the area above and below as your day's expeditions takes you by boat, snorkeling as well as on foot. Lunch will be served on board and after you will travel back to town.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Isabela Island
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 Charles Darwin Station and Giant Tortoises Reserve

Seize the day with an early rise and boat ride two hours to the Island of Santa Cruz home to the Charles Darwin Research Station. Witness the tireless efforts of researchers and conservationists, and learn about how they are helping to repopulate the island with different species of tortoise. You will see many different types of tortoises at the station’s breeding center. Your second stop of the day will take you up to ‘El Chato’ reserve in the highlands for an up close and personal experience to see them in their natural habitat. Explore the lava tunnels that dot the property while watching the gentle giants lounge around in the mud, these are truly impressive creatures! Your day ends returning to town where you can enjoy the evening taking a stroll through Puerto Ayora. We recommend heading down to the boat docks at night as sharks and rays can be spotted playing in the lights below.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Santa Cruz
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 Return to Quito

In the morning you will be transferred back to Baltra for your return flights to Quito. Average time back to the city is 2-3 hours depending on if your flight is direct or with a stop in Guayaquil.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Quito
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 Canyoning in The Amazon

Start our day with a scenic drive from the Andes to the Amazon, this road journey will give you beautiful landscapes from volcanos to a mega diverse ecosystem full of different species of plants and animals. Once you arrive at the homestay, you will have a traditional lunch and afterwards go explore on foot one of multiple spectacular canyons in the area while climbing some refreshing waterfalls. Later after a jungle exploration you have a treat in store! You will head to the bonfire to teach you how to make chocolate fondue! Cacao is an important commodity export for the country, which produces some of the finest chocolate in the world, the sweetest way to end the day!
Overnight Location: Basic lodge in Amazon Region
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 9 Rafting Jatunyacu

This day brings you to one of the most action-packed days of your expedition as you paddle down the Jatunyacu River. This river is a class lll, sourcing from the Llanganates Mountains. Legend says there is a hidden Incan treasure in this area and although many explorers venture in trying to find it, it has yet to have been found. A yummy picnic will be served on the river’s bank and then you will drive to the Sangay reserve to see the Pailon del Diablo, a raging cascade tucked between canyon walls. You will also take a cable car ride across the Pastaza river canyon, at night you will head out for some delicious cuisine and optional salsa dancing.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Banos
Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Day 10 Biking Llanganates

Start your day by driving up high into the Llanganates National Park for a day of biking. Your first hour will be a nice gradual uphill followed by two hours mostly downhill giving you the chance to catch the breeze and enjoy the fresh Andean mountain air. The total descent is five thousand feet and has spectacular views of the Tungurahua Volcano, which has been active since 1999. In the afternoon, you will go to the famous Casa de Arbol “swing at the end of the world”. Dare yourself to take a ride and fly high over the trees and into the clouds. Time permitting; there may be the option of zip lining.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Banos
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 Trek Cotopaxi

Today takes you back north to Cotopaxi. Cotopaxi is one of the highest active Volcanoes on earth. Perfectly conical and surrounded by views of other volcanoes it is a sight to behold. The park is also home to horses and bulls, which can sometime be seen trotting about. Once reaching the National Park you will trek upwards to the base of the glacier, nearing 17,000 feet! In the afternoon you will return to Quito.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Quito
Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Day 12 Departure

Safe travels to wherever your destination may be!
Overnight Location: None
Meals: Breakfast