Come face to face with the Galapagos’ unique wildlife, hike the vast Sierra Negro volcano and discover pristine beaches
Raft, hike and kayak your way through a slice of the greatest rainforest on Earth in the Amazon basin
Explore Quito, stand on the equator, journey over the Andes and kick back in the Papallacta hot springs
This is an extended version of our bestselling Island Hopping Adventure in the Galapagos, allowing you to explore more of Ecuador on your trip
Day 1
After touching down at the airport in Quito, your host will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in the Tababela area of the city. The rest of the day you are free to enjoy the gardens at the hotel and shake off any jet lag. There will be a group meet up at 19:00 where you can get to know your guides and fellow adventurers.
Day 2
Soak up Quito's Old Town with its squares, churches and classic art before grabbing some traditional Andean food for lunch. Head up to the best viewpoint of the city at Panecillo Hill before making your way over to the San Antonio area of Quito. Here you will find La Mitad del Mundo ('the Middle of the Earth'). This is where Ecuador's namesake, the equator, runs through the country, and you can stand with a foot in each hemisphere.
Day 3
In Quito, hop on a plane bound for Baltra Island in the Galapagos – the flight is a spectacular one, crossing the open expanse of the Pacific Ocean for a couple of hours before the first islands come into view. Touch down on Baltra then take the short ferry ride over to Santa Cruz Island, where you can get stuck straight into some of the island's highlights. Check out Los Gemelos ('the Twins'), two giant volcanic sinkholes; El Chato Giant Tortoise Reserve, where you can observe these magical creatures in their natural habitat; and the Charles Darwin Research Station.
Day 4
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before jumping in the van and climbing into the Santa Cruz Highlands to visit an organic coffee plantation and sip a fresh cup of Joe. Hike back and head up to the Cerro Mesa Nature Reserve where you can jump on a mountain bike and pedal over to Garrapatero Beach – an amazing beach teeming with wildlife. Have some downtime on the beach, enjoy a swim, and then head back to Puerto Ayora for dinner and drinks.
Day 5
Head out to one of the largest white beaches in the Galapagos, Tortuga Bay. This beautiful stretch of sand is only accessible by an hour-long hike and you may spot lava lizards, native birds and huge marine iguanas. You can grab a quick dip, snorkel, or kayak here, or simply hang out on the beach and keep the local marine life company. Later, you'll hop on a speed boat to Isabela Island and check into your boutique hotel in the picturesque town of Puerto Villamil. The rest of the afternoon is free to stroll around the town and find a spot to enjoy the sunset at another incredible beach.
Day 6
Tackle a spectacular hike today on the Sierra Negra volcano. After a couple of hours, you'll reach a spot where you can take in the views from the rim of one of the largest and most active volcanic craters in the world. The hike continues over to Lava Nueva, a neighbouring volcanic landscape. The hike is easy-going as you walk at a gradual pace while soaking up the spectacular surroundings. Back in Puerto Villamil by late afternoon, you can unwind on the beach with another swim in the Pacific.
Day 7
Swap hiking boots for a mountain bike today for a ride over to Muro de las Lágrimas (the 'Wall of Tears'), an infamous 10-metre high wall of volcanic rock that was formerly part of a penal colony. Since the prison closed down, wildlife has taken over and it now makes a truly unique place to see giant tortoises and flamingos. Continue on two wheels to the Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Centre, where you can say hello to five different species of endemic giant tortoise. In the afternoon you’ll snorkel at Concha de Perla – eyes peeled for reef sharks, marine iguanas, sea lions, turtles and even penguins. Wind down with a traditional Isabela Island restaurant dinner and maybe sample the Galapagan nightlife.
Day 8
Tick off more islands today as you make your way to Islote las Tintoreras, a chain of small islands named after the white-tipped reef sharks who love to hang out here. Enjoy a boat trip around the bay to look for the famous and unique residents – such as Galapagos penguins, blue-footed boobies, sea turtles and sea lions – and visit The Cliff, a natural tunnel where sharks can often be seen resting. Jump in the water for another snorkelling adventure with the chance to see more turtles, manta rays, marine iguanas, and of course the famous reef sharks of this part of the Galapagos. Bid farewell to Isabela Island later as you take a speedboat back to Santa Cruz Island for your final evening in the Galapagos.
Day 9
Wave goodbye to the islands as you jump on a plane back to Quito. The afternoon and evening are free to explore some more at your own pace, or enjoy some well-earned downtime in the hotel gardens. Get some rest before the next part of your Ecuadorean adventure begins tomorrow.
Day 10
From one iconic wilderness destination to another: this morning you'll hit the road for the journey from Quito to the Amazon rainforest. You'll stop off en route at the Papallacta hot springs – a network of geothermal pools nestled in the Andes mountains at 3300m above sea level. Later, descend from the Andes all the way down into the Amazon basin through various different climactic zones until you reach your base in the rainforest at Kuyana Lodge. Settle into your lush surroundings and tuck into a dinner which showcases some traditional Amazonian dishes using local produce.
Day 11
Wake up to the sound of the jungle and grab breakfast at the lodge before heading out to explore the Amazon on foot. Meander through the Usphayacu Estuary, a remarkable natural wonder formed by a network of water sources and natural springs, culminating at Ushpayacu Waterfalls where you can cool down with a memorable wild swim in the heart of the rainforest. Later, hit the Guitarracocha Trail to explore Kuyana Island, keeping your eyes peeled for the plethora of birds, insects and other wildlife in this area. Hike up to an epic viewpoint for an unforgettable vista over this part of the Amazon.
Day 12
Ramp up the wild factor today with a trip to the Jatunyacu River, one of the main tributaries of the Amazon River, originating from a glacier and springs fed by the Cotopaxi Volcano at the roof of Ecuador. Hop in a raft to tackle an exhilarating descent downstream through a series of Grade III whitewater rapids, interspersed with calm stretches where you'll soak up the dense rainforest on the banks. You'll have chances to relax on remote river beaches and take a swim in this magical environment. Head back to the lodge after a long day on the river for a well-earned dinner and some time to chill this evening at your Amazonian base.
Day 13
Get back on the river today as you head to the Alto Misahualli to sluice and meander through another Amazonian wilderness ecosystem, this time by kayak. There are more rapids to tackle on this stretch of river, around Grade II level – you'll be in the hands of qualified river kayaking guides to keep you safe and show you the lines to follow. After some downtime back at the lodge in the afternoon and evening, you'll head out to see the rainforest at night when it's at its most alive. Your naturalist guide will be on the lookout for nocturnal species as you weave through the forest under cover of darkness.
Day 14
Soak up the last of your time in the Amazon with one final breakfast at your rainforest lodge, before bidding farewell and settling in for the journey back to Quito. The terrain and climate changes on the journey are incredible as you meander from tropical rainforest up to high-altitude regions in the Andes. You'll stop for lunch en route at a lookout point over cloud forests before continuing on to Quito. Tonight is the final night of an epic two-week journey, so tuck into a farewell meal with your fellow adventurers and guide and maybe hit the Old Town to experience Ecuador's vibrant capital one last time.
Day 15
Your adventure comes to an end today as your host takes you back to the airport in Quito in time for your flight home.
Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice, however, we suggest the below as a guideline per person:
Guides:
Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality – a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
There are some payments that you'll need to make locally on this trip. Much Better Adventures usually include everything to make for a hassle-free trip; however, sometimes there are payments that must be made in person (usually at borders or national parks) which require cash payment along with your passport. Entry to the Galapagos is operated like this by the Ecuadorian Government. Please make sure you bring along the following:
$200 USD in cash for the Galapagos National Park entry fee. This fee is paid by each adult visiting the Galapagos, and the payment goes towards protecting the wider national park and marine reserve. You must pay this fee on arrival at Baltra Airport while presenting your passport to immigration control. It can only be paid individually by the passport holder.
$20 USD in cash for the Galapagos Transit Control Card. Again, this is payable in person at the airport when flying from Quito to Baltra Island on Day 3.
$10 USD in cash for a municipal tax to enter Isabela Island on Day 5. This is payable when presenting your passport upon arrival on the island.
You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals and drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness. Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine (opens in new tab), as their insurance offers all of the above.
Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.
Looking for a private room? See Optional Extras for details and pricing.
In Quito there will be an array of traditional Ecuadorian food to sample, including street snacks, as you roam around the old town. Traditional dishes tend to be meat-heavy; however, seafood ceviche is popular and there are plenty of vegetarian optio…
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).
To request any extras, message your host via your Much Better Adventures account once you have booked your trip.
All extras must be paid before your trip starts.
Ideal for new adventurers or those who enjoy a more relaxed pace
Anyone with a basic level of fitness can enjoy this trip. All you'll need is to be able to handle a few hours of activity every day, mixed between snorkelling, kayaking, hikin...
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Saturday 20th June 2026
to Saturday 4th July 2026
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Know before you go! Some stuff we'll provide, other things you'll need to bring.
All of our trips to Ecuador are currently running without any disruption. More information can be read here.
Yes, there are some payments that you'll need to make locally on this trip. Much Better Adventures usually include everything to make for a hassle-free trip; however, sometimes there are payments that must be made in person (usually at borders or national parks) which require cash payment along with your passport. Entry to the Galapagos is operated like this by the Ecuadorian Government. Please make sure you bring along the following:
$100 USD in cash for the Galapagos National Park entry fee (Note: From August 1st 2024 onwards this entrance fee is increasing to $200 USD per person). This fee is paid by each adult visiting the Galapagos, and the payment goes towards protecting the wider national park and marine reserve. You must pay this fee on arrival at Baltra Airport while presenting your passport to immigration control. It can only be paid individually by the passport holder.
$20 USD in cash for the Galapagos Transit Control Card. Again, this is payable in person at the airport when flying from Quito to Baltra Island on Day 3.
$10 USD in cash for a municipal tax to enter Isabela Island on Day 5. This is payable when presenting your passport upon arrival on the island.
Yes! This trip is a longer version of our much-loved Island Hopping Adventure in the Galapagos. So if the Galapagos is all you're looking for, head over to this trip instead for more details and to book yourself on.
The tap water in mainland Ecuador and Galapagos is not always friendly on the stomach for those who haven't been in Latin America for a while. There is purified water in each of the hotels and lodges which you can use to fill up each morning, so be sure to pack a reusable water bottle or two.
Yes, you are able to leave excess luggage in Quito at the start of the trip, to be collected when you return to Quito after your time in the Galapagos and the Amazon.
This trip visits locations at or above 2500m, where some people may experience symptoms of Altitude Sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
Previous experience at altitude doesn’t guarantee the same response again – your body can react differently on each trip. However, having been at altitude before is still valuable: it gives you a better understanding of how your body might respond, what symptoms to look out for, and how to manage your pace and energy levels.
Your guide is trained to manage the risk of altitude sickness by controlling the rate of ascent, monitoring group wellbeing, and responding appropriately if anyone feels unwell.
Before booking, we recommend considering your personal health, particularly if you have any pre-existing conditions, and consulting a medical professional if you’re unsure. Arriving early to allow your body to acclimatise can also make a big difference.
Your travel insurance must cover the maximum altitude reached on this trip and include emergency evacuation.
This trip operates in areas where daytime temperatures can reach extreme highs, where limited shade and high humidity can also be a factor. These conditions can affect physical performance and increase the risk of dehydration or heat-related illness. Your guide will adjust the pace and monitor the group closely, but hydration, proper clothing, and sun protection are essential.
Before travelling, consider your ability to be active in high temperatures and consult a medical professional if you have concerns – especially if you have any cardiovascular or heat-sensitive conditions. Arriving a day or two prior to the trip may help you adjust gradually to the heat.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
Seasons in the Galapagos are split into the cool and dry season (June to November) and the warm and wet season (December to May). The seas are warmer, calmer and have better visibility in the warm and wet season. Rain showers in the wet season tend to be over quickly, and are often a pleasant break from the heat and sun.
Average temperatures in the warm and wet season from December to May range from a low of 22°C (70°F) to a high of 31°C (84°F). Average temperatures in the cool and dry season from June to November range from a low of 19°C (68°F) to a high of 27°C (82°F).
The wildlife in the Galapagos can be seen year-round, as many of the big draws are resident to the islands, with few migratory species.
The Amazon is a tropical and humid region, with relatively consistent temperatures throughout the year of 24-32°C (75-90°F) during the day and 18-24°C (65-75°F) at night time. The wet season generally occurs around December to May, with heavier rains during these months, while the dry season usually lasts from June to November, with less rainfall and lower water levels.
Humidity levels in the Amazon are typically very high, often hovering around 80% to 90%. This contributes to the lush and vibrant ecosystem of the rainforest.
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 681kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
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