Ecuador : 16 Tage Adventure-Trip Journeys: From the Amazon to the Galápagos Erlebnisrundreise in internationaler Gruppe

From dramatic coastlines and emerald jungle trails where nature reigns supreme, to storied colonial plazas, Ecuador unfolds one striking landscape at a time. Taste cacao in historic Quito, step across the equator line, and hike through the shadow of Cotopaxi Volcano. Then fly to the Galápagos to plant native trees, walk among giant tortoises, and jump into turquoise waters teeming with marine life. This is a country where two worlds, mainland and archipelago, tell one continuous story.

• Visit the Otavalo Weaving studio and get a lesson from local weaver. Explore villages and learn about traditional handicrafts and folk art from locals. Traverse the Amazon jungle with a local naturalist guide. Learn about the relationship between cultures and the plants around them at the Jardín Botánico Las Orquídeas. Walk through Quito’s historical heart with a local guide to taste regional cacao and artisanal chocolate. Travel to the middle of the world at the Intiñan Museum for interactive experiments right on the equator line. Explore an organic farm

• Learn about crops

• And plant an endemic tree to support island conservation. Sail to an uninhabited island to hike wild trails and snorkel alongside turtles

• Rays

• And sharks. Walk through the Charles Darwin Research Station to see giant tortoises and learn about habitat protection. Discover volcanic origins and human history at the Gianny Arismendi Interpretation Center

• Then hike up to the Tijeretas lookout

Reiseverlauf:

ACHTUNG: wichtige Infos zur Rundreise

Früheste Abreise ab: 20:00 Uhr

1. Tag: Quito

Ankunft zu jeder Zeit möglich. Ankunftstransfer inklusive.

Transport: Quito – Quito
Event: Anreise und Begrüßungstreffen (1.0h)
Unterkunft: NH Collection Royal Quito

Optionaler Ausflug:
Stadttour in Quito und Äquator (**)

2. Tag: Quito / Otavalo

Drive into the mountainous Andean highlands to Otavalo, surrounded by misty volcanoes, and visit the town’s famous handicraft market-one of the largest outdoor markets in South America. Browse stalls selling colourful local art, textiles, and souvenirs, and try your hand at haggling. Then, visit a local community establishment for an included lunch of traditional specialities. Later, settle into your room at a historic hacienda, where we’ll spend the night. (F) (M)

Transport: Quito – Otavalo (2.0h)
Event: Besuch des Handwerksmarktes in Otavalo
Event: Kawsaymi Community Lunch
Unterkunft: Hotel Pinsaqui

3. Tag: Otavalo / Papallacta

Make your way to the village of Papallacta, known for its abundant natural hot springs. En route, visit the home and studio of a renowned traditional weaver, who is working to preserve the indigenous weaving techniques of the Otavalo region. Get a glimpse of daily life, and observe members of the community at work on the backstrap loom, which has been used in these parts for centuries. Continue to the Papallacta Hot Springs Resort for an afternoon of relaxation. Soak in the mineral-rich waters of the thermal pools, enjoying stunning mountain views, and indulge in a variety of optional spa treatments. (F)

Transport: Otavalo – Papallacta (2.0h)
Event: Weben lernen in Otavalo
Event: Besuch der Thermalquellen von Papallacta (1.0h)
Freizeit: Papallacta
Unterkunft: Hotel Termas de Papallacta

Optionaler Ausflug:
Wanderung (**)

4. Tag: Papallacta / Tena

Head towards Tena, often called Ecuador’s gateway to the Amazon. On the way, we’ll stop at El Quetzal Protected Forest to explore the property’s reserve-home to a plethora of avian species, including 8 varieties of hummingbirds. Enjoy lunch at the onsite restaurant, then continue to Misahualli. This charming town is one of the oldest ports in the Ecuadorian Amazon, and harbours a thriving population of Capuchin monkeys. Arrive in Tena and board a motorized canoe to our jungle lodge, perched along the banks of the Arajuno River. This evening, embark on a walk into the forest with a naturalist guide, looking out for the Amazon’s nocturnal creatures. (F) (M) (A)

Transport: Papallacta – Tena (2.0h)
Event: El Quetzal Protected Forest Local Guide
Event: Nachtspaziergang im Amazonas-Dschungel
Unterkunft: Itamandi Lodge

5. Tag: Tena

Wir brechen früh auf und fahren mit dem Kanu zu einer Salzlecke (Saladero). Mit unserem Naturführer beobachten wir Papageien und Sittiche, die sich hier versammeln, um den mineralreichen Lehm zu fressen, der ihnen hilft, Obst und Samen besser zu verdauen. Danach geht es zum Frühstück zurück in die Lodge und dann weiter zu AmaZOOnico, einem Schutzzentrum, in dem Tiere, die für den illegalen Handel gefangen wurden, gepflegt, versorgt und wieder ausgewildert werden. Danach kannst du eine einzigartige kulturelle Erfahrung im Haus einer einheimischen Familie genießen, bei der du die Familie, ihre Traditionen und das tägliche Leben am Amazonas kennenlernst. (F) (M) (A)

Event: Ausflug zur Ara-Salzlecke
Event: Besuch des Tierschutzzentrums AmaZOOnico (2.0h)
Event: Besuch einer Familie am Amazonas
Unterkunft: Itamandi Lodge

6. Tag: Tena / Baños

Leave the Amazon behind and travel to Baños. This popular resort town is packed with gorgeous landscapes, thrilling outdoor activities, and-as the name indicates-thermal springs originating from the base of the Tungurahua Volcano. Along the way, stop at Jardin Botanico Las Orquideas for a walk with an expert guide, discovering the diverse flora of the region and learning about the indigenous uses of the various plants found there. After arriving in Baños, enjoy free time to stroll through the town. (F)

Transport: Tena – Baños (2.0h)
Event: Visit the Orchids Botanical Garden
Freizeit: Baños
Unterkunft: Hotel Sangay Spa

7. Tag: Baños

Tag zur freien Verfügung, um Baños zu erkunden. Hier erwartet dich eine Reihe optionaler Aktivitäten wie Wandern, Reiten, heiße Quellen und Mountainbiken. (F)

Freizeit: Baños
Unterkunft: Hotel Sangay Spa

Optionale Ausflüge:
Wanderung (**)
Reiten (**)
Mountainbiken (**)
Heiße Quellen (**)
Wildwasser-Rafting (**)

8. Tag: Baños / Quito

Rückfahrt nach Quito entlang der malerischen „Straße der Vulkane“ mit einem Besuch des Cotopaxi-Nationalparks unterwegs. Genieße den atemberaubenden Blick auf den perfekt geformten Vulkan (einer der höchsten aktiven Vulkane der Welt). (F)

Event: Besuch im Nationalpark Cotopaxi
Transport: Baños – Quito (7.0h)
Unterkunft: NH Collection Royal Quito

9. Tag: Quito

Spend the day soaking up the Andean capital on your own terms. Stroll through the plazas and shops of the Mariscal neighbourhood, pausing at one of the many trendy restaurants and cafes. Or, opt for a day trip into the lush cloud forest of Mindo to spot hummingbirds darting through moss-draped canopy trails. As evening falls over the surrounding peaks, gather back at the hotel to meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and welcome a fresh group of fellow travellers joining for the next leg of the journey. End the day swapping stories and getting to know your new companions over an optional group dinner at a local spot, taking in the easy rhythm of the city. (F)

Freizeit: Quito
Event: Optionales Begrüßungstreffen für Reisende auf Kombi-Trips
Unterkunft: NH Collection Royal Quito

Optionaler Ausflug:
Tagesausflug zum Nebelwald Mindo (**)

10. Tag: Quito

Set off on a walking tour through Quito’s historical heart, strolling from Plaza Grande to the gold-leaf interior of La Compañía de Jesus and out to San Francisco Plaza. Stop at a local shop to learn how cacao transforms into rich regional chocolate, complete with tastings. After lunch, head to the Intiñan Museum at the equator line, where interactive experiments reveal the strange physics of standing at the middle of the world. As evening falls, the city is yours: follow the scent of street food, duck into a hidden café, or watch the Andes catch the last light from a rooftop terrace. (F) (M)

Event: Quito City Tour (2.5h)
Event: Besuch von Mitad del Mundo (1.25h)
Unterkunft: NH Collection Royal Quito

11. Tag: Quito / Santa Cruz Island

Take a morning flight from Quito to Baltra, the gateway to the Galápagos. Cross to Santa Cruz Island and visit an organic farm for lunch and a hands-on look at local sustainability. Walk the property with your host and naturalist guide to discover how hydroponic crops conserve precious water and how pineapples, coffee, and native Scalesias thrive in volcanic soil. Plant an endemic tree of your own to help with island reforesting, then check into your hotel for a relaxed evening. (F) (M)

Transport: Quito – Quito (0.5h)
Transport: Quito – Baltra Island (3.5h)
Transport: Baltra Island – Santa Cruz Island (1.0h)
Event: Organic Farm Visit (3.5h)
Transport: Santa Cruz Island – Santa Cruz Island (0.5h)
Unterkunft: Hotel Barranco

12. Tag: Santa Cruz Island

Travel to the Itabaca Channel to board a boat for an inspiring day at sea, bound for one of the region’s remarkable islands: Bartolomé, North Seymour, South Plaza, or Santa Fé. Upon arrival, disembark onto wild trails where native fauna roam freely against striking, untouched geological backdrops. After a morning of discovery on foot, gather on board for a fresh lunch before taking a refreshing plunge into the ocean. Strap on your mask to snorkel alongside sea turtles, gentle rays, darting tropical fish, and reef sharks before returning to town for an evening at your own pace. (F) (M)

Transport: Santa Cruz Island – Canal de Itabaca (0.75h)
Event: Galápagos Wildlife Excursion (10.0h)
Transport: Canal de Itabaca – Santa Cruz Island (0.75h)
Unterkunft: Hotel Barranco

13. Tag: Santa Cruz Island

After breakfast, set out on a morning walk along the causeway to Tortuga Bay, where marine iguanas laze on the white sand by the surf. Spend the morning exploring the shore before heading back to town for lunch. In the afternoon, walk to the Charles Darwin Research Station and its breeding centre. See giant tortoises up close, learn about reintroduction efforts, and visit the „Symbol of Hope“ exhibit housing the preserved remains of Lonesome George. The rest of the afternoon and evening are free for you. (F) (M)

Event: Free Time
Event: Tortuga Bay and Playa Mansa Excursion (3.0h)
Event: Besuch im Fausto Llerena Breeding Center und in der Charles-Darwin-Forschungsstation (0.75h)
Unterkunft: Hotel Barranco

14. Tag: Santa Cruz Island / San Cristóbal Island

Board a morning speedboat to San Cristóbal Island, the archipelago’s original port of call. Visit the Interpretation Center to trace its story, from volcanic origins to colonization and modern conservation. Follow the scenic uphill trail to the Tijeretas viewpoint, where ocean vistas open below skies wheeling with frigatebirds. Watch for sea lions dozing in the sand, marine iguanas basking on lava rock, and blue-footed boobies along the surf. As the sun sets, the harbour comes alive with fishing boats and gulls. (F)

Transport: Santa Cruz Island – San Cristóbal Island (2.5h)
Event: Interpretation Centre and Tijeretas Visit (2.0h)
Freizeit: San Cristóbal Island
Unterkunft: Hotel Casa Opuntia

15. Tag: San Cristóbal Island

Embrace a full free day to shape your own Galápagos adventure. For an optional excursion, choose between a boat trip to Kicker Rock, snorkeling past dramatic rock formations with sea turtles and sharks, or a San Cristóbal 360 tour circling the island’s secluded bays. Or, stay closer to town: stroll the oceanfront boardwalk to watch sea lion pups tumble through shallow tide pools, or relax at a waterfront café. Tonight, gather with your group for an optional dinner to celebrate the week. (F)

Freizeit: San Cristóbal Island
Unterkunft: Hotel Casa Opuntia

16. Tag: San Cristóbal Island / Quito

Enjoy a final morning taking in the salt air and the sounds of sea lions resting along the shore. Around midday, board your flight back to Quito, where your journey concludes upon arrival at the airport. (F)

Transport: San Cristóbal Island – Quito (2.0h)

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Fahrplan-, Flugplan-, Hotel- und Programmänderungen bleiben ausdrücklich vorbehalten.

(**) Von G Adventures organisierte Programme sowie Aktivitäten. Diese sind nicht im Reisepreis enthalten und müssen vor Ort gebucht werden. Änderungen vorbehalten.

(F=Frühstück,M=Mittagessen,A=Abendessen)

Leistungen:

Dein Journeys-Highlight-Moment: Weben lernen in Otavalo, Otavalo
Dein Journeys-Highlight-Moment: Besuch einer Familie am Amazonas, Tena
Dein Journeys-Highlight-Moment: Visit the Orchids Botanical Garden, Puyo
Dein Journeys-Highlight-Moment: Organic Farm Visit, Santa Cruz Island
Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Kawsaymi Community Lunch, Otavalo
Dein Wellness-Moment: Besuch der Thermalquellen von Papallacta, Papallacta. Arrival transfer. Overnight in an historic hacienda. Explore the Otavalo handicraft market. Cloud forest reserve visit. Two nights at an Amazon lodge with jungle excursions. Excursion to Cotopaxi National Park. Quito city tour with local chocolate and cacao tasting. Visit the Intiñan Museum at the Equator line. Full-day tour by boat to uninhabited island to spot wildlife with swimming and snorkelling. Walk to Tortuga Bay on Santa Cruz Island. Charles Darwin Research Station visit. Visit San Cristóbal’s Interpretation Centre and Las Tijeretas. Internal flights. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Unterbringung: Hotels (15 nts).
Transport: Private vehicle, motorized canoe, ferry, speedboat, water taxi, walking.
Mahlzeiten: 15 Frühstück, 7 Mittagessen, 2 Abendessen

Aufpreis für Einzelzimmer – nur wenn explizit gewünscht:
Ansonsten wird das Zimmer mit einem gleichgeschlechtlichem Zimmerpartner geteilt

07.01.2028 -15.12.2028 EUR 1439

Gruppengröße: Max 16, Avg 12.