Embark on a journey through the Galápagos Islands and the Amazon Rainforest. From volcanic landscapes to thriving jungles, discover rare wildlife and extraordinary species in two of the world’s most biodiverse destinations.
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The Galápagos Islands are a living showcase of evolution, home to wildlife found nowhere else on Earth. Aboard the elegant Evolution Yacht, explore a world where giant tortoises roam the highlands, marine iguanas bask on sun-drenched shores, and blue-footed boobies perform their elaborate courtship dances. Snorkel alongside playful sea lions, graceful sea turtles, and even the rare Galápagos penguin in crystal-clear waters teeming with life.
From the Pacific, journey into the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon, one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet. Staying at the secluded Minga Lodge, immerse yourself in a world of towering ceiba trees, winding rivers, and an array of wonderful wildlife. Wake to the eerie calls of howler monkeys, spot capybaras grazing along the riverbanks, and keep an eye out for the elusive pink river dolphin breaking the water’s surface.
The Ecuadorian Amazon is a paradise for birdwatchers, with scarlet macaws flashing through the canopy, toucans perched high above the forest floor, and tiny hummingbirds hovering amidst vibrant jungle flowers. Guided rainforest walks reveal the hidden wonders of this ecosystem, from tiny poison dart frogs to mysterious nocturnal creatures. With expert naturalists throughout, this adventure celebrates two of the most extraordinary wildlife destinations on the planet.
Arrive in Quito and stay overnight at an airport hotel.
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Quito, 1-night
Today, fly to the Galápagos Islands and begin your wildlife adventure.
Accommodation: Evolution, 7-nights
This morning, visit Punta Vicente Roca, on Isabela. Embark on a panga excursion where likely sightings include blue-footed booby, flightless cormorant, sea lion, sea turtle, spotted eagle ray, and even manta ray.
This afternoon, visit one of the largest colonies of marine iguana on Fernandina. Nearby, Galápagos penguin dive effortlessly into the water, while sea lion play.
This morning, walk among enormous dried coral and fossilised marine life on Isabela island. Land iguana can be seen here, as well as giant tortoise and sea turtle.
Continuing north, you arrive at Tagus Cove, once a haven for pirates and whalers. An afternoon panga excursion reveals blue-footed boobies, brown noddies, pelicans, and noddy terns nesting above the water.
Later, enjoy a hike to a scenic lookout point, with breathtaking views of nearby volcanoes.
Today, embark on a hike to the summit of Bartolome, revealing panoramic views of Santiago island and Sullivan Bay. Lava lizards, painted locusts, and Sally Lightfoot crabs bring bursts of colour to the black terrain.
Snorkelling here showcases a variety of species, including penguin, sea lion, eagle ray, sea turtle, and white-tipped reef shark.
On Rabida, blue-footed booby patrol the shore, while a nearby lagoon attracts flamingos, great blue herons, pintail ducks, and migratory bird species.
Snorkelling from the beach offers warm, calm waters ideal for spotting marine life. A short inland trail leads to a saltwater lagoon frequented by flamingos, feeding on the shrimp that give them their vivid hue.
Your morning begins with a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora, where you can see the Giant Tortoise Breeding & Rearing Program in action.
This afternoon, your journey continues into the highlands, where the dry coastal vegetation transitions into lush forests. A visit to Los Gemelos, two large collapsed lava tubes, provides excellent birdwatching, with a chance to spot Darwin’s finches and the striking vermilion flycatcher.
This morning, Punta Suarez offers exceptional wildlife encounters, including sea lion, marine iguana, Nazca booby, blue-footed booby, Galápagos doves, mockingbirds, lava gulls, and swallow-tailed gulls. You may also encounter waved albatross.
This afternoon, Gardner Bay provides a beautiful white sand beach where sea lion and mockingbird roam freely. Nearby snorkelling offers encounters with sea lion, sea turtle, and large schools of tropical fish.
After disembarking on San Cristobal, there’s time to explore before heading out to Kicker Rock. This striking volcanic formation rises over 500 feet from the Pacific and is home to frigatebird, red-billed tropic bird, and sea lion. Later, a short walk leads to Frigate Bird Hill, where both magnificent and great frigatebird nest.
Afterwards, fly back to the mainland and stay overnight at Quito airport before the next part of your adventure!
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Quito, 1-night
After a short 30-minute flight, you arrive at El Coca and then transfer by road to Coca port. Here, your Ecuadorian Amazon adventure truly begins with a scenic 2-hour motorised canoe ride up river to the beautiful Minga Lodge.
Minga Lodge is home to a remarkable array of wildlife, including approximately 305 bird species, 248 butterfly species, 78 frog species, 72 reptile species, and 62 mammals. Daily excursions include guided hikes, exploration by canoe or open-air vehicle, early morning bird watching and night walks searching for nocturnal wildlife. Wildlife encounters include parrots, toucans, monkeys, sloths, piranhas, caimans, and colourful frogs.
Accommodation: Minga Lodge & Reserve, 3-nights
Ecuador’s capital stands at an altitude of 2,850 metres on the slopes of the active volcano of Pichincha. Founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an Inca city, the old town is very atmospheric, and several day tours are available, including the Mitad del Mundo monument on the equator. Find Out More about {acc:title}
Fernandina is an active volcano with rugged slopes and unusual lava formations, which create some surreal landscapes. Its constant change of volcanic state and lack of plant life mean it is probably the least visited island.It is home to a huge population of marine iguanas, and penguins are commonly spotted. Find Out More about {acc:title}
The volcanic slopes of the largest island in the archipelago are home to some 6,000 Galapagos tortoises. On the west coast the cold water currents produces an abundance of marine life and it is possible to snorkel with sealions. An uplifted coral reef provides brackish lagoons which are home to a variety of seabirds. Find Out More about {acc:title}
Santiago Island has a narrow, steep-sided point of land, which provides an extraordinarily beautiful landscape with cliffs and rocky pinnacles that create a nesting site for hundreds of marine birds. In the 17th and 18th centuries, pirates used this place to maintain their vessels and replenish their supplies. Find Out More about {acc:title}
This island – also known as Jervis – is one of the most colourful and varied islands in the archipelago, with several different types of lava. It is famed for its beach of maroon sand and stunning viewpoint. The island is a delight for birdwatchers, with some of the rarest bird species in abundance. Find Out More about {acc:title}
Santa Cruz is home to the Charles Darwin Research Station and Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre. The island’s rocky coastline and mangrove-lined inlets are good for marine life. The lush greenery of the highlands offers a welcome contrast, with its huge craters, lava tunnels and giant tortoises roaming freely. Find Out More about {acc:title}
Española is the southernmost island, its remote location means that it has a large number of endemic species – the marine iguanas here are the only ones to change colour during the breeding season. It has large colonies of blue-footed boobies and is also the only breeding site of the magnificent waved albatross. Find Out More about {acc:title}
This vast rainforest east of the Andes protects more species of plant and mammal than any area of similar size. It is home to an astonishing repertoire of wildlife, including 15% of the world’s bird species. There are over 100 species of mammals, and a network of rivers, steams and lakes to explore by boat or canoe. Find Out More about {acc:title}
Submarine volcanic activity caused this remarkable archipelago to rise from the seabed. Millions of years of isolation then allowed species to evolve through natural selection, creating a unique biological identity. There are no predators, so the animals know no fear – allowing close encounters. Find Out More about {acc:title}
Nestled between Ecuador’s Yasuní and Sumaco National Parks, Minga Lodge & Reserve offers a unique blend of comfort and wilderness. Spanning 283 hectares of pristine rainforest, this eco-lodge features private air-conditioned cabins with plush beds and hammock swings that overlook the vibrant jungle canopy. Find Out More about Minga Lodge & Reserve
LUXURY VESSEL
Step back in time aboard Evolution, a luxury expedition yacht that captures the elegance of the 1920s while offering an array of modern comforts. With refined style, personalised service, and spacious decks, this vessel promises an intimate and unforgettable journey through stunning landscapes. Find Out More about Evolution
British Travel Awards
Awarded Silver in Favourite Tour Operator for Nature & Wildlife 2024 & 2025
Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards
Awarded Bronze in Best Travel Company for Wildlife & Nature Holidays 2024
