Ecuador: Volcanoes, Jungle & the Galápagos
"The natural history of this archipelago is very remarkable; it seems to be a little world within itself." ~ Charles Darwin
Adventure International weaves together the soaring Andes, the Amazon cloud forest, and the living laboratory of the Galápagos in one extraordinary multisport journey. The experience begins in UNESCO-listed Quito, climbs toward Cotopaxi — the world's highest active volcano — descends by mountain bike through breathtaking waterfalls, shoots the rapids of the Jatunyacu River, and finishes with sea lions, giant tortoises, and pristine Galápagos snorkeling across three islands.
Every element is privately arranged — from expert local guides and gourmet Andean lodges to island-hopping charter flights, cultural encounters in indigenous communities, and surfing on white-sand Galápagos beaches.
Plan Your Ecuador JourneyHow We Do Ecuador
Island-hopping charter flights between Galápagos islands
Private naturalist guides on every island
Cotopaxi basecamp treks and Amazon jungle lodges
Hand-picked routes that avoid the crowds
Private guides, porters and gourmet mountain dining
Helicopter access and luxury lodges at altitude
Arrive in Quito
Welcome to Quito — the largest, best-preserved colonial city in the Americas, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. Located on the equator at the foothills of the Pichincha volcano, the city is the Cultural Capital of South America. Explore the historic old town and receive a welcome briefing at your hotel beside San Francisco Plaza.
Trek in Cotopaxi National Park
Drive south along the gorgeous Avenue of Volcanoes to Cotopaxi National Park. Hike around Limpiopungo lagoon at 12,000 ft with views of Cotopaxi — the highest active volcano in the world — then attempt the trek to basecamp at 16,000 ft before continuing to the sacred Llanganates highlands and the gateway town of Baños.
Mountain Biking in Llanganates
An invigorating mountain bike ride descends from Llanganates National Park through cloud forest dotted with waterfalls, Andean farmlands, and the beautiful Pastaza River canyon. The route drops into lush jungle with views of Baños nestled at the base of active Tungurahua volcano. Afternoon free to explore Baños and the Swing at the End of the World.
Highway of the Waterfalls & Canyoning
Cross the Pastaza River by Tarabita cable car to the Bride's Veil waterfall, hike to Pailon del Diablo — Ecuador's second-highest waterfall — then descend into Llanganates National Park. A local native guide leads you through tropical rainforest canyons filled with extraordinary flora and fauna. Evening at a jungle lodge deep in the Amazon.
Rafting the Jatunyacu & Hot Springs
Tackle the class III rapids of the Jatunyacu River through breathtaking Amazon rainforest scenery. A riverside picnic lunch follows before climbing back into the Andes, stopping at the Guango hummingbird reserve, and finishing the day soaking in the volcanic hot springs of Papallacta — one of the world's most spectacular high-altitude thermal spas.
Otavalo Market & Sacha WarmiKuna
Visit the legendary Otavalo market — a kaleidoscope of textiles, alpaca throws, ceramics, and jewelry traded by Kichwa people in traditional blue ponchos. Lunch in Pijal at the Sacha WarmiKuna women's community project: prepare traditional ají sauce, share a farm-to-table lunch, and learn the ancient art of backstrap weaving from local women.
Cuicocha Crater Lake
Trek around the rim of Cuicocha, a still-active volcano in the Cotacachi Cayapas Ecological Reserve. Your guide introduces the beautiful páramo flowers along the trail, and a boat ride to the center of the crater reveals bubbles rising from the caldera below.
Arrive San Cristóbal — Snorkel La Loberia
Fly to San Cristóbal in the Galápagos. Afternoon at La Loberia beach — a sea lion colony where playful animals swim alongside snorkelers. Spot yellow warblers, frigate birds, Darwin's finches, and marine iguanas while exploring this extraordinary living laboratory.
Snorkel at Kicker Rock
Boat to Kicker Rock (León Dormido) — two lava monoliths rising 500 ft from the ocean forming a navigable channel. Tropic birds, frigate birds, and boobies fill the sky while hammerhead sharks, white-tips, and rainbow fish dazzle below. A beach afternoon and sunset return complete the day.
Isabela: Arrive & Bike the Coastline
Charter flight to Isabela — the largest and most volcanically active island, formed by six shield volcanoes. Explore the stunning coastline by bike: the Wall of Tears, flamingo-filled lagoons, pristine white-sand beaches, and mangrove forests. Breathtaking sunset on the beach at Puerto Villamil.
Snorkel the Lava Tunnels
Explore 'Los Tuneles' — lava arches forming a labyrinth of crystal-clear water filmed by BBC and National Geographic. Sea turtles, eagle rays, sea lions, sharks, and playful Galápagos penguins all navigate this remarkable underwater world — arguably the finest snorkeling in the entire archipelago.
Hike Sierra Negra & Kayak Tintoreras
Trek to the rim of Sierra Negra — an active volcano last erupted in 2005 — with its massive six-mile-wide lava caldera. Continue to Volcán Chico for fumaroles and surreal colored lava formations. Afternoon kayak to Tintoreras Islet with white-tipped reef sharks, penguins, turtles, and a unique iguana breeding beach.
Santa Cruz: Charles Darwin & Giant Tortoises
Speed boat to Santa Cruz. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about endemic species and conservation efforts. In the afternoon hike through El Chato reserve in the highlands — home to the famous Galápagos giant tortoises — with egrets, pintail ducks, finches, and frigatebirds completing the scene.
Tortuga Bay Surfing & Departure
A morning surfing lesson on the crystalline waters of Tortuga Bay — one of the most beautiful beaches in the archipelago — with time for snorkeling. Transfer to Baltra Airport for the flight back to the mainland, with a final night in Quito before international departures.
Ecuador in Motion
Ecuador
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Amazon
Journey deep into Ecuador's Amazon rainforest.
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Journey Line
Follow the path from start to finish — each stop along your adventure.
Designed Around You
This featured journey is an example rather than a fixed package. Adventure International can adjust every element to match how you want to experience Ecuador and the Galápagos.
Your Ecuador Story Starts Here
From the summit of Cotopaxi to the living laboratory of the Galápagos, we will design a private journey shaped around how you want to experience this extraordinary corner of the world.