AVALON 2025: Ecuador & Its Galapagos Islands with the Amazon (WBGE)
12 Day Cruise Quito to Quito
This exciting cruise vacation lets you sample the natural wonders of Ecuador and its Galapagos Islands. Enjoy guided sightseeing in Quito and have your photo taken at the 'Center of the World.' You'll also explore one of the oldest streets in Quito to visit with local artists and taste some Ecuadorian chocolate at a chocolate factory. Before taking to the sea, a highlight of your trip will be a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about conservation efforts for the giant tortoises. Then, embark on an exciting 4-night cruise among various Galapagos Islands on the recently refurbished Treasure of Galapagos. Have your camera ready as your Naturalist points out colonies of sea lions, pelicans, albatross, several species of Darwin's finches, marine iguanas, flamingos, masked boobies, blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, storm petrels, short-eared owls, and other birds. Each day venture to a new island which is home to species found nowhere else in the world! You'll also have a chance to snorkel in the tropical waters and perhaps get a look at sea turtles, sharks, and rays.Following your adventure around the Galapagos Islands, continue on to encounter a new set of flora and fauna in the Amazon! From Quito, fly to Coca and travel by canoe to your Amazon lodge for a 3-night stay that includes a rainforest canopy walk, a guided night tour to see the wildlife that comes out at night, cruises through the flooded forest, and spend time with the natives on a visit to a local village and school. A remarkable cruise adventure!
Call (847) 455-8897 for more information or to book today! Mention code 17493656
- Tour Operator
- Globus
- Duration
- 12 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Quito | Bienvenido a Ecuador! South America's Most Biodiverse Country Take free time today to relax and prepare for your upcoming Galapagos adventure or walk through the historic city to sample ceviche or helado (Latin-American ice cream). Dine out tonight or ask about the best clubs for music and dancing. |
| Day 2 | Quito | A Gold Altar, Artistic Avenues, and Two Hemispheres in One DayCLASSIC Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of Quito that showcases the colonial city's historic sites, including the impressive Legislative Palace with its enormous sculpted mural of Ecuadorean history. You'll also see Independence Plaza and visit the 16th-century San Francisco Monastery, and La Compania Church-the exquisite Jesuit cathedral with its spectacular Spanish baroque architecture-more than 160 years in the making. DISCOVERY Take a Guided Walk down Calle La Ronda-one of Quito's oldest streets-with a wealth of artist's workshops and galleries where you'll meet local artists and learn about their original works. Later, visit a local chocolate factory for a tour and a tasting to discover why Ecuador is one of the world's finest chocolate producers.CLASSIC Your day in Quito ends with a Guided Excursion to the Ciudad Mitad del Mundo-a monument to the Equator-the 'middle of the world.' Stand in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres at the same time at the exact location of the Earth's Equator. Observe the equatorial effects of the dual-spiraling directions of water and balancing eggs on end.This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with delicious regional cuisine.(B,D) |
| Day 3 | Santa Cruz Island | The Theory of Evolution-and Giant BabiesThis morning, take a flight to the Galapagos island of Baltra where you'll embark on your five-day cruise aboard the Treasure of Galapagos. DISCOVERY Join your naturalist on a Guided Excursion to Santa Cruz Island to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station- established to help conserve the Galapagos' natural habitat and protect the famous giant tortoises. While here, learn about the tortoise-rearing program and see many of the various islands' tortoises.Later on board your ship, join in a briefing of the next day's adventures, and enjoy a Captain's welcome with cocktails and dinner.NOTE: The ship's itinerary may vary according to Galapagos National Park policies and regulations, weather conditions, and seasonal changes to create the perfect cross-section of sites visited.(B,L,D) |
| Day 4 | Santiago Island | Volcanoes, Marine Life, and Lunar Landscapes DISCOVERY This morning, you will find yourself anchored in the western-central part of the archipelago where volcanoes are still active, attributing to the dramatic scenery. Take a Naturalist Led Excursion of Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island where you will walk on newly-formed (less than 100 years ago) lava flows reminiscent of the lunar landscape. You can catch sight of lava lizards, marine iguanas, Sally Lightfoot crabs, and even the Galapagos penguin.This afternoon, cruise to Bartolome Island.BARTOLOME ISLANDHike the Summit, Snorkel, and Swim ACTIVE Take a Guided Hike to Bartolome's 114-meter summit for spectacular panoramic views of the region with two beautiful bays and fascinating formations of lava flows and spatter cones, including the iconic Pinnacle Rock. Later, take a snorkel and swim off the beach here-home to playful sea lions, Pacific green turtles, white tip reef sharks, and Galapagos penguins.(B,L,D) |
| Day 5 | North Seymour Island | Masterful Marine Iguanas and Birds of a Different ColorCLASSIC Take a Naturalist-Led Excursion to see colonies of remarkable bird species, including blue-footed boobies, great frigate birds, and magnificent frigate birds-with its inflated red chest and nearly 7-foot wingspread. Watch for gulls and herons of all assortments.ACTIVE Take a Guided Snorkeling Excursion in the aqua blue waters just off North Seymour Island's shore-teeming with sea lions and amphibious marine iguanas-found only in the Galapagos.This afternoon, cruise for the sandy island of Mosquera Islet.MOSQUERA ISLETA Sea Lion Haven of White Coral Sand DISCOVERY Take a Guided Walk on the white coral beaches to the islands' largest congregation of Galapagos sea lions. You'll see a wide variety of shore birds reflecting the island's amazing biodiversity-from the deep-gray lava gull to the yellow-crowned night heron.(B,L,D) |
| Day 6 | SOUTH PLAZA ISLAND | Tracing Darwin's Footsteps and Audubon's MusesDISCOVERY This morning, take a Naturalist-Led Excursion to South Plaza Island to observe wildlife, including sea lions, land iguanas, marine iguanas, and hybrid iguanas (only found on this island and a result of a cross between land and marine iguanas). You will see blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, frigate birds, swallow-tailed gulls, Audubon's shearwaters, and many other species.This afternoon, cruise to Cerro Brujo on San Cristobal Island.SAN CRISTOBAL ISLANDBlue Herons, Blue Lagoons, and a Sleeping LionACTIVE Take a Guided Walk at the site where Charles Darwin first visited the Galapagos. See the volcanic remains of magnificent Kicker Rock-also called Leon Dormido (Sleeping Lion). Walk beside one of the island's blue lagoons to see a number of migratory birds, including pelicans and great blue herons.(B,L,D) |
| Day 7 | Quito | The Geological Genesis of a Magical Archipelago DISCOVERY This morning, cruise to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno for a Naturalist Guided Tour of the San Cristobal Interpretation Center. You'll learn about the Galapagos' fascinating volcanic origins, remote location, climate, and the arrival of diverse species that inspire both imagination and science.This afternoon, you'll say farewell to the magical islands of Galapagos and fly to Quito. This evening, spend free time relaxing or enjoy one of Quito's many fine restaurants. (B) |
| Day 8 | Amazon | Fly from Quito to Coca and travel by boat down the Napo River to a small tributary where you transfer to a dugout canoe for the remainder of your journey to your Amazon lodge. Floating along the narrow river, discover the Ecuadorian Amazon, the world's largest remaining tropical rainforest, where more life hums, buzzes, chatters, and bubbles than anywhere else on the planet. One Amazonian tree can host more ant species than all of the British Isles put together, one hectare of forest boasts almost as many frog species as all of North America, and the great expanse of jungle contains more than 20% of the Earth's vascular plant species. You can find a monkey small enough to sit on your fingertip, an 8-pound toad, a spider that eats birds, and the world's largest snake-the 30-foot-long anaconda.(B,L,D) |
| Day 9 | Amazon | Early this morning, your Naturalist brings you to a parrot clay lick to see parrots, macaws, parakeets, and other species feeding. Next, a walk through the jungle introduces medicinal plants and immense biodiversity that have been used by native cultures for hundreds of years. Tonight, accompany your Naturalist on a night walk or canoe ride to discover creatures rarely seen during the day-you many even spot a caiman or two!(B,L,D) |
| Day 10 | Amazon | This morning, depart on a Napo River cruise through the flooded forest in search of the varied wildlife. Here, you will have a good chance of seeing troops of squirrel, capuchin, and howler monkeys, and maybe even the incredibly well-camouflaged 3-toed sloth. Later, visit a local community, school, and village, and spend some time with the natives to learn about their culture and way of life. Finish your day fishing for piranhas or even taking a refreshing swim in the same waters-the less brave can send their guide in first. (B,L,D) |
| Day 11 | Quito | Depart by canoe this morning in search of monkeys, giant otters, and rare birds on your return to Coca for your flight to Quito.(B) |
| Day 12 | Quito | Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.(B) |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
- US$ Price Details
Land/Cruise price does not include the Galapagos National Park entrance fee and transit card ($120 value) but are additional and mandatory. These fees will be added to your Vacation Estimate.Price is per person based on double room occupancy. Gratuities to Local Guides & drivers are included. Call for single accommodation details and prices. Triple rooms are not available.
Travel Terms & Conditions
The purchase of any travel services offered by Avalon Waterways, constitutes a contractual arrangement between you (the Traveler) and Avalon Waterways, and represents your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions. Please ensure that you read carefully and understand the Terms & Conditions prior to booking. These Terms & Conditions cover Deposit & Final Payment information, Air-Inclusive Deposits & Final Payment, Revisions & Revision Fees, Air Arrangements, Participation, Travelers Who Need Special Assistance, Young Travelers, Smoking, Price Policy, Visas and Passports, Hotels & Accommodations, Baggage Allowance, Travel Documents, Not Included in the Land Price, Refunds, Service Inquires After the Vacation, Holidays, Safety, Photos & Pictures, Optional Excursions, and Responsibility.
Important Notes- Vacation departures, itineraries and prices are subject to change.
- A non-refundable, non-transferable deposit is required for Avalon Waterways to reserve space for you. View Terms & Conditions for limited exceptions.
- The following charges are not included in the land/cruise vacation price unless otherwise noted: airfare to and from the start of your vacation; intra-vacation air, unless specified in the itinerary; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees, including the September 11th Security fee up to $11.20 per person, passenger facility charges up to $18 per person, Federal domestic flight segment fees up to $4.10 per segment, and U.S. and international arrival and departure and other government-imposed added by the airline and applicable at time of booking; port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ship's crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted Avalon menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or onboard your vessel (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; optional excursions; additional activities and excursions purchased online; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection; and all other items of a personal nature.
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Booking your Vacation with Air
Our volume buying power saves you money. We may be able to provide you with flight arrangements from your gateway city. Avalon Waterways offers 2 air options: Flex Air and Instant Purchase Air. Early Airfare Price Guarantee locks in a price that is guaranteed not to increase. Air pricing and schedules are available approximately 330 days prior to last travel date in the itinerary. At that time the best air price will be utilized and a new invoice with the air cost and confirmed schedule will be sent. The identity of the carrier, which may include the carrier's codeshare partner, will be assigned and disclosed at this time. If the guaranteed price is the lowest, the schedule with the lowest fare per contracted classes of service will be booked. Any voluntary change to the confirmed flights negates the guaranteed price and is subject to air pricing at the time of the change.
Guaranteed air-inclusive prices - air is only available to passengers traveling from the United States and only available when booked in conjunction with a land vacation. An additional non-refundable air deposit of $300 per person is required for Flex Air booked in conjunction with any land vacation (i.e. air-inclusive vacation). Air can only be booked by Avalon in conjunction with a vacation package. Instant Purchase Air requires air payment in full at time of booking (i.e. air-inclusive vacation) plus a non-refundable per person service fee of $30 (North/Central America), $50 (Europe/Middle East) or $80 (all other international destinations). Once booked, Instant Purchase Air is non-refundable, and non-changeable. Some vacations may only offer one Air type option. However, once your airfare is confirmed and Avalon has received your full air and land deposit, your air-inclusive vacation price is guaranteed.
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Air-inclusive vacations include government-imposed taxes and fees applicable at the time of booking and will be shown as a Total Amount. Additional airline fees for baggage may apply. At the time of booking your air-inclusive vacation online, carrier Websites will be provided to check baggage fees, or you can visit www.iflybags.com for up-to-date baggage pricing/restrictions. For return travel from some countries, international travelers are required to pay entry and/or exit fees at the airport. These fees will be collected by the local government and are payable by the traveler at time of travel. Your confirmation booking information will contain information about these fees.
'Starting at' Disclaimer
The 'Starting at' or 'From' listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per person based on double occupancy and any applicable non-commissionable taxes and fees and intra-vacation flight are included in the price shown. Any included overnight stay in Canada, applicable GST/HST is also included in the price shown. International airfare, however, is not included. If price is crossed out, the new price shown includes limited-time promotional offer(s). Please review current promotions or deals for additional information.
