Welcome to Quito, the largest and best-preserved colonial city in the Americas. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, Ecuador’s capital is considered the Cultural Capital of South America. Nestled on the equator in a picturesque valley at the foothills of the majestic Pichincha Volcano, Quito offers a fascinating blend of history, culture, and spectacular Andean scenery.

Depending on your arrival time, you may spend the day exploring Quito’s charming Historic Center and its surrounding neighborhoods. If you wish, Wao Kamp can assist in organizing an optional day tour (advance request required) to help you discover more of the city’s rich heritage and unique atmosphere.

At 6:00 PM, meet your Wao Kamp trip leader and fellow travelers in the hotel lobby for a welcome briefing. During this meeting, you’ll receive an overview of the upcoming adventure, review the itinerary, and have the opportunity to ask any questions before the expedition begins. This first day is designed for acclimatization, orientation, and preparation for the incredible journey ahead.

This morning, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Baltra Island, the gateway to the world-famous Galápagos Islands. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed and transferred across the narrow Itabaca Channel by ferry to nearby Santa Cruz Island, where your Galápagos adventure officially begins.

Your first stop will be the lush highlands of Santa Cruz, home to the iconic giant Galápagos tortoises. You’ll visit a private ranch where a delicious lunch will be served before setting out on a guided walk to observe these remarkable creatures roaming freely in their natural habitat. During your visit, you’ll also explore fascinating lava tubes—natural tunnels formed thousands of years ago by flowing volcanic lava.

After the excursion, continue by private vehicle to your hotel. In the evening, meet your local naturalist guide for a briefing about the following day’s activities. The remainder of the evening is yours to relax and enjoy the unique atmosphere of Santa Cruz Island.

After breakfast, set out on an exciting half-day excursion to Academy Bay, one of the most beautiful marine areas on Santa Cruz Island. Be sure to bring everything you need for the day, as you’ll board a boat to explore the bay’s crystal-clear waters, where you’ll have the opportunity to swim and snorkel alongside colorful tropical fish, playful Galápagos sea lions, and an incredible variety of marine life. Keep an eye out for the iconic blue-footed boobies, one of the archipelago’s most recognizable bird species.

Following the snorkeling experience, hike to a nearby viewpoint for spectacular coastal views. If you’re fortunate, you may spot white-tipped reef sharks gliding through the waters below. Continue to Playa de los Perros, where numerous marine iguanas bask on volcanic rocks surrounded by towering cacti, dramatic red lava formations, and the turquoise waters of the Pacific—creating one of the Galápagos’ most photogenic landscapes.

Later, visit the renowned Charles Darwin Research Station, where you’ll learn about the islands’ extraordinary endemic wildlife and the ongoing conservation programs dedicated to protecting the fragile Galápagos ecosystem. The visit provides fascinating insight into the breeding and preservation efforts for the iconic giant tortoises and other native species.

In the afternoon, board a public speedboat for the journey to San Cristóbal Island. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure as you prepare for the next stage of your Galápagos adventure.

After breakfast, visit the renowned Charles Darwin Research Station, one of the most important conservation centers in the Galápagos Islands. During your guided visit, you’ll gain insight into the remarkable endemic wildlife that inhabits the archipelago and learn about the ongoing scientific research, conservation initiatives, and breeding programs dedicated to protecting its unique ecosystems.

The station plays a vital role in preserving the islands’ biodiversity and offers an excellent opportunity to better understand the delicate balance between nature, wildlife conservation, and sustainable tourism in this extraordinary destination.

In the afternoon, board a public speedboat for your journey to San Cristóbal Island. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for check-in. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of the island as you prepare for tomorrow’s adventures.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the dock to board a small boat for a short journey to the beautiful Isla Lobos, one of the most remarkable wildlife destinations in the Galápagos. Even before reaching the island, keep your eyes on the surrounding waters, where sea lions, marine birds, rays, and other fascinating wildlife are commonly seen.

Upon arrival, enjoy a guided walk through the island’s pristine landscapes, home to an impressive variety of endemic and native species. Along the trail, you’ll have excellent opportunities to observe magnificent frigatebirds displaying their bright red throat pouches, blue-footed boobies performing their famous courtship dance, playful sea lions, graceful manta rays, and, with a bit of luck, sharks swimming in the crystal-clear waters nearby.

After exploring the island, take time to relax on San Cristóbal’s beautiful white coral beaches, where you can swim, unwind, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings before returning by boat to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno later in the day.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your domestic flight to El Coca, the gateway to Ecuador’s extraordinary Amazon Rainforest. Upon arrival, your expedition continues as you journey deep into the Amazon Basin, leaving the Andes behind for one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth.

Travel by private vehicle for approximately two hours along the historic Auca Road to the banks of the Shiripuno River. From there, board a motorized canoe for another two-hour journey through the rainforest, navigating winding waterways that lead into the ancestral territory of the Waorani people. Along the way, you may have the opportunity to encounter members of the local community as you venture farther into the heart of Yasuní National Park.

Arrive at Wao Kamp, an authentic jungle camp located at the entrance to the territory of Gaba, a respected elder and former Waorani warrior. Before the day ends, visit Gaba to learn about his culture, traditions, and way of life before returning to camp to enjoy dinner surrounded by the sounds of the Amazon rainforest.

Rise early at 6:00 AM to experience the Amazon as it comes to life. As the morning mist slowly lifts from the Shiripuno River, you’ll travel by canoe through the calm waters while the rainforest awakens. This is the ideal time for birdwatching, offering excellent opportunities to observe colorful macaws, parrots, toucans, kingfishers, and many other species in their natural habitat.

After breakfast, join Gaba for an immersive hike through the rainforest along ancestral hunting trails used by the Waorani for generations. During this four to five-hour walk, you’ll discover medicinal plants, learn traditional survival techniques, and gain insight into the deep connection between the Waorani people and the forest. The trail leads to a natural clay lick, where a variety of wildlife often gathers in search of essential minerals.

Following lunch and time to relax at camp, head back onto the river in the late afternoon for another wildlife excursion. Paddle quietly through the rainforest in search of toucans, scarlet macaws, turtles, monkeys, and countless other species that become active as the day cools.

As darkness falls, experience the Amazon from an entirely different perspective during a nighttime canoe safari. With a bit of luck, you’ll spot caimans along the riverbanks as well as nocturnal animals such as deer, capybaras, owls, and perhaps even the elusive jaguar. Return to Wao Kamp for dinner and another unforgettable night surrounded by the sounds of the rainforest.

Your Amazon adventure comes to an end with an early departure at 4:00 AM. Leaving Wao Kamp before sunrise, you’ll begin the journey upstream by motorized canoe, experiencing the peaceful beauty of the rainforest one last time as the jungle slowly awakens around you.

Upon arrival at Shiripuno Bridge, you will enjoy a boxed breakfast before continuing by private vehicle to El Coca Airport, where you’ll board your onward flight. As you leave the Amazon behind, you’ll take with you unforgettable memories of its extraordinary wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and the rich cultural traditions of the Waorani people.

This concludes your journey through Ecuador’s remarkable natural and cultural treasures. We hope the experiences and connections you’ve made along the way will stay with you for years to come. Wishing you a safe, comfortable, and pleasant journey home.