A Nature Journey to Ecuador, Birding and Wildlife Expedition to the Amazon & Galápagos. 

This nature and birding tour will cover two of the major and iconic biosphere reserves of Ecuador, after a short stay in Quito we will fly to the national parks of Yasuni in the Amazon region, east of the Andes, and the Galápagos Archipelago in the Pacific Ocean. Both national parks are a true paradise for birding and wildlife photography. Welcome to the world’s megadiversity park!

About 17 countries on the planet combine and deliver such enormous biodiversity as Ecuador does, together they form a unique living asset of the world’s flora and fauna. Located on the northwest corner of South America, straddled by the equator and transected north to south by the Andes mountain range, Ecuador provides contrasting ecosystems from the Pacific Ocean with its tropical and dry forests, winding up the Andes with volcanic and snow-capped mountain ranges and down to the Amazon lowlands. 

Ecuador is the smallest country on this global list, the Galapagos Islands are within its borders, a self-contained and highly biodiverse ecosystem. These islands helped Charles Darwin author his famous “Theory of Evolution” while the tropical Andes in Ecuador mainland inspired Alexander von Humboldt to publish several books about nature, launch the early roots of Biogeography, the study of the geographic distribution of plants, animals, and other forms of life. Studying not only habitation patterns but also the factors responsible for variations in distribution. 

Upon arrival you will be met and received by our staff at the international airport in Quito, we will transfer you to the hotel for the first night

After your international flight and first night in Quito – Ecuador, we prepare the following morning to depart to the Amazon lowlands, a domestic flight of approximately 40 minutes takes us over the eastern Andes, above the impressive Cayambe volcano, crossing the equator to finally land at Francisco de Orellana, from where we will take the entrance route to the pristine territories of local communities and the Yasuni National Park, the world´s most biodiverse tropical rain forest, a Biosphere reserve.

Our program is based at Napo Wildlife Center the only lodge within Yasuni National Park. In this part of the trip we will have 2 main excursions each day, including night outings, visiting at least 2 canopy towers, trails, parrot and macaw clay licks, navigating along creeks and lake area, for birding and exploring this biodiverse territory. On day 8 we have a domestic flight from Francisco de Orellana – Coca back to Quito, arriving approximately at around 1 pm in the afternoon. You will have leisure time in Quito where you can visit the historic center, a World Heritage Site, and other cultural sites of interest, including museums, monasteries with their courtyards and plazas.

The Yasuni National Park and Biosphere Reserve is a uniquely diverse area that covers over 9,800 square kilometers (2 million acres) of pristine amazon rainforest. The Park was declared a Biosphere Reserve in 1989 by UNESCO; it is a true hot spot of biodiversity where amphibian, bird, mammal, and vascular plant diversity reach their maximum levels within the Western Hemisphere. This region registers over 600 bird species and beyond 190 species of mammals.  

Galapagos section from day 9 to day 18 – a combined program: of 8 days / 7 nights on board the Cachalote motor yacht, and lodge in the islands for 3 days / 2 nights. 

Day 1:  Baltra airport /Santa Cruz: Afternoon visit to the Highlands and Charles Darwin Station
Day 2: Santa Fe / Plazas
Day 3: San Cristobal: Cerro Brujo & El Junco
Day 4: Hood: Gardner Bay & Punta Suarez
Day 5: Floreana: Punta Cormorant & Post Office Bay
Day 6: Dragon Hill / James: Sullivan Bay

Day 7: Tower: Darwin Bay & Prince Phillips steps

Day 8: Turtle Cove / Baltra airport (end) - Galapagos Lodge

Day 9: Galapagos Lodge

Day 10: Galapagos Lodge - airport - flight to Quito

After the Galapagos motor yacht expedition you will be relaxing at the Galápagos lodge. From day 16 to day 18 you will have flexible time to rest, reconnect and do some land excursions while experiencing this volcanic scenery.

Day 16 –  Galapagos – to island lodge

Day 17 – Galapagos - Island Lodge

Day 18 - Domestic flight Galapagos – Quito – approximate arrival 4 – 5 pm Quito time.

Today – July 3 - you can take your international flight back home. Guests that wish to extend their stay in Quito for additional cultural and art experiences in the historic center, or sign for cloud forest excursion for observing Andean hummingbirds and toucans can be assisted for a suggested 3 day / 2-night program in this fascinating area.