Untamed Wildness

Highlights

Day by Day

Arrival in Lima. Your private host will be waiting to accompany you to your hotel in the heart of the city.

A private tour of Quito's UNESCO-listed historic centre - the Plaza de la Independencia, La Compañía de Jesús, and the Basilica del Voto Nacional. Panoramic views from El Panecillo Hill, then north to the Middle of the World monument and the Intiñan Museum.

Fly to Baltra Island and journey to Puerto Ayora, stopping at a Highlands Reserve to observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat and explore ancient lava tunnels. In the afternoon, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the conservation of the archipelago's fragile ecosystems.

Trek the 2.5-kilometre trail on North Seymour Island - home to the largest blue-footed booby and magnificent frigatebird breeding colonies in the Galápagos. Marine iguanas, land iguanas, sea lions, and pelicans complete an extraordinary morning. In the afternoon, snorkel or stroll at Las Bachas Beach on Santa Cruz.

Journey to Bartolomé for a morning hike to the summit - panoramic views across the archipelago's most iconic volcanic landscape, with the famous Pinnacle Rock below. Traverse the lunar lava fields on a wooden boardwalk, then snorkel in a sheltered cove alongside Galápagos Penguins, sea turtles, colourful reef fish, and rays. A panga ride for a closer view of the penguins on the rocks.

A short inter-island flight to Isabela - the largest island in the archipelago - with captivating aerial views of the volcanic landscape below. In the afternoon, explore Las Tintoreras, a small island across the harbour, by boat and on foot - massive colonies of marine iguanas, playful sea lions, whitetip reef sharks, and the dramatic backdrop of Isabela's cloud-capped volcanoes.

An unforgettable hike along the Sierra Negra Sulfur Mines Trail, through volcanic terrain of vivid colour and dramatic formations. Sierra Negra is one of the world's largest calderas - the views from the rim are simply extraordinary. Learn about volcanic activity and the ecological role of the Galápagos' geology. A relaxing afternoon on the beach at Villamil Port.

Morning snorkelling at Los Túneles - underwater stone tunnels where manta rays, sea turtles, Galápagos Penguins, and tropical fish move through crystal-clear water against the backdrop of Sierra Negra. After lunch, hike through the Humedales wetlands - flamingos in the lagoons, marine iguanas in the lava tunnels - and visit the Wall of Tears, a sobering monument to the island's history as a penal colony.

A farewell to the extraordinary Galápagos Islands - return inter-island flight to Baltra and onwards to the mainland. Transfer to a hotel in Quito to rest overnight.

A 30-minute flight over the eastern Andes to Coca, gateway to the Ecuadorian Amazon. Transfer by road to the Napo River and board a covered motorboat for a two-hour journey downstream. Arrive at the Napo Wildlife Center's welcome area and transfer by dugout canoe along a narrow river to the lodge - a magical introduction to the sounds and rhythms of the rainforest.

An early start to reach one of Ecuador's finest parrot clay licks - up to 11 species of parrots, parakeets, and macaws gathering in a daily spectacle. Continue through the forest to the Kichwa community of Añangu for time with a local family, sharing in their daily traditions and way of life. A second parrot clay lick visit in the afternoon, with the chance of different species.

Ascend the 36-metre Napo canopy tower - twelve floors rising through the forest canopy to a platform integrated into a giant ceiba tree. Spider Monkeys, Blue-and-yellow Macaws, tanagers, and two species of toucan in the canopy all around. In the afternoon, hike through terra firme forest and venture to the surrounding creeks in search of the resident Giant Otter family.

One last canoe journey along the Napo River and its creeks — Giant otters, Monk saki monkeys, hoatzins, and black-capped donacobius birds among the possible farewell sightings. Return by motorised canoe to Coca, fly back to Quito, and assistance for your international flight home.

Exclusions

- International flights
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages
- Travel insurance

This is a sample itinerary - a starting point, not a fixed package. Tell us what excites you most and we will shape it into your perfect journey.