Ecuadorian Amazon Cruise Adventure
A fascinating 4-night river cruise in the Amazon basin, then colonial Quito & the indigenous market at Otavalo; optional extension to the Galapagos
| Style | Small Group Tour Dedicated tour escorts & guides throughout | ||
| Departures | October 2025 – December 2026 | ||
| Themes | Active, Nature & Wildlife, River Cruises | ||
| Activity Level | |||
| What to Expect | This fast-paced, locally hosted tour involves a significant amount of walking or hiking, often on uneven terrain, as well as getting in and out of boats including wet landings. Good physical fitness required to fully enjoy the trip.Travel safely and confidently with our new health & safety protocols. | ||
| Already booked? | Find everything you need to know before you go, including information about passport & visa requirements, flights, luggage, and more. | ||
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Ecuador is traditional villages and picturesque colonial cities nestled in the shadows of the Andes Mountains. It's the primitive rainforests and diverse wildlife of the Amazon and the windswept islands teeming with unrivaled endemic species in the Galapagos. It's the culture of indigenous tradition and European influence that weaves its way through the food and music, the art and architecture, and the traditional Sierra way of life like the strands of a straw basket or a rushing river through the lush, dense rain forest.
The wealth of experiences is incredibly diverse for such a small country; you will explore it all on our small group cruise tour. Cruise through the Amazon basin along the Napo River, a tributary of the mighty Amazon River, aboard the Manatee Amazon Explorer. Guided by an expert naturalist who knows the territory, take night walks through the Amazon, explore the river by guided canoes and kayak, search for pink river dolphins, anacondas, monkeys, caimans, turtles, and manatees, and enjoy the amenities of your beautiful river boat. After, explore the capital city of Quito and the quaint market town of Otavalo along the Avenue of the Volcanoes.
Why not complete your tour of Ecuador's world-renowned highlights with an optional extension to the Galapagos? Spend three nights exploring the islands and wildlife that inspired Darwin's theory of evolution before you return home with a newfound appreciation for this South American gem, with memories that will last a lifetime and a newfound appreciation of nature at its best.
Package includes
- Flights
- Cruise
- Coach
- Transfers
- Hotel
- Meals
- Guides
- Round-trip flights from Miami (MIA) or Fort Lauderdale (FLL) including taxes & fees
- All transfers, ground transportation & domestic flights
- 4-night cruise on the Napo River in the Amazon basin
- 3 nights superior class accommodations in Quito
- 17 Meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches & 5 dinners
- Comprehensive sightseeing tours
- Entrance fees
- Galapagos Islands Extension includes Galapagos National Park Fee & Transit Control Card Fee
Optional add-ons
- Optional Galapagos Islands Extension
Why you'll love it
- Cruise the Napo River for 4 nights aboard the superior Manatee Amazon Explorer.
- Marvel at the Amazon basin's rich biodiversity including pink river dolphins, manatees, black caimans, and giant otters.
- Visit a Kichwa family and learn about everyday life on the banks of the Amazon's Napo River.
- Create delicious Ecuadorian cuisine during a cooking class hosted by the ship’s expert chef.
- Ascend a canopy tower and enjoy sweeping views high above the lush treetops of the Amazon rain forest.
- Discover the “Middle of the World” at Quito's Equatorial Monument.
- Browse through stalls full of handmade, multicolored sweaters, ponchos, hats, necklaces and more at the indigenous Otavalo Market.
- Enjoy breathtaking views of Peguche Waterfall, a spiritual site that inspired many tales, myths and legends among the people of Otavalo.
Itinerary at a Glance
Dates & Prices
Detailed Itinerary
To see full details, click the button to the right.
Day 1 Depart USA/Arrive Quito, Ecuador
- Depart the USA for your flight bound for Quito, Ecuador
- Upon arrival in Quito this evening, meet our representative and transfer by hotel shuttle service to your hotel for check-in
Wyndham Quito Airport or similar
Day 2 Quito, Coca & Napo River
- Transfer to the airport for your flight to Coca
- After a short transfer to the dock, board a motorized canoe
- Journey down the river to reach the Manatee Amazon Explorer
- Experience the sounds and aromas of the forest during a night walk
Manatee Amazon Explorer or similarBreakfast & dinner
Day 3 Yasuni National Park
- Take a motorized canoe to explore the islands
- Visit Yasuní National Park, the habitat of the legendary pink river dolphin
- Visit the Secoyas community
Manatee Amazon Explorer or similarBreakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 4 Kichwa family & life on board
- Visit a local Kichwa family
- Participate in a cooking class and a lecture with a local guide
- Enjoy the amenities of the ship
Manatee Amazon Explorer or similarBreakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 5 Forest adventure & canopy observation tower
- Visit a canopy tower for a breathtaking view of the Amazon basin
- Walk through the forest to look for various plants and animals
Manatee Amazon Explorer or similarBreakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 6 Coca & Quito
- Return to Coca by motorized canoe
- Fly to Quito and transfer to your hotel for check-in
Swissotel Quito or similarBreakfast
Day 7 Quito
- Enjoy a city tour of Quito
- Visit the Equatorial Monument, the "Middle of the World"
- Ride on the gondola up 13,285 feet for a breathtaking experience
- Enjoy a interactive dinner with your fellow travelers
Swissotel Quito or similarBreakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 8 Quito & Otavalo
- Explore the Otavalo Market
- Visit the Peguche Waterfall
- Transfer back to Quito and check in to your airport hotel
Wyndham Quito Airport or similarBreakfast & lunch
Day 9 Depart Quito/Arrive USA
- Transfer back to the airport for your early morning flight home
Breakfast
Galapagos Islands Post-Tour Optional Extension
Why not take advantage of your already included international airfare to visit the Galapagos Islands, one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders? You'll return to the U.S. 4 days after the return dates shown.
To see full details, click the button to the right.
Day 9 Quito, Baltra Island & Santa Cruz Island
- Transfer via hotel shuttle to the airport for your flight to the Galapagos Islands
- Fly from Quito to Baltra Island, the gateway to the Galapagos
- Take a short ferry ride to Santa Cruz Island
- See Los Gemelos lava chambers
- Explore a 600-acre private giant tortoise reserve
- Continue to Puerto Ayora for check-in and a welcome drink
Hotel Solymar or similarBreakfast & lunch
Day 10 North Seymour
- Sail aboard a yacht from Itabaca Channel to North Seymour Island
- Hike along the trail to one of the largest sea bird colonies on the Galapagos
Hotel Solymar or similarBreakfast & lunch
Day 11 Tortuga Bay
- Hike to the beach at Tortuga Bay for a chance to observe marine iguanas, sea turtles, and pelicans
- Return by speedboat to Puerto Ayora
- Enjoy the afternoon at leisure
Hotel Solymar or similarBreakfast
Day 12 Galapagos & Quito
- Fly from Baltra airport to Quito
- Transfer to your hotel
Wyndham Quito Airport or similarBreakfast
Day 13 Depart Quito/Arrive USA
- Transfer back to the airport for your early morning flight home
Breakfast
Hotels & Ship
Hotels
In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.
Cruise Ship
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Trip Details
- What should I know before I go?We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
- Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements?Please review the visa & entry requirements.
- Can I make changes to my trip?Want to upgrade your seats? Depart from another city? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
- Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions?To book this package, you must be 18 or older. Your traveling companions must be 8 or older at the time of travel.
- Should I purchase travel insurance?Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services.
- What's the fine print?Review the terms & conditions for this package.
What should I know about Ecuador?Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
What should I know about The Galápagos?Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
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