Ecuador Amazon Lodge & Galápagos Luxury Yacht Elite - 3 Night Lodge + 4 Night Cruise

Duration: 11 Days | 10 Nights (3 Nights Amazon Lodge + 4 Night Cruise + 3 Nights Quito)

Dates: A year round destination (Dec to May: Warm season, June to November: Cool season)  Countries to be visited: Ecuador  Start & End: Quito (Mariscal Sucre International Airport)

FREE Galápagos flights for Australian and New Zealand citizens and residents — book by 31 December 2026 for 2026 or 2027 travel and your return flights between Quito and the Galápagos Islands (valued at approx. A$820 per person) are on us. Conditions below.

The perfect introduction to Ecuador’s two natural wonders in under two weeks. Begin deep in Ecuador’s Amazon with three nights at La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat — a multi-award-nominated luxury eco-lodge on the shore of Garzacocha Lagoon, beside Yasuní National Park, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Then fly to the Galápagos for four nights aboard the M/C Elite mega catamaran, exploring the islands that inspired Darwin. All internal flights, transfers and Quito hotel nights are arranged, so the only thing left to organise is your international flights. This itinerary can also be combined with other visits to the Galápagos Islands or form part of a broader Ecuador holiday.

La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat is reached by a 30-minute flight from Quito to Coca, then a scenic motorised canoe journey down the Napo River and a paddled canoe glide through flooded forest into a private blackwater lagoon. The lodge’s premium staterooms feature panoramic windows and private balconies looking straight into the rainforest. Days are spent with a top bilingual naturalist guide and native guide: climb the 38-metre canopy observation tower at dawn, kayak the lagoon, walk rainforest trails by day and night, visit the local Kichwa community, or simply unwind with yoga sessions and the lodge’s wellness and spa facilities. All meals, guided excursions, expedition gear (including rubber boots and raincoats) and the Quito–Coca–Quito flights are included.

The mega catamaran Galapagos Elite has a capacity for 16 passengers, ten crew members plus guide, offering a service ratio of almost one to one. It was specifically designed for sailing the sapphire waters of the Enchanted Islands. A sleek, twin-hulled catamaran, it provides its guests with a steady, safe cruise. In addition to better stability, the design of the Elite allows for more space for everything on board, including panoramic social indoor and outdoor areas and panoramic suites. Guests of all ages can enjoy the ample, semi-covered sky deck, the al fresco dining area and the cozy bar-salon on the sky deck.

All Suites on board the Galapagos Elite are spacious, comfortable and well-appointed: the perfect place to relax and recharge after a day spent exploring the islands. Each suite has ocean view and outdoor private balcony and restroom. All suites can have either one king-sized or two twin beds.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: (Thursday) - Arrive Quito
Welcome to Ecuador! You will be met at Mariscal Sucre International Airport by an English-speaking guide and privately transferred to your hotel — the GO Quito Hotel in the modern part of the city or Patio Andaluz in Quito’s colonial Old Town (or similar). Overnight in Quito.

Day 2: (Friday) - Quito – Coca – La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat (Meals: Lunch, Dinner)
Private transfer to the airport for the 30-minute flight over the Andes to Coca, gateway to the Amazon. From the dock, travel by motorised canoe down the wide Napo River, then transfer to a paddled canoe for a silent glide through flooded forest into Garzacocha Lagoon, where the lodge appears on the far shore. Welcome cocktail, activity briefing and your first night sounds of the rainforest. Overnight at La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat.

Day 3: (Saturday) - Amazon Rainforest: Canopy Tower & Lagoon (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Rise early to climb the 38-metre observation tower, emerging above the canopy as the forest wakes — toucans, parrots and, with luck, howler monkeys at eye level. Guided rainforest walks reveal the small wonders of the jungle floor, while the afternoon offers kayaking on the lagoon. After dark, join a guided night walk to meet the Amazon’s nocturnal cast. Overnight at La Selva.

Day 4: (Sunday) - Amazon Rainforest: Kichwa Community & Wildlife (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Spend time with members of the local Kichwa community for a genuine insight into Amazonian life and traditions. Continue wildlife spotting by canoe along quiet creeks, or make time for a yoga session or spa treatment back at the lodge. Farewell cocktail this evening. Overnight at La Selva.

Day 5: (Monday) - La Selva – Coca – Quito (Meals: Breakfast)
Retrace your journey by canoe up the Napo River to Coca and fly back to Quito. Met on arrival and privately transferred to your hotel. Afternoon at leisure — perhaps explore Quito’s UNESCO-listed Old Town. Overnight in Quito.

Day 6: (Tuesday) - Quito – Baltra – Board the M/C Elite – Charles Darwin Research Station (Meals: Lunch, Dinner)
Private transfer to the airport for your flight to Baltra Island — FREE for Australian and New Zealand citizens and residents (conditions below). Upon arrival, reception and assistance at the airport, transfer from Baltra Airport to the M/C Elite. In the afternoon, visit to Charles Darwin Research Station. The Charles Darwin Research Station provides an unmissable opportunity to find out about the vital work that is being carried out to preserve the archipelago’s ecosystems. One element of this is a significant breeding programme for Galapagos tortoises, whose numbers have been in decline since the 1970’s. These captivating enormous reptiles are very accustomed to humans, so be sure to bring your camera for some close-ups.

• Activities: Walk
• Difficulty: Easy

Day 7: (Wednesday) - Genovesa - Prince Philip's Steps / El Barranco - Darwin Bay (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Morning: El Barranco, also known as Prince Philip’s Steps, is a rocky stairway that will lead you past a colony of nazca and red-footed boobies leads up to a plateau of dried lava. Continuing through the thin Palo Santo forest and looking out over the plain, visitors are often treated to sites of storm petrels launching out over the ocean. A panga ride or kayaking/paddle boarding along the edge of the cliffs provides a good chance to see the elusive Galapagos fur seals nestled on the rocks, and snorkeling is a great activity if you fancy a dip with a variety of shark species.

• Activities: Walk, Snorkeling, Panga ride, Kayak/Paddle Boarding
• Difficulty: Moderate

Afternoon: Darwin Bay has a small sand and coral beach that provides the perfect spot for snorkeling, kayaking or paddle boarding in calm, sheltered waters in the company of hammerhead sharks, rays and a plethora of colourful reef fish. Onshore, a short trail leads along a tidal lagoon and mangroves, home to a variety of land bird species, including Nazca and red-footed boobies and swallow-tailed gulls. The trail culminates at a viewpoint that offers a stunning view overlooking the cliffs and the bay below.

• Activities: Walk, Snorkeling, Panga ride, Kayak/Paddle Boarding.
• Difficulty: Moderate.

Day 8: (Thursday) - Santiago - Espumilla Beach / Buccaneer Cove - Egas Port (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Morning: Espumilla beach, located on the northern coast of Santiago island, is an exquisite white sand beach, whose name refers to the meringue-like trails of foam left by the lapping of the waves. Sally Lightfoot crabs are in abundance here and as a result, it is common to see predatory birds such as hawks, herons and pelicans. This idyllic location is perfect for snorkeling or kayaking/paddle boarding amongst a raft of marine life, including species of octopus, eels and sharks. Buccaneer Cove has an interesting history as it is where sailors, buccaneers and whalers frequently anchored their vessels in search for food and water. In more recent times it has become an important nesting site for turtles and is also popular with sea lions. A panga ride along the eroded shoreline provides views of intriguing rock formations that provide excellent ledges for boobies, pelicans and gulls.

• Activities: Walk, Snorkeling, Panga ride, Kayak/Paddle Boarding
• Difficulty: Moderate

Afternoon: Egas Port was once the site of a salt mine, but now this impressive black sand beach is an excellent location for snorkeling and observing shorebirds, Sally Lightfoot crabs and marine iguanas. A stroll along the wide trails inland leads you past tidal pools and rocky volcanic formations known as grottoes where it is possible to spot fur seals enjoying a spot of shade.

• Activities: Walk, Snorkelling
• Difficulty: Easy

Day 9: (Friday) - Santa Cruz - Bachas Beach - Twin craters and the Highlands of Santa Cruz (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Morning: Bachas Beach is a glorious white sand beach on which the remnants of a rusted barge, thought to have been abandoned by the Americans during WWI, can be seen. It is a popular nesting site for turtles, so if you go for a snorkel, you might find yourself sharing the water with these wonderful creatures. The beach is also full of vibrant Sally Lightfoot and hermit crabs and elegant pink flamingos that frequent the salt water lagoon behind.

• Activities: Walk, snorkeling.
• Difficulty: Easy

Afternoon: The best way to appreciate these remarkable, almost identical crater-like holes, caused by the collapse of empty lava chambers, is to take the trail that leads up and around the rims. From this vantage point, one can revel in the beauty of the surrounding highlands, lush with ferns and an abundance of Scalesia trees. Here, Bird enthusiasts can also enjoy spotting the distinct red feathers of Vermilion Flycatchers, Darwin’s finches, Galapagos doves and, with a bit of luck, an endemic short-ear owl.

• Activities: Walk
• Difficulty: Easy

Day 10: (Saturday) - Lobos Island – San Cristobal – Quito (Meals: Breakfast)
Morning: Accessed by panga, Lobos Island gets its name from the herds of sea lions that have made their home here. Snorkeling in the calm clear water provides a unique opportunity to see these inquisitive and playful animals up close and it is also common to be accompanied by green turtles and rays as well. Inland, there is a trail where you can expect to encounter nesting sites for blue-footed boobies and frigates.

• Activities: Walk, Snorkeling, Panga ride
• Difficulty: Moderate

After this last visit, transfer to San Cristobal airport for your flight back to Quito. Met on arrival and privately transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Quito.

Day 11: (Sunday) - Depart Quito (Meals: Breakfast)
Private transfer to Mariscal Sucre International Airport for your international flight home. Adiós, Ecuador!

Tour Price  • Price shown is for a person based on twin share accommodation, for the travel period indicated.  • All prices displayed are subject to availability and can be withdrawn or varied without notice.  • Prices are guaranteed once booking is confirmed by us and paid in full by the due date.  • Depending on your needs and group size (individual, couple, family, group, etc.) we will provide the final pricing for your tour.  • Itineraries are subject to change without prior notice due to weather conditions, National Park regulations, flight schedules, emergencies on board or any unforeseen situation.  • From time to time, there are offers and deals with discounts for specific tour dates.

FREE Galápagos flights offer: Return Quito–Galápagos flights (economy class) are free for Australian and New Zealand citizens and residents on new bookings confirmed by 31 December 2026, for 2026 and 2027 travel. Subject to availability; cannot be combined with any other promotion; does not apply to Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year departures. Guests of other nationalities: airfare of approx. A$820 per person applies.

Inclusions:

In the Amazon (La Selva Eco-Lodge & Retreat):  • Flights Quito/Coca/Quito (economy class)  • Airport reception and assistance in Quito and Coca  • Transfers airport/dock/airport in Coca  • Canoe journey down the Napo River (return)  • 3 nights premium accommodation  • Guided excursions with a top bilingual national guide and native guide  • Daily activity briefing  • Welcome and farewell cocktail  • All meals and snacks  • Coffee station: purified water, American coffee and herbal tea  • Expedition gear: water container, small backpack, raincoat and rubber boots  • Yoga sessions  • Use of kayaks

In the Galápagos (M/C Elite):  • Return flights Quito/Galápagos (FREE for Australian and New Zealand citizens and residents — see offer conditions above; otherwise approx. A$820 per person)  • Transfers airport/yacht/airport in Galapagos  • Airport reception and assistance  • Double accommodation  • Guided expeditions according to the itinerary  • Top bilingual National Park guide (English / Spanish)  • Cruise Service Officer  • Wifi Onboard  • Activity daily briefing  • All meals and snacks  • Soft drinks and juices  • Captain’s welcome and farewell cocktail  • Use of sea kayaks and paddle-boards  • Expedition gear  • Yoga mats  • Kettlebells and dumbbells  • Stargazing laser pointer

In Quito:  • 3 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast (GO Quito Hotel or Patio Andaluz, or similar)  • All private airport transfers with English-speaking guide and driver

Exclusions:  • International flights  • Galapagos National Park Entrance fee (US$200 per person - subject to change)  • Transit Control Card (US$20 per person - subject to change)  • Meals not specified in the itinerary  • Soft beverages at the lodge (juices, sodas, sparkling water, specialty coffees)  • SPA services and treatments  • Alcoholic beverages  • Gratuities for guides, crew and staff  • Travel and health insurance  • Personal expenses

Payments:
• A 20% deposit must be made to confirm any booking.
• The total remaining balance must be fully credited in our account 61 days prior to the cruise departure date.

Cancellations or rescheduling:
• 121 days or more prior to the cruise departure date – a 10% cancellation fee out of the total amount of the cruise applies
• 120 to 61 days prior to the cruise departure date – a 20% cancellation fee out of the total amount of the cruise applies
• 60 days prior to the cruise departure date – a full cancellation fee out of the total amount of the cruise applies

Please refer to our Standard Booking Conditions for booking terms and conditions.