Independent Galapagos at the Finch Bay Resort with Ecuador's Amazon

Independent Galapagos at the Finch Bay Resort with Ecuador's Amazon

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Independent Galapagos at the Finch Bay Resort with Ecuador's Amazon

12 Days Starting in Quito, Ecuador and ending in Guayaquil, Ecuador

Visiting: Quito, Amazon Rainforest, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz Island, Guayaquil

Tour operator:

Globus

Tour code:

ISQ2-2025

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

How deep is your love of adventure? Is it deep enough to follow the course of Charles Darwin to discover your own love affair with the wildlife paradise of the Galápagos Islands? If so, this Globus Independent tour in Ecuador is pointing you in the right direction. Ignite your independent spirit on a canoe trip downriver from Coca to the comfort of your lodge the Amazon Rainforest, where you’re in good hands with a Naturalist guide to explore the jungle from its rainforest canopy to the forest floor. Be awestruck by the wealth of wildlife that thrives in this tropical wilderness. Explore the historic heart of Quito and depart for parts unknown where blue-footed boobies, giant tortoises, and diving iguanas of the Galápagos give new meaning to mind-blowing discoveries. You’ll stay at the award-winning Finch Bay Eco Hotel on Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos, offering a private, seaside location to kayak, snorkel, bike, and take boat excursions to the various Galápagos Islands with expert Naturalists. Sail upon pristine waters to discover the perfectly evolved creatures who thrive on this volcanic archipelago. Stroll the sand where sea lions bask and albatross brace against the updrafts above the cliffs. Sail, snorkel, and simply stay in a state of astonishment through the sanctuaries of spectacular species on North Seymour, South Plaza Island, and Santa Cruz Islands. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station where conservationists work to protect the gentle giants for which the islands are named. You’ll also find the I-time you deserve to fall in love with adventure again!

Highlights

  • Fly to Coca and travel by motorboat down the Napo River, spotting birds like herons and kingfishers.

  • Float through narrow channels in a canoe, looking for monkeys and large birds like toucans and macaws.

  • Visit a parrot clay lick to see 11 different species of parrots, parakeets, and macaws.

  • Join families of the Anangu indigenous community in their daily activities, such as harvesting bananas and cocoa.

  • Ascend a canopy tower over 100 feet above the forest floor to view spider monkeys, toucans, and macaws.

  • Take a private city tour in Quito to see Independence Square, San Francisco Plaza Church, and the Basilica.

  • Snorkel at Punta Carrion on Santa Cruz Island, with opportunities to see reef fish, sea lions, and sharks.

  • Visit South Plaza Island to see yellow land iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and sea lions.

Places You'll See

Hilton Colon Quito - Met

Sacha Lodge

Finch Bay Eco Hotel - Finch Bay Room

Hilton Colon Guayaquil - Metro

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive In Quito,Ecuador

Location: Quito

Accommodation Name: Hilton Colon Quito

Welcome to Quito, where your hotel is available for mid-afternoon check-in.

Day 2: Quito,Coca,Amazon Lodge

Location: Amazon Rainforest

Accommodation Name: Sacha Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Fly to Coca where you will be met by your Naturalist. • Travel by motorboat down the Napo River with opportunities to spot birds like herons, kingfishers, and others. • Next, transfer to a canoe and float through narrow channels looking for monkeys as well as large birds like toucans, parrots, or even macaws.• Arrive at your Amazon lodge located on Añangu Lake surrounded by pristine rainforest. • Tonight, enjoy a welcome drink, briefing, and dinner.

Day 3: Amazon Lodge

Location: Amazon Rainforest

Accommodation Name: Sacha Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• After an early breakfast, journey to a parrot clay lick where 11 different species of parrots, parakeets, and macaws can be seen on a daily basis. • Later, walk to a local community where you are invited to join families of the Anangu indigenous community on their daily activities, such as harvesting bananas, coco, and manioc. • Take a Naturalist-guided walk through the jungle in search of interesting plants and vibrant or well-camouflaged insects.

Day 4: Amazon Lodge

Location: Amazon Rainforest

Accommodation Name: Sacha Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• This morning, ascend a canopy tower over 100 feet above the forest floor at the top of a Ceiba tree. From here, you can view spider monkeys, aracaris, toucans, blue and gold macaws, numerous species of tanagers, and the red-rumped cacique. • After lunch at the lodge, explore lakes and creeks on a dugout canoe in search of river otters, potoos, kingfishers, hoatzins, jacamars, hawks, and monkeys.

Day 5: Amazon Lodge,Coca,Quito

Location: Quito

Accommodation Name: Hilton Colon Quito

Meals Included: Breakfast

• Depart your Amazon lodge and fly from Coca to Quito today. • The remainder of your afternoon is at leisure.

Day 6: Quito

Location: Quito

Accommodation Name: Hilton Colon Quito

Meals Included: Breakfast

• Your included private city tour showcases the rich legacy left by the Incas and the Spaniards. See Independence Square, dominated by its formidable cathedral, San Francisco Plaza Church, and the Basilica with its marvelous stained-glass windows.

Day 7: Quito,Baltra,North Seymour,Santa Cruz

Location: Santa Cruz

Accommodation Name: Finch Bay Eco Hotel - Finch Bay Room

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Fly to Baltra in the Galápagos. • Upon arrival, board a yacht bound for North Seymour, an island teeming with life. You might have to give way to a passing sea lion, marine iguana, or blue-footed boobies that nest here. As you walk along the shore, see large flocks of pelicans in a dive-bomb feeding-frenzy, and one of the Galápagos’ largest nesting sites of the magnificent frigatebird. In the bushes you can see the males up close with their puffed-up scarlet throat sacs. • Return to the yacht and continue to the Finch Bay Hotel.

Day 8: Santa Cruz. Excursion To The Highlands

Location: Santa Cruz

Accommodation Name: Finch Bay Eco Hotel - Finch Bay Room

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Transfer to the lush highlands of Santa Cruz to a farming area called El Manzanillo on the edge of the Giant Tortoise Reserve. Here, tortoises can be seen grazing year-round, along with woodpecker finches, mockingbirds, and flycatchers. • After lunch, visit a local farm, where coffee, sugar cane, and cocoa beans are grown, harvested, and prepared. • Return to the hotel and perhaps spend time on the private beach.

Day 9: Santa Cruz. Excursion To Punta Carrion & South Plaza Island

Location: Santa Cruz Island

Accommodation Name: Finch Bay Eco Hotel - Finch Bay Room

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• This morning, travel to Punta Carrion on Santa Cruz Island for some time to snorkel. The shallow reefs and mangroves make this an ideal site to snorkel with plenty of reef fish as well as occasional sea lions and sharks. • Next, sail to South Plaza Island, a small island full of fascinating wildlife, both along its shore and along its dramatic, wind-swept cliffs. Here you will see large, yellow land iguanas, swallow-tailed gulls, masked and blue-footed boobies, sea lions, and much more during your guided walk. • Return to the hotel this afternoon.

Day 10: Santa Cruz. Excursion To Divine Bay

Location: Santa Cruz Island

Accommodation Name: Finch Bay Eco Hotel - Finch Bay Room

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Today’s adventure takes you to wildlife-rich Divine Bay on Santa Cruz Island. Marine iguanas, herons, noddy terns, blue-footed boobies, and tropicbirds are commonly seen here. You may explore by boat or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can take to the sea by kayak. Keep an eye out for sea turtles, rays, and reef sharks as you cruise the tranquil waters. • Return to the hotel for lunch, followed by an afternoon visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station, established to help conserve the Galápagos’ natural habitats and protect the area’s famous giant tortoises.

Day 11: Santa Cruz,Baltra,Guayaquil

Location: Guayaquil

Accommodation Name: Hilton Colon Guayaquil

Meals Included: Breakfast

• Depart the hotel this morning for the airport in Baltra. Then, fly to Guayaquil on Ecuador’s Pacific coast and transfer to the hotel for your final night in Ecuador.

Day 12: Guayaquil

Location: Guayaquil

Accommodation Name: Hilton Colon Guayaquil

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation is provided at Hilton Colon Quito, Sacha Lodge, Finch Bay Eco Hotel, and Hilton Colon Guayaquil.

  • Meals

    Buffet breakfast daily; 7 lunches; 7 three-course dinners.

  • Transport

    Travel includes flights to Coca and Baltra, motorboat rides down the Napo River, and yacht transfers to North Seymour and South Plaza Island.

  • Guided Tours

    Guided tours include a private city tour in Quito, excursions to various locations in the Amazon and Galápagos Islands, and visits to the Charles Darwin Research Station.

  • Activities

    Activities include bird watching, canoeing, snorkeling, hiking, and visiting local communities.

What's Not Included

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry, and phone calls are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities not listed in the itinerary are not included.

  • International Flights

    International flights to and from Ecuador are not included.

  • Gratuities

    Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.

Meals

Buffet breakfast daily; 7 lunches; 7 three-course dinners

Notes

Transportation is as outlined in the day-by-day itinerary and include private airport transfers to/from intra-vacation flights. Internal flights to/from the Galápagos and the Ecuadorian Amazon are included. Local guide service is provied in Quito. A Naturalist in the Galápagos & the Amazon are also provided.

For the Amazon adventure, guests should be prepared for eco-lodging due to their remote nature in the rainforest. Further, guests should be prepared for sustained walking, possibly muddy conditions, and have the ability to jump in/out of small water crafts such as canoes and small fishing boats. Terrain is rocky and uneven. On the Galapagos Islands, we use a small vessel (20 guests) that has 3 crew members, emergency washrooms and a snack bar. The excursions are day cruises with landings on the islands, some of which are wet landings. Departure times vary depending on what islands we visit. At times we may visit 1 island but we land on different parts of it. These sailings are subject to change and weather related depending on what island we are visiting. The day sailings are around 5 to 6 hours per day which includes the landings and sightseeing. Maximum elevation on tour is 9,350 ft.

UNESCO Sites

City of Quito|Galapagos Islands

Accommodation

Quito: Hilton Colon Quito - MET, Coca: Sacha Lodge, Santa Cruz Island: Finch Bay Eco Hotel - Finch Bay Room, Guayaquil: Hilton Colon Guayaquil - Metro

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the canoe trip in the Amazon?

    During the canoe trip in the Amazon, you can expect to see monkeys, large birds like toucans and macaws, and possibly river otters, potoos, kingfishers, hoatzins, jacamars, hawks, and more.

  • What activities are included in the visit to the Anangu indigenous community?

    During the visit to the Anangu indigenous community, you are invited to join families in their daily activities, such as harvesting bananas, cocoa, and manioc.

  • What can I see from the canopy tower in the Amazon?

    From the canopy tower in the Amazon, which is over 100 feet above the forest floor, you can view spider monkeys, aracaris, toucans, blue and gold macaws, numerous species of tanagers, and the red-rumped cacique.

  • What kind of snorkeling experience can I expect at Punta Carrion on Santa Cruz Island?

    At Punta Carrion on Santa Cruz Island, you can snorkel in shallow reefs and mangroves, with opportunities to see plenty of reef fish, sea lions, and sharks.

  • What wildlife can be seen on South Plaza Island?

    On South Plaza Island, you can see large yellow land iguanas, swallow-tailed gulls, masked and blue-footed boobies, sea lions, and more during your guided walk.

  • What can I expect during the visit to Divine Bay on Santa Cruz Island?

    During the visit to Divine Bay on Santa Cruz Island, you can see marine iguanas, herons, noddy terns, blue-footed boobies, and tropicbirds. You may explore by boat or kayak, and keep an eye out for sea turtles, rays, and reef sharks.

  • What is included in the private city tour in Quito?

    The private city tour in Quito includes visits to Independence Square, San Francisco Plaza Church, and the Basilica with its marvelous stained-glass windows.

  • What kind of activities are available at the Charles Darwin Research Station?

    At the Charles Darwin Research Station, you can learn about the conservation of the Galápagos’ natural habitats and the protection of the area’s famous giant tortoises.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    For over 90 years.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.

Reviews of this operator

Lisset  

Great Value for your Money

19-Dec-2022

This is my second time travelling with Globus, would have been my third if not for COVID. The way they plan everything is super organized, the tour managers are very caring and knowledgeable. We always enjoy all the site visits planned for each trip. They start by picking you up from the airport and from then on everything is taken care of up until the last day of your trip, even dropping you off at the airport not matter the time of day or night. The hotels at every city are always great and centrally located so you can walk around during your free time or plan your own visits to different sites.

Joan Cupp (Google Reviewer)  

My go-to escorted travel Co My...

01-Mar-2024

My go-to escorted travel Co My 4th trip with Globus and the did not disappoint. The sales deals they offer make it affordable for me to travel. All of the guides are well versed in the history of the area you travel in.

David R  

What a wonderful trip, thanks Globus

10-Jan-2023

Globus is my favorite travel agency. I tried others, but always come back to Globus. It is a 100% stress free one-stop shop. Easy booking with flight, hotel, transportation and travel insurance all in one place. Great customer service at reasonable prices. Lots of information prepared for the trip to handle travel logistics. I planned and booked my trip within 24 hours. Highly recommended to everyon

Alexander Wright  

Great guide, accommodations, and tours.

28-Dec-2022

We had a fantastic guide, with a great mix of free time and guided tours.

CTRTeach 11  

Globus exceeded my expectations!

20-Dec-2022

This is my first Globus tour. I was pleasantly surprised with the depth and quality. The hotels were top notch, and the cruise on the Nile exceeded my expectations. The cabins were roomy and comfortable, and the food was very good.

Nancy Arias  

The experience was amazing!!

30-Dec-2022

The trip was amazing. Our tour guide was so kind and very knowledgeable. I needed to attend a very important meeting via zoom. She was very understanding and accommodating to my needs and made it happen. I was very grateful! Our driver was by far the best driver I’ve ever encountered! I was beyond impressed with our guide, driver and trip!! I will definitely be back for another adventure!!

Irish Beth Maddock (Google Reviewer)  

Did the Globus Highlands and...

30-Sep-2023

Did the Globus Highlands and Islands Scottish Tour with Ian and Allister. What a trip!! With his sharp wit, immense knowledge and fun humour, Ian absolutely brought Scotland to vivid life with his many tales, informative quips and total, utter passion for history. Was spellbound. Am so VERY thankful I had the opportunity to be on Ian's last bus tour before retiring with Globus. In addition, to being so hard working and helpful, with Allister our driver, I cannot tell you how safe and secure I felt in his capable driving hands. He had some very awkward traffic and interesting roads to navigate with our large bus, (especially on the islands and up north) but he handled it all expertly and without a hitch. So much so, I was able to relax and enjoy the journey. All in all, with our tour, you could tell both these kind men cared very much for those of us who needed the extra help and advice. Made my bucket list trip to Scotland so memorable and wonderful. Thank you Ian and Allister! Globus is truly fortunate to have you both.

Patty Walker (Google Reviewer)  

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland...

11-Aug-2024

Specifically, Cosmos Tour of Ireland and Scotland. August 2024. Let me begin with the positive , the Tour guide was knowledgable, personable and educated! He also was extremely professional and took a genuine interest in providing the highest quality of service to the client. The bus was clean and comfortable and well maintained. The driver was highly experienced and provided excellent transportation. The excursions were acceptable and enjoyable. The Variety of age groups on the trip made for wonderful traveling companions. But unfortunately, that is where the positive ends. The Leonardo hotels that are part of the chain and experience for this specific tour are below quality. We spent a night in a room with a leak in the ceiling. That was known before we checked in and continued to leak while we were there. Another Leonardo hotel, we could not get out of our room. Due to the carpet being ripped up and blocking the door. Most of these hotels I would have walked away from, had I been on my own individual trip. The customer service is missing, customer safety is also missing in these hotels. There is lack of concern to assist customers to their rooms even when it is there responsibility to change the room, there isn't assistance offered. Never have I experienced where you had to absolutely be your own advocate. Because there is no customer concern or care. Quality of food provided is also below standards. It is frowned upon if you request something and often denied. We even had a situation where another individual was placed in the same room we were in and it was considered a "oh well too bad for you." Again, we had to transport our own luggage and bags to a new room. Only after we were our own advocates. We said this stranger and ourselves are not going to stay in the same room. Finally, we received a good room, a room that would be found acceptable in every day normal travel, and we had to change again. Because there was a missing part in a Radiator and this was known to the hotel but yet they still booked us into a room. The radiator would not turn off and the room was steaming hot. So once again, we had to transfer all of our luggage and personal items and trudged down stairwell and elevators to once again change rooms. This is so sad for a bucket list, once in a lifetime, save your money and go on your anniversary trip. The rooms are old and out, dated with stains and tears in carpets and materials. Some of the missing items are a safety concern. Buyer beware! The communication for traveling in other countries is not to the level of customer service and satisfaction that we are used to, we did not expect this level of unacceptable accommodations, much like staying in a hostile. It is the Globus/Cosmos Travel companies responsibility to make sure their accommodations for housing is up to the level of expectations of their customers. The accommodations provided are a reflection of Globus/Cosmos business model and integrity in the global travel industry. This is not everything we experienced, but just a few examples. At this time, their brand appears to be old, outdated, without concern or care for the safety of their clients or their health and welfare as applied to accomodations.Customer service, is their lost art. Choose carefully for travel service. And I would not recommend Globus or Cosmos.

Suneetha Raja (Google Reviewer)  

I have done Newfoundland &...

06-Jul-2024

I have done Newfoundland & Labrador with Iceberg Festival tour with Globus in June 2024. It was absolute rubbish for the price I paid towards the tour. Terrible hotels, horrible meals, barely any sightseeing that is worth while the visit, most importantly, the Iceberg festival never happened. Globus sold this specific tour departure date as the only way to attend this supposed Iceberg Festival. I felt cheated after paying 3527£ for a 13 day tour considering the only reason I picked this departure date was because I wanted to attend this Iceberg festival. I could have used my time and money in a better way doing a different tour with another company. A Canadian company who did the exact same tour is doing it for £2400. I have been travelling with Globus and Cosmos tours since 2008. However, this company tours have been terrible after the covid shutdowns. They are charging more than the premium companies and not providing the equivalent service on par with the prices. Safe to say that I won't be recommending Globus and Cosmos tours to anyone. Try other tour companies that are on the market.

Lynda Bailey (Google Reviewer)  

I really enjoyed my Cosmos...

11-Jun-2024

I really enjoyed my Cosmos tour to Italy last September. However I was totally disappointed by two major things which completely changed the atmosphere of the holiday for me. One was the 'last minute' rearrangement of one of our hotels which then put us well outside of Florence on a trading estate for two nights instead of walking distance from the city walls. That completely blocked any plans or ideas of enjoying Florence in the evening. My biggest disappointment was the terrible travel arrangements and associated advice about travelling through Heathrow Cosmos put in place for me and for which they refused to be accountable despite the fact that they had made the ticket booking on my behalf and I had asked them for appropriate check in advice at all key points before I travelled. As a result I was put on standby when I should never have been (even the BA departure staff were shocked at this) and separated from my luggage which travelled on a later flight. I spent over 6 hrs of my first day in Rome in the airport waiting for my luggage and subsequent transfer to my hotel, without any assistance from Cosmos or BA airside staff. When I complained after my holiday, Cosmos would not take any responsibility at all for the fact that I lost the first day of my holiday and approx. 50% of the time I was due to spend in Rome, preferring to blame BA who in turn were uncontactable about my complaint. Very poor customer service indeed.

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