Independent Galapagos cruise aboard the Galápagos Legend with Ecuador's Amazon

Independent Galapagos cruise aboard the Galápagos Legend with Ecuador's Amazon

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Independent Galapagos cruise aboard the Galápagos Legend with Ecuador's Amazon

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

Visiting: Quito, Amazon Lodge, Amazon Rainforest, North Seymour Island, Bartolomé Island, San Cristobal Island, San Cristobal, Guayaquil

Tour operator:

Globus

Tour code:

ISK2-2024

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours, Cruise

Interests:

Wildlife Tours

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 and the Amazon Rainforest? If so, this Globus Independent tour in South America 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. Next, 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. Cruise in luxury on the Galápagos Legend and explore the archipelago in the company of a Naturalist guide. 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 Bartolomé, Santiago, North Seymour, and San Cristobal Islands. Visit the Giant Tortoise Reserve 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

  • Explore the Amazon rainforest with a Naturalist guide, including a suspended canopy walk and night excursions.

  • Visit the lodge's butterfly house and cruise through the flooded forest to spot monkeys and sloths.

  • Hike to the summit of Bartolomé Island for panoramic views and snorkel with sea turtles and reef sharks.

  • Walk on the young lava flows of Santiago Island and snorkel from the white sand beach.

  • Encounter blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, and sea lions on North Seymour Island.

  • See the three booby species and snorkel at Pitt Islet on San Cristobal Island.

  • Visit the Giant Tortoise Reserve on San Cristobal Island and learn about conservation efforts.

Places You'll See

Hilton Colon Quito (Sat)

Napo Wildlife Center (Sat)

Hilton Colon Guayaquil - Sat

Itinerary

Expand All

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: Quito

Accommodation Name: Napo Wildlife Center

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Amazon Lodge

Location: Amazon Lodge

Accommodation Name: Napo Wildlife Center

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Amazon Lodge

Location: Amazon Rainforest

Accommodation Name: Napo Wildlife Center

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Amazon Lodge,Coca,Quito

Location: Quito

Accommodation Name: Hilton Colon Quito

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6: Quito

Location: Quito

Accommodation Name: Hilton Colon Quito

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7: Quito,Baltra (Embarkation),Galápagos Cruising: North Seymour Island

Location: North Seymour Island

Accommodation Name: Galápagos Legend

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Cruising: Bartolomé Island & Santiago Island

Location: Bartolomé Island

Accommodation Name: Galápagos Legend

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Cruising: San Cristobal Island

Location: San Cristobal Island

Accommodation Name: Galápagos Legend

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Cruising: San Cristobal (Disembarkation),Guayaquil

Location: San Cristobal

Accommodation Name: Hilton Colon Guayaquil

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 11: Guayaquil

Location: Guayaquil

Accommodation Name: Hilton Colon Guayaquil

Meals Included: Breakfast

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation in Quito at Hilton Colon Quito, in Coca at Napo Wildlife Center, and in Guayaquil at Hilton Colon Guayaquil.

  • Meals

    Buffet breakfast daily; 6 lunches; 6 three-course dinners.

  • Transportation

    Transportation as outlined in the day-by-day itinerary, including private airport transfers to/from intra-vacation flights. Internal flights to/from the Galápagos and the Ecuadorian Amazon are included.

  • Guided Tours

    Local guide service in Quito. A Naturalist in the Galápagos and Amazon are also provided.

  • Nature Excursions

    Nature excursions with a Naturalist in the Amazon, including jungle walks, canopy walks, and night walks or canoe rides.

  • Galápagos Cruise

    3-night cruise aboard the Galápagos Legend with visits to North Seymour Island, Bartolomé Island, Santiago Island, and San Cristobal Island.

  • UNESCO Sites

    Visits to the City of Quito and the Galápagos Islands, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

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 is recommended to be purchased separately.

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.

  • Gratuities

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

  • International Flights

    International flights to and from Ecuador are not included.

UNESCO Sites

City of Quito|Galapagos Islands

Meals

Buffet breakfast daily; 6 lunches; 6 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 & Amazon are also provided.

In the Galápagos, there will be “wet landings” meaning guests will need to be able to jump in the water, out of the boats/zodiacs and walk a couple of meters to the beaches. Terrain is rocky and uneven. Itinerary in the Galápagos are subject to change. 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. Itinerary is subject to change in low or high water situations. Maximum elevation is 9,350 ft.

Accommodation

Quito: Hilton Colon Quito (SAT), Coca: Napo Wildlife Center (SAT), Guayaquil: Hilton Colon Guayaquil - SAT

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the Amazon Lodge stay?

    During your stay at the Amazon Lodge, you can expect to see a variety of wildlife including vibrantly feathered birds, troops of squirrel, capuchin, and howler monkeys, and possibly the well-camouflaged 3-toed sloth. You may also encounter creatures that are rarely seen during the day on night walks or canoe rides.

  • What activities are included during the Amazon Lodge stay?

    Activities at the Amazon Lodge include nature excursions with a Naturalist, a suspended rainforest canopy walk, jungle walks showcasing biodiversity and medicinal plants, night walks or canoe rides, visiting the lodge’s butterfly house, cruising through the flooded forest, fishing for piranhas, and visiting the Kapok Tree tower for bird watching and sunset views.

  • What can I expect during the Galápagos cruise on North Seymour Island?

    On North Seymour Island, you will take a walk amidst large nesting colonies of blue-footed boobies, magnificent and great frigate birds, and swallow-tailed gulls. You will also encounter sea lions, land iguanas, and possibly the endemic Galápagos snake.

  • What activities are available on Bartolomé Island and Santiago Island?

    On Bartolomé Island, you can hike to the summit for impressive views, encounter marine iguanas, lava lizards, and blue-footed boobies, and snorkel in clear waters with abundant sea life including sea turtles, white-tipped reef sharks, and possibly Galápagos penguins. On Santiago Island, you can walk on young Pahoehoe lava flows, see various flora, and snorkel from the white sand beach where you may see penguins, sea lions, sharks, and rays.

  • What can I see and do on San Cristobal Island?

    On San Cristobal Island, you can walk to the top of a volcanic tuff for magnificent viewpoints and see the Galápagos’ three booby species, two species of frigate birds, and a sea lion colony. You can also take dinghy rides to see seabirds and snorkel. At Cerro Brujo, you can visit a lagoon to see migratory bird species and swim with sea lions and other marine life.

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

    The private city tour of Quito includes visits to Independence Square, San Francisco Plaza Church, and the Basilica with its marvelous stained-glass windows, showcasing the rich legacy left by the Incas and the Spaniards.

  • What should I be prepared for during the Amazon adventure?

    For the Amazon adventure, be prepared for eco-lodging due to the remote nature of the rainforest, sustained walking, possibly muddy conditions, and the ability to jump in and out of small water crafts such as canoes and small fishing boats.

  • What are 'wet landings' in the Galápagos?

    'Wet landings' in the Galápagos mean guests will need to be able to jump in the water, out of the boats/zodiacs, and walk a couple of meters to the beaches. The terrain is rocky and uneven.

  • 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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  • Low Deposit

    Globus requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of globus charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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