













Galápagos, Andes & Amazon River Cruise Walking & Hiking Tour
From $9,999 - $11,599 /person
+$1,050 -$1,100 internal air
11 days
10 nights
Activity Levels 1-2
Premiere Hotels & Ship
Galápagos, Andes & Amazon River Cruise Walking & Hiking Tour
11 days
10 nights
Activity Levels 1-2
Premiere Hotels & Ship
2023: Dec 2024: Jan-Feb, Apr-Dec 2025: Jan-Aug














From $9,999 - $11,599 /person
( +$1,050 -$1,100 internal air )
Ecuador's Vibrant Cultures & Wildlife Wonders
Traverse the Amazon on a river cruise, each bend uncovering exotic sights and species. Witness snow-covered volcanoes on walks in the towering Andes. Discover the Galápagos Islands by kayak and on foot, revealing a white-sand wonderland teeming with life. One trip. So many ways to explore.
Highlights
- Experience three amazing trips in one—an epic journey through Ecuador's unequaled biodiversity, history and culture
- Cruise in luxury through the Amazon and encounter some of the most unique creatures on the planet by foot and kayak
- Swim, snorkel and kayak in the Galápagos Islands alongside extraordinary wildlife, like sea lions, sea turtles and even reef sharks
- Hike in the Andes for views of snowcapped volcanoes and remnants of ancient civilizations, plus spend time with local families

Start/End Quito
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary

Days 1-3
Journey to the Amazon and board the luxurious Anakonda ship • Voyage into the rain forest before an evening walk among the nocturnal jungle life • Explore Pañayacu River Delta's unique ecosystem • Kayak through a flooded forest, looking out for toucans, squirrel monkeys and endangered Amazon river dolphins • Visit a salt lick that attracts flocks of parrots and parakeets • Engage with a group of indigenous Kichwa women who share their customs, cuisine and stories.


Nights 1-3
A luxurious custom-designed ship with an expansive observation deck, large panoramic windows, spacious staterooms and an outdoor whirlpool.

Days 4-6
Deep in the Andean highlands, you're welcomed at spectacular Hacienda Zuleta by the family of a former Ecuadorian president • Experience history and warm hospitality at this exclusive 4,000-acre working farm • Hike through the Zuleta Valley's lush pastureland amid volcano vistas and pre-Inca ruins to a condor conservation center • Visit Zuleta's embroidery shop—local women are renowned for their fine needlework • Visit a family in Zuleta and learn about the local cuisine, artisan traditions and Andean history.

Nights 4-6
Luxuriate at this idyllic 17th century hotel, 4,000-acre working farm and living museum owned by a former Ecuadorian president and his family. (spa)

Days 7-11
Travel from the Ecuadorian mainland to the Enchanted Islands of Galápagos National Park • Board a yacht to explore an uninhabited isle that is home to land iguanas and colonies of frigate birds • Walk through Santa Cruz Island's lush highlands for an encounter with giant tortoises • With an expert local naturalist, kayak in search of marine iguanas, sea lions and blue-footed boobies • Snorkel among colorful fish, keeping an eye out for sea turtles and reef sharks.

Nights 7-10
A beautiful waterfront lodge near the heart of Puerto Ayora and a designated National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World. (pool, spa)
What's Included
See moreStraight Talk
We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
In order to fully experience the best of three incredibly diverse regions of Ecuador, this trip involves an ample amount of travel to and from the Ecuadorian mainland, the Amazon and the Galápagos Islands (including two round-trip flights, one of which requires us to get going as early as 3 a.m.). Depending on your departure date, we take commercial flights on twin-jet planes operated by Aeroregional, LATAM Ecuador or Avianca Airlines.
The wildlife in the Amazon is at its liveliest early morning, late afternoon and evening, so our activities line up accordingly, allowing optimal animal encounters in the cooler hours while giving you some time to relax midday. Galápagos activities are scheduled each day for morning and a section of the afternoon, leaving you with a good portion of the evening to enjoy the hotel and the local town.
The main form of travel for activities in the Amazon and Galápagos is by boat. Our Amazon ship cruises on calm river waters while our Galápagos boats sail through open ocean, so bring medication if you're prone to motion sickness.
The Amazon and Galápagos Islands are fascinating places, yet at times logistically challenging, especially with national park regulations in the Galápagos. Itinerary changes are quite common. In the Amazon, our daily itinerary is based on scheduled sailing and port arrival times, which in turn are determined by the naturally shifting water level of the Napo River. Low water levels result in slower sailing, extra cruising time or possible shifts in activity timing. As a result, some days have more opportunities for land exploration while others have a little more sailing time. Should any unforeseen change happen during your river cruise, we'll work closely with the Anakonda's captain and staff, who are very experienced in going with the flow. And if we encounter changes to planned activities, your Trip Leader will be at the ready to adjust or find alternate activities.
Although the Galápagos are part of Ecuador, the islands can feel worlds away from the mainland, including slow or no internet connectivity and ATMs possibly running out of cash. Service at hotels and restaurants can lack a sense of urgency when compared with other regions. Your best bet is to sit back, relax and soak in the island way of life.
Some hikes on this trip are remote and do not intersect with roads. We get to trailheads by vehicle or boat, but we won't see our vehicles along the route. Ample trail support in the form of water, snacks and encouragement is provided by your Backroads leader and local guides.
We provide plenty of walking options so that you can walk at your chosen pace throughout the trip. However, in the Amazon and Galápagos, in accordance with the national park's environmental protection regulations, hikers must stay in designated areas and be accompanied by our local naturalist.
During the river cruise portion of your trip, the Anakonda ship is your floating luxury hotel, letting you visit many locations along the Amazon's Napo River without having to pack up your bags! We've limited our Backroads group size to 20, but just like any hotel, we'll be sharing the ship with other guests. This 40-passenger ship is custom-designed with inviting common spaces so you'll have room for relaxing and socializing with other guests.
In contrast to our usual land-only based trips, which have similar room categories, the Anakonda offers two suite stateroom categories: Deluxe and Standard. The four top-tier Deluxe Suites come at an additional cost and often fill fast. If reserving one is important to you, we suggest booking as early as possible to increase your chances; however even then Deluxe Suite availability is not guaranteed.
Accommodations
The Best of Both Worlds
Enjoy an exciting combination of stylish retreats nestled into stunning landscapes and scenic views from the comfort of a floating hotel.
Accommodations may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.


Nights 1-3
Premiere Ship
A luxurious custom-designed ship with an expansive observation deck, large panoramic windows, spacious staterooms and an outdoor whirlpool.

Nights 4-6
Premiere Hotel
Luxuriate at this idyllic 17th century hotel, 4,000-acre working farm and living museum owned by a former Ecuadorian president and his family. (spa)

Nights 7-10
Premiere Hotel
A beautiful waterfront lodge near the heart of Puerto Ayora and a designated National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World. (pool, spa)
Gallery
Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations (if any) and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
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