See two of the most incredible and iconic wildlife destinations in the world — the Amazon Rainforest and the Galapagos Islands — on this family trip featuring activities suited for ages 8 and up. From your Ecuadorian Amazon base at Sacha Lodge, look for monkeys, caimans, and three-toed sloths, as well as hundreds of species of birds and blue morpho butterflies in the middle of a 5,000-acre nature preserve. Then, cruise for four nights in the Galapagos, where you'll meet 3-foot-long iguanas and 100-year-old tortoises, and snorkel alongside beautiful white-sand beaches under the watchful eye of sea lions. This is a family adventure you'll never forget! Explore further on our range of exciting pre- or post-trip extensions in Ecuador. To learn more about the Galapagos Islands and what you can expect from MT Sobek boats and adventures, check out our Galapagos Islands Visitors Guide.
See two of the most incredible and iconic wildlife destinations in the world — the Amazon Rainforest and the Galapagos Islands — on this family trip featuring activities suited for ages 8 and up. From your Ecuadorian Amazon base at Sacha Lodge, look for monkeys, caimans, and three-toed sloths, as well as hundreds of species of birds and blue morpho butterflies in the middle of a 5,000-acre nature preserve. Then, cruise for four nights in the Galapagos, where you'll meet 3-foot-long iguanas and 100-year-old tortoises, and snorkel alongside beautiful white-sand beaches under the watchful eye of sea lions. This is a family adventure you'll never forget! Explore further on our range of exciting pre- or post-trip extensions in Ecuador. To learn more about the Galapagos Islands and what you can expect from MT Sobek boats and adventures, check out our Galapagos Islands Visitors Guide.
MT Sobek is proud to support the Galapagos Conservancy by making an annual conservation investment to its Santiago Society program. Galapagos Conservancy is dedicated exclusively to the long-term protection of the Galapagos Islands, and collaborates closely with the Charles Darwin Foundation, the Galapagos National Park, and many other institutions that are committed to the conservation of the entire archipelago.
Delight in the wildlife of the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest, including toucans, monkeys, caimans, and sloths
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Sail the enchanted Galapagos Islands for four nights aboard the comfortable 16-passenger EcoGalaxy catamaran
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Snorkel among brilliantly colored tropical fish and discover a world of sea lions, marine iguanas, and giant tortoises with your dedicated expert guide
MT Sobek is proud to support the Galapagos Conservancy by making an annual conservation investment to its Santiago Society program. Galapagos Conservancy is dedicated exclusively to the long-term protection of the Galapagos Islands, and collaborates closely with the Charles Darwin Foundation, the Galapagos National Park, and many other institutions that are committed to the conservation of the entire archipelago.
[Description] => MT Sobek is proud to support the Galapagos Conservancy by making an annual conservation investment to its Santiago Society program. Galapagos Conservancy is dedicated exclusively to the long-term protection of the Galapagos Islands, and collaborates closely with the Charles Darwin Foundation, the Galapagos National Park, and many other institutions that are committed to the conservation of the entire archipelago.
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Highlights
Delight in the wildlife of the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest, including toucans, monkeys, caimans, and sloths
Sail the enchanted Galapagos Islands for four nights aboard the comfortable 16-passenger EcoGalaxy catamaran
Snorkel among brilliantly colored tropical fish and discover a world of sea lions, marine iguanas, and giant tortoises with your dedicated expert guide
Welcome to the historic city of Quito, the capital of Ecuador. An MT Sobek representative will meet you outside customs at the airport and escort you to your hotel. After settling in at the hotel, the rest of the evening is free to unwind and take advantage of the pool and onsite restaurant. Dinner is on your own tonight.
Accommodation: Swissotel Quito
Transportation: 1 hour private van transfer
Tour Mindo & Learn How Chocolate is Made
Day 2
After breakfast, depart for a full-day tour to Mindo, a village in the Andean Mountains that's known for its many bird and butterfly species. Visit a cacao farm and factory and learn how chocolate is made, from harvesting the plants to the final product. Enjoy a welcome lunch surrounded by an incredible diversity of hummingbirds. Return to Quito in the afternoon for an introductory talk and orientation about your trip. In the evening, explore Quito and have dinner on your own.
Accommodation: Swissotel Quito
Transportation: 4-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Journey to Sacha Lodge
Day 3
After breakfast, transfer to Quito airport for a short flight to Coca airport, located on the Amazon side of the Andes. From there, take a two-hour motorized boat ride along the Napo River to Sacha Lodge reserve. From the drop-off along the riverside, take a 25-minute jungle walk along a wooden boardwalk to look for monkeys, sloths, and other wildlife. Finally, board a dugout canoe for a 40-minute ride through a jungle canal to get to Sacha Lodge, your home for the next few days.
Spend the day exploring the 5,000 acres of pristine rainforest at Sacha Lodge reserve, home to an amazing variety of wildlife. Watch for roving bands of monkeys, hundreds of species of birds, and the occasional anteater, three-toed sloth, or ocelot. Go for a ride in a dugout canoe, fish for piranhas, and birdwatch from the top of a canopy tower. You can also go on a night walk to look for frogs, spiders, and other nocturnal critters.
Accommodation: Sacha Lodge
Activity: Rainforest walks, canoe rides
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit a Native Community
Day 5
Enjoy another full day of activities around Sacha Lodge. Visit the Shipati Warmi project — an initiative run by and benefiting the women of the Providencia community of Yasuni — to learn about how they live, the food they eat, and their culture. In the afternoon, climb the canopy-walk tower to experience the rainforest from atop — the trees. In the evening, you can go on a night canoe ride to look for caimans, snakes, and other nocturnal wildlife.
Accommodation: Sacha Lodge
Activity: Rainforest walks, canoe rides
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Return to Quito
Day 6
After breakfast, depart Sacha Lodge and take a return boat ride to Coca. Then, board your flight back to Quito and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax at the swimming pool or visit the Old Town on your own.
Accommodation: Swissotel Quito
Activity: 40-minute canoe ride, 25-minute jungle walk
Transportation: 2-hour boat ride, 30-minute flight transfer
Meals: Breakfast
Fly to San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos
Day 7
After breakfast, fly from Quito to San Cristobal in the Galapagos Islands. On arrival your guide will escort you to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, where you will board the deluxe EcoGalaxy. Enjoy lunch before cruising to nearby Isla Lobos — separated from San Cristobal by a narrow channel, providing opportunities to snorkel with sea lions, sea turtles, and tropical fish. There is also a short trail great for viewing blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, sea lions, and the picturesque Leon Dormido — a huge volcanic monolith located offshore.
Accommodation: EcoGalaxy
Activity: PM 1.5 hours moderate hike (0.5 miles), plus snorkeling and panga cruise
Transportation: 2-hour flight transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit Santa Fe & South Plaza Islands
Day 8
Wake to explore the beautiful bay and turquoise waters of Santa Fe Island. After a wet landing on a white beach usually covered with sea lions, walk into a giant Opuntia cactus grove in search of endemic land iguanas and possibly Galapagos Hawks. Afterwards, you can snorkel and/or kayak in the turquoise waters of the bay, full of sea lions, sea turtles, rays, urchins, eels, and very colorful fish, including large schools of surgeonfish and parrotfish. Next it's on to South Plaza Island for an afternoon walk. Both North and South Plazas were formed by geological uplift and tilt to the north, with cliffs on their southern coasts. On small islands like this, terrestrial and marine species interact more than on the larger islands, and the occasional hybrid iguana (land and marine) with its "zebra-like" stripes can often be observed. The south facing cliffs swarm with a myriad of bird species, including tropicbirds, pelicans, boobies, Galapagos shearwaters, and swallow-tailed gulls. Bachelor sea lions climb steep cliffs in the late afternoon to spend nights away from the larger dominant bulls. Look for endemic land iguanas under the prickly-pear cactus.
Accommodation: EcoGalaxy
Activity: AM 1 hour easy walk (0.5 miles) and option for snorkeling or kayaking; PM 2 hours easy walk (1 mile)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
North Seymour Island and Mosquera Islet
Day 9
North Seymour is home to an incredible diversity of species, including dense breeding colonies of blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds. Walk North Seymour's loop trail and keep an eye out for Swallow tailed gulls, blue-footed boobies, and colonies of both Magnificent and Great frigatebirds. The island is rich in sea birds, but look also for marine iguanas, huge land iguanas, sea lions and other smaller birds such as Darwin finches and mockingbirds. After the walk, get ready to snorkel in one of the sites with the highest diversity of fish you'll find on your trip. This afternoon, make a wet landing at Mosquera Islet, located between Baltra Island and North Seymour, and set out on foot to explore the largest sea lion colony in the archipelago. It's also possible to observe several species of birds here.
Accommodation: EcoGalaxy
Activity: AM 2 hours easy walk (1 mile) plus snorkeling; PM 1-1.5 hours easy walk (0.5 miles)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Discover Rich Birdlife of Genovesa Island
Day 10
Genovesa Island is known as Bird Island and is one of the most interesting for visitors! Make a wet landing this morning and hike along Darwin Beach on the north side of Darwin Bay, formed by the rim of a sunken crater. Red mangroves along the trail provide habitat for yellow warblers, yellow-crowned night herons, and pintail ducks. The highlight of this site is the incredible abundance of Red-footed Boobies, Great Frigatebirds and Swallow-tailed Gulls. Despite being the most abundant species of booby in the islands, the red-footed is rarely seen unless you visit Genovesa. The bay also offers several places to snorkel; from deep waters along the cliffs across the bay, to shallow waters by the beach. In either case, there are many fish to see and great chances of seeing sharks, rays and sea lions. After lunch, explore the cliffs by panga before climbing Prince Phillip's Steps to the island's plateau. The landing spot is a rock fall that forms a natural staircase up the cliffs but the rest of the trail is quite easy and level. Walk through massive colonies of Red-footed and Nazca Boobies and an extraordinary Palo Santo forest on the way to a lava ridge where thousands of storm petrels dart about while Short-eared owls stalk them for prey. This is one of the trails with the most abundance of fauna in the entire Galapagos. Snorkelers can explore the cliffs, where there are many fish and great chances of seeing sharks, rays and sea lions. Back on the boat tonight, enjoy a festive farewell cocktail hour and a group dinner with the captain.
Accommodation: EcoGalaxy
Activity: AM 2 hours easy hike (1 mile) plus snorkeling ; PM 2.5 hours moderate hike (2 miles) plus snorkeling
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
See Tortoises in the Highlands & Return to Quito
Day 11
After an early breakfast, disembark the EcoGalaxy and transfer to the lush highlands of Santa Cruz Island for a special opportunity to see Galapagos giant tortoises in the wild. Then head to the Baltra airport for your return flight to Quito. An MT Sobek representative will greet you at Quito airport and provide assistance to your nearby hotel. Lunch and dinner are on your own today.
Accommodation: Wyndham Quito Airport Hotel-Quito
Activity: AM 1.5 hours easy walk (1 mile)
Transportation: 45-minute private vehicle transfer and 2-hour flight transfer
Meals: Breakfast
Depart from Quito
Day 12
After breakfast, use the complimentary shuttle to transfer to the airport in time for your outbound flight, or opt to stay on in Quito to join us for one of our extensions in Ecuador or Peru!
MT Sobek was one of the first North American companies to bring visitors to the Galapagos Islands, with an inaugural charter for the Sierra Club in 1970.
We charter truly small (maximum 16-passenger) deluxe vessels for a fully MT Sobek-operated experience with our own expert team of naturalist guides and a dedicated Quito office.
This trip is the perfect blend of two South American wildlife treasures, the Amazon rainforest and the Galapagos, joined into one epic family adventure.
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Luis D.
Luis was born in Seville, Spain, and graduated from the Universidad Autonoma de Madrid with a degree in Environmental Biology. He is fluent in Spanish, English, and French and has guided in Galapagos since 1999. In addition to being a professional nature photographer, Luis has a Master's Degree in Geographic Ecology and is active with conservation groups. A born teacher, he enthusiastically shares his knowledge of Galapagos with people of all ages. He lives in Quito with his wife, twin sons, and daughter and is MT Sobek's head naturalist guide.
Fernando O.
Fernando is an Ecuadorian marine biologist who has worked and lived in Galapagos for over 25 years. An accomplished diver, he has enjoyed more than 5,000 dives in the Galapagos, Ecuador, Cayman Islands, Cozumel, Baja California, Palau, Malaysia, and Costa Rica. He joined Conservation International in 2005 after working for the Galapagos National Park as Head of the Department of Control and Conservation of Marine Ecosystems. Fernando returned to guiding to re-encounter the environment that he is so passionate about and loves inspiring MT Sobek travelers on their adventures in the Galapagos.
Patricia S.
Patricia has been guiding diving trips in Galapagos since 1999. A native of Switzerland and originally a journalist for the Swiss News Agency, Patricia started her career in guiding as a divemaster in Honduras in 1995 and as a naturalist guide in Costa Rica. She is fascinated by wildlife, is a passionate teacher, and an active conservationist in the islands. As a resident of Galapagos, she will be able to give you an insider's viewpoint of life in the islands. Patricia is fluent in English, German, and French.
Welcome to the historic city of Quito, the capital of Ecuador. An MT Sobek representative will meet you outside customs at the airport and escort you to your hotel. After settling in at the hotel, the rest of the evening is free to unwind and take advantage of the pool and onsite restaurant. Dinner is on your own tonight.
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Enjoy another full day of activities around Sacha Lodge. Visit the Shipati Warmi project — an initiative run by and benefiting the women of the Providencia community of Yasuni — to learn about how they live, the food they eat, and their culture. In the afternoon, climb the canopy-walk tower to experience the rainforest from atop — the trees. In the evening, you can go on a night canoe ride to look for caimans, snakes, and other nocturnal wildlife.
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After breakfast, fly from Quito to San Cristobal in the Galapagos Islands. On arrival your guide will escort you to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, where you will board the deluxe EcoGalaxy. Enjoy lunch before cruising to nearby Isla Lobos — separated from San Cristobal by a narrow channel, providing opportunities to snorkel with sea lions, sea turtles, and tropical fish. There is also a short trail great for viewing blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, sea lions, and the picturesque Leon Dormido — a huge volcanic monolith located offshore.
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Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 2. 7 full days of nature walks, easy canoeing, snorkeling, and touring, sleeping in eco-lodges and aboard the deluxe catamaran EcoGalaxy. Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 3
25-minute jungle walk, 40-minute easy canoe ride
Day 4
Rainforest walks, canoe rides
Day 5
Rainforest walks, canoe rides
Day 6
40-minute canoe ride, 25-minute jungle walk
Day 7
PM 1.5 hours moderate hike (0.5 miles), plus snorkeling and panga cruise
Day 8
AM 1 hour easy walk (0.5 miles) and option for snorkeling or kayaking; PM 2 hours easy walk (1 mile)
Day 9
AM 2 hours easy walk (1 mile) plus snorkeling; PM 1-1.5 hours easy walk (0.5 miles)
Day 10
AM 2 hours easy hike (1 mile) plus snorkeling ; PM 2.5 hours moderate hike (2 miles) plus snorkeling
Day 11
AM 1.5 hours easy walk (1 mile)
*Mileage and elevation change information is approximate and may vary slightly depending on trail conditions, weather, and route adjustments, and the guide’s discretion.
Accommodations
An eco-lodge set in the midst of a 5,000-acre preserve and a deluxe modern catamaran. Plus comfortable and convenient hotels in Quito.
Discover the "Enchanted Islands" in relaxed comfort onboard the EcoGalaxy, an 88-foot deluxe catamaran. Its eight staterooms, with a capacity for 16 adventurers, are equipped with en-suite bathrooms, including full-size shower, and A/C. Guests can also relax in the dining room, bar and lounge, and open sundeck, and enjoy the inflatable pangas, kayaks, and snorkeling gear. Designed to minimize environment impact, the EcoGalaxy operates on low fuel consumption with state-of-the-art water filters, LED illumination, tin-free exterior paint, and solar panels. Wi-Fi is now available on board!
Located within a pristine ecological reserve, Sacha Lodge enjoys a remote rainforest location with thatch-roofed buildings that blend harmoniously into their surroundings. The 26 comfortable rooms have spacious private bathrooms, some of which feature floor-to-ceiling windows for an immersive jungle experience. The property is a destination within itself, with thousands of acres of rainforest to explore.
The Wyndham Quito Airport is a convenient and comfortable stopover after your journey back from the Galápagos chosen for its location right next to the airport. Both international and Ecuadorian food options are available at the onsite restaurant and for room service. Rooms have large TVs and free WiFi. There is a 24-hour complimentary airport shuttle.
One of the city's top five-star luxury hotels, Swissotel Quito is conveniently located in the Floresta neighborhood of Quito - both a commercial and residential area only 45 minutes from Mariscal Sucre International Airport. Each of its 232 elegant guest rooms is air-conditioned and features modern design.
Weather
June through August is considered cool season in Galapagos with temperatures of 67-77F and water temperatures of 65-72F. In the Amazon, expect 76-84F with some rain likely.
Jan
Mar
May
Jul
Sep
Nov
Galapagos
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Galapagos
85
70
88
75
78
72
78
68
78
66
84
70
Quito
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Quito
66
49
66
49
66
49
67
47
68
47
67
48
FAQs
When and where should I arrive?
Arrive in Quito any time on Day 1. An MT Sobek representative will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. Most flights from the US arrive late at night.
What makes this a family adventure?
This trip includes plenty of wildlife and adventure, but with shorter days than our usual MT Sobek trips. Family trip leaders have plenty of experience guiding families with children.
Do I need a wetsuit for snorkeling in the Galápagos?
With cooler water temperatures, most people prefer using a wetsuit. This way, you will enjoy snorkeling longer. Wetsuits rentals are available for $45-55 pp for the week. Your guide will assist you.
Are insects a problem in the Amazon?
Insects are present in the jungle and we recommend bringing insect repellant. Mosquitoes are around at dawn and dusk.
Are there sharks in the Galapagos?
It is rare to see sharks while snorkeling, and when you do, it is likely to see white-tipped reef sharks that sleep on the ocean floor and in rocky caves. They feed on small fish at night and are not interested in people.
When is the best time to go to the Galapagos?
The Galapagos Islands are a year-round destination, with something to see and do every month. The water is choppiest in September. Late spring brings the mating season for frigate birds and blue-footed boobies!
Are there both wet and dry landings during the cruise?
Yes, there will be both wet and dry landings over the course of the cruise. During wet landings, you'll need to get off the panga in a shallow area of water close to shore and your feet will get wet. (Pangas are inflatable, motorized Zodiacs or dinghies that are used to get from the yacht to shore). A dry landing means the yacht either docks alongside the pier or the pangas are able to pull alongside the pier or directly onto the beach, and your feet can stay dry.
On this itinerary, there are wet landings the morning of Day 8 (at Santa Fe Island), the afternoon of Day 9 (at Mosquera Islet), and the morning of Day 10 (at one location on Genovesa Island).
All other excursions usually involve a dry landing.
What is the minimum age for this trip?
This trip has been specially designed for families, and the minimum age is 8.
"MT Sobek provided the perfect Galápagos experience for a multi-generational family trip. The participants could just savor the experience while experts coordinated the entire trip. Thank you!"
Kim O. MT Sobek Guest
"This was a trip of lifetime for 3 generations of my family. We were never short of activities nor bored. Every day was filled with Instagram-worthy pictures while learning new facts about our world and the environment. We will never forget this adventure!"
Tony G. MT Sobek Guest, Ecuador Galapagos & Amazon Family Adventure
