Amazon Lodge and Galapagos Cruise Extension

11 days. 23 meals. Extend your escorted South America tour with a stay in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest as a base to explore. Then explore Ecuador’s second largest city, Guayaquil, before cruising amid the wildlife-rich islands of the Galapagos archipelago.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive Puerto Maldonado, Peruvian Amazon Rainforest

At the conclusion of your escorted journey, fly from Lima to Puerto Maldonado, a city nestled in the Peruvian Amazon at the confluence of the Tambopata River and the Madre de Dios River. From here, partake in a guided tour through the Inkaterra Butterfly House before boarding a motorised canoe for a short cruise along the Madre de Dios River to your incredible Amazon accommodation. After checking in, discuss your individual interests with expert English-speaking guides to arrange all excursions during your stay.

Day 2: Peruvian Amazon Rainforest

Over two days, you’ll choose the activities that interest you the most. Perhaps walk along the rainforest treetop canopy to observe the jungle from a unique perspective. You may also like to cruise the Madre de Dios River to Lake Sandoval or Gamitana Creek, where monkeys, birds, tortoises, and caiman roam freely. Maybe join one of the local village tours or a rainforest by night tour.

Day 3: Peruvian Amazon Rainforest

Enjoy another day exploring Peru’s Amazon Rainforest, waterways and wildlife on your chosen activities.

Day 4: Peruvian Amazon Rainforest, Puerto Maldonado, Lima

Farewelling the Amazon rainforest, transfer to the airport in Puerto Maldanado, for your flight to the Peruvian capital, Lima. On arrival in Lima, transfer to your hotel.

Day 5: Lima, Guayaquil

Be transferred to the airport this morning for your flight from Lima to Guayaquil. This afternoon, enjoy time at leisure in Ecuador’s second largest city, or set off on an in-depth city tour (additional expense).

Day 6: Guayaquil, Galapagos Islands (Baltra and Santa Cruz islands)

Fly to Baltra Island in the Galapagos archipelago and be driven to the Itabaca Channel before taking a ferry to Santa Cruz Island. Savour lunch at a local restaurant in the island’s humid highlands before continuing to the archipelago’s biggest town, Puerto Ayora. Visit the fascinating Charles Darwin Research Station and Giant Tortoise Breeding Center, then enjoy a walk along Puerto Ayora’s main street before boarding Yacht Isabela II, your home for the next four nights. Settle in, relax and enjoy a Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Dinner on board.

Day 7: Galapagos Islands Cruise (Bartolome and Santiago islands)

Visit Bartolome Island this morning, where terrific panoramic views await after climbing a wooden staircase to the top of the island. After the walk, board a panga (a Zodiac-like boat) for a ride around the imposing Pinnacle Rock as you keep your eyes peeled for Galpagos penguins, dolphins and other marine life. After lunch, re-join a panga headed to Santiago Island’s Sullivan Bay, home to a pristine white coral sand beach that aa perfect base for swimming. You can also join a walking trail through the island’s unique lava fields.

Day 8: Galapagos Islands (Santa Cruz and Santiago islands)

Set off on a walk at Dragon Hill on the north coast of Santa Cruz Island, first reaching a brackish water lagoon where you can admire the diverse birdlife including shorebirds, ducks and American flamingos. Continue inland, soaking in scenic views of the bay and other islands and enjoying the chance view land iguanas. Following the walk, you can snorkel in the clear waters off the shore on the lookout for rays, green turtles and sharks. After lunch, explore cliffs of Buccaneer Cove on Santiago Island as you learn about the history of the region. See various marine birds and sea lions and see unique rock formations before enjoying more opportunities to explore the area your way either snorkelling, taking a panga ride or seeing below the surface on a glass-bottom boat.

Day 9: Galapagos Islands (Isabela and Fernandina islands)

More amazing landscapes and wildlife await today. Isabela Island is the first destination, where you can see Galapagos fur seals, nesting Nazca boobies, penguins and marine iguanas. If conditions permit, you’ll also have the chance to snorkel along the cliffs. Later, visit the archipelago’s youngest island, Fernandina, a pristine ecosystem bursting with wildlife and free of introduced species. Local animals to admire include hawks, penguins, flightless cormorants and countless marine iguanas, while the island’s live volcano dominates the amazing scenery.

Day 10: Galapagos Islands (Baltra Island), Guayaquil

Your Galapagos journey comes to an end this morning as you disembark your ship at Baltra Island and transfer to the airport for your flight to Guayaquil. Enjoy this evening at leisure.

Day 11: Depart Guayaquil

After breakfast, be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.