Amazon and Galapagos holiday, Ecuador

Planet

This itinerary has been carefully curated to show off two of South Americas most biodiverse areas using tourism as a force for good. Our partners on the ground in Ecuador and the Galapagos adhere to a strict set of policies and codes of conduct to foster sustainable business practices. 100% of the supply chain is local and all operations on ground operate to safeguard nature.

In the Amazon, Napo Lodge is designed with eco-cabins, and all stays support the conservation of Yasuni National Parks biodiversity. The lodge is operated and owned by the indigenous Anangu Kichwa community ensuring that the benefits of tourism are reinvested into the preservation of the rainforest. All activities are low-impact, and the Amazon is explored on foot or in a dug-out canoe. Guides are local and certified and share knowledge on the Amazon to help visitors understand the unique ecosystems and importance of protecting them.

In the Galapagos, this island-hopping itinerary was designed in collaboration with the local residents of Floreana Island, WWF and the National park to ensure the archipelagos conservation and local people are safeguarded. By exploring protected areas with trained naturalist guides, guests follow strict environmental regulations that minimise disturbance to wildlife and their habitats. By spending time with former fisherman, it also champions them stepping a way from fishing and instead creating an income by sharing their knowledge with guests. All activities are low impact such as kayaking, hiking or snorkelling.

People

This itinerary has been designed with people at its heart.

We include a stay at the Napo Wildlife Centre which is recognised as the most successful community-based tourism project in Ecuador. All lodge operations are led by the local Kichwa Anangu community, and each stay directly supports initiatives that strengthen and empower the community through education, health and economic development. Within each itinerary guests have an opportunity to spend time with people from the Kichwa community who share their knowledge about daily life in the Amazon and learn about ancestral practices, from the preparation of typical dishes to traditional ceremonies.

Back in Quito, we use local guides and transfers, and boutique accommodation in the heart of the old town so guests can easily get out and explore the local area.

Our island-hopping adventure in the Galapagos was inspired by the families on Floreana Island and created by our partners on the ground in collaboration with WWF and the Galapagos National Park. Designed in an immersive way to explore the best of the archipelago while directly supporting local communities every step of the way. Rather than a typical cruise, guests move between islands spending meaningful time to really connect with residents like the Cruz Family.

On every trip guests will get to know former fishermen who have transformed their careers from harvesting sea life to introducing the marine ecosystem to visitors while helping to preserve them. On Floreana, guests will explore former pirate caves and learn about the colourful history of Floreana’s first inhabitants. They will visit local farms to see daily life in the Galapagos and develop an understanding of the local environment. This itinerary not only offers a wildlife rich experience but goes beyond the tourist trail to uncover the history of the archipelago and people living on these islands.