THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Swap Quito’s thin air for Pacific swell and jungle hush on a 10-day route that pairs Sierra Negra’s volcanic rims with Amazon clay licks and Kichwa hospitality. Expect snorkeling, sea-kayaking, moderate volcano hikes and river canoeing across dramatically different ecosystems.
Swap Quito’s thin air for Pacific swell and jungle hush on a 10-day route that pairs Sierra Negra’s volcanic rims with Amazon clay licks and Kichwa hospitality. Expect snorkeling, sea-kayaking, moderate volcano hikes and river canoeing across dramatically different ecosystems.
Dawn in Quito smells of coffee and cool mountain air; by nightfall you’re trading altitude for salty wind as the Pacific opens up around the Galapagos. This 10-day itinerary stitches together two of Ecuador’s most elemental places — the active lava fields of Isabela and Sierra Negra, and the green, humming depths of the Amazon — with paddles, boots and snorkel masks as your passport.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Adventure Journeys · Quito, Pichincha
Dawn in Quito smells of coffee and cool mountain air; by nightfall you’re trading altitude for salty wind as the Pacific opens up around the Galapagos. This 10-day itinerary stitches together two of Ecuador’s most elemental places — the active lava fields of Isabela and Sierra Negra, and the green, humming depths of the Amazon — with paddles, boots and snorkel masks as your passport.
Geology rules here: the Galapagos are young shield volcanoes, their black lava flows still reshaping shorelines and creating tunnels where sea turtles and penguins wheel through clear channels. Inland, Sierra Negra’s caldera stretches over six miles across, offering hikes of 6–16 miles and up to ~950 ft of gain to panoramas that remind you the islands were born of fire. The Amazon portion follows lowland rivers and clay licks where parrots pause each morning; local Kichwa communities share survival techniques and stories that link people to place.
Expect a mix of easy sea-kayaking and snorkeling (water temps 65–85°F), moderate full-day hikes on volcanic pumice and muddier trails in the wet season, and canoe passages in the Amazon. Guides provide gear (sit-on kayaks, life vests, snorkel sets) and lead nocturnal and dawn walks for the best wildlife windows.
Practical guidance: carry reef-safe sunscreen, layered clothing for 60–90°F swings, waterproof bags for cameras, and a light rain jacket. Allow time to acclimatize in Quito (2,800 m) before strenuous activity. Bring biodegradable insect repellent for jungle days and be prepared for schedule shifts — boats and flights depend on weather. With thoughtful packing and an open schedule, this trip delivers raw wildlife encounters, volcanic landscapes and an intimate look at Amazonian culture.
Consult your physician or a travel clinic about recommended vaccines (e.g., yellow fever, hepatitis A) and anti-malarial options well before travel.
Basic snorkeling skills and comfort in open water are sufficient; guides stay nearby and provide flotation aids if needed.
Expect a moderate day hike: 6 miles standard route (up to 16 miles optional), roughly 950 ft elevation gain on uneven volcanic terrain.
Domestic flights and specified transfers are included per itinerary; check the booking details for which airport shuttles and boat crossings are provided.
Adventure Journeys operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
Dawn in Quito smells of coffee and cool mountain air; by nightfall you’re trading altitude for salty wind as the Pacific opens up around the Galapagos. This 10-day itinerary stitches together two of Ecuador’s most elemental places — the active lava fields of Isabela and Sierra Negra, and the green, humming depths of the Amazon — with paddles, boots and snorkel masks as your passport.
Dawn in Quito smells of coffee and cool mountain air; by nightfall you’re trading altitude for salty wind as the Pacific opens up around the Galapagos. This 10-day itinerary stitches together two of Ecuador’s most elemental places — the active lava fields of Isabela and Sierra Negra, and the green, humming depths of the Amazon — with paddles, boots and snorkel masks as your passport.
Geology rules here: the Galapagos are young shield volcanoes, their black lava flows still reshaping shorelines and creating tunnels where sea turtles and penguins wheel through clear channels. Inland, Sierra Negra’s caldera stretches over six miles across, offering hikes of 6–16 miles and up to ~950 ft of gain to panoramas that remind you the islands were born of fire. The Amazon portion follows lowland rivers and clay licks where parrots pause each morning; local Kichwa communities share survival techniques and stories that link people to place.
Expect a mix of easy sea-kayaking and snorkeling (water temps 65–85°F), moderate full-day hikes on volcanic pumice and muddier trails in the wet season, and canoe passages in the Amazon. Guides provide gear (sit-on kayaks, life vests, snorkel sets) and lead nocturnal and dawn walks for the best wildlife windows.
Practical guidance: carry reef-safe sunscreen, layered clothing for 60–90°F swings, waterproof bags for cameras, and a light rain jacket. Allow time to acclimatize in Quito (2,800 m) before strenuous activity. Bring biodegradable insect repellent for jungle days and be prepared for schedule shifts — boats and flights depend on weather. With thoughtful packing and an open schedule, this trip delivers raw wildlife encounters, volcanic landscapes and an intimate look at Amazonian culture.