The Ultimate Galapagos and Amazon Adventure

After touching down at the airport in Quito, your host will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in the Tababela area of the city. The rest of the day you are free to enjoy the gardens at the hotel and shake off any jet lag. There will be a group meet up at 19:00 where you can get to know your guides and fellow adventurers.

Soak up Quito's Old Town with its squares, churches and classic art before grabbing some traditional Andean food for lunch. Head up to the best viewpoint of the city at Panecillo Hill before making your way over to the San Antonio area of Quito. Here you will find La Mitad del Mundo ('the Middle of the Earth'). This is where Ecuador's namesake, the equator, runs through the country, and you can stand with a foot in each hemisphere.

In Quito, hop on a plane bound for Baltra Island in the Galapagos – the flight is a spectacular one, crossing the open expanse of the Pacific Ocean for a couple of hours before the first islands come into view. Touch down on Baltra then take the short ferry ride over to Santa Cruz Island, where you can get stuck straight into some of the island's highlights. Check out Los Gemelos ('the Twins'), two giant volcanic sinkholes; El Chato Giant Tortoise Reserve, where you can observe these magical creatures in their natural habitat; and the Charles Darwin Research Station.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before jumping in the van and climbing into the Santa Cruz Highlands to visit an organic coffee plantation and sip a fresh cup of Joe. Hike back and head up to the Cerro Mesa Nature Reserve where you can jump on a mountain bike and pedal over to Garrapatero Beach – an amazing beach teeming with wildlife. Have some downtime on the beach, enjoy a swim, and then head back to Puerto Ayora for dinner and drinks.

Head out to one of the largest white beaches in the Galapagos, Tortuga Bay. This beautiful stretch of sand is only accessible by an hour-long hike and you may spot lava lizards, native birds and huge marine iguanas. You can grab a quick dip, snorkel, or kayak here, or simply hang out on the beach and keep the local marine life company. Later, you'll hop on a speed boat to Isabela Island and check into your boutique hotel in the picturesque town of Puerto Villamil. The rest of the afternoon is free to stroll around the town and find a spot to enjoy the sunset at another incredible beach.

Tackle a spectacular hike today on the Sierra Negra volcano. After a couple of hours, you'll reach a spot where you can take in the views from the rim of one of the largest and most active volcanic craters in the world. The hike continues over to Lava Nueva, a neighbouring volcanic landscape. The hike is easy-going as you walk at a gradual pace while soaking up the spectacular surroundings. Back in Puerto Villamil by late afternoon, you can unwind on the beach with another swim in the Pacific.

Swap hiking boots for a mountain bike today for a ride over to Muro de las Lágrimas (the 'Wall of Tears'), an infamous 10-metre high wall of volcanic rock that was formerly part of a penal colony. Since the prison closed down, wildlife has taken over and it now makes a truly unique place to see giant tortoises and flamingos. Continue on two wheels to the Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Centre, where you can say hello to five different species of endemic giant tortoise. In the afternoon you’ll snorkel at Concha de Perla – eyes peeled for reef sharks, marine iguanas, sea lions, turtles and even penguins. Wind down with a traditional Isabela Island restaurant dinner and maybe sample the Galapagan nightlife.

Tick off more islands today as you make your way to Islote las Tintoreras, a chain of small islands named after the white-tipped reef sharks who love to hang out here. Enjoy a boat trip around the bay to look for the famous and unique residents – such as Galapagos penguins, blue-footed boobies, sea turtles and sea lions – and visit The Cliff, a natural tunnel where sharks can often be seen resting. Jump in the water for another snorkelling adventure with the chance to see more turtles, manta rays, marine iguanas, and of course the famous reef sharks of this part of the Galapagos. Bid farewell to Isabela Island later as you take a speedboat back to Santa Cruz Island for your final evening in the Galapagos.

Wave goodbye to the islands as you jump on a plane back to Quito. The afternoon and evening are free to explore some more at your own pace, or enjoy some well-earned downtime in the hotel gardens. Get some rest before the next part of your Ecuadorean adventure begins tomorrow.

From one iconic wilderness destination to another: this morning you'll hit the road for the journey from Quito to the Amazon rainforest. You'll stop off en route at the Papallacta hot springs – a network of geothermal pools nestled in the Andes mountains at 3300m above sea level. Later, descend from the Andes all the way down into the Amazon basin through various different climactic zones until you reach your base in the rainforest at Kuyana Lodge. Settle into your lush surroundings and tuck into a dinner which showcases some traditional Amazonian dishes using local produce.

Wake up to the sound of the jungle and grab breakfast at the lodge before heading out to explore the Amazon on foot. Meander through the Usphayacu Estuary, a remarkable natural wonder formed by a network of water sources and natural springs, culminating at Ushpayacu Waterfalls where you can cool down with a memorable wild swim in the heart of the rainforest. Later, hit the Guitarracocha Trail to explore Kuyana Island, keeping your eyes peeled for the plethora of birds, insects and other wildlife in this area. Hike up to an epic viewpoint for an unforgettable vista over this part of the Amazon.

Ramp up the wild factor today with a trip to the Jatunyacu River, one of the main tributaries of the Amazon River, originating from a glacier and springs fed by the Cotopaxi Volcano at the roof of Ecuador. Hop in a raft to tackle an exhilarating descent downstream through a series of Grade III whitewater rapids, interspersed with calm stretches where you'll soak up the dense rainforest on the banks. You'll have chances to relax on remote river beaches and take a swim in this magical environment. Head back to the lodge after a long day on the river for a well-earned dinner and some time to chill this evening at your Amazonian base.

Get back on the river today as you head to the Alto Misahualli to sluice and meander through another Amazonian wilderness ecosystem, this time by kayak. There are more rapids to tackle on this stretch of river, around Grade II level – you'll be in the hands of qualified river kayaking guides to keep you safe and show you the lines to follow. After some downtime back at the lodge in the afternoon and evening, you'll head out to see the rainforest at night when it's at its most alive. Your naturalist guide will be on the lookout for nocturnal species as you weave through the forest under cover of darkness.

Soak up the last of your time in the Amazon with one final breakfast at your rainforest lodge, before bidding farewell and settling in for the journey back to Quito. The terrain and climate changes on the journey are incredible as you meander from tropical rainforest up to high-altitude regions in the Andes. You'll stop for lunch en route at a lookout point over cloud forests before continuing on to Quito. Tonight is the final night of an epic two-week journey, so tuck into a farewell meal with your fellow adventurers and guide and maybe hit the Old Town to experience Ecuador's vibrant capital one last time.

Your adventure comes to an end today as your host takes you back to the airport in Quito in time for your flight home.