If you’re dreaming of the most complete, immersive, and efficient way to explore the Galapagos—and want to elevate your adventure with the magic of mainland Ecuador and Perú—this guide will show you exactly how to build the ultimate 10–15 day journey.
Below, discover what each Ecoventura itinerary offers and how thoughtfully chosen land extensions add depth, comfort, and a second world of biodiversity and culture.
Each Galapagos Route Is Remarkable
Most Galapagos visitors select either Itinerary A or Itinerary B. A week aboard an Ecoventura expedition yacht—journeying through a carefully curated set of islands—offers an intimate, unhurried, and profoundly immersive experience.
Each itinerary reveals a distinct side of the archipelago’s magic. Both routes deliver iconic wildlife encounters, world-class snorkeling, volcanic landscapes, and close contact with species found nowhere else on Earth.
Whichever itinerary you choose, you’ll experience the Galapagos in the most meaningful way: up close, in harmony with nature, guided by expert naturalists, and surrounded by the boutique comfort that defines Ecoventura.
What You Experience on Itinerary A
Focused primarily on the southern and central islands, Itinerary A invites travelers to explore tranquil bays, wildlife-rich shores, and vibrant snorkeling sites. Highlights include:
- Gentle snorkeling with colorful reef fish and playful sea lions
- Iconic white-sand beaches and turquoise waters
- Giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies
- Relaxed coastal walks and fascinating geological sites
What You Experience on Itinerary B
This route typically explores the northern and western islands—regions known for dramatic volcanic formations and rare endemic wildlife. Expect:
- Lava fields, uplifted coastlines, and otherworldly volcanic terrain
- Penguins, flightless cormorants, and deep-water marine ecosystems
- Nutrient-rich waters teeming with marine life
- Remote islands with fewer visitors and pristine environments
Land Extensions in Mainland Ecuador and Perú
The Galapagos delivers raw nature and marine wonder; the mainland adds cultural richness, biodiversity, and a grounding sense of place. Our most popular, and highest-rated, extensions are:
Cloud Forest: Mashpi Lodge & Similar Reserves
Guests love the contrast between the volcanic islands and the lush, misty cloud forest. The Mashpi Reserve, set inside the Chocó bioregion—one of the planet’s major biodiversity hotspots—offers:
- Hundreds of bird species including hummingbirds and tanagers
- Waterfalls, rainforest canopies, and guided nature walks
- A luxurious, sustainably designed lodge immersed in the forest
- Slow, meaningful pacing ideal for post-cruise decompression
Amazon Rainforest: Sacha Lodge & Wilderness Reserves
For travelers seeking deep nature immersion, the Amazon is unmatched. At Sacha Lodge:
- Stay in elegant, thatched-roof cabins on a 5,000-acre private reserve
- Explore blackwater creeks by canoe
- Spot monkeys, caimans, parrots, and extraordinary biodiversity
- Connect with indigenous communities and naturalist guides
The Amazon pairs beautifully after a week exploring the islands’ coasts and reefs.
Perú & Machu Picchu: Our Most Popular Extension
Perú remains one of the top choices for travelers combining the Galapagos with mainland exploration. Our curated 6-night Perú journey includes:
- A guided visit to the iconic sanctuary of Machu Picchu
- A choice between premium 4-star hotels or Relais & Châteaux 5-star boutique stays
- Rich gastronomy, Andean culture, and archaeological wonders
- Seamless transitions from island adventure to highland magic
For many of our guests, this becomes the emotional and cultural pinnacle of the entire trip.
Planning Essentials: Flights & Arriving Early
Airline delays and schedule changes are increasingly common. To reduce stress and ensure a seamless start to your cruise: We strongly recommend arriving in Ecuador at least 2 nights before your departure.
This buffer helps you:
- Avoid disruptions caused by delayed or canceled flights
- Enjoy a relaxed start, especially if traveling from afar
- Adjust to time zones and rest before your expedition
Most travelers spend 1–2 nights in Quito, then extend their adventure with post-cruise nights at a boutique property in the Galapagos.
This approach ensures comfort, reliability, and a smoother overall flow.
Slow Travel, Boutique Comfort & Sustainability
The travelers who choose a cruise + land combination are typically those who value:
- Boutique, eco-friendly lodges over large hotels
- Meaningful pacing, not rushed checklists
- Cultural depth, natural immersion, and quiet moments
- Thoughtful, sustainable travel practices
Each extension—cloud forest, Amazon, Quito, or Perú—adds richness without overwhelming the itinerary. When combined with a 7-night expedition cruise, the result feels balanced, restorative, and deeply connected.
How to Build Your Seamless 10–15 Day Adventure
Designing the ideal itinerary begins with your 7-night Ecoventura cruise, then layering in the land experiences that resonate most with your interests. Many travelers choose to:
- Begin on the mainland to unwind, adjust, and explore before the cruise
- Or end with a land extension to decompress in nature after seven days of discovery
Both flows work beautifully and can be tailored to photography, culture, wildlife, wellness, or slow-travel preferences. The key is thoughtful integration—allowing each place (the islands, cloud forest, Amazon, Andes, or Peru) to add a unique chapter to your journey.
Ready to Create Your Tailor-Made Expedition?
If you’re dreaming of a seamless combination of a 7-night Galapagos cruise with a meaningful mainland extension, our Expedition Specialists can help you design a personalized, boutique, and sustainable itinerary.
Tell us what you envision—wildlife encounters, photography, wellness, culture, adventure—and we’ll craft the perfect 10–15 day journey.
Your Galapagos + Mainland adventure begins when you’re ready.
