The Ultimate Galapagos and Amazon Adventure

I loved every minute of it and was blessed to have a fantastic group of fellow travellers and awesome guides including Wilson for the whole adventure and Daniella in the Galapagos. Wilson is so kind, goes above and beyond to ensure you have a great trip and an all-round great guy, and Daniella is so passionate about the Galapagos and eager to answer any question.

The Galapagos Islands are incredible, so much wildlife everywhere from seals lounging on the harbour side in Puerto Ayora to dozens of sharks in the shallows near Tortuga Bay, from giant tortoises at the roadside to the more unusual blue-footed booby!

Isabella Island is less developed but just as magical and I can highly recommend the Happy Hour cocktails at the Isabella Sunset bar whilst you watch the sunset!

We had a clear day for the volcano hike which meant we could truly enjoy some spectacular vistas. The track is very dusty so I recommend bringing a buff and be prepared for some dirty trouser legs at the end!

The Amazon rainforest part of the trip was just as epic as the Galapagos! I highly recommend doing the trip which includes Amazon if you can. The lodge is stunning and the trekking takes you to some beautiful spots. The kayaking and rafting were some of my favourite days of the trip, the guides here were top-notch. They take safety very seriously but keep it fun and ensure you have an amazing time.

Book this trip! You won't regret it.

This was a trip of a lifetime! I can’t put into words how incredible this trip was - the Galapagos was breath taking and the Amazon was incredible. If you’re considering this trip just take the leap and book it, you won’t regret it! Wilson is without a doubt the best tour guide I have ever come across, he went above and beyond to make sure our group had the most amazing experience! He is passionate about his country, extremely knowledgeable and is so much fun to be around! The trip itinerary ran so smoothly - there wasn’t a single issue for the whole two weeks thanks to his organisation! So I want to say a massive thank you to Wilson - you made the trip a thoroughly enjoyable experience! Daniella (our guide in the Galapagos) was outstanding, she was so enthusiastic and passionate about the wildlife (and we saw a lot) and openly shared her wealth of knowledge about the islands and their inhabitants. She is amazing! Our guides in the Amazon were brilliant too, Santi took us on the most wonderful jungle hikes and Ven (our guide for the kayaking and rafting) is one in a million. I had never been white water rafting but felt very safe in his hands and had so much fun! All of the hotel and restaurant staff we met during the trip were friendly, helpful and so accommodating. There is such a great range of activities to enjoy, but there’s no pressure to do anything you’re not comfortable with and anything can be tailored to give you the experience that’s right for you. I cannot praise this trip, the guides, the scenery and the wildlife enough…. This trip deserves more than five stars!

Wow where to start, this was a fantastic trip from start to finish, really well thought out and planned. Wilson was exceptional, nothing was too much trouble he was a fantastic guide and his passion for Ecuador and the Galapagos really showed. We arrived early on the first day and Wilson arranged for us to go into Quito to go up the cable cart and for lunch. We were a group of 9, mixed couples and single adventurers in our 30s and 40s. Edwin gave a brilliant tour of Quito the next day taking the group round all the must see stops. The hotel in Quito was great the staff could not do enough to help you. Next was the Galapagos, Daniella our naturalist guide meet us off the plane, her knowledge, enthusiasm and spirit for the islands was a joy, there was nothing she couldn’t answer. The days were rammed packed with adventure, the lunch breaks in local restaurants were perfect to sit back and take in the culture. We were extremely lucky with all the wildlife we saw in land and in the sea. A highlight was swimming with the sea lions and seeing blue footed boobies. We were sad to leave the islands behind, but the second part of our journey venturing into the jungle was equally as amazing. The lodge was stunning, you really felt like part of the Amazon. Waking up to the sounds of the jungle each day was soul inspiring. Santiago led us on some beautiful jungle treks, I won’t give any spoilers apart from it was just incredible. This really is the trip of a life time, the accommodation in every location was great, the local people so welcoming, I love how all the trips we took benefit the local communities. There were so many little extras packed in to each day that we weren’t expecting that were a real treat. The kayaking and rafting were brilliant our guide was very knowledgable and kept everyone safe whilst having loads of fun. The food was delicious we were really well fed, with lots of local dishes and fruits, all perfectly made. Being a vegetarian I was really well catered for and shall definitely miss such a wonderful variety of dishes and cooking. This truly is a must do adventure, I shall miss Ecuador and all it has to offer. Finally a shout out again to Wilson he is just a brilliant guide who really made the trip unique and perfect, thank you Wilson.

I had a great time on this trip. Wilson was excellent from before the trip, getting in contact regarding logistics and suggestions of what to do in the city as I arrived the day before and after the trip too as others had flights after the final day. Everything within Wilsons responsibility ran as smooth as we could've hoped. When asking him about Ecuadorian food for example he would always manage to source it for a later day in the trip. All the other guides he chose were excellent including Ericka in the Galapagos and those in Quito and the Amazon. I was part of a mix group with someone in their 20s, singles in their 30s, and couples in their 50s which made for a diverse and fun group with people at different stages in life and from different backgrounds.

It has been truly amazing experience. Well organised, and thought through. Each day was unique and exciting. Truly best adventure ever! From white water rafting to epic jungle hikes and snorkelling with sharks Thanks to a local guides Wilson and Erika and all local companies which has been involved. It felt super organised, safe and most important it was fun, exciting and friendly. Thanks Guys for your hospitality and care.

It's difficult to know where to start with this trip. I loved every minute, from start to finish. The whole trip was planned superbly, with non stop activities so it felt like we many the most of every minute.

The Galapagos Islands were unbelievable, with wildlife everywhere you turn. We saw giant tortoises, turtles, baby sharks, penguins, rays, pelicans and sea lions before we even left the town (the sea lions are everywhere). Snorkelling with sharks, turtles and sea lions was an unforgettable experience and you have to watch your step on the rocks in case you step on an iguana.

The cycling and hiking were great fun, just on the moderate side of easy at times for some of the group, but not nobody found it too difficult. There was the option of a more challenging bike ride back from the beach which was well worth the effort.

The Amazon was a real bonus (I really went for the Galapagos but I would highly recommend booking the trip with the Amazon included). The lodge we stayed in was really nice; it felt like we were deep in the jungle, whilst being really comfortable and pretty luxurious (great food, comfortable rooms, swimming pool, fire pit, etc). The night hike was fun (we saw plenty of snakes and spiders, stick insects, frogs and an owl). The day hike the next day was pretty exciting, hacking through the jungle with machetes (the guide, not us), wading through streams, climbing ropes and swimming in waterfalls (all with the assistance of the lodge's pet monkey Ramona). The kayaking and rafting were both loads of fun (but watch for those sunburnt knees).

The food throughout the trip was brilliant (much better than I had expected). We went to some great restaurants in the towns, and even the lunches at the side of the river for the kayaking and rafting were awesome.

Our group was great, we had a good mix of ages, singles and couples and everyone got on really well. All the guides were amazing, but in particular, Erica, our guide on the Galapagos, and Wilson who we had with us for the whole trip. They were both super knowledgeable, super organised and super fun. They were so patient and answered all of my (many questions), and it felt like nothing was too much trouble for them throughout the trip. I honestly couldn't have hoped for better guides.

I really couldn't recommend this trip highly enough. It's a lot of money (I thought long and hard before booking as it's the most expensive trip I've ever done), but it really is worth every penny. If you're thinking about it and get the chance, book it!

Our Galapagos guide Erika was incredible! She lived and breathed all the values of the Galapagos island, with local knowledge and positive vibes. Her organisation and itinerary for the Galapagos was perfect, I wouldn't change a thing! The nature was in abundance, such a special experience. Thank you Erickita!

The Amazon experience was incredible. Both kayaking and rafting experiences were unforgettable. Our local river guide Ben (Banancio) was experienced, fun, energetic and made us feel comfortable and safe on the water.

The overall experience of Ecuador was made fun, safe and unforgettable by our guide Wilson, who was with us every step of the way. Every detail was carefully thought through, I felt completely safe and relaxed the entire trip. Thank you Wilson for making Ecuador so special to me!

Probably one of the best holidays that I have ever had! Thanks must go first of all to Wilson and Ericka, our guides, they were amazing! Nothing was too much trouble and they were passionate and knowledgeable about everything to do with the Galapagos and Ecuador/Amazon. They just made our lives very easy all of the time we were there. Well done guys!

We all arrived on the first day in Quito and were met by Wilson at the first hotel not too far from the airport. The group of people on the trip were fantastic and it was lovely to be with them. They were a mix of ages (from early 20's to late 50's) and we all got on well together and came away as friends.

After a day seeing the sights of Quito we flew over to the Galapagos. Wow! A bucket list destination for me. From swimming with sharks and rays, walking among iguanas and sea lions to hiking a volcano, we did it all. We then took a flight back to Quito so we could start our adventure in the Amazon.

Kuyana Lodge was in the Jungle and surrounded by nature, it was a beautiful place. A highlight to me was the jungle walk as the guide just forged a path for us through the jungle so we could see the wonders of what it had to offer. The kayaking and white water rafting were a favourite of everyone on the trip.

In summary, food was great. hotels were great and everyone had a fantastic time, all of the time being watched over by our amazing guides.

Think I will now try another MBA holiday!

This trip is truly fantastic - I really cannot recommend it highly enough.

Ecuador is such a beautiful country - we were worried when we booked as there are news stories suggesting it isn't safe to travel to some parts of Ecuador at the moment, but we honestly felt really safe all the way through this trip and saw no hint of any unrest, so don't let that put you off booking!

Wilson went above and beyond the whole time to make sure we had everything we needed, and made sure we could meet local people and immerse ourselves in the local culture. He was so friendly, helpful, and responsive for the whole trip, and we loved trying all the local food (particularly Quimbolitos!). Edwin showed us around Quito, and was also really knowledgeable and friendly. We also loved exploring the Galapagos with Jorge who was great fun, and super knowledgable about all the wildlife. It makes such a difference to be shown around by local people with local knowledge! The restaurants and hotels are all lovely, and we really liked that you can see how your visit helps to support the local communities.

The Galapagos Islands are absolutely incredible, the biodiversity is amazing, and we packed in so many unbelievable experiences - snorkelling with turtles, sharks, sea-lions, rays, as well as visiting the tortoise reserves, and seeing the incredible seabirds (pelicans, penguins, blue-footed boobies) and the Marine Iguanas. Isabela Island is well worth the bumpy speedboat ride over there as it is a complete paradise!.

Our visit to the Amazon was also amazing - pack plenty of bug spray! The lodge is lovely, guides very knowledgable, and more incredible species to see. We loved kayaking and rafting down the river, and our rafting guide introduced us to his indigenous community who live alongside the river which was particularly special.

We made so many fantastic memories on this trip, and I whole-heartedly recommend it! My first MBA trip, but I will definitely be booking more!

The itinerary is pretty packed with activities, so it’s great if you enjoy trips that are fast paced. It feels really well curated and I felt that I was able to enjoy the scenery, take in wildlife, and learn a lot about Ecuador and the Galapagos. Our guides, Erika in the Galapagos and Wilson in the Amazon, both have a wealth of knowledge about these things and were always able to answer our questions and gave us good suggestions to feel any downtime we had. They were both really friendly, professional and passionate about what they do.

The wildlife in the Galapagos is incredible and you will almost definitely leave with a new found love for sea lions if you didn’t already adore them. You won’t see as many animals in the amazon but you will definitely hear them (in the best way possible). You might even be joined by Ramona, the resident monkey, who hitched a ride with us on one of our rainforest hikes, although to her was more of a buffet!

As a vegetarian, the food was fantastic and I was often given different options to choose from. I got to try a lot of the local fruits and vegetables and adapted versions of local dishes, which isn't always the case when travelling, so I was really pleased with that.

A few recommendations for anyone planning on taking the trip:

• Make sure that your quick-dry things actually dry quickly, as silly as that sounds.
• Always familiarise yourself with any equipment before using it. I.e. that you are comfortable with the breaks/height/handling of the bikes, or that the snorkels or helmet fit you well, etc. Otherwise you might end up following my example and doing a (probably really cool looking) front flip on your bike. (No worries though, Erika was on hand to fix me up and had me checked over. All was fine, just a few cuts and bruises and a slightly deflated ego!)
• Don’t think you can cheat the packing system by bringing only one kind of shoe, you will need all of them, especially trainers/sneakers. Hiking boots are not good look for the beach.
• Apply your sun block generously and often! Even if you don’t usually burn.

All in all it’s a fantastic trip full with breathtaking scenery, incredible wildlife, fantastically fun adventures, and loaded with bucket list moments. I will be recommending this trip to anyone and everyone for a long time to come.

Great trip - Erika and Winston were lovely guides who really enjoyed showing their country to us!

After a 24 hour delay due to a pesky bird flying into my planes engine, when I finally arrived in Ecuador MBA was good enough to drive me to the group in Quito so I missed out on as little as possible.

Once in the Galapagos animal spotting has never been so easy given how tame the animals are and the benches on the island are for the Sea Lions rather than humans, so don’t leave your items on them if you want them back.

There was some astonishing scenery, especially on the second bike ride, and I recommend hiring a Go Pro to snap the penguins, manta rays, sharks and turtles you may encounter on your snorkelling adventures.

Back in Ecuador and after a bumpy ride to the Amazon lodge, we got to see a myriad of creepy crawlies on our night walk and you even get the chance to eat one a few days later. If you’re lucky the residence monkey might accompany you on your jungle walk too.

The kayaking and rafting was also a great experience, I hope anyone going does better than me in avoiding the rocks. Luckily I paid attention to the safety lesson and knew what to do when I ended up overboard.

This is my 6th solo holiday since the pandemic, but my first time with MBA and I was really pleased with the guides, service, food and overall quality of this trip and I would happily use MBA again.

This has been a fantastic way to experience the Amazon, the Galapagos, and some historic culture in Quito. Ecuador is such a fantastic country with so much diversity, but a common thread throughout its regions is of its people being warm and welcoming. The guides were very informative, from culture and history, to wildlife and geology.

From busy Quito, to an island paradise and a jungle adventure, this trip was a blast. Galapagos was breathtakingly beautiful, the variety and sheer number of animals we got to see was unbelievable. Snorkeling, hiking a volcano, cycling, rafting, and so many more activities, the time was well filled and flew by way too fast. I am sure even if I did the same trip again I would not get bored. Our guides Alex&Wilson also did an amazing job. If you are still debating going - vamos!

What an amazing trip. Packed full of experiences. From day one in Quito experiencing the city in the middle of a festival to the noise of the nightlife in the Amazon and everything in between in The Galapagos, from Rays to Sharks to Penguins not to mention the Iguanas and Giant Tortoises. The accommodation and food was superb and Wilson, Edwin and Erika our guides were passionate about their country. We have never travelled with Much Better Adventures before but we will again.

My 10th adventure of this kind, and my 2nd with MBA...It will not be my last! Quito is a massive Banana shaped city, sprawling further than the eye can see thanks to all the volcanoes. Maybe it was a mistake to climb Cotopaxi just 12 hours after landing 🤔 (don't do it!!!) It set me up for a fail for the rest of the trip, but that's my fault... not in the itinerary! Anyway, doesn't matter, I survived and we all had a wonderful time regardless... oh apart from nearly drowning thanks to an unexpected whirlpool in rapids - always listen to instructions! ...but that aside, truly wonderful. The guides were all excellent and super friendly. If you get Edwin, Erica and Wilson, give them a high five or hug from me. Galapagos...just WOW. Having lived in Costa Rica, I never expected to see so much biodiversity in one spot again...then you snorkel in Isabella. Best Snorkeling EVER. So happy the trip wasn't cancelled due to the media nonsense regarding Equador at the time. Absolutely safe as houses, and the people are delightful. DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE SUN!!! It's the closest you will ever get to it unless you happen to be an a) Astronaut, b) Alien... it is HOT and UV is super strong, especially in Galapagos and the Amazon. You need Sun block, rather than Sun cream. Factor 50 was zero protection as soon as water was involved...which is a lot of the time. But safety aside, if you love heat, water sports, biking and hiking volcanoes in all weather's, you will love this. What are you waiting for???