Incredible Gate 1 Ecuador & Galapagos Tour

In June 2025, my in-laws treated my husband and I to Gate1’s 13-day small-group trip to Ecuador, the Galápagos, the Andes, and the Amazon. From the moment we landed, this journey felt like a profound reconnection with the natural world, one that went far beyond sightseeing. It was an immersive, life-changing experience that wove together raw wilderness, ancient cultures, and serene landscapes in a way that left us all transformed. Our group was the perfect size, intimate enough for genuine conversations and personalized attention, yet lively enough to share the wonder together.

Our tour guide, Wilson, was exceptional: deeply knowledgeable about Ecuador’s ecosystems, history, and indigenous traditions; wonderfully flexible with our interests and pace; and always safety-oriented, which allowed us to relax completely and stay fully present. Every day unfolded seamlessly, thoughtfully planned yet never rushed, with smooth transfers and a genuine sense of care from the entire Gate1 team and local partners. He was also very patient with group members who took a little time acclimating to the group and made everybody feel welcome.

The trip began in vibrant Guayaquil, where we stayed at the comfortable Hilton Colon and eased into the journey with a visit to a working cocoa plantation. Watching the beans transform from pod to chocolate while surrounded by lush lowland greenery was the perfect introduction to Ecuador’s rich natural bounty.

Then came the Galápagos and specifically our stay at Scalesia Lodge on Isabela Island, the highlight that still takes my breath away. This safari-style lodge, nestled in the misty highlands of the archipelago’s largest island, felt like stepping into another world. Comfortable glamping tents opened onto sweeping views of the cloud forest and distant Pacific coastline. Every morning we woke to the sounds of endemic birds and the gentle rustle of giant tortoises moving through the undergrowth. We snorkeled alongside playful sea lions, hiked volcanic trails where marine iguanas basked on black lava rocks, and watched pink flamingos dance across shallow lagoons at dusk.

The up-close encounters with wildlife such as penguins, whitetip reef sharks, and nesting marine iguanas at Tintoreras Islet; the massive caldera of Sierra Negra volcano; the mangrove trails of Los Humedales reminded me constantly how fragile and miraculous nature is. The lodge staff and our naturalist guides were warm, professional, and passionate, making every excursion feel intimate and educational.

When a work commitment unexpectedly arose, the team at Scalesia Lodge and our guide went above and beyond. On one of the most remote inhabited islands in the world, they quickly located and set up a reliable internet connection so I could handle everything without missing a single moment of the adventure. Their flexibility and problem-solving turned what could have been stressful into just another example of how thoughtfully this trip was orchestrated.

From the Galápagos we flew to colonial Quito, staying at the stylish EB Hotel by Eurobuilding, before heading into the Andes. The stay at Termas de Papallacta was pure magic, a rejuvenating contrast to the tropical heat we’d left behind. Soaking in natural thermal pools of varying temperatures, surrounded by misty mountain peaks and cool highland air, felt like a direct embrace from the earth itself. The resort’s serene setting, excellent service, and integration into the itinerary gave us space to rest, reflect, and absorb everything we’d experienced so far.

Then came the Amazon at Sacha Lodge, a true immersion into one of the planet’s most biodiverse places. After a scenic flight to Coca and a long motorized canoe ride down the Napo River, we entered a private reserve where the jungle closed in around us. Raised boardwalks led through flooded palm forests alive with howler and squirrel monkeys. We crossed Pilchicocha Lake by dugout canoe to reach the lodge, where evenings brought guided night walks and canoe trips spotting spectacled caimans under flashlight beams. Highlights included the breathtaking canopy walkway suspended 120 feet above the forest floor, silent paddles through blackwater creeks lined with lianas and bromeliads, piranha fishing with native Kichwa guides, and visits to the Nueva Providencia community where we learned about their sustainable lifestyle, traditional weaving, and the Kichwa language. The Amazon wrapped us in its symphony of sounds from frogs, insects, birds and reminded us how deeply interconnected everything is. The Sacha Lodge staff and naturalist guides were knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and made every activity feel safe and meaningful.

Our final days brought us back to Quito at the elegant Dann Carlton Hotel, with a memorable visit to the Otavalo market and a rose plantation, tying together the cultural threads of the trip.

Throughout, Gate1’s choice of hotels and lodges from the modern comfort of the Hilton Colon and EB/Dann Carlton properties to the immersive beauty of Scalesia Lodge, Termas de Papallacta, and Sacha Lodge elevated every moment. The service was consistently warm, professional, and attentive, making us feel genuinely cared for in even the most remote settings.

This trip didn’t just show us nature it connected us to it on a visceral level. The Galápagos awakened a sense of wonder at evolution and biodiversity; the Amazon grounded us in the intricate web of life and indigenous wisdom; and the Andean hot springs offered healing and perspective amid the mountains. Ecuador’s landscapes, wildlife, and people left an indelible mark on all of us.

I cannot recommend Gate1’s Ecuador, Galápagos, Andes & Amazon itinerary highly enough. It was seamless, enriching, and far more than a vacation, it was a true reconnection with the natural world. I’d book it again in a heartbeat.

Rating: 5/5 – An absolute masterpiece of a trip.