Ecuador + the Galápagos: My November 2025 Adventure (And Why You NEED This Trip!) 🌋🐢🐬
- sdthiessen
- 6 days ago
- 6 min read
If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to step into a real-life nature documentary… Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands are IT. I just returned from my November 2025 adventure and I’m still not over it — the landscapes, the wildlife, the experiences, and the incredible people I met along the way.
This was a 15-day immersive small group trip, and honestly, it was the perfect mix of adrenaline and serenity. We packed in Ecuador’s essential highlights, starting on the mainland before flying out to explore the legendary Galápagos Islands. And I have one big message for anyone thinking of doing this trip:
Mainland Ecuador: Waterfalls, Volcanoes, and the Amazon 🌿🌋
We began our trip on the Ecuadorian mainland and it was one jaw-dropping moment after another. Ecuador is small, but don’t let that fool you — it has insane variety. We explored waterfalls, drove through dramatic mountain scenery, and experienced the kind of views that make you stop mid-sentence and just stare.
One of my top highlights was hiking in Cotopaxi National Park. Cotopaxi is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, and hiking toward Cotopaxi base camp was a total rush. The altitude is no joke, but the feeling of standing there surrounded by those epic landscapes? Powerful. It’s the kind of moment that makes you feel proud, grateful, and very, very alive.
From there, we traded mountain air for jungle vibes and headed to the Amazon Basin. We canoed along the Napo Riverto a jungle lodge, where the rainforest wraps around you like a blanket. We spent a couple days under the thick leafy canopy, going on nature walks, learning about local life, and soaking up the calm that only the jungle can bring. Waking up to the sounds of the Amazon is something I’ll never forget.
And after all that adventure? The Papallacta hot springs were the ultimate reset. Imagine warm mineral waters surrounded by misty mountain views… pure bliss. ♨️✨
Galápagos: Sea Lions, Giant Tortoises, and Blue-Footed Boobies 🐬🐢💙
Then it was time for the moment everyone dreams of — the Galápagos Islands.
If you love wildlife (or even just like wildlife), the Galápagos will blow your mind. We explored both by land and sea, and every day felt like a “pinch me” moment. One of my absolute favourites was snorkelling and coastal exploring at Los Túneles, where we spotted incredible marine life and had the cutest encounter ever…
Swimming with sea lions!They are playful, curious, and ridiculously adorable. I could have stayed in the water with them forever.
We also spent time on Isabela Island, and I loved the vibe there. It’s relaxed, beautiful, and feels less busy — the kind of place you want to slow down, stay awhile, and just soak it all in. It was honestly one of my favourite parts of the whole trip.
And of course, we had those iconic Galápagos moments — like walking alongside giant tortoises and visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station, where you can learn all about the conservation efforts and see these incredible creatures up close.
But the surprise star of the trip?The Blue-Footed Boobies. 💙Seeing them in real life was unreal — those bright blue feet look like something from a cartoon. Watching them waddle around and do their little displays was one of the most memorable wildlife moments of the entire adventure.
Why Small Group Travel Makes It Even Better 💛
As amazing as Ecuador and the Galápagos are, one of the best parts of this trip was the people. There’s something special about traveling in a small group — you share these once-in-a-lifetime moments together, and those strangers quickly become friends… the kind you stay connected with long after the trip ends.
This journey had it all: waterfalls, volcanoes, jungle adventures, sea lions, tortoises, and yes… blue-footed boobies. Ecuador might be small, but it is mighty — and it deserves a top spot on your bucket list.
If this trip is calling your name, let’s chat — I would LOVE to help you experience it for yourself.. I just returned from my November 2025 adventure and I’m still not over it — the landscapes, the wildlife, the experiences, and the incredible people I met along the way.
This was a 15-day immersive small group trip, and honestly, it was the perfect mix of adrenaline and serenity. We packed in Ecuador’s essential highlights, starting on the mainland before flying out to explore the legendary Galápagos Islands. And I have one big message for anyone thinking of doing this trip:
Mainland Ecuador: Waterfalls, Volcanoes, and the Amazon 🌿🌋
We began our trip on the Ecuadorian mainland and it was one jaw-dropping moment after another. Ecuador is small, but don’t let that fool you — it has insane variety. We explored waterfalls, drove through dramatic mountain scenery, and experienced the kind of views that make you stop mid-sentence and just stare.
One of my top highlights was hiking in Cotopaxi National Park. Cotopaxi is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world, and hiking toward Cotopaxi base camp was a total rush. The altitude is no joke, but the feeling of standing there surrounded by those epic landscapes? Powerful. It’s the kind of moment that makes you feel proud, grateful, and very, very alive.
From there, we traded mountain air for jungle vibes and headed to the Amazon Basin. We canoed along the Napo Riverto a jungle lodge, where the rainforest wraps around you like a blanket. We spent a couple days under the thick leafy canopy, going on nature walks, learning about local life, and soaking up the calm that only the jungle can bring. Waking up to the sounds of the Amazon is something I’ll never forget.
And after all that adventure? The Papallacta hot springs were the ultimate reset. Imagine warm mineral waters surrounded by misty mountain views… pure bliss. ♨️✨
Galápagos: Sea Lions, Giant Tortoises, and Blue-Footed Boobies 🐬🐢💙
Then it was time for the moment everyone dreams of — the Galápagos Islands.
If you love wildlife (or even just like wildlife), the Galápagos will blow your mind. We explored both by land and sea, and every day felt like a “pinch me” moment. One of my absolute favourites was snorkelling and coastal exploring at Los Túneles, where we spotted incredible marine life and had the cutest encounter ever…
Swimming with sea lions!They are playful, curious, and ridiculously adorable. I could have stayed in the water with them forever.
We also spent time on Isabela Island, and I loved the vibe there. It’s relaxed, beautiful, and feels less busy — the kind of place you want to slow down, stay awhile, and just soak it all in. It was honestly one of my favourite parts of the whole trip.
And of course, we had those iconic Galápagos moments — like walking alongside giant tortoises and visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station, where you can learn all about the conservation efforts and see these incredible creatures up close.
But the surprise star of the trip?The Blue-Footed Boobies. 💙Seeing them in real life was unreal — those bright blue feet look like something from a cartoon. Watching them waddle around and do their little displays was one of the most memorable wildlife moments of the entire adventure.
Why Small Group Travel Makes It Even Better 💛
As amazing as Ecuador and the Galápagos are, one of the best parts of this trip was the people. There’s something special about traveling in a small group — you share these once-in-a-lifetime moments together, and those strangers quickly become friends… the kind you stay connected with long after the trip ends.
This journey had it all: waterfalls, volcanoes, jungle adventures, sea lions, tortoises, and yes… blue-footed boobies. Ecuador might be small, but it is mighty — and it deserves a top spot on your bucket list.
If this trip is calling your name, let’s chat — I would LOVE to help you experience it for yourself.
Sarah-Dawn
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