Terry Declare's Ecuador Adventure: From Amazon to Galápagos
I had never set foot in South America before this trip. As a travel advisor, I knew I needed to experience it firsthand, to feel the rhythms of a continent I'd only recommended through brochures and itineraries. Ecuador called to me with its promise of extraordinary biodiversity, and I chose to travel with Exoticca, a company I'd heard remarkable things about. What I discovered would transform not just my perspective on this destination, but my entire approach to curating adventures for my clients.
The journey began in Quito, where the mountain air greeted us with a crisp welcome. From there, we ventured deep into the Amazon, and I found myself in a world that felt almost dreamlike. One evening, our guide led us into the darkness of the rainforest, and there they were: tiny frogs that glowed in the night and nocturnal wildlife abound, their bioluminescence creating a living constellation along the forest floor. It's the kind of moment no photograph could capture, the kind of thing you carry with you long after you've returned home. They next day we did a wildlife walk where we encountered monkeys.
The Galápagos: Nature Without Fear
What surprised me most about the Galápagos wasn't just the wildlife, though the encounters were extraordinary. It was the people. The locals radiated genuine warmth and an infectious passion for their islands. They weren't just showing us around; they were sharing their home, their pride, their way of life. Blue-footed boobies waddled past us without concern. Sea lions lounged as if posing for portraits. Giant tortoises greeted us in La Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado, a national park. The animals here have never learned to fear humans, and that innocence creates an intimacy with nature I've never experienced elsewhere.
Standing at the Equator was a moment I still think about regularly. There's something profound about placing one foot in each hemisphere, about being at the literal middle of the Earth. It sounds like a simple tourist experience, but when you're actually there, feeling the equatorial sun on your face, it stays with you.
The Seamless Journey
Here's what I learned as an advisor: this trip works beautifully because everything connects. From the moment we landed, the transfers, the accommodations, the tours, and the guides all flowed together without a single hiccup. In the Amazon, all meals were included, which meant we could focus entirely on the experience rather than logistics. Breakfast was ready each morning, our guides met us on time, and every transition felt effortless. For travelers who don't have hours to spend piecing together complex itineraries, this approach removes all the stress while delivering extraordinary experiences.
The trip does require physical capability. There's considerable walking in both the Amazon and Galápagos, boat rides to outer islands, and uneven terrain throughout. For clients with mobility concerns, I'd recommend alternative itineraries. But for those who love the outdoors, who find joy in hiking and exploration, this adventure delivers in ways that exceed expectations.
Who Should Experience This
I now recommend this journey with complete confidence. Active travellers who crave wildlife encounters and cultural immersion will find themselves in paradise. The price point is surprisingly accessible given everything that's included, and the optional excursions allow you to customize based on your interests. If you prefer more free time, you can skip the extras and explore independently, which works wonderfully for seasoned travelers comfortable navigating on their own.
This trip made me fall in love with Exoticca, and I've since become one of their top-10 sellers in Canada. That's not a boast; it's a testament to how profoundly this experience shaped my recommendations. When clients ask me about South America, about wildlife adventures, about trips that balance structure with spontaneity, I speak from genuine experience. I've seen those glowing frogs. I've watched the boobies dance. I've stood at the center of the world. And I cannot wait to help others discover what I found there.