Galapagos, Argentina, Brazil Tour

Arrival at Quito international airport.

Welcome by our local English-speaking staff.

Transfer to your hotel located in the historical center of Quito.

Overnight at your hotel in Quito.

Transfer from your hotel to Quito Airport.

Flight to Baltra Island (2 hours 30 minutes). 

Arrive at Seymour Airport on Baltra Island this morning and meet and greet your Certified National Park guide and fellow passengers at the arrivals hall. Then, on a shared bus, reach Itabaca Channel where you will take a five minute ferry ride to the northern reaches of Santa Cruz Island. Visit the Highlands where you'll trek with your guide to see the Twin Craters, crossing lava tunnels and visiting a private ranch to observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat.

Transfer to your hotel.

Free evening.

Overnight at the hotel on Santa Cruz Island. 

Set sail to Isabela Island on a two-hour speedboat journey at 6:30 this morning. At 4,640 sq. km, Isabela is the archipelago's largest island, and almost four times the size of Santa Cruz, encompassing a wealth of biodiversity and natural attractions. Its wetlands are laced with lagoons, swamps, and mangroves, and are recognized for their migrant bird populations, one of which is the emblematic flamingo. Visit the Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center, where endangered Galapagos Giant Tortoises are cared for and live in captivity. Moreno Point on Isabela's western shores reveal tidal lagoons and extensive lava fields and give visitors the opportunity to observe herons, frigatebirds and green turtles. Its shrub dotted landscape is unique for the candelabra cacti that reach impressive heights of up to seven meters, which towers above surrounding mangrove bushes and saltwater lagoons fringed with seagrass. Your first destination on Isabela Island this morning is Poza de Los Flamingos, where you will marvel at the distinctive color of these migratory birds that change as they transform from chicks to adults.

Visit Las Tintoreras this afternoon, a group of islets just off the shores of Puerto Villamil, named for its population of white-tipped reef sharks that are frequently spotted resting in its surrounding calm and clear waters. After a dry landing, walk along the nature trail with your guide, keeping your eyes peeled for sea lions and marine iguanas that live in this shark channel, continuing along the mangrove-lined shoreline. Then enjoy a zodiac ride to observe Galapagos penguins and blue-footed boobies before taking to the waters for some snorkeling.

Free evening.

Overnight at your hotel in Puerto Villamil, Isabela Island.

A popular day trip from Puerto Villamil, the Cabo Rosa Tunnels are widely recognized for its biodiversity and tunnel-like lava formations that have taken shape over hundreds of years. Reach this uninhabited islet this morning on a one-hour boat journey, and engage in some light hiking on lava rock with your guide, observing the endemic vegetation and varieties of birds. A favorite site for snorkelers, dive into the crystal-clear waters to observe giant sea turtles, sea horses, and manta rays up close.

In the afternoon we will take the ferry back to Santa Cruz Island and head to your hotel.

Free evening.

Overnight at your hotel in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island.

Depending on navigation and availability conditions, you will spend the day on one of the four islands below:

Bartolome Island
Depart from your hotel early this morning, and by bus, reach the Itabaca Channel where you will board the yacht and begin your 20-minute journey to the Daphnes, a pair of twin volcanic islands. Bird lovers will swoon at the sight of masked boobies, tropical birds and frigates, before continuing on the yacht for 90 minutes to the tiny 1.2 sq. km island of Bartolome. After a dry landing, climb to the top of a small cone with your guide, gaining 114 meters in altitude, and observe a dramatic landscape of lava fields, volcanic cones, and lunar-like craters. Following your visit, sail to Sullivan Bay, a favorite destination on this island hopping tour because of its unique geological characteristics. Situated on the southeastern end of Santiago Island, you will land on a sparkling white sand beach by wet landing, where you will spend some leisurely time swimming and snorkeling among the tropical fish, sea turtles and rays. Witness Sullivan Bay's contrasting geological features on an easy walk across its wild terrain, and contemplate the relatively young landscape of black lava flow, collapsed craters and volcanic hornitos, feeling the ropy lava beneath your feet as you explore. Return to the Itabaca Channel and transfer to your hotel by bus for your 5 PM arrival.

North Seymour Island
Depart from your hotel early this morning, and by bus, reach the Itabaca Channel where you will board the yacht. A 45-minute journey will transport you to North Seymour, a small and flat 1.9 sq. km island formed by the uplifting of underwater volcanic lava. Following a dry landing on the island's rocky coast, learn about the 72 land iguanas that were introduced to North Seymour in 1932 to colonize the island on a two-hour tour with your guide. Captain Alan Hancock and his crew transported these undernourished iguanas from Baltra Island in the hopes that they will thrive in better conditions on North Seymour. And in 1934 just two years later, the species was identified to have adapted without issues. Walk the arid boulder-strewn landscape, and follow along an easy circular path that takes you past the most extensive colonies of blue-footed boobies and frigatebirds in the archipelago. If conditions are optimal, spend some time discovering the area's marine wildlife as you snorkel. Depending on availability, head to Mosquera Islet to observe its large colonies of sea lion sunbathe or splash in the water, or head to the white coral sands of Bachas Beach on the northern shores of Santa Cruz, a beach that earned its name after World War II when the American army abandoned their barges on the beach. If conditions permit, swim or snorkel among the marine wildlife here before reaching your hotel at 4:00 pm.

South Plazas Island
By bus this morning, depart from your hotel to the Itabaca Channel to board your boat and sail 20 minutes to Punta Carrión where you will have to opportunity to witness birds and sea turtles, and snorkel in a small cove. Then, sail for approximately 90 minutes towards South Plaza Island off the eastern shores of Santa Cruz. Despite its small size, South Plaza is recognized for its outstanding collection of wildlife species, and after a dry landing, you'll have the opportunity to embark on a 90-minute walk to witness one of the largest sea lion colonies in the Galapagos, land iguanas and masked boobies, as well as discover the island's rugged landscape. Return to the boat for lunch and reach Puerto Ayora for a 4 PM arrival at your hotel.

Santa Fe Island
From the dock of Puerto Ayora, the yacht will sail 90 minutes to Santa Fe Island - one of the oldest in the Galapagos archipelago at an estimated four million years. With a wet landing on the beach, embark on a 90-minute walking tour with your guide to explore the island's 24 sq. km, keeping your eyes peeled for sightings of Galápagos hawks, fork-tailed gulls and migratory birds. Situated between Santa Cruz and San Cristobal, Santa Fe also boasts a diversity of endemic species, like the Santa Fe land iguana, Galapagos Mockingbird, and rice rat. Its landscape is unique for its population of the large prickly pear cactus, Opuntia Echos, which feeds Santa Fe's land iguanas. If conditions permit, enjoy a relaxing swim or snorkel in the shimmering waters of Barrington Bay as hawks fly overhead, keeping your eyes peeled for rays, tropical fish and marine tortoises. Sail back to Santa Cruz for the evening and return to your hotel at 4 pm.

Free evening.

Overnight at your hotel in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island.

Transfer to Seymour Airport on Baltra Island for your onward journey.

Flight to Quito (2 hours 30 minutes).

Flight to Buenos Aires (5 hours 50 minutes).

Arrival at Ezeiza, Buenos Aires international airport.

Meet and greet with your private English-speaking guide.

Transfer to your hotel in the city center (45 min).

Overnight at your hotel in Buenos Aires.

Discover the historical center on a guided walking tour that will take you through the emblematic Plaza de Mayo and stop for pictures in front of la Casa Rosada, the pink Presidential Palace.

Drive to San Telmo, the city's oldest neighborhood with its many busy cafes, tango parlors and antique shops lining the cobblestone colonial streets. A neighborhood much loved by local artists and dancers.

Take time to tango around the colorful 'El Caminito' street museum, once home to Italian immigrants.

Stroll around Puerto Madero, a pioneer project for the rehabilitation of the city's old docks.

Drive through La Recoleta, one of the historical central neighborhood in Buenos Aires.

Visit La Recoleta Cemetery, home of over 6,400 graves, famous for being Eva Perón's resting place.

Drive along the exclusive Alvear Avenue and stop at the Alvear Hotel, one of the most luxurious and distinguished hotel in Argentina.

Drive to Palermo, the city's largest district and venture into the upmarket Palermo Chico and explore the fashionable streets of Palermo Soho.

End of the tour.

At about 8pm, transfer to a traditional Tango House where you will spend the evening (10 min).

Dinner at a tango institution in the capital followed by a 1h30 tango-show.

At about 11pm, transfer to your hotel (10 min).

Overnight at your hotel in Buenos Aires.

Morning transfer to Buenos Aires domestic airport (30 min) and assistance with check-in.

Direct flight to Puerto Iguazu (1 hour 50 minutes), a border city with Brazil and Paraguay.

Cross the Brazilian border to get to the other side of the falls (1h).

Experience falls from a stunning angle on the Brazilian side (half-day).

This part of the park runs through a thicker forest with a lusher vegetation, the waters of the falls are more rugged and louder than on the Argentinean side. A close encounter with the local fauna and flora.

Free evening.

Overnight at your hotel in Puerto Iguazu.

Transfer to Iguazu National Park (15 min) on the Argentinian side, where 80% of the waterfalls are located.

Walk along a series of boardwalks to catch spectacular views of the falls and the occasional monkeys and toucans that inhabit the nearby forest.

For the adventurous traveler, speed boat rides are available (not included). Be ready to get wet as they take you to the foot of the falls.

End with a train ride to the Devil's Throat, the tallest of all the waterfalls with a sheer 260-foot drop (80 meters).

At the end of the afternoon, transfer to Puerto Iguazu (30 min).

Free evening.

Overnight at your hotel in Puerto Iguazu.

Transfer to the airport.

Flight to Rio de Janeiro (1 hour 55 minutes).

Arrival at Galeão, Rio de Janeiro International Airport. Transfer to your hotel and assistance with check-in.

Enjoy some free time around your hotel and take the opportunity for a stroll on Copacabana beach. (Check-in available after 2 pm or upon availability).

In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of Rio’s iconic beaches, including Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon and the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon.

Ride the cable car up the Sugarloaf Mountain where you will have a toast as the sun sets over the amazing scenery of Rio's background.

Free evening.

Overnight at your hotel in Rio de Janeiro.

Early in the morning, board the train on the rack railway up the Corcovado mountain. On reaching the peak of one of the most distinctive mountains in the world, you will get amazing scenic views of Rio and a close look at the majestic Christ the Redeemer statue, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.

Back in the city, visit the bohemian neighborhood of Santa Teresa with its unique architectural heritage and incredible cultural wealth.

The rest of the day is free.

Free evening.

Overnight at your hotel in Rio de Janeiro.

Morning at leisure. Relax at the beach, keep exploring the vibrant city or visit the modern Museum of Tomorrow (Museu do amanhã) and the Museum of Fine Arts (Museu Nacional de Belas Artes) (not included).

Late afternoon transfer to Rio de janeiro's airport with assistance with check in. Direct flight to Manaus (4 hours 10 minutes).

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Manaus and assistance with check-in.

Overnight at your hotel in Manaus.

Early morning speed boat transfer to your lodge in the Amazon. Check-in at the Lodge and welcome cocktails.

In the afternoon, your guide will take you on a canoe tour around the lodge. While paddling on the streams and lagoons you can try fishing for piranhas.

Free evening.

Overnight at the lodge.

After breakfast, you will leave the lodge on a motorized canoe.

Your guide will take you to the best spot to start your jungle trek depending on the season. Enjoy the fascinating hike through the tropical rainforest, where you will learn about endemic flora and fauna.

Part of your journey will take you through a small settlement where you will meet with locals who will teach you how to cook manioc.

After lunch at the lodge you will leave to visit the Acajatuba village where you will learn about the production of various handicrafts made with natural plants and seeds.

After dinner, you will paddle out with your canoe in search of caiman alligators that only come out after dusk.

Overnight at the lodge.

After breakfast, take a speed boat ride to Manaus port and transfer to Manaus airport.

Check-in and flight back home (after 1pm).