Galapagos, Chile, Argentina Tour

Arrival at Mariscal Sucre, Quito International Airport.

Meet and greet with your English-speaking guide.

Transfer to the city center and check-in at your hotel.

Overnight in Quito. 

Transfer from your hotel to Quito airport for your direct flight to the Galapagos (2 hours 10 min).

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.

Direct flight to Quito (2 hours 30 min).

Flight to Buenos Aires (5 hours 50 minutes).

Arrival at Ezeiza, Buenos Aires International Airport.

Meet and greet with your 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. 

Afternoon at leisure. 

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

Dinner at a hundred-year old 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. 

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. 

After this quick tour, your driver and guide will pick you up to go to the Estancia Santa Susana, a ranch located in the Campana district. (1 hour 10 min). 

These ranches or 'estancias' have preserved their traditional form, with the impressive homesteads where the owners still live and its adjoining farming facilities used by the local gauchos. 

The term 'gaucho' refers to the original horse-riding shepherds of the South American pampas. 

Nowadays, there are no gauchos as such but many people in the countryside identify with the national heroes of the high plains and keep the South American cowboys's customs alive and still wear their traditional attire. 

During your visit of the 'estancia' you will be treated to a great horse show and be invited on a short horseback ride on the open Argentinean pampa. 

Drive back to Buenos Aires (1 hour 10 min). 

Free evening

Overninght at your hotel in Buenos Aires. 

Morning transfer to the airport. Assistance for check-in. Direct flight to El Calafate (3 hours 15 min). 

Arrival at El Calafate on the shores of Lake Argentino, transfer to your hotel (20 min), check in. 

Meet with your private driver and guide and drive along Lake Argentino (the largest freshwater lake in the country) towards Los Glaciares National Park (90 min). 

Arrival at Perito Moreno glacier, named after the Argentinian explorer Francisco Moreno Pascacio. 

Easy hike on the boardwalk to get different views of the 18-mile long (30 km), 3-mile wide (5 km) Perito Moreno glacier. Get your camera ready and listen for the roaring glacier dropping blocks of ice causing mini-tsunamis in their fall. 

1-hour boat ride to get a really close view of the walls of the glacier. 

End of the afternoon, drive back to El Calafate (90 min). 

Free evening. 

Overnight at your hotel in El Calafate. 

Transfer to Punta Bandera (45 min). Board your 5-hour cruise to the Uspala and Spegazzini glaciers located inside Los Glaciares National Park. 

37 miles (60 km) long, 3 miles (5 km) wide and 230 feet (70 metres) tall, the Upsala glacier is the largest in this park and the longest in South America as its ice spreads over 300 square miles (780 km²). 

The access to Upsala glacier is often limited because of the amount of ice on the passage, as result of glacier melting. 

On your way to the Spegazzini glacier, enjoy the views of the Onelli and Agassi glaciers and the occasional iceberg. 

Arrival at the Spegazzini glacier with its impressive wall towering up 135 metres (440 feet). 

Disembark and transfer to your hotel in El Calafate. 

Free evening. 

Overnight at your hotel in El Calafate. 

Transfer to the bus terminal (10 min). 

Enjoy the scenic bus ride to Puerto Natales (3 hours 30 min). 

After about 2 hours at the border with Chile, you will have to get off the bus for customs and immigration control. 

Remember that it is forbidden to bring fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy products and any type of home-made food to Chile. 

Arrival in the afternoon at Puerto Natales in Chile. 

Free afternoon for souvenir shopping. 

Free evening. 

Overnight at your hotel in Puerto Natales. 

Morning pick up at your hotel and 5-minute drive to the pier to board the '21 de Mayo' cruise ship. 

Sail across the Ultima Esperanza Fjord where sea lions and cormorants can often been spotted (2 hours 30 min). 

You will first stop at the foot of the Balmaceda glacier, before another short sail to the Bernando O’Higgins National Park. 

Hop off for a 15-minute easy hike through native forest on your way to the foot of the Serrano glacier. 

After lunch, sail back to Puerto Natales (2 hours). Late afternoon arrival. 

Free evening

Overnight at your hotel in Puerto Natales. 

Your guide and driver (pool service) will pick you up at your hotel. 

After a 40-minute drive, visit the milodon cave and learn about the paleontological and archeological morphology of the area, once home to the extinct milodon. 

Stop at Sarmiento Lake before entering Torres del Paine National Park. As you enter the National Park you will get spectacular views over the Laguna Amarga ('Bitter Lagoon') where you can take photographs of the Las Torres del Paine mountains. 

After a 30-minute drive, stop for a 15-minute hike to get to the impressive Salto Grande, a majestic emerald waterfall that feeds onto lake Pehoe.

Walk through Grey beach (30 min) to get views of the distant the Grey glacier. 

Drive back to Puerto Natales (2 hours).  

Free evening

Overnight at your hotel in Puerto Natales. 

Transfer to the bus station (10 min). 

At about 3pm, departure by bus on your own from Puerto Natales to Punta Arenas airport (3 hours 30 min). 

Flight to Santiago (4 hours), arrival early in the evening. 

Transfer to your hotel in Santiago (30 min). 

Free evening. 

Overnight at the hotel in Santiago. 

Discover Chile's largest city and capital, its cultural and political centre, Santiago de Chile. 

Learn about Chile's history at historical places such as the Constitution Square located next to the Moneda Palace. 

Set foot on other key squares in the city, the Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins Square and the Plaza de Armas (Main Square). 

Stop at the Central Market, a busy, colorful and traditional fish and food market. 

Drive along Balmaceda Park and the Mapocho river to the old train station, an Eiffel-inspired building, Estación Mapochol is now a cultural center. 

Drive up San Cristobal Hill (2280 ft - 690 m) for breathtaking views over the whole city. 

At the end of the day, drive back to your hotel (30 min). 

Free evening. 

Overnight at your hotel in Santiago. 

Drive north west (75 miles - 120 km) to the coastal cities of Valparaiso and Vina del Mar. 

Relax in Vina del Mar, a picture-perfect beach resort city also referred to as Garden City. 

Transfer to Valparaiso (20 min), Chile's busiest port, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2003. 

Ride one of the funicular tramways up the city's steep hill for extensive views of the port and beyond. 

Take a leisurely stroll on one of the 45 hills to experience Valpo's street art and its bohemian and poetic atmosphere. 

Drive back to Santiago (1 hour 40 min). 

Free evening. 

Overnight at your hotel in Santiago. 

At the indicated time, private transfer to Santiago airport (30 min). 

Check-in assistance. 

International flight.