Tour Overview
Experience the Treasures of South America, a journey through some of the continents stunning landscapes and rich culture. Visit the Ancient sites of the Andean region, the glorious Galapagos Islands and the Amazon jungle, the mysterious Easter Island, before relaxing on the beaches of Tahiti in one ultimate journey.
All itineraries can be tailor made to fit into daily guaranteed departures.
Highlights
Route Map
Itinerary
Transfer to the airport, fly to Baltra. On arrival board the M/Y Coral I & II for your four-day cruise. With a capacity for 36 and 20 guests respectively, these gorgeous comfortable twin yachts offer a perfect combination of classic beauty and exquisite style. To ensure all passenger have the same experience, the sister yachts sail together.
*Sample itinerary subject to change.
AM – Baltra airport
Departure from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra (2 ½ hours flight). Passengers are picked up at the airport by our naturalist guides and taken on a ten minute bus drive to the pier to board the M/V Galapagos Legend.
PM – Highlands – Pit Craters (Santa Cruz)
Dry landing. A 45-minute bus ride will take us to the Santa Cruz highlands, located to the northwest of Puerto Ayora, where we will find a natural reserve with giant tortoises*. These enormous and slow-moving reptiles are responsible for the island’s name and therefore approaching them in their humid and forested abode is always an inspiring adventure. They can weigh between 250 and 300 kg and can live up to 150-200 years. Additionally, travelers can walk inside surprising lava tubes*; we also visit Pit Craters created from the collapse of surface materials into chamber fissures underground. It’s a great place to spot Vermilion Flycatcher as we walk inside an endemic Scalesia forest.
AM – Egas Port (Santiago)
Wet landing on a beach of black volcanic sand, visited by Darwin in 1835. The first section of the trail is comprised of volcanic ash (eroded tuff) and the other half of partially uneven terrain is comprised of volcanic basaltic rock lounging the shoreline.
The unique, truly striking layered terrain of Santiago’s shores is home to a variety of resident and migrant birds, including the bizarre Yellow-crowned Night Heron and astounding array of marine wildlife including lobster, starfish and marine iguanas grazing on algae beds alongside Sally Light-foot Crabs. Colonies of endemic fur seals swimming in cool water pools formed by volcanic rocks are also a highlight.
PM – Bartolome
Dry or wet landing. We discover a fascinating moonscape* formed by different volcanic parasitic cones —lava bombs, spatter, cinder cones —as we hike to the summit for impressive views of the surrounding islands, including the eroded tuff cone Pinnacle Rock*. We also encounter marine iguanas, lava lizards and blue-footed boobies*.
Beach time is a great opportunity to snorkel and see (perhaps swim with) Galapagos Penguins, sea turtles and White-tipped Reef Sharks among a great variety of colorful fish. For many visitors, this may turn out to be the best of snorkelling experiences*; the water here is generally clear, without too much surf and full of marine life.
Due to its geographical location, the lack of vegetation is immediately noticeable. Pioneer plants are observed, so called because they are the first to establish roots on new ground. They include Tiquilia nesiotica (which is endemic to the island) and Chamaesyce (known as sand mat or spurge in English), lava cactus, and Scalesia bushes. Behind the beach we have dunes covered by mangroves.
AM – Dragon Hill (Santa Cruz)
Dry landing. We walk by a brackish lagoon where feeding flamingoes can be occasionally found. The trail leads across typical dry zone vegetation* up to Dragon Hill, an important nesting ground for endemic land iguanas*, offering lovely views of the anchorage and neighboring islands. The forest is home to mockingbirds, Darwin’s finches, Yellow Warblers and Galapagos Doves.
PM – North Seymour
Dry landing. This is perhaps one of the busiest tourist destinations on the archipelago. Off of Baltra Island (where the airport is located) and not far from Santa Cruz, North Seymour is the most accessible for day trips out of Santa Cruz’s main port, Puerto Ayora.
An approximately two hour walk amidst large nesting colonies of blue-footed boobies*, magnificent and great frigatebirds*, and swallow-tailed gulls for an in depth encounter with sea bird breeding cycles and as well as sea lions. You will also encounter sea lions, land iguanas, and on a lucky day, you might even come across a Galapagos Snake.
Half day tour of South America’s stylish capital, Buenos Aires, whose architecture and boulevards are influenced by a strong European heritage. Visit the bohemian street market of La Boca, the tango barrio of San Telmo and the famous Recoleta cemetery, home to the resting place of Eva Peron.
Tour Inclusions
- All internal flights based on LATAM air-pass which requires arrival into South America with LATAM. If using another carrier price will differ.
- Accommodation at selected hotels with private facilities
- Meals as indicated (34 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 9 dinners.)
- Return economy Vistadome train to Machu Picchu
- First class catamaran journey across Lake Titicaca
- Transport by air conditioned vehicles
- Comprehensive sightseeing and excursions excursions with English speaking guides
- Meeting service and airport transfers
Tour Exclusions
- Airport taxes and fuel surcharges (approx $465 pp)
- Tips
- Surcharges apply for Easter, New Years & Rio Carnival
- Galapagos islands entrance fee and Ingala transit card (approx USD220)
- Amazon community fees
- Any items not mentioned as included
Image Gallery
