Welcome to Ecuador! Upon arrival at the airport in Guayaquil, you will be greeted by your English speaking driver, who will be holding a sign with your name in the Arrivals Area. They will assist you in the transfer directly to your hotel, for a smooth and comfortable start to your adventure. Check into your room and enjoy the rest of the day free at your leisure to get settled and relax. (This service is on a private basis.)

Guayaquil

Guayaquil is the economic capital of Ecuador and the largest city in the country. It is a principal port and one of the newest tourist destinations, ideal for a quick stopover and exploration en route to a journey in the Galapagos Islands. Located in the flatlands closer to the coast, Guayaquil's Malecón is the city's main attraction located along the Río Guayas, which offers countless restaurants and shops to enjoy.

City Tour

Quito is Ecuador's colonial and actual capital, but Guayaquil is the country's largest city and busiest port. Situated on the Guayas River, this bustling city has a charming, tropical atmosphere, plenty to experience, and is an essential stop on every Ecuador tour. On today's journey, you will visit several of the city's highlights, such as the Malecon 2000 Boardwalk, the Parque Seminario, and a park that features exhibits on life in Guayaquil during the 19th century.

After viewing the boats and lazy river on the waterfront, you will walk past and learn about signature Guayaquil structures such as the Crystal Palace, the Moorish Tower, and the Governor's Office. You will also see Santa Ana Hill, the picturesque neighborhood where the city was founded, see what life was like in Guayaquil a century ago, and enjoy the comical antics of the hundreds of iguanas that share the Seminario Park with its daily visitors. (This service is on a private basis.)

Hacienda La Danesa

Hacienda La Danesa is a beautiful 500 hectares traditional dairy farm located in Ecuador's tropical coastal region and one hour away from Guayaquil city. It has spectacular views of the Andes Mountains and produces 2,000 liters of milk daily and fresh cheese! The Hacienda is also home to cocoa and teak plantations as well as stunning pinto quarter horses. Over the last 50 years, the Olsen family has created an environment with exceptional service, excellent environmental practices, and authenticity. La Danesa is also committed to improving local standards of living through tourism and implementing strict policies to create jobs in the neighboring communities, start-ups, and sourcing local ingredients.

During your day at Hacienda La Danesa, you will be able to enjoy a tour at the Cacao plantation. This is a hands-on chocolate making experience where chocolate tasting is included. Guests may buy chocolate and other farm-fresh products at the end of the experience. You will also enjoy a delicious 3-course lunch menu prepared by the Hacienda's expert chefs. (This service is on a group basis.)

Following a good night's rest after a long day of travels yesterday, it is time for your getaway to the Galapagos! You will be met at your hotel this morning and transferred to the Guayaquil Airport in good time to board your domestic flight to San Cristobal Island.

Welcome to the Galapagos! Upon arrival in San Cristobal Island, you will be greeted at the airport by your driver and transferred to your next adventure. (This service is on a private basis.)

Cerro Colorado Reserve, Puerto Chino Beach & El Junco Lagoon

This morning, visit the beautiful Cerro Colorado Reserve. From the entrance of the Reserve, you will walk about 1/2 a mile to Puerto Chino beach. Puerto Chino beach is a spectacular beach where you can find endemic plant species, seal colonies, and other animals. Enjoy some snorkeling and take in the incredible underwater scenery!

After an enjoyable box lunch in the Reserve, drive to the highest part of the island for a relaxing walk around El Junco Lagoon. This body of water is the largest source of fresh water on the island. (This service is on a private basis.)

San Cristóbal Island

Formerly called Chatham Island in honor of William Pitt, Earl of Chatham and 19th century British Prime Minister, San Cristobal is the most easterly point of the Galapagos Islands. You will see a statue of Charles Darwin here, marking the site where he first disembarked on the 16th of September 1835. Darwin is long gone however, and now the big attraction on San Cristobal is the sea lions. lions. There are thousands on the Island, in colonies and small groups. These animals are surprisingly tame and will let you approach with no problem. The colonies of Frigate birds that inhabit the island are also something to see with their spectacular red chests. Also worth mentioning is the impressive Leon Dormido, a rock formation that is a great place to snorkel among dolphins and hammerhead sharks, and be dazzled by myriads of luminous fishes.

Leon Dormido Snorkeling

Today, you will depart from Baquerizo Moreno Port early this morning o a journey to the impressive Leon Dormido or Kicker Rock. En route, you will have time to try out your snorkeling gear in a small protected bay with calm water and playful sea lions.

Leon Dormido is made of two rocks in the form of an obelisk, jutting dramatically out of the sea. This fascinating site is considered one of the top snorkel and dive sites in all of the Galapagos. Once you have arrived, you will gear up with your snorkeling equipment to explore a channel between the rocks. Stingrays, white-tipped reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, turtles, tropical fish and eagle rays all live in the waters around Leon Dormido and if you are lucky you may even get to spot dolphins and whales! (This service is on a private basis.)

After a hearty breakfast, you will be picked up at your hotel in San Cristobal and transferred to the airport for your flight to Baltra. (This service is on a private basis.)

Baltra & Santa Cruz Island Adventure

Welcome to the Galapagos! Dive into your adventure as soon as you arrive! You will enter the airport through a special VIP lounge where you will have a chance to change clothes, put on some sunscreen, and get a cool drink before you are transferred to the Itabaca Channel. You will have the opportunity to kayak, snorkel, and stand up paddleboard. As well as encountering some of the most famous Galapagos wildlife such as blue-footed boobies, sea lions, brown pelicans, a variety of herons, and white-tipped reef sharks.

There’s no better introduction to the Galapagos than to get on the water as soon as possible! You will glide through beautiful red mangrove forests and along lava rock cliffs on the water so clear you can see the marine life. The kayaks come in doubles or singles, and life jackets are provided. A support boat will escort you throughout the water activities to ensure safety and to provide water, snacks, and towels between activities.

From the Itabaca Channel, you will head to the Santa Cruz highlands to a private reserve that borders the National Park. You might be able to see the famous Giant Tortoises roaming in the wild!

After lunch, you will drive to back to town where your lovely hotel is located. (This service is on a private basis.)

Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Kayak: 1.5-2 hours depending on fauna activity and skills of kayakers
Means of Transportation: boat, kayak, stand up paddleboard, and private transportation

Santa Cruz Island

Santa Cruz Island is located in the center of the Archipelago of the Galapagos and is the second largest island after Isabela. Santa Cruz is the main port of entry for most itineraries in the Galapagos as it is located adjacent to the Baltra Airport.

Santa Cruz's main town, Puerto Ayora, is located on the southern shores of the island and are a great basis to explore the surrounding area. Highlights include visiting the Charles Darwin Station, Tortuga Bay or Los Gemelos.

Yacht Cruise to a Neighboring Island

After a hearty breakfast, you will embark on a motor yacht cruise to enjoy an excursion to one of the neighboring islands. Onboard you will have the support of welcoming crew members and knowledgeable naturalist guide, to allow you to experience the wonders of these remote islands in both comfort and style.

You have the opportunity to visit North Seymour and Bachas, South Plazas, Santa Fe Island, Bartolome, and Sullivan Bay. Along the way, you might see leaping rays or other sea life, while enjoying the vastness of the Pacific. The yacht tour lets you see the Islands and their wildlife in their most pristine state. Please note that the islands visited may vary according to National Park regulations. (This service is on a group basis.)

This morning, you will be picked up at your hotel in Santa Cruz and transferred to the airport. You will then take a flight to Isabela Island. Upon arrival, you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel in time for your evening adventure. (This service is on a private basis.)

Tintoreras

In the afternoon you will visit the Tintoreras Island, a group of small islands close to the town of Puerto Villamil. The islands are named after the white-tipped ‘Tintoreras’ reef sharks that swim in these calm waters. On the Tintoreras, we will see archipelago’s iconic wildlife: white-tipped reef sharks, sea lions, turtles, rays, penguins, and of course, pelicans and blue-footed boobies. After walking on the island, you will have a chance to snorkel in the bay. Don’t be surprised if some of the penguins or sea lions jump in to play alongside you in the water! (This service is on a group basis.)

Isabela Island

Isabela is the largest of the islands that make up the Galapagos archipelago, about four times bigger than the next largest, Santa Cruz. Of a total Galapagos population of 20,000, only 2,200 people live here on this enchanted island, which contains over 60% of the flora and fauna of the archipelago and is the only one straddled by the equatorial line.

Among Isabela’s attractions you will find five active volcanoes, the most extensive wetlands on the archipelago, and a three kilometer beach. You will also enjoy the option of trekking with giant tortoises, swimming with white tip sharks, snorkeling with marine turtles, kayaking among flamingos… all this while staying in a relaxed port town that personifies island culture.

Free Day

Enjoy today at your leisure to explore the town on your own or to relax!

Tuneles Exploration

The day starts with a visit to Roca Unión, a small island full of life. On the island you will have an opportunity to snorkel amid clouds of brightly-colored fish and watch sea lions and blue footed boobies from the surface. At Turtle Cove, a secret spot used by fishermen, that today is considered one of the island’s major attractions, there are plenty of opportunities to snorkel through a maze of small islands and arches (and for the experts, tunnels) in the company of fish, sea turtles and occasional white tipped sharks and rays. There are more opportunities to snorkel with sea turtles at Finado, and from your boat out on the open water, the chance to watch sea turtles and manta rays against a background of varied coastal beaches and rocky shores where sea turtles nest.

Breeding Center in Isabela

Once at your destination you will pay a visit to the breeding center where the Islands’ giant tortoise population is presently recovering. Expert guides will explain the process of breeding and then releasing into the wild these giant slow-moving creatures whose Spanish name (meaning saddle) gave the Islands their present title. (This service is on a private basis.)

Free Day

Spend the day at the beach relaxing and to keep discovering the magic of Isabela Island!

Once you have checked out of your hotel in Isabela, you will be met by your driver and transferred to the airport in good time to board your domestic flight to Baltra and ongoing flight to Chile, via Quito or Guayaquil.

Welcome to Chile! Upon arrival, you will be transferred to our hotel in Santiago! (This service is on a private basis.)

Santiago

A city, which for many years has played second fiddle to Buenos Aires and Rio, Santiago is used to being the underdog metropolis in South America. However, since it's 200-year anniversary, public work projects have aimed to rejuvenate a once stale region, into a desirable destination in itself. The result is that now, more than ever, Santiago is turning into a city worth visiting. New and trendy restaurants, modern hotels, excited locals and bustling shops combine for the perfect gateway to Chile.

Local Art & Graffiti Tour

Buenos Aires is truly an artist's playground. The locals (porteños) have always been gifted at expressing themselves through music, literature, theater and visual arts. After the last dictatorship & financial crisis, the world of street art has boomed and various artist's collectives have taken center stage. This 3-hour private tour through Palermo Soho, Palermo Hollywood & Colegiales welcomes you to get up close to dozens of the city's most impactful, meaningful and beautiful pieces of art. We'll learn the stories behind the murals & works of art, discuss the role of socio-economic issues & politics in these displays and also visit new neighborhoods to round out your understanding of the city as a whole (This service is on a private basis.)

After a hearty breakfast, you will be picked up at your hotel in Santiago and transferred to the airport for your flight to Punta Arenas.

*Flight not included but can be arranged upon request.

Upon arrival, you will be met by a representative from Tierra Patagonia and transferred approximately 4.5hrs to your accommodations in Torres del Paine. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. (This service is on a group basis.)

Torres Del Paine

The Torres del Paine National Park was created in 1959 and in 1978 it was declared Biosphere Reverse by the UNESCO. It has approximately 227,298 hectares and altitudes that vary between 50 and 3,050 meters (10,000ft) with its main characteristics of forests, tundra, mountains, ice fields, rivers, lakes, and moraines. Its natural origin dates from 12,000 years ago, when the first settlers arrived in the “Austral” Patagonia (southernmost), followed by Tehuelches (“People of the South” in Mapudungun), who inhabited a big area of the park. The use of the land for breeding cattle and the damages that this caused in some areas made the government and community be concerned about the preservation of such a rich and attractive zone. Today, the park is home to the most beautiful landscapes in the world.

Hotel Activities

Your all inclusive stay at Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa will be unlike anything you have ever experienced. You will have the opportunity daily to embark on two half day excursions or one full day excursion with other guests. With so many to choose from, there will be something for everyone. The list continues from various walks and treks through mountains, admiring geological formations and cave paintings, to horse rides, scenic voyages to admire caves and waterfalls, bird watching, fishing and sailing, among others.

Along with your nightly accommodation, your stay includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and an open bar with mineral waters, sodas, juices, house wines and liquors. Make sure to take full advantage of Uma Spa, including the pool, saunas and hydro massage. Massages, spa treatments and therapies are available at an additional cost. With so much to do and see, grab your camera and make some memories!

After checking out of your hotel in Torres del Paine, you will be picked up and transferred to your accommodations in Puerto Natales. The driving time will be around 2hrs. The rest of the day will be yours to relax or do the many activities that The Singular Patagonia has to offer. (This service is on a group basis.)

Patagonia Activities

With a privileged surrounding of unparalleled natural beauty, The Singular Patagonia is a space of extreme sophistication, incredible history and the highest levels of personalized service at the so-called “end of the world”, nestled deep in the heart of Chilean Patagonia. The property's prime location offers a wide variety of excursions, whether in Torres del Paine National Park or other nearby attractions. Exploring the landscapes is one of the true pleasures of a Patagonia escape, and no one allows you to experience it like The Singular.

With the friendly, experienced and knowledgeable guides leading the way, you will receive an in-depth, insider look at authentic Patagonia. There are over 20 different Patagonia excursions available through the property. There truly is something for everyone, from the thrill-seekers, to the armchair naturalists. If you are looking for leisure, head out on a voyage through mountain-fringed fjords, wander through wetlands on a bird-watching trek or discover Puerto Natales, the historic pioneer town. For a slightly more invigorating experience, explore caverns where the prehistoric milodon once lived or feel the wind on your face, as you travel along the banks of Laguna Sofia on horseback or mountain bike. For an even more exhilarating challenge, kayak through the Last Hope Sound or set off on a full day trek to Torres del Paine National Park. The Patagonian panoramas in this world-famous park boast views of lakes, waterfalls and the iconic Cuernos del Paineare — a must have experience in southern Chile. And that’s just the beginning. No matter your mood or sense of adventure, options for discovery are available!

Get ready for a new journey to the vineyards in Chile! You will be picked up at your hotel in Puerto Natales and transferred to the Punta Arenas Airport for your flight back to Santiago.

*Flight not included but can be arranged upon request.

Upon arrival, you will be met by a representative and transferred about 2hrs south of Santiago to the Millahue Valley, truly a winemaker's paradise. Upon arrival, you will transfer to Vina Vik. Art hotel Vina Vik Chile sits by the only winery on the eastern side of the Cordillera de la Costa range in Millahue Valley. It’s in prime position for views of the Andes range.(This service is on a private basis.)

Vina Vik Lodge Activities

The 4,300 hectares of hills and indigenous woodland offer guests the perfect opportunity to discover the indigenous flora and fauna in many different ways. Spectacular and relaxing setting, with views stretching to the Andes mountain range. A prevailing breeze that cools temperatures in summer and affords the wine its freshness.

The following activities are available to cabin guests:
*Wine Tasting: Visit the tasting hall to sample the entire range of wines we produce in the presence of a wine expert, who will show you how to discover the true soul of wine.
*Winery Tour: The Vina Vik wine production process is unique, and this tour will unravel the mystery behind each of their bottles while allowing you to act as a wine expert and learn the art of good wine. You can also experience the ecological side of the winery, and tour our modern and efficient agricultural installations and equipment.
*Horseback riding through the valleys and/or vineyard, or horseback rides for families or groups of friends.
*Trekking: for walking enthusiasts, Viña Vik offers countless routes along which you can take in the unique, unrivaled and often challenging countryside.
*Mountain bike rides along specially designed countryside trails. (This service is on a group basis.)

Although your adventure must come to an end today, you will be leaving with new friends, amazing experiences and memories to cherish for the rest of your life. Once you have checked out of your hotel in Colchagua Valley, you will be met by your driver and transferred to the airport in good time to board your international departure flight.

We wish you safe and happy travels home! (This service is on a private basis.)