Chile / Bolivia / Peru / Galapagos

Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Galapagos Tour

22 days | 21 nights
Private tour
From 9540USD per person
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Tour Description

This comprehensive tour bundles the best of Chile, Bolivia, Peru, and the Galapagos in 22 exciting days. Use the Chilean capital of Santiago as your launching off point where you'll tour its historic and political landmarks to gain an understanding of the country's colorful past and cultural identity. Then spend a day relaxing along the country’s pristine coastline, touring both Vina del Mar and Valparaiso, with time to sip on locally produced wines at Matetic Vineyards tucked between the Casablanca and San Antonio Valleys. Head to San Pedro de Atacama next for three nights, a gateway destination in one of the world's driest regions for the outdoorsy to explore Chile’s natural attractions. The active El Tatio Geyser, otherworldly landscapes of Moon Valley, and the country’s largest salt flats will leave any nature lover in awe. Set foot into Bolivia next, where you’ll explore the natural gems of this underrated South American country. Discover the Uyuni Salt Flats by 4x4, and tour the barren Dali Valley and striking Green and Red Lagoons. Experience the world’s highest capital of La Paz on a city tour, and spend the night on the Island of the Sun in the southern region of Lake Titicaca. Then continue to Cusco, where you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of the ancient Inca civilization with visits to Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. Spend time in sophisticated Lima and fly to Guayaquil for the last portion of this 22-day itinerary. Explore the Galapagos Islands by cruise, and go on guided treks to see giant tortoises and other wildlife endemic to this region, and have the opportunity to swim or snorkel in the crystalline waters. End your journey with a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn how to preserve biodiversity in the Galapagos archipelago.

Destinations

Multi-country

Trip at a glance

Visits

CHILE: Santiago, Valparaiso, Viña del Mar, Casablanca Wine Valley, Atacama Desert, Moon Valley, Los Flamencos National Reserve, El Tatio Geysers

BOLIVIA: Uyuni Salt Flats, Incahuasi Island, Lake Titicaca (Sun & Moon Islands), Green Lagoon, Dali Desert, Red Lagoon, San Pedro de Quemez, La Paz, Moon Valley

PERU: Machu Picchu, Cusco, Sacred Valley (Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Maras, Moray),  Lima 

GALAPAGOS: Baltra & Santa Cruz Islands, 2 Islands between Bartolomé/North Seymour/South Plaza/Santa Fe, Charles Darwin Research Centre

Trip details

Itinerary

Day 1 ARRIVAL, CITY TOUR OF SANTIAGO

Arrival at Santiago airport.

Transfer to your hotel to drop off your luggage.

Discover Chile's capital and largest city, the cultural and political centre of the country, Santiago de Chile.

Learn about Chile's past 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.

Evening

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

Free evening.

Overnight at your hotel in Santiago.

Day 2 VALPARAISO, VIÑA DEL MAR AND WINE TASTING IN THE CASABLANCA VALLEY

Morning

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

Relax in Vina del Mar, a picture-perfect seaside resort also known as the Garden City.

Transfer to Valparaiso (20 min), Chile's busiest port, also listed as 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.

Afternoon

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

Viña del Mar, also known locally as La Ciudad Jardín (in Spanish, "La Ciudad Jardín"), is better known as a tourist and beach destination. You will also visit Matetic, a vineyard known for its organic wines located in the Casablanca/San Antonio Valley

Drive back to Santiago (1 hour 40 min).

Evening

Free evening.

Overnight at your hotel in Santiago.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel

Day 3 FLIGHT TO CALAMA, SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA

Morning

Transfer to the airport (30 min).

Direct flight to Calama (2 hours), the world copper capital and the largest oasis in this desertic region.

Arrival at Calama airport, pick-up and transfer to your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama with your private guide and driver (1 hour 20 min).

Afternoon

Arrival and check in at your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama.

Free afternoon to explore San Pedro's rustic streets whose adobe buildings stand out in this arid environment.

Evening

Free evening in San Pedro de Atacama.

Overnight at the hotel in San Pedro de Atacama.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel

Day 4 ATACAMA SALT FLATS, LOS FLAMENCOS NATIONAL RESERVE: MISCANTI AND MEÑIQUES LAGOONS

Morning

Departure to the largest salt flat in Chile, the driest place on Earth.

This area is occupied by three different species of flamingoes: the Andean flamingo, the Chilean flamingo and the James's flamingo.

Free time to walk around the lagoon and see those magnificient pink birds in action (1 hour).

Drive through Los Flamencos National Reserve across the altiplano to the splendid Miscanti and Meñiques lagoons at 13,780 feet (4200 metres) above sea level.

Stop at a local restaurant for lunch before heading back towards San Pedro de Atacama.

Afternoon

Enjoy some free time to walk around Toconao, a charming village where houses were built with volcanic rock and pop in one of the few craft shops to hunt for local treasures (30 min).

Drive back to San Pedro de Atacama.

Evening

Free evening in San Pedro de Atacama.

Overnight at your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Lunch in a typical restaurant

Day 5 EL TATIO GEYSERS, MOON VALLEY

Morning

Remember to wear warm clothes, it can be extremely cold in the morning!

Early departure (approx. 5 am) to drive to El Tatio geyser field (1 hour 30 min) where the geysers' steam is only visible in the morning.

This is the largest geyser field in the Southern Hemisphere, the highest (14.170 ft - 4320m) and the third largest in the world.

This 12-square-mile geothermic field boasts over 60 active geysers, boiling water fountains, fumaroles, hot springs, mud pools and mud volcanoes that put on an impressive show every day of the year (2 hours).

Drive back towards San Pedro de Atacama (1 hour 30 min).

Afternoon

Late afternoon, your private English-speaking guide will take you to the Moon Valley (30 min).

Discover this amazing desertic landscape and marvel at the incredible rock patterns coated in a thin layer of salt.

These unique natural formations came out of a long-gone lake and were slowly shaped by centuries of wind and water erosion.

The amazing sunset will bask the end of your visit in warm tones that cannot be experienced anywhere else.

Evening

Free evening.

Overnight at your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama.

MEALS
  • Outdoor breakfast next to the geysers

Day 6 ROAD TO BOLIVIA, GREEN LAGOON, DALI DESERT, RED LAGOON

Morning

Departure with your private driver to cross the Bolivian border in Hito Cajon (1 hour).

Your Bolivian driver and guide will be waiting for you at the border to start your Bolivan adventure.

Immigration procedures.

Stop at the stunning emerald waters of Laguna Verde (the green lagoon) right by the foot of the Licancábur volcano (30 min).

Drive through the Salvador Dali Desert, also known as Dali Valley, where strange rock formations remind of the paintings of the Spanish artist.

Depart onto the outer region of the Salar of Chalviri where you will able to visit the thermal waters of Polkes.

Afternoon

Marvel at one of the greatest Bolivian natural wonder: the Laguna Colorada (the Colored Lagoon) which goes from orange to red depending on the time of the day.

Depart for the Siloli Desert. Situated at 4,000 meters above sea level, this barren desert accompanied with its strong icy winds propounds a beautiful emptiness with amazing geological structures.

Evening

Free evening.

Overnight at your hotel in Siloli Desert.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Picnic lunch included
  • Dinner at the hotel

Day 7 SAN PEDRO DE QUEMEZ: BURNED VILLAGE, OLLAGUE, CHIGUANA

Morning

Departure for the Paseo del Leon (Pass of the Lion), a canyon where geological formations shelter Yarita, a lime green flowering plant that is dispersed across this terrain.

Departure for the Jewels of the Andes, this region receives its name for the precious and mesmerizing lagoons dispersed throughout the terrain. Collectively ranging from 4000 and 4200 meters above sea level, these lagoons offer visitors a series of serene and dreamy landscapes that truly bring you into a different, remote, and peaceful relationship with Bolivia.

Afternoon

Visit the Mirador de Ollague: Enjoy a phenomenal view of the Ollague Volcano which stands at 5868 meters above sea level

Depart for the Salar de Chiguana. Situated at 3650 meters above sea level, this deposit of salt sits near the border with Chile and is characterized by the volcanic mountain range that is visible in the distance.

Evening

Departure to the town of San Pedro de Quemez.

Visit the Pueblo Quemado (Burned village).

Overnight at your hotel in San Pedro de Quemez.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Picnic Lunch during tour
  • Dinner at hotel

Day 8 UYUNI SALT FLATS OF UYUNI, INCAHUASI ISLAND

Morning

Transfer to the small town of Colchani (15 min).

Learn about the Colchani salt cooperative and how it extracts and processes 25,000 tonnes of Uyuni salt every year (20 min).

Free time to tour the souvenir market (30 min).

Your 4x4 tour will take you to the Uyuni salar, the world's largest salt flat covering 4,086 square miles (10,582 square km) with several stops for photo opportunities along the way.

Afternoon

Drive on the salar on your way to Incahuasi Island also known as the Isla del Pescado (Fish Island).

Enjoy some free time to climb to the top of the hill and explore this strange mound covered in cactuses.

Note: Incahuasi Island may not be accessible during the wet season.

Evening

Watch the sunset with a nice cocktail.

Drive back to Uyuni (1 hour).

Overnight at your hotel in Uyuni.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Picnic Lunch during tour
  • Dinner at the hotel

Day 9 LA PAZ CITY-TOUR, MOON VALLEY

Morning

Transfer to Uyuni airport (10 min) for your flight to La Paz (1 hour).

Arrival in La Paz airport, transfer downtown (45') Follow the Republican colonial circuit on foot, starting at Murillo Square, the city's original central square.

Pass by the Government Palace, the Legislative Assembly and the city's Cathedral.

Continue to the witches market, the craft market and the Church of San Francisco, whose unique facade is decorated with indigenous patterns (about 3 hours).

Afternoon

Afternoon transfer to the Moon Valley (30 min South of La Paz).

Discover a unique place, a real lunar landscape adorned with eroded sedimentary formations, fairy chimneys and high spires (2 hours).

Transfer back to your hotel in La Paz (30 min).

Evening

Free evening.

Overnight at your hotel in La Paz.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel

Day 10 LAKE TITICACA: SUN AND MOON ISLANDS

Note: As cars are not allowed on the Island of the Sun where you will spend the night, we ask you to bring only one small piece of luggage for the night (carry-on or backpack).

Morning

Departure with your private guide and driver to the town of Copacabana (3 hours 30 min), located on the shore of Lake Titicaca.

The rest of the day will be spent sailing on Lake Titicaca and discovering two of its Bolivian islands.

With 214 cubic miles (893 cubic km) of water and an altitude 12,507 ft (3812 metres), Lake Titicaca is the largest lake in South America and the highest navigable lake in the world.

Afternoon

Board your private boat to sail onto the small Island of the Moon (1 hour 20 min).

You will explore the island and visit the ruins of the Incan Temple of the Virgins of the Sun.

After your visit, sail to the Island of the Sun (40 min).

Check-in at your hotel.

Evening

Free evening.

Overnight at your hotel on the Island of the Sun.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Dinner at the hotel

Day 11 ISLAND OF THE SUN: PILKO KAINA RUINS AND APTHAPI

Morning

Enjoy a breakfast with a stunning view of Lago Titicaca from Island of the Sun, which is considered the cradle of the Incas. The island was revered as a sacred site for the Incas where they would build temples worshipping their gods and palaces to honor the noble class.

Visit the Pilkokaina (the place where the bird rests) on the Island. Pilkokaina is an archaeological site that was once an Incan palace where the Inca would reside.

Afternoon

Enjoy an Apthapi, a traditional Aymara ceremony for a collective meal, on the bay Lake Titicaca with an amazing view of the snow-capped Cordillera Real mountain range floating in the distance.

Evening

Return on a private motorboat to Copacabana.

Private transportation from Copacabana to La Paz (154 km) passing by the Tiquina Strait.

Overnight at your hotel in La Paz.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Apthapi Lunch

Day 12 FLIGHT TO CUSCO

Morning

At the indicated time, transfer to La Paz airport (30-45 min). Check-in and assistance.

Meet and greet your local guide and driver.

Transfer to your hotel.

Afternoon

Free afternoon in Cusco. 

Evening

Free evening.

Overnight at your hotel in Cusco.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel

Day 13 SACRED VALLEY: PISAC RUINS AND MARKET, OLLANTAYTAMBO FORTRESS

Morning

In the morning, drive from Cusco to the village of Pisac (1 hour) with its famous Sunday market where many indigenous Quechua communities meet to sell and trade their goods.

The rest of the week, the whole place is bustling with its handicraft and souvenir market. You will have time to search for jewellery, ponchos, hats, traditional music instruments, ceramics, alpaca products and many other typical Andean crafts (1 hour 30 min).

Visit Pisaqa, Intihuatana, Q’allaqasa, and Kinchiracay. (1 hour 30 min). All 4 places are part of an Inca site on the nearby hill at an altitude of 10,980 feet (3345 m).

The Inca shaped the hill by carving the ingenious terraces that are still used for agriculture to this day.

With military, religious, and agricultural structures, the site was an important and busy place in Inca times.

Afternoon

Drive to the town Ollantaytambo (1 hour 15 min).

This afternoon, you will visit the archaeological site of Ollantaytambo, a fortified city built by the Inca Pachacutec.

Explore this quaint settlement with an orthogonal layout (30 min).

Climb the Temple Hill known as the fortress to learn about the purpose of those inca constructions (1 hour 30 min).

Transfer to your hotel in the Sacred Valley (45 min).

Evening

Free evening.

Overnight at your hotel in the Sacred Valley.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel

Day 14 CHINCHERO RUINS, MARAS SALT PONDS AND MORAY AGRICULTURAL TERRACES

Morning

Transfer to the town of Chinchero (50 min).

At the gates of the Sacred Valley, at 3780m, is Chinchero, a small quiet village whose upper part is a true open-air museum. The paved alleys where the craftsmen go seem frozen in time. They gently lead the passerby on the forecourt of a church whose whiteness contrasts with the beautiful surrounding mountains. Erected on the ruins of an important Inca temple, of which there remains today only a wall where massive stones alternate with trapezoidal niches, its adobe facades hide a sumptuous floral decoration.

Transfer to the site of Maras (30 min).

Visit the Salineras de Maras, formed by some 3000 small wells that extend like carpets in the middle of the Andean moor and are exploited from Inca times to the present day.

The many colors of the polygonal ponds can go from light reddish to brownish to white according to the season. This contrasts with the surrounding landscape and give the site a most-unusual aspect.

Free time to shop pink salt collected by the local community workers.

Afternoon

Transfer to Moray archeological site (30 min).

Walk around and down those impressive circular agricultural terraces that were used to conduct scientific experiments in Inca times (30 min).

Transfer to your hotel in the Sacred Valley (30 min).

Evening

Free evening.

Overnight at your hotel in the Sacred Valley.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel

Day 15 MACHU PICCHU TOUR

Your passport is required to enter the Machu Picchu site. You have the option to get a 'Machu Picchu' stamp in your passport if you wish.

Morning

Today might be THE day you have been expecting since you landed on Peruvian soil as you will finally discover the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu.

Transfer to Ollantaytambo train station (30 min).

Board the comfortable train that will take you to Aguas Calientes, the nearest town to Machu Picchu (1 hour 30 min).

In Aguas Calientes, walk from the train to the bus station (5 min) and hop on a bus to the entrance of the archaeological site.

Afternoon

Enjoy the impressive 20-minute drive up the hill to the Machu Picchu site at 7,972 feet (2430 m). Rediscovered in 1911 by the American archaeologist Hiram Bingham, Macchu Picchu is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Learn about every secret this ancient Inca citadel holds and grab every opportunity to take photographs (3 to 4 hours).

Take the bus back to Aguas Calientes (20 min) and board the train back to Ollantaytambo (1 hour 30 min).

Transfer to your hotel in Cusco (1 hour 30 min).

Evening

Free evening

Overnight at your hotel in Cusco.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel

Day 16 HALF-DAY CUSCO CITY AND RUINS TOUR, FREE AFTERNOON

Morning

In the morning, you will meet your guide for a city tour of Cusco including the visit of the Plaza Mayor, the Cathedral and the Korikancha, the original Temple of the Sun.

Drive to the hills of Cusco to explore the archaeological sites of Sacsayhuamán, Q’enqo, PukaPukara and Tambomachay.

Transfer back to your hotel or to the city centre (20 min).

Afternoon

Afternoon at leisure to explore the Spanish colonial city known to the Inca as the 'belly button of the world'.

Stroll around numerous plazas, shops selling incredible art and crafts or visit the great Pre-Columbian Museum MAP (not included).

Evening

Free evening to discover Cusco's vibrant nightlife. We recommend the lively pisco bar La Republica del Pisco.

Overnight at your hotel in Cusco.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel

Day 17 FLIGHT TO LIMA, LIMA CITY TOUR

Morning

In the morning, transfer to Cusco's airport for your flight back to Lima (1 hour 15 min).

Arrival at Jorge Chávez, Lima international airport.

Welcome by our local English-speaking staff.

Transfer to your hotel located in the residential and shopping district of Miraflores overlooking the Pacific ocean (1 hour).

Afternoon

Start your city tour with a drive around the upmarket district of Miraflores, famous for its 'Malecon' (the strand) and Larcomar, the huge iconic shopping center overlooking the ocean.

You will then drive past the Huaca Pucllana archeological site on your way to visit the historical center of the capital (30 min)

The city founded in 1535 by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro, still features many invaluable colonial buildings along the main square (the Plaza Mayor) and the nearby streets.

Discover Lima's Cathedral, the Government Palace and the San Francisco Convent among many other impressive colonial buildings.

Evening

Free evening.

Overnight at your hotel in Lima.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel

Day 18 FLIGHT TO GUAYAQUIL

Morning

At the indicated time, transfer to Lima airport (1 hour).

Check-in and assistance for your direct flight to Guayaquil (2 hours 15 min). 

Afternoon

Transfer to your hotel (15 min).

Free afternoon to rest. 

Evening

Free evening and overnight at your hotel in Guayaquil.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel

Day 19 BALTRA ISLAND & SANTA CRUZ ISLAND: HIGHLANDS

Morning

Transfer to the Guayaquil's airport , Flight to Galapagos. 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 shores of Santa Cruz Island. Visit the Highlands where you'll trek with your guide to see the Twin Craters, crossing laval tunnels and visiting a private ranch to observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat.

Afternoon

Transfer to your hotel.

Evening

Enjoy your first night on Santa Cruz Island.

MEALS
  • Lunch at a local restaurant.

Day 20 BARTOLOME ISLAND, NORTH SEYMOUR ISLAND, SOUTH PLAZAS ISLAND OR SANTA FE 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 arrive at your hotel by bus at 5 PM.

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 returning to your hotel at 4 PM.

South Plaza 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 your hotel in Puerto Ayora at 4 PM.

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 Galapagos 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 Echios, 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.

Return to your hotel.

Evening

Overnight at your hotel in Santa Cruz Island.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Lunch onboard the yacht.

Day 21 BARTOLOME ISLAND, NORTH SEYMOUR ISLAND, SOUTH PLAZAS ISLAND OR SANTA FE 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 arrive at your hotel by bus at 5 PM.

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 returning to your hotel at 4 PM.

South Plaza 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 your hotel in Puerto Ayora at 4 PM.

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 Galapagos 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 Echios, 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.

Return to your hotel.

Evening

Overnight at your hotel in Santa Cruz Island.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Lunch onboard the yacht.

Day 22 CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION, DEPARTURE

Morning

This morning, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island. As the main breeding site of the Galapagos Islands, this facility is dedicated to marine life conservation and maintaining biodiversity in the region. Learn the story of Lonesome George, the fabled final survivor of the giant tortoise species who lived at the Charles Darwin Research Station for four decades. Tour the information center, the Van Staelen Exhibition Hall, and the Breeding and Rearing Center to witness tortoises live in captivity and learn the formation of the islands and the evolution of its species.

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

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel

Services

What's included

Flights

  • Santiago to Calama
  • Uyuni to La Paz
  • Cusco to Lima
  • Guayaquil to Baltra
  • Baltra to Guayaquil
  • La Paz to Cusco
  • Lima to Guayaquil

Accommodation

Nights
22 nights in 3* or 4* Premium Hotels

Meals

Bed & Breakfast plan
21 breakfasts + 8 lunches + 4 dinners

Transportation

4x4
4x4 vehicle in Salt Flats
Boat
Private boat on Lake Titicaca, shared boat in the Galapagos
Shuttle
Shuttle Round Trip Aguas Calientes/Machu Picchu/Aguas Calientes
Bus
Shared bus transfers in The Galapagos
Car
Private Tourist vehicle for all transfers and visits except in the Galapagos

Orientation

Guide
Private English Speaking Guide for all mentioned visits and transfers, except in the Galapagos (shared English-speaking Guide)

Entrance Fees

All entrance fees to mentioned sites

What's not included

  • International flights to/from South America
  • Entrance fee to Galapagos National Park (100 USD/person)
  • TCT Ingala Migration Card (20 USD/person)
  • Travel Insurance
  • Extra meals
  • Beverages
  • Extra expenses
  • Tips

Prices


Important notes

People with heart conditions are strongly advised to seek medical advice before booking. 

This tour includes many visits to sites above 10,000 ft (3000 m). To avoid altitude sickness, we strongly advise against any strong physical effort or any alcohol consumption in high-altitude places. 

Each guest must strictly follow the Galapagos National Park Rules: 

  • Remain on marked trails at visitor sites and respect signs at all times for the protection of wildlife
  • Maintain a distance of at least six feet (two meters) from wildlife to avoid disturbing them, even if they approach you
  • Never feed wildlife, as this can cause health problems
  • Flash photography is not permitted when taking photos of wildlife
  • Professional photography and videos recorded for commercial purposes must be authorized by the Galapagos National Park Department
  • It is your responsibility not to introduce food, animals, or plants into the Archipelago. Cooperate fully with all environmental inspection and quarantine officials during your visit.
  • Do not take or buy any products or souvenirs made from banned substances, including black coral, shells, lava rock, animal parts, or any native wood or vegetation prior to leaving Galapagos. This is illegal and must be reported
  • Practice “leave-no-trace” principles in order to maintain the beauty of the environment
  • Pack out all trash and dispose of or recycle it in the populated areas or on your tour boat
  • Smoking and/or campfires are strictly prohibited within the Galapagos National Park
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