Galapagos / Argentina / Brazil

Galapagos, Argentina, Brazil Tour

17 days | 16 nights
Private tour
From 6410USD per person

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Tour Description

2-Week Custom Travel Vacation – Tailored Trip Through the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, Argentina & Brazil’s Natural and Cultural Icons

17-Day Brazil, Argentina, Ecuador, Galapagos Private Tour

This 2-week private and custom travel experience brings together the pristine biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands, the vibrant culture of Argentina, and the breathtaking landscapes of Brazil. Designed for discerning travelers seeking an immersive journey through South America, this itinerary blends wildlife, world wonders, and unforgettable cityscapes.

Start your South American adventure with a once-in-a-lifetime escape to the Galapagos Islands, where wildlife and volcanic landscapes create an unforgettable experience. Start on Santa Cruz Island, exploring the misty highlands, crawling through ancient lava tunnels, and spotting giant tortoises in the wild. Then sail to Isabela Island to visit Flamingos Lake, wander through The Wetlands, and snorkel at Tintoreras or the surreal Cabo Rosa Tunnels, teeming with marine life. Return to Santa Cruz for a refreshing dip in Las Grietas and a visit to the iconic Charles Darwin Research Station.

In Ecuador, pause in the capital city of Quito for a tailored cultural tour. Stroll through its colonial center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and soak in the charm of the Andean highlands before continuing your South American adventure.

Next, fly to Argentina, where the cosmopolitan spirit of Buenos Aires welcomes you with tango rhythms and European elegance. A custom Argentina tour includes a dazzling tango show and time to discover local markets, architecture, and cuisine. Then, travel to Iguazu Falls, one of the New Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Stand in awe at the power and beauty of this massive waterfall system, shared with neighboring Brazil.

Cross the border into Brazil, where your journey continues with the Brazilian side of Iguaçu Falls, offering panoramic vistas and lush rainforest trails. In Rio de Janeiro, explore the icons of Brazil: ride the cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain, ascend to the towering Christ the Redeemer at Corcovado, and relax on Copacabana’s vibrant shores. For the ultimate natural finale, venture into the Amazon Rainforest for a tailored eco-experience—spot exotic wildlife, cruise along jungle rivers, and stay in lodges that immerse you in the rhythms of the world’s largest tropical rainforest.

This expertly curated private and custom journey through Brazil, Argentina, and Ecuador offers a seamless blend of wildlife encounters, cultural discovery, and scenic wonder. Contact the Latin Discoveries Travel Experts today to craft your personalized South American experience.

Destinations

Multi-Country

Trip at a glance

Visits

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS: Santa Cruz Island: Highlands, Twin Craters, Giant tortoises, Lava Tunnels, Las Grietas (The Cracks), Charles Darwin Station, Isabela Island: Flamingos Lake, The Wetlands Complex, Tintoreras, Snorkeling at Finados, Cabo Rosa Tunnels

MAINLAND ECUADOR: Quito City, Middle of the World

ARGENTINA: Buenos Aires, Tango Show, Iguazu Falls

BRAZIL: Iguacu Falls, Rio de Janeiro, Sugarloaf, Christ the Redeemer at Corcovado, Amazon Rainforest

Trip details

Itinerary

Day 1 ARRIVAL TO QUITO

Arrival at Quito international airport.

Welcome by our local English-speaking staff.

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

Evening

Overnight at your hotel in Quito.

Day 2 QUITO CITY TOUR, MIDDLE OF THE WORLD

Morning

Discover with your guide the least-altered and best-preserved Latin American capital.
Take a walk to visit the colonial churches and monasteries of this urban jewel, the first city in history to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Starting at Independence Square, flanked by the Presidential Palace your visit will include the Metropolitan Cathedral of Quito, the Archbishop's Palace and the City Hall.
Ramble through the city's old streets on your way to El Sagrario church and its exquisitely carved stone façade and step inside the awe-inspiring church of the Society of Jesus.
Walk on to the Convent and Church of San Francisco, one of the greatest religious buildings on the South American continent.
Drive up to the top of the Panecillo hill for breathtaking panoramic views of Quito.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, drive out of the city to the Equatorial Valley (50 min), north of the capital, where you will visit the 'Middle of the World' monument. 

A monument and a museum exhibiting an ethnographic collection indicate the Equator line. 

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

Evening

Free evening.

Overnight at your hotel in Quito.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel

Day 3 FLIGHT TO BALTRA, SANTA CRUZ ISLAND: Highlands, Twin Craters, giant tortoises, Lava Tunnels

Morning

Your day begins with a transfer from your hotel to Quito International Airport, accompanied by an English-speaking driver guide (1 hour).

You will then board a domestic flight from Quito to Baltra (2.5 hours).

Upon arrival at Baltra Airport, our agency staff or your naturalist guide will greet you and assist with your transfer.

First, you will take a public bus to the Itabaca Channel (10 minutes), followed by a short ferry ride to Santa Cruz Island (10 minutes).

Once on the island, a vehicle will take you through the scenic highlands of Santa Cruz (45 minutes), where your first stop will be at Los Gemelos Craters. These twin volcanic sinkholes are surrounded by lush vegetation, including the endemic Scalesia trees, offering a unique introduction to the island’s highland ecosystem.

Afternoon

After exploring Los Gemelos, you will visit a local ranch where you can observe giant tortoises roaming freely in their natural habitat and learn about their behavior and life on the islands.

The tour continues with a guided walk through one of Santa Cruz’s volcanic lava tunnels (100 meters / 328 feet), during which your guide will explain the geological history and volcanic activity that shaped the Galapagos.

Following this exploration, you will be transferred to Puerto Ayora for check-in at your hotel (30 minutes), where you can settle in and enjoy the rest of your afternoon at leisure.

Evening

Free evening and overnight at your hotel on Santa Cruz Island.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel

Day 4 Isabela Island: Flamingos Lake, The Wetlands Complex, Tintoreras

Please note that a municipal tax of 10 USD / person must be paid in cash upon arrival at the dock.

Morning

Your day begins early with a transfer from your hotel to the passenger dock (approx. 10 minutes), where you will take a water taxi to board the speedboat heading to Isabela Island (2 to 2.5 hours of navigation).

Upon arrival at Isabela, another water taxi will take you from the boat to the passenger dock (10 minutes), followed by a short land transfer to your hotel (5–10 minutes).

Once settled in, you'll visit Poza de Flamingos, a semi-natural lagoon formed from old quarries, where you can observe the striking pink flamingos. These birds, white as chicks, turn reddish-pink as adults due to their diet, making for a beautiful and iconic Galapagos sight.

Then you will explore the Wetlands Complex, a network of trails showcasing the island's diverse ecosystems. Your visit will include several key sites:

  • La Playita, a quiet beach trail
  • Los Tunos Viewpoint and Pozas Verdes, where you can observe native flora and fauna; Playa del Amor, a rocky beach popular with locals
  • The Tunnel of the Estuary, a 75-meter trail that ends in a lava tunnel
  • Poza Redonda, a 50-meter path leading to a pool inside a collapsed lava tube
  • La Poza Escondida, a trail through a mangrove forest ending in a tranquil pool
  • The Estero, a 227-meter lava rock trail with a picnic area used by the local community for recreation.

Each site offers unique perspectives on the volcanic landscape and biodiversity of Isabela Island.

Afternoon

Later in the day, you’ll take a guided excursion to Tintoreras, a group of small black lava islets located just off the coast.

This 3-hour tour begins with a panga ride around the bay for wildlife observation, where you might spot lava herons in the mangroves, Galápagos penguins, and sea lions along the shore.

After disembarking, you’ll walk along an easy black lava trail to reach the Tintoreras channel, where whitetip reef sharks are often seen resting in the shallow waters.

The excursion concludes with snorkeling in the calm, clear waters around Tintoreras, which provide excellent underwater visibility and the chance to observe marine life up close.

Afterward, you will return to your hotel.

Evening

Free evening and overnight at your hotel on Isabela Island.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel

Day 5 ISABELA ISLAND: Snorkeling at Finados, Cabo Rosa Tunnels

Depending on the schedule assigned by the Galapagos National Park, your tour may begin in the morning (from 7:30 am to 1pm) or in the afternoon (from 11 am to 4:30pm).

Your naturalist guide will pick you up from your hotel and escort you to the dock (10 minutes), where a boat will be waiting.

You will then embark on a scenic ride to Cabo Rosa Tunnels (45 minutes), with your first stop at the Finados site. Known for its calm, crystal-clear waters, Finados is considered one of the best snorkeling spots in the Galapagos. Here, you’ll snorkel among an abundance of marine life, including colorful reef fish, sea turtles, marine iguanas, white-tipped reef sharks, rays, sea lions, and even seahorses—all amid stunning underwater lava tunnels formed by ancient volcanic activity.

After snorkeling, the excursion continues with a guided walk over the lava formations of the Cabo Rosa Tunnels.

This unique volcanic landscape is home to numerous seabird species such as blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, pelicans, herons, and frigate birds, all of which can often be observed resting or nesting on the black volcanic rock.

Following the tour, you will return to Puerto Villamil by boat (45 minutes) and transfer back to your hotel (10 minutes).

Free afternoon or free morning depending on the assigned schedule.

Evening

The evening is at your leisure to relax, explore the town, or enjoy a quiet dinner after a day of unforgettable wildlife encounters and exploration.

Overnight at your hotel in Isabela Island.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Lunch included

Day 6 Santa Cruz Island: Las Grietas (The Cracks), Charles Darwin Station

Morning

Your day begins very early with a transfer from your hotel in Isabela to the passenger dock (10 minutes).

From there, you will take a short water taxi ride to reach the speedboat that will transport you to Santa Cruz Island (2 to 2.5 hours of navigation).

Upon arrival at Santa Cruz, another water taxi will take you to the passenger dock (10 minutes), followed by a short transfer to your hotel (5–10 minutes).

After settling in, you'll begin your first excursion with a visit to Las Grietas, one of the most iconic geological sites on the island. This impressive natural formation features two towering volcanic rock walls separated by a crystal-clear channel of water, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The surrounding area is dotted with striking giant cacti, adding to the dramatic landscape.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, you will visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, located in Puerto Ayora. This renowned biological research center offers rich insight into the Galápagos Islands’ history, ecology, and conservation efforts.

Through a series of interpretation rooms and exhibits, you’ll learn about the islands’ evolution, native species, and environmental challenges.

One of the highlights is viewing the embalmed figure of the legendary Lonesome George, the last known individual of his species.

The station also operates a respected giant tortoise breeding center, where you can observe these iconic creatures at various stages of development, helping to ensure their survival for future generations.

Evening

Transfer to your hotel.

Free overnight on Santa Cruz Island.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel

Day 7 FLIGHT TO QUITO, FREE AFTERNOON

Morning

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

Direct flight to Quito (2 hours 30 min).

Afternoon

Transfer to your hotel in Quito.

Free afternoon to stroll or relax.

Evening

Free evening and overnight in Quito.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the Hotel

Day 8 FLIGHT TO BUENOS AIRES

Morning

Transfer to Quito Airport for your flight to Buenos Aires (5 hours 50 minutes).

Afternoon

Transfer to your hotel in downtown Buenos Aires. 

Evening

Free evening and overnight in Buenos Aires.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel

Day 9 BUENOS AIRES: FULL DAY CITY TOUR & TANGO SHOW

Morning

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

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.

Evening

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.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the Hotel
  • Included at Dinner & Tango Show

Day 10 FLIGHT TO IGUAZU, IGUAZU FALLS BRAZIL

Morning

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.

Afternoon

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.

Evening

Free evening.

Overnight at your hotel in Puerto Iguazu.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the Hotel

Day 11 FULL DAY TOUR AT IGUAZU FALLS ARGENTINA

Morning

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.

Afternoon

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).

Evening

Free evening.

Overnight at your hotel in Puerto Iguazu.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the Hotel

Day 12 FLIGHT RIO DE JANEIRO: ICONIC BEACHES AND SUNSET AT THE SUGAR LOAF

Morning

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).

Afternoon

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.

Evening

Free evening.

Overnight at your hotel in Rio de Janeiro.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the Hotel

Day 13 THE CORCOVADO, CHRIST THE REDEEMER AND SANTA TERESA

Morning

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.

Afternoon

The rest of the day is free.

Evening

Free evening.

Overnight at your hotel in Rio de Janeiro.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the Hotel

Day 14 FREE MORNING, FLIGHT TO MANAUS

Morning

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).

Afternoon

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

Evening

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

Overnight at your hotel in Manaus.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the Hotel

Day 15 AMAZON RAINFOREST: FISHING PIRANHAS

Morning

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

Afternoon

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.

Evening

Free evening.

Overnight at the lodge.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the Lodge
  • Lunch at the Lodge.
  • Dinner at the Lodge.

Day 16 AMAZON RAINFOREST: JUNGLE HIKE, CULTURAL EXPERIENCE, LOOKING FOR ALLIGATORS

Morning

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.

Afternoon

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.

Evening

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

Overnight at the lodge.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the Lodge
  • Lunch at the Lodge.
  • Dinner at the Lodge.

Day 17 DEPARTURE

Morning

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

Afternoon

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

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the Lodge

Services

What's included

Flights

  • Domestic Flights:
    • Quito to Baltra
    • Baltra to Quito
    • Buenos Aires to Puerto Iguazu
    • Foz do Iguaçu to Rio de Janeiro
    • Rio de Janeiro to Manaus
  • Regional Flights:
    • Quito to Buenos Aires

Accommodation

Nights
16 nights in Premium Hotels & Lodges

Meals

Bed & Breakfast plan
16 breakfasts + 6 lunches + 3 dinners including 1 tango-show

Transportation

Boat
Shared boat excursions in the Galapagos Islands and in the Amazon Rainforest
Shuttle
Shared transfers in the Galapagos and in the Amazon Rainforest
Car
First Category Private Tourist Vehicle for all transfers in Quito, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro

Orientation

Guide
Private English-speaking local guide for all excursions in Quito, Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro / Shared English-speaking guide in the Galapagos and in the Amazon Rainforest

Entrance Fees

All entrance fees to mentioned sites except in the Galapagos

What's not included

  • International flights to/from South America
  • Entrance fee to Galapagos National Park (200 USD/person)
  • TCT Ingala Migration Card (20 USD/person)
  • Isabela Island Municipal Tax (10 USD/person)
  • Buenos Aires Tourist Tax Fee (charged by the hotel)
  • Travel Insurance
  • Extra Meals
  • Drinks
  • Tips

Prices


Important notes

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

If necessary, it is imperative to get your yellow fever vaccine at least ten days prior to departure. 

Weather conditions in the Amazon rainforest vary greatly depending on the two seasons: the wet season from December to May and the dry season from June until November. Regardless of the season, you have to be prepared for rain throughout the year, although it rains a lot less during the dry season. 

Amazon rainforest packing list:

  • binoculars
  • waterproof hiking shoes
  • hat
  • quick-dry clothing
  • long-sleeve shirt
  • long-sleeve pants
  • strong insect repellent
  • strong sunblock
  • bathing-suit
  • case or protection for your camera and phone
  • personal medication. 
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