Brazil, Galapagos Islands Tour

Arrival at Galeão, Rio de Janeiro International Airport, assistance with transfer to your hotel.

Check in at your hotel and enjoy some free time around the legendary beach of Copacabana.

(Check-in available after 2pm. Early check-in may be possible upon availability).

In the afternoon, enjoy a tour of Rio’s iconic beaches, including Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon and the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon. Later in the afternoon, ride the cable car up to the peak of the Sugarloaf Mountain, and enjoy the sunset over the amazing scenery of Rio's background.

Free evening.

Overnight at your hotel in Rio de Janeiro.

Early in the morning, hop on the train up the rack railway to the Corcovado Mountain for a spectacular glimpse of Rio, and an up-close look at the majestic statue of Christ the Redeemer, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. Then, visit the bohemian neighborhood of Santa Teresa and marvel at its architectural and cultural charms.

Free afternoon. Relax at the beach, keep exploring the busy city, visit the modern Museum of Tomorrow (Museu do Amanhã) or the Museum of Fine Arts (Museu Nacional de Belas Artes) (not included).

Free evening.

Overnight at your hotel in Rio de Janeiro.

Embark on an adventurous Jeep tour through Tijuca National Forest, the largest urban rainforest in the world. Discover lush trails, hidden waterfalls, and panoramic viewpoints while spotting tropical wildlife in this natural oasis within Rio.

Enjoy a free afternoon in Rio de Janeiro to explore at your own pace—whether it's relaxing on the iconic beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, shopping in local boutiques, or savoring Brazilian cuisine at a seaside café. Optional excursions, like a favela tour or a samba show, offer deeper insights into the city's vibrant soul.

Free evening in Rio.

Overnight at your hotel in Rio de Janeiro.

Morning transfer to Rio de janeiro's airport with assistance with check in.

Direct flight to Foz do Iguazu (2h). Upon arrival transfer to you hotel in Foz do Iguazu.

In the afternoon, visit the stunning Iguazu Falls National Park. Officialy put on the map in 1541, the giant waterfall system runs over 1.7 miles (2.7 km) with impressive drops from 200 feet (60 m) to 269 feet (82 m). Iguazu Falls are higher than Niagara Falls and almost twice as wide.

Free evening.

Overnight at your hotel in Foz do Iguaçu.

After breakfast at your hotel, your morning tour will take you to the Argentinean side of Iguazu, where most of the falls 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.

Cross the border back to your hotel in Brazil in the afternoon.

Free evening.

Overnight at your hotel in Foz do Iguaçu.

In the morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Quito (3 hours if direct flight, 8 hours if flight with stop-over in Saõ Paulo).

Transfer to your hotel downtown.

Free evening and overnight in Quito.

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.

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).

Free evening.

Overnight at your hotel in Quito.

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 afternoon.

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.

After breakfast at your hotel, transfer to Seymour Airport on Baltra Island for your onward journey.