Argentina / Galapagos

Argentina, Galapagos Islands Tour

15 days | 14 nights
Private tour
From 6830USD per person

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Tour Description

2-Week Private Travel Vacation – Tailor-Made Tour Through Argentina, Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands

15-Day Custom Trip to Argentina and the Galapagos Islands

Discover the richness of South America on this immersive 2-week custom tour through Argentina, Ecuador, and the Galapagos Islands. From the romantic boulevards of Buenos Aires to the legendary wildlife of the Galapagos, and from the glacial majesty of Patagonia to the colonial charm of Quito, this tailor-made vacation is designed to reflect your personal rhythm and travel style.

Begin your journey in Buenos Aires, the cosmopolitan capital of Argentina. Explore its historic neighborhoods, elegant café culture, and world-renowned architecture with your private guide. Experience the soul of the city with a captivating tango show and gourmet dinner, set in a historic theater where Argentina’s music and passion come alive.

Step into rural tradition on a visit to a typical Argentinian hacienda, where you’ll ride alongside gauchos, savor a classic asado barbecue, and enjoy the peaceful beauty of the Pampas countryside. It’s a timeless cultural encounter that reflects the authenticity and warmth of Argentina’s heartland.

Next, head south to the dramatic landscapes of Patagonia, where the awe-inspiring Perito Moreno Glacier awaits. Walk along panoramic viewing platforms or cruise beside the glacier’s towering face as icebergs calve into turquoise waters. Stay in a cozy lodge in El Calafate, surrounded by the rugged Andean scenery, for a serene immersion into the natural world.

Your private, custom tour continues in Ecuador, beginning in the Andean capital of Quito. Explore the beautifully preserved colonial Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit the iconic Middle of the World monument, where the equator line divides the planet. Enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding volcanoes and a vibrant blend of Andean and Spanish heritage.

The final chapter of your journey takes you to the unparalleled biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands, one of the world’s last untouched ecosystems. Your adventure begins on Santa Cruz Island, with visits to the lush highlands, expansive lava tunnels, and the dramatic Twin Craters, home to wild giant tortoises. Continue to Isabela Island for vibrant wildlife at Flamingos Lake, peaceful walks through The Wetlands, and unforgettable snorkeling at Tintoreras or Cabo Rosa Tunnels. Back on Santa Cruz, dive into the turquoise waters of Las Grietas and explore the pioneering Charles Darwin Research Station.

Swim with playful sea lions, walk among giant tortoises, marvel at the dance of blue-footed boobies, and snorkel through crystal-clear waters filled with reef sharks, rays, and marine iguanas. Every day reveals a new facet of this evolutionary paradise, guided by expert naturalists on your private Galápagos adventure.

This custom-designed vacation is the ultimate blend of culture, nature, and personalized exploration. With every detail arranged by local specialists and travel experts, you’ll enjoy a seamless and enriching experience, guided entirely by your own interests and preferences.

Destinations

Multi-Country

Trip at a glance

Visits

ARGENTINA: Buenos Aires, Tango Show, Typical Argentinian Hacienda, Perito Moreno Glacier

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

Trip details

Itinerary

Day 1 ARRIVAL IN BUENOS AIRES

Arrival at Ministro Pistarini, Ezeiza international airport.

Welcome by our local English-speaking staff. 

Transfer to your hotel located in Buenos Aires downtown.

Evening

Overnight at the hotel in Buenos Aires. 

Day 2 Buenos Aires: Montserrat, San Telmo, La Boca, Puerto Madero Neighborhoods

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.

Afternoon

Take time to tango around the colorful 'El Caminito' street museum, once home to Italian immigrants.

Stroll around Puerto Madero, a pioneer project for the rehabilitation of the city's old docks. 

Evening

Free evening and overnight at the hotel in Buenos Aires. 

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel

Day 3 GAUCHO DAY IN THE COUNTRYSIDE

Morning

Spend the day in full contact with nature, with the traditions and typical food of the Argentine countryside (1 hour 30 min from Buenos Aires).

You will be welcomed with empanadas and drinks before experiencing horse riding. 

Horseback or carriage rides that take you around the property’s 300 hectares, where you can see a typical Argentine estancia in action. Cows, sheep, horses and birds will all be seen, including some of planted fields.

Afternoon

Free afternoon for you to enjoy the hacienda's facilities: swimming pools, bicycles, soccer and volleyball courts, pool table, ping pong, table soccer, sun loungers and more.

Drive back to Buenos Aires (1 hour 30 min).

Evening

Free evening and overnight in Buenos Aires.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Typical Argentinian BBQ

Day 4 FLIGHT TO EL CALAFATE, FREE AFTERNOON

Morning

Morning transfer to Buenos Aires' airport, assistance for check-in. Direct flight to El Calafate (3 hours 20 min). 

Arrival at El Calafate on the shores of Lake Argentino, transfer to your hotel (20 min), check in. 

Afternoon

Free afternoon to relax in El Calafate. 

Evening

Free evening and overnight in El Calafate.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel

Day 5 PERITO MORENO GLACIER, LOS GLACIARES NATIONAL PARK

Morning

Meet with your private driver and guide and drive along Lake Argentino (the largest freshwater lake in the country) towards Los Glaciares National Park (90 min). 

Arrival at Perito Moreno glacier, named after the Argentinian explorer Francisco Moreno Pascacio. 

Afternoon

Easy hike on the boardwalk to get different views of the 18-mile long (30 km), 3-mile wide (5 km) Perito Moreno glacier. Get your camera ready and listen for the roaring glacier dropping blocks of ice causing mini-tsunamis in their fall. 

1-hour boat ride to get a really close view of the walls of the glacier. 

End of the afternoon, drive back to El Calafate (90 min). 

Evening

Free evening. 

Overnight at your hotel in El Calafate. 

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel

Day 6 CRUISE TO USPALA AND SPEGAZZINI GLACIERS

Morning

Transfer to Punta Bandera (45 min). Board your 5-hour cruise to the Uspala and Spegazzini glaciers located inside Los Glaciares National Park. 

37 miles (60 km) long, 3 miles (5 km) wide and 230 feet (70 metres) tall, the Upsala glacier is the largest in this park and the longest in South America as its ice spreads over 300 square miles (780 km²). 

The access to Upsala glacier is often limited because of the amount of ice on the passage, as result of glacier melting. 

Afternoon

On your way to the Spegazzini glacier, enjoy the views of the Onelli and Agassi glaciers and the occasional iceberg. 

Arrival at the Spegazzini glacier with its impressive wall towering up 135 metres (440 feet). 

Disembark and transfer to your hotel in El Calafate. 

Evening

Free evening. 

Overnight at your hotel in El Calafate. 

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel
  • Lunch onboard

Day 7 flight to buenos aires, Recoleta, Palermo, tango show

Morning

Fly back to Buenos Aires (3 hours 20 min). Then transfer to your hotel for check-in.

Afternoon

Start with Recoleta, the most elegant neighborhood in Buenos Aires. Begin at the Recoleta Cemetery, one of the most iconic cemeteries in the world. Wander through the elaborate mausoleums and be sure to visit the tomb of Evita Perón. Each tomb tells a story, reflecting different artistic and architectural styles that mirror the city’s history.

Just outside the cemetery, visit the Our Lady of Pilar Church, a beautiful colonial-era church from the 18th century that adds a quiet, spiritual touch to the area.

Next, take a walk along Avenida Alvear, known for its stunning architecture, upscale residences, luxury hotels, and art galleries. Enjoy the elegant atmosphere and stop into a gallery or boutique if you’d like.

Take a break at one of Recoleta’s charming cafés, such as La Biela, to enjoy a coffee and some people-watching in Plaza Francia.

Evening

At about 8pm, transfer to a traditional café where you will spend the evening (10 min).

Dinner at a hundred-year old 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
  • Dinner tango-show

Day 8 FLIGHT TO QUITO

Morning

In the morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Quito (6 hours 30 min).

Afternoon

Transfer to your hotel in Quito center. 

Evening

Free evening and overnight in Quito.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel

Day 9 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 10 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 11 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 12 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 13 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
  • Lunch included

Day 14 FLIGHT TO QUITO, free afternoon

Morning

Transfer from your hotel in Puerto Ayora to Itabaca Channel (45–50 minutes).

Upon arrival, you will take a shared ferry across the channel to Baltra Island (10 minutes), followed by a short shared-bus ride to the Baltra Airport (10 minutes).

Once at the airport, you will check in for your domestic flight to the mainland.

Direct flight to Quito (2 hours 30 minutes).

Afternoon

Upon landing in Quito, you will be welcomed by your English-speaking driver guide who will assist you with your private transfer to your hotel (45 minutes).

Check-in and installation at your hotel.

Rest of the afternoon free to take a stroll or relax.

Evening

Free evening and overnight in Quito.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel

Day 15 departure

At the indicated time, transfer to Quito Airport (1 hour). 

Check-in and assistance. 

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel

Services

What's included

Flights

  • Buenos Aires to El Calafate
  • El Calafate to Buenos Aires
  • Buenos Aires to Quito
  • Quito to Baltra
  • Baltra to Quito

Accommodation

Nights
14 nights in premium hotels

Meals

Bed & Breakfast plan
14 breakfasts + 4 lunches + 1 dinner

Transportation

Boat
Shared-boat excursions in the Galapagos
Bus
Shared shuttle transfers in the Galapagos
Car
Private premium car and driver for all transfers in Argentina and Quito

Orientation

Guide
Private local English-speaking guides in Argentina and Quito, Shared Naturalist English-speaking Guide in the Galapagos

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
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