Brazil / Galapagos

Brazil, Galapagos Islands Tour

13 days | 12 nights
Private tour
From 4420USD per person

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Tour Description

2-Week Private Brazil & Galapagos Tour – Tailor-Made Trip Through South America’s Icons of Nature & Culture

13-Day Brazil and Galapagos Custom Vacation

Brazil and Ecuador may be two different countries, but they share something powerful: a vibrant pulse of life that connects jungle, ocean, and ancient culture. This 2-week private and custom tour invites you to explore Brazil’s world-famous cities and waterfalls, and then journey west to the Galapagos Islands, where evolution and untouched wilderness reign. With expert logistics and a custom-built itinerary, this is an immersive vacation made for explorers who want both wonder and comfort.

Begin your journey in Rio de Janeiro, a city where mountains meet the sea and life spills onto the streets with rhythm and color. You’ll ride the cable car up to Sugarloaf Mountain for a sunset view, visit the towering Christ the Redeemer at Corcovado, and relax along the golden curves of Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon Beaches. A walk or bike around the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon brings you into Rio’s serene core, while an afternoon in the Bohemian neighborhood of Santa Teresa introduces you to Rio’s soulful side through street art, music, and colonial charm.

Next, fly north to one of the world’s natural wonders: Iguazu Falls National Park, straddling both Argentina and Brazil. You’ll witness the thunderous power of the falls from multiple perspectives, walking scenic trails, crossing misty catwalks, and taking in panoramic views of Devil’s Throat, the park’s most dramatic section. Optional boat rides bring you closer than you thought possible, soaking you in both spray and awe.

From there, your journey continues westward to Ecuador’s capital, Quito, a highland city rich with colonial architecture and Andean heritage. Stroll through its UNESCO-listed Old Town before visiting the Middle of the World, where the equator line splits the planet—and your itinerary—in two.

Continue 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.

This tailored journey concludes with a return to the mainland, where you’ll reflect on a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience—one that flows from samba and waterfalls to sea lions and sacred volcanoes. From urban iconography to ecological marvels, this private tour is built around your tastes, tempo, and curiosity.

We are ready to tailor this trip just for you—combining the cultural highs of Brazil with the wild wonder of the Galapagos in a way only a fully customized private tour can. Get in touch and start planning your extraordinary South America escape.

Destinations

Multi-Country

Trip at a glance

Visits

RIO DE JANEIRO: Sunset at The Sugarloaf, Christ The Redeemer at Corcovado, Copacabana, Hipanema and Leblon Beaches, Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, Bohemian Neighborhood of Santa Teresa

IGUAZU FALLS NATIONAL PARK: in both Argentina and Brazil 

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

Morning

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).

Afternoon

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.

Evening

Free evening.

Overnight at your hotel in Rio de Janeiro.

Day 2 CHRIST THE REDEEMER AT THE CORCOVADO AND SANTA TEREZA NEIGHBORHOOD

Morning

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.

Afternoon

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).

Evening

Free evening.

Overnight at your hotel in Rio de Janeiro.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel

Day 3 TIJUCA FOREST, FREE AFTERNOON

Morning

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.

Afternoon

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.

Evening

Free evening in Rio.

Overnight at your hotel in Rio de Janeiro.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel

Day 4 IGUAZU WATERFALLS BRAZILIAN SIDE

Morning

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.

Afternoon

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.

Evening

Free evening.

Overnight at your hotel in Foz do Iguaçu.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel

Day 5 IGUAZU WATERFALLS ARGENTINIAN SIDE

Morning

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.

Afternoon

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

Evening

Free evening.

Overnight at your hotel in Foz do Iguaçu.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel

Day 6 FLIGHT TO QUITO

Morning

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).

Evening

Transfer to your hotel downtown.

Free evening and overnight in Quito.

MEALS
  • Breakfast at the hotel

Day 7 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 8 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 9 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 10 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 11 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 12 FLIGHT TO QUITO

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 13 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

  • Rio de Janeiro to Foz do Iguaçu
  • Foz do Iguaçu to Quito
  • Quito to Baltra
  • Baltra to Quito

Accommodation

Nights
12 hotel nights in premium hotels

Meals

Bed & Breakfast plan
12 breakfasts + 4 lunches

Transportation

Bus
Shared transfers in the Galapagos
Car
Private car and driver for all transfers and excursions in Quito

Orientation

Guide
Local English-speaking private guide for all visits except in the Galapagos Islands (shared naturalist guide)

Entrance Fees

All entrance fees to mentioned sites except in the Galapagos

What's not included

  • International Flights
  • Entrance Fee to Galapagos National Park (200 USD/Person)
  • TCT Ingala Migration Card (20 USD/Person)
  • Isabela Island Municipal Tax (10 USD/Person)
  • 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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