Arrive into Buenos Aires today.

The elegant Capital of Argentina, with over 3 million Porteños – as the residents are called, is one of the largest cities in the world. This great metropolis renowned for its sophistication stands out for being the most cosmopolitan and European city in South America, displayed through its mixed architecture and diverse culture.

On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel

(Private Transfer)

This morning enjoy a tour of the city, that portrays many faces of Buenos Aires.

We will visit the symbol of our city, the Obelisk, El Cabildo, Casa Rosada (Argentinian Presidencial office) and El Congress squares such as Plaza de Mayo, Plaza San Martin and Plaza Alvear; Avenida De Mayo, Corrientes and 9 de Julio among other avenues; La Boca and San Telmo, historic neighborhoods, the magnificent Palermo and Recoleta areas and modern neighborhoods like Puerto Madero, Dorrego square; Lezama Park and Tres de Febrero or Palermo woods (known as Bosques de Palermo) along with the Ecologic Reserve of the ‘Costanera Sur’ and the commercial and financial areas of the city.

Once all activities are completed we will head back to your hotel.

(B.) (Private Tour)

Day at leisure.

Revisit some of your favourite places in the city today.

Get acquainted with the “Paris of South America” and its distinct European flavour, free to treat yourself to an Argentine beef dinner at one of the city’s many superb steak restaurants. (B.)

Suggested restaurant: Don Julio

Don Julio is the 2023 winner of the World’s 101 Best Steak Restaurants.
The restaurant’s menu features an extensive selection of beef cuts, including ribeye, sirloin, and tenderloin but also secondary cuts like skirt or short ribs from regeneratively farmed Aberdeen Angus and Hereford cattle. The steak cuts are grilled to perfection over a wood-fired grill by Guido Tassi, Executive Chef and his team, which imparts a smoky flavor and charred exterior, while keeping the meat juicy and tender in a distinctive way.

This morning we will transfer you to the airport for your short flight to Iguazu Falls.

Upon arrival an unforgettable tour on the Argentine side, bringing you face to face with one of the world’s wonders: Iguazú Falls, declared a Mankind Heritage by UNESCO.

Take the train to the Devil’s Throat Boardwalk for a close up of the most powerful of the falls.

Walk the superior and inferior boardwalks and soak in the breathtaking panoramic views of this gorgeous natural scenery.

Once the Argentina side is completed we will transfer you to your hotel, located on the Brazil side.

(B.) (Private Transfer) (Private Tour)

This morning you will be transferred to the entrance of the National Park of Iguaçu.

Once arrive at the park entrance to go through the guess entrance and return to the vehicle at the other side of the visitor center. From there you will be taken to the entrance of the park to the beginning of the trail of the Iguassu Falls, which takes about 20 minutes.

The Trail is about 1400 meters long and has some steps along the way. At First you will experience a panoramic view of the falls, and as the walk through the tail they will get closer and closer to the falls. Approaching the end of the walk they will go on a catwalk that takes then to the middle of the Iguassu Falls.

Once Brazilian side sight-seen its completed you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Rio.

Welcome to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil’s ‘cidade maravilhosa’.

Upon arrival to Rio de Janeiro, you will be welcomed outside of Customs by an English-speaking assistant holding a sign with your name on it. This representative will direct you to your awaiting vehicle and driver, and accompany you to your hotel – which is situated in the lively Copacabana Beach zone – to assist with check-in.

(B.) (Private Tour) (Private Transfer)

Today we will explore Corcovado to see the statue of Christ the Redeemer.

Passing by some of Rios beaches and by Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, and proceeding as far as Cosme Velho Station to board a cog-train for the ride through Tijuca Forest up Corcovado Mountain. The train ride takes 20 minutes and is a wonderful opportunity for a closer look to the forest lush tropical vegetation and to enjoy scenic landscapes of the beaches and city. Disembarking at the top of Corcovado and then proceeding up the steps that lead to the top lookout where the towering statue of Christ the Redeemer stands.

After appreciating the breathtaking view unfolding below, passengers will descend by train and will return to your hotel.

(B.) (Private Tour)

Enjoy today at leisure and discover all of the delights of Rio on your own.

Watch the volleyball and soccer matches on the beach, shop for local crafts, and linger at a waterfront café to just “people-watch”.

(B.) 

Today at schedule time we will transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima.

Upon arrival to Lima, you will be welcomed outside of Customs by an English-speaking assistant holding a sign with your name on it. This representative will direct you to your awaiting vehicle and driver, and accompany you to your hotel to assist with check-in.

Note: Medical “Assist Card” insurance for the entire journey within Peru, with 24 hours medical assistance is provided to assist any relevant issues with altitude or any sickness.

(B.) (Private Transfer)

You will visit the modern and colonial parts of the city of Lima, known as The City of Kings.

You will head to the Historical Center and arrive at the Main Plaza, where you can take pictures of the amazing colonial architecture that surrounds it.

Then, visit the Cathedral, where you will appreciate the Renaissance style of decoration, as well as its apostles’ statues.

Then, you will walk to the impressive Santo Domingo Convent, which will astonish you with its colonial style.

Upon leaving the Historical Center, you will head to the Huaca Pucllana, a pre-Inca archaeological complex in the district of Miraflores, which was an important ceremonial and administrative center of the Lima culture, between 200 and 700 AD. In a guided tour, you will explore the different areas of the huaca and learn about the lifestyle of its former inhabitants.

Once all activités are completed we will head back to your hotel.

Balance of the day at leisure.

(B.) (Private Tour)

Suggested Restaurant: Huaca Pucllana.

The view of the 1,500-year-old, pre-Incan ruins is reason enough to visit this beautiful restaurant, but the food is a close second. Rough-hewn columns hold up the dining room’s soaring ceiling, but the best tables are outside, with a view of the huaca (ruins), which are spectacularly lighted at night. The novo andino cuisine includes a crunchy quinoa salad with soterito (fresh cheese, tomato, onion, fava beans, corn, and rocoto chilis) and grilled alpaca in a porcino mushroom sauce with corn soufflé. House versions of popular dishes such as chupe de corvina (a creamy sea bass soup) and cabrito al horno (roasted kid) are simply works of art.

This morning we will transfer you to the airport for your departing flight to Puerto Maldonado.

Start your journey arriving to Puerto Maldonado, where our staff will welcome you and provide the necessary information for your stay.

Navigate by outboard motorized canoe along the Madre de Dios River to Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion for approximately 25 minutes.

Enjoy lunch with organic ingredients and native flavors.

After lunch, take a walk through Concepcion trails, our inside property nature trails, where you will discover and learn about primary and secondary rainforest, its components, uses, transformations by the human being, and its relevance for the world.

At dusk navigate by outboard motorized canoe, at the twilight river excursion. By sailing on the Madre de Dios River, you will learn about its ecosystem, Amazonian creeks, nocturnal animals’ behavior, and the southern constellations.

In the evening enjoy a nice dinner in the Casa Grande’s dining room.

(B. L. D.) (Private Transfer) (Shared Guide)

New experiences are ahead and after taking a nutritious buffet breakfast, get ready for a long trek through terra firma into the Tambopata National Reserve towards Lake Sandoval. Here you will understand why Madre de Dios is called the biodiversity capital of Peru, while learning about the Reserve’s conservation efforts and the lake’s formation.

Navigate by dugout canoe across this mirror-like oxbow lake that is home to the endangered giant river otter (Pteronura brasiliensis), blue and yellow macaw (Ara ararauna), red howler monkey (Alouatta seniculus), black caiman (Melanosuchus niger), and one of the world’s biggest fresh water scaled fish, the paiche (Arapaima gigas).

Back to the lodge for lunch, and later the Inkaterra canopy walkway & anaconda walk await for you. Take a 20-minute ride by outboard motorized canoe to the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway Interpretation Center where you will learn about its construction and the conservation projects of ITA-Inkaterra Asociación (NGO). Ascend one of the two 98-foot towers (30 m.) and cross the 7 hanging bridges that connect the treetops at 91 ft. high (28 m.).

Enjoy the breathtaking vistas and get the chance to watch white-throated toucans (Ramphastos tucanus), woodpeckers, trogons, squirrel monkeys (Saimiri boliviensis) and the three-toed sloth (Choleopus hoffmani).

After descending keep on feeling the incredible primary rainforest energy going along the 200-meter wooden bridge over the swamps (aguajales). You will learn about the fauna and flora of this flooded ecosystem.

At night get ready for an adventure at the rainforest by night excursion, where you will explore the Amazon rainforest that gives way to nocturnal animals who display intriguing behavior patterns, and enhanced senses as adaptation mechanisms. Listen to nocturnal living nature sounds, and penetrate this hidden world.

Return to the lodge and enjoy a nice dinner.

(B. L. D.) (Shared Guide)

The sun rises once again and after an early breakfast you will take our Native Farm excursion where you will be able to learn local techniques of cultivation and taste some of the products during the visit.

Then visit the Botanical Garden, discover the immense variety of medicinal plants considered part of the “natural pharmacy” used by the habitants at the amazon region. Compare the medicinal uses of local medicine with traditional remedies.

Getting back to Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion you will have lunch.

Take a rest and get ready for the cocha water excursion. Enjoy a dugout canoe ride on the Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion natural pond (cocha). Try native fishing applying the “catch and release” techniques, as you enjoy the scenery observing hoatzins (Opisthocomus hoazin), a diversity of fly catchers, and gray-necked woodrails (Aramides cajanea).

Disembark at the remains of Fitzcarrald steam boat; learn about its history and how it inspired Inkaterra to ask Werner Herzog to film the award-winning “Fitzcarraldo”, best director at Cannes, 1982.

You will be able to participate in the inland collpa during the evening, where you will see different species and their night routines by observing through our “blinds”.

End up your day with a pleasant dinner.

(B. L. D.) (Shared Guide)

After breakfast buffet, take a ride back to Puerto Maldonado by outboard motorized canoe. Arrive at the Butterfly House where you may wait for your flight to Cusco, while visiting this beautiful Butterfly House and learning about the fascinating transformation of these colorful insects.

On arrival to Cusco you will be met at the airport by a local representative who will transport you to the Sacred Valley of the Incas (8,500 feet elevation), a long, fertile river valley surrounded by snowcapped peaks that lies between Cusco (11,000 feet elevation) and Machu Picchu (8,000 feet elevation). Starting here helps you adjust to the high altitude of the Andes and is a great way to see how the local people continue to live in the traditional Andean manner. Rest of afternoon at leisure.

Please Note: At high altitudes, it’s essential to avoid vigorous activity for the rest of the day. After settling into your hotel, take one to two hours to rest before engaging in any physical activities. Staying hydrated is crucial—drink plenty of water, fruit juices, herbal teas, or the local mate de coca. To minimize the risk of altitude sickness, it’s best to steer clear of caffeinated beverages and alcohol.

Keep in Mind: Everyone reacts differently to altitude, and symptoms can vary widely. Pay close attention to how you’re feeling, and don’t hesitate to seek medical advice if needed.

(B.) (Private Transfer)

Today we discover the best of the Sacred Valley of the Incas

You will head towards Ollantaytambo, where you can visit the archaeological complex of the same name, one of the largest in Peru, strategically located on top of a mountain.

Afterwards, you will descend to the town of Ollantaytambo, which stands out for maintaining the Inca urban planning as part of its original urban layout, with some buildings and narrow stone streets. Here you can tour the town and visit the local market.

Important: This evening, prepare a small overnight bag for your stay at Machu Picchu. Your main luggage will be securely transferred to Cuzco and stored, ready for you to collect when you check in to the hotel. Be sure to carry your passport with you.

When packing, please note the luggage restrictions for Peru Rail passengers traveling to Machu Picchu:

• One bag or backpack (carry-on only)
• Maximum weight: 5.0 kg (11 lb)
• Maximum dimensions: 62 linear inches (157 cm) (height + length + width)

Space for luggage on the train is limited, so please pack accordingly.

(B.) (Private Tour)

Awaiting you today is by far and away one of the high points in world tourism: Machu Picchu, where you will definitely have an experience you will never forget.

You will be transferred from your hotel to the train station in Ollantaytambo this morning. Your luggage will be collected and transferred to your hotel in Cuzco for storage while you are at Machu Picchu. We recommend you do not leave valuables in your luggage.

Board the Vistadome Train to Aguas Calientes; a 90 minute journey. Your Vistadome service departs at (to be advised) and you need to be on the platform 30 minutes prior to departure. The Vistadome is the ideal train for those who want to be in contact with the environment and appreciate the wonderful journey to Machu Picchu. Surrounded entirely by glass and wagons with large panoramic windows offering incomparable scenic views and numerous opportunities to capture amazing pictures, Vistadome travellers feel connected and part of the impressive landscape of Peru. Perurail provide travellers on board personalized and first level service to give them an unforgettable life experience.

Upon arrival to Aguas Calientes train station one of our local staff will be waiting for you holding a sign with your name/s on it. After a short briefing, explaining about your full day tour inclusions & timings you will be introduced to your expert guide for the rest of the day. At this point your luggage will be taken by a porter to your hotel. Your guide will walk with you for about 5 min to catch a bus, which takes 30 minutes to reach Machu Picchu (buses depart every 10 minutes and the first bus departs 05:30)

A 2 hours 30 minutes guided tour of the ruins will have you wondering about the lives of the priests, craftsmen, and servants who inhabited this citadel and what drove them to build it on a mountain-top. Excavations have revealed skeletons, artefacts and woollen clothing, but no gold. The same precise stonework as in other Incan sites in evident. Overlooking the raging Urubamba River and discovered in a hidden tangle of vines and trees atop the mountain, the city of Machu Picchu will forever hold the secret of its destruction as the Incas left no written record.

You will visit following points in Machu Picchu:

01 Entrance
02 Ceremonial Baths
03 Inka House
04 Temple of the Sun
05 Botanical Garden
06 Square of the Temples 07 Intiwatana
08 Llamacancha
09 Sacred rock
10 Temple of the Condor 11 Agricultural Zone
12 Exit

The guided tour will end a few meters from the Machu Picchu exit. It is not allowed to return on the way that has already been visited

At the proper time, you should exit the citadel and enjoy your buffet style lunch.

Your return mini-bus transfer to Aguas Calientes is included; buses leave approximately every 15 minutes. The village of Aguas Calientes is very small; on arrival please ask for directions to your hotel. Most properties are within a 5- 10 minute walk from the bus terminal. Your luggage will be made available to you after you have checked in.

Tonight enjoy a la carte dinner.

Please note: if you would like to climb Wayna Picchu the next morning (the mountain that rises over the ruins) you will need to let us know as the number are restricted.

The climb to Huayna Picchu is considered one of the best short hikes in the world. Reaching its summit is a great feat and will be the greatest adventure of your life, climbing its zigzag paths and stairways carved in stone, you can test your physique and the temper of your nerves. But once at its summit you will feel a great sense of satisfaction and peace, the view of Machu Picchu and its surroundings is spectacular and unique. Also in the mountain Huayna Picchu you will be able to find excellent Inca remains, like their viewpoints, rooms and platforms; You can also see the magnificent Temple of the Moon, an attraction that can only be seen climbing Huayna Picchu.

There are 2 entry schedules for the Huayna Picchu Climb. From 07:00 – 08:00 or 10:00 – 11:00.

We highly recommend booking the first entry as the views are spectacular.

As per the regulations of your ticket you are entitled to 4 hours within the citadel. The trek will take approximately 3 hours, so you will another hour to explore the Machu

(B. L.) (Private Transfer) (Shared Guide)

Return to Machu Picchu this morning to continue your unguided exploration of this extensive site; your return mini-bus tickets and entry to Machu Picchu are included. We recommend rising early and taking one of the first buses; the ruins are much quieter in the morning and seeing the mist clear as dawn breaks is a wonderful sight.

There are many things to see and do at the site, including the hike to Inti Punku, the Gate of the Sun.

Morning visitors to Machu Picchu must leave the ruins by 12pm. Take a mini-bus back to Aguas Calientes and have some free time for lunch or visiting the souvenir shops. Please make sure you allow enough time to collect your luggage from your hotel before returning to the train station to take the afternoon Vistadome train back to to Ollantaytambo, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Cuzco, where the bulk of your luggage will be waiting.

You will have the balance of the day free to relax and explore this historic city.

Cusco is another of the highlights of a trip to Peru, a fascinating city built on the foundations of the former Incan capital. You can observe massive Incan walls along many of the streets of the city. The city has a vibrant atmosphere and many excellent restaurants.

Note: you MUST bring the previous day’s ticket to enter Machu Picchu today without a guide.

(B.) (Private Transfer)

You will visit the city of Cusco, known as the Imperial City and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Here you will start your tour at the iconic San Pedro market, a local market where you can explore the colors, flavors and traditions of modern Cusco.

The visit continues with the Koricancha Temple, an ancient Inca palace and cult center of the Sun God, above which the order of the Dominicans built a church, which remains standing to this day.

You will continue ascending to the Fortress of Sacsayhuaman, an impressive example of Inca military architecture.

Afterwards, you will explore  Q’enqo archeological site, where important Inca ceremonies took place.

Finally, you will arrive to the Plaza de Armas (main square), where you will visit the Cathedral, the most important temple in the city.

(B.) (Private Tour)

Suggested Restaurant: Cicciolina

Around the same time that Cusco started hosting a new type of tourism other than backpackers, four friends decided to open a Bodega, a place to meet, chat over a plate of tapas and share a drink. Eight years later, Cicciolina restaurant Cusco has kept this energy, especially at night, where conversations in various languages can be heard at the long candle-lit bar or high wooden tables.

Here sharing is made easier by the warm, inviting atmosphere of this old colonial building combined with the mediterranean influence felt in the decor (red walls, peppers and garlic hanging from the ceiling…) and in the menu. Everything is orchestrated in two tiny open kitchens, where you can observe the choreography of creation from the cozy bar, feeling almost like part of the family.

“Cicciolina” is worth a visit to enjoy a glass of wine or a coffee and the relaxed atmosphere, but you only truly discover the dimension of this restaurant by trying a few of its dishes.

Today enjoy free time to relax, shop or explore more of Cuzco’s sights.

Note: Today you should use your ticket called “Boleto Turistico” that was included on your city tour program. This boleto Turistico (Tourist Ticket) gives you entry to 16 places: Saqsayhuaman -Q ́enqo -Pukapukara – Tambomachay -The Cathedral -San Blas -Museo de Arte Conteporaneo – Museo de Arte Popular -Museo de Sitio Qoricancha -Museo Histórico Regional -Parque Arquelógico de Pisaq -Ollantaytambo -Tipón (See Oropesa-pages) – Pikillaqta – Centro Qosqo de Arte Nativo Danzas Folklorica – The ticket gives you entry for one visit at each place.

Some of these places are visited during your city tour. However, on your free time in Cuzco you will be able to use this Bolesto Turistico to visit the rest of the museums, churches and sites.

On the backside of the ticket you will find information about opening and closing times and some telephone numbers etc. You will also find a map of the central parts of Cuzco (where the old parts that form a Puma are marked), and a little map that gives you a hint on where some places outside Cuzco are located (Machu Picchu, Chinchero, Pisaq, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, etc.)

Please keep this ticket “Boleto Turistico” until the end of your stay in Cuzco area. You will need it to gain entry to different local touristic attractions. If you misplaced it will attract new charges.

(B.)

Suggested Restaurant: Pacha Papa.

If you’ve been putting off trying the famous Andean dishes of guinea pig or alpaca, then wait no longer. This fabulous restaurant is hands-down the best place in town for Peruvian food. Modeled after a typical Peruvian open-air quinta, wooden tables are scattered around a large patio. The menu takes influences from all over Peru, and the waiters are happy to explain what makes each dish special. Try the delicious anticuchas de alpaca, skewers of tender alpaca meat with local spices, and don’t miss the sensational adobo de chancho, a tangy pork stew with meat that melts in your mouth.

This morning we will transfer you to the station for your morning bus trip across the Altiplano (Spanish for high plain), where the Andes are at their wildest.

Sightseeing on the way:

• Andahuaylillas: Referred to as the Andean Sistine Chapel because is magnificent frescoes, the church is but one example of the mestizo baroque architecture typically of the Cusco school which was prominent in the 17thcentury. You will marvel at the ceiling of carved panels covered with gold leafs
• Raqchi: Also named the Temple of the God Wiracocha. The Inca temple is monumental: 100 meters in length, 26 meters in width and 14 meters in high. Divided in two naves, each of these still retains the bases of eleven giant columns. The base of the walls consist of Imperial Inca stonework with a top section of adobe. Adjacent to the temple, we can see many storehouses, used for various purposes: social, religious and military
• Sicuani: in this village you will be able to enjoy a delicious lunch buffet and buy handicrafts.
• La Raya: The highest pass on the route between Cusco to Puno. Beautiful landscapes await you, as well as the animals that are symbolic of the Andes: llamas, alpacas and vicunas. This is a region situation between two cultures Quechua and Aymara, as well as composite of two terrains: the dry and arid Altiplano and the more verdant Quechua valleys and rivers
• Pucara: This is the most important and oldest ceremonial site this side of Tiahuananco. Characterize by a series of satire platforms, the ruins also reveal some lito-sculptures and tombstone, all witnesses of pre Inca civilization, possible one at the origin of the Andean culture of the Altiplano.

On arrival into Puno, you will be met and transferred to your hotel located on the shores of Lake Titicaca.

(B. L) (Private Transfer) (Shared Guide)

Today, you’ll explore the breathtaking Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake, sitting at an elevation of 3,808 meters.

Begin with a visit to the iconic floating Uros Islands, home to the Uros people, descendants of a pre-Inca civilization. These remarkable islands, crafted from dried totora reeds, serve as both homes and a testament to ingenuity. Originally built for defensive purposes, the islands could be relocated in response to threats. Your guide will share stories of the Uros way of life, their traditions, and the techniques used to construct and sustain these floating islands.

Continue your journey to Taquile Island, located approximately 45 km from Puno. A leisurely walk along winding stone paths amidst terraced landscapes leads to the heart of the Taquile community, where a delicious local lunch awaits.

The Taquileños uphold a way of life rooted in collective effort and the Inca moral code, ama sua, ama llulla, ama qhilla (Quechua for “do not steal, do not lie, do not be lazy”). The island’s six sectors, or suyus, are dedicated to crop rotation, supporting a lifestyle centered on fishing, terrace farming, and welcoming the approximately 40,000 annual visitors.

As the afternoon winds down, you’ll board the boat back to Puno and your hotel, carrying memories of this extraordinary day on Lake Titicaca.

(B. L.) (Shared Guide)

Today at schedule time we will transfer you to the airport for your flight to Quito, Ecuador.

Upon arrival to Quito, you will be welcomed outside of Customs by an English-speaking assistant holding a sign with your name on it. This representative will direct you to your awaiting vehicle and driver, and accompany you to your hotel to assist with check-in.

(B.) (Private Transfer)

This morning your guide and transportation will pick you up and take you on a comprehensive walking tour of the Colonial District of Quito.

On this tour you will visit some of the most famous squares, churches and colonial buildings of the city including the Independence Plaza where you can admire the Cathedral, the Presidential Palace and the Archbishop’s Palace.

Furthermore, you’ll visit the San Francisco Church and the Basilica of Quito, the oldest Church in South America made almost completely out of volcanic stone. Then head to the ‘Panecillo Mirador’, the most famous hill of Quito, where you can take pictures of both colonial and modern Quito.

While walking through the city your guide will help you appreciate the eventful past of Ecuador including the Inca Empire, the Spanish invasion, and its push towards independence.

Return to your hotel with the rest of the day at your leisure.

(B.) (Private Tour)

Full day at leisure.

(B.)

Suggested Restaurant: La Belle Époque.

The restaurant La Belle Epoque has the most spectacular view of the historic center of Quito. Combined with an intimate atmosphere and impeccable service. Its decor represents a French influence from the 1940′s. The fusion of Ecuadorian gourmet ingredients and elegance of La Belle Epoque makes it the best choice for a welcome dinner.

Today we will transfer you to the airport for your flight to the Galapagos islands

AM: Arrival at San Cristóbal Airport

Upon arrival at San Cristobal airport, you will pass through an airport inspection point to insure that no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the islands, as well as to pay the park entrance fee of $100 (unless it has been prepaid). A guide will meet you, help you collect your luggage, and escort you on a short bus ride to the harbour.

PM – Interpretation Centre and Frigatebird Hill (San Cristobal)

The Interpretation Centre, just outside the provincial capital city of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, gives a perfect explanation of this unique archipelago. Its attractive exhibition is quite complete and helps you to get a clear overview and learn what makes this archipelago so unique. Information panels (in English and Spanish), pictures, documents, maquettes, and true-to-life dioramas tell various background and conservation stories about the islands in a different way. A short, though often hot, uphill trail with steps, leads from the Interpretation Centre to the summit of Frigatebird Hill. Four panoramic viewpoints show Puerto Baquerizo Moreno from above, as well as the bays on both sides of the headland. On clear days even the distant, offshore sculpture of Kicker Rock can be seen! These wooded hilltops are one of the rare places where some magnificent and great frigatebirds form a mixed breeding colony. A viewpoint with another Charles Darwin statue is a reminder that the HMS Beagle anchored in the exotic bay below.

(B. D.) (Private Transfer) (Shared Guide)

AM – Santa Fe

Located in the southeastern part of the Galapagos, this island was formed from an uplift instead of a volcanic origin, which is why it is mostly flat. Some theories assure this could be the oldest island in the archipelago. Santa Fe is the home of several endemic species like the Galapagos hawk, Galapagos snake, Galapagos mockingbird, rice rats and one of the two species of land iguanas of the islands. After disembarking in the beautiful and clear waters, you will be in contact with one of the many sea lion colonies. Along the trail, many salt bushes can be seen as well as giant prickly pear cactus, gigantism is a characteristic of oceanic islands.

PM – South Plaza

South Plaza is located to the east of Santa Cruz Island, and forms part of a pair of islands known as “Islas Plazas”. Despite its small size, some of the most interesting and outstanding species of the Galapagos are found here. The Plazas land iguanas are smaller than their relatives found on other islands. There are several hybrid iguanas throughout the island; a result of crossing a marine iguana with a land iguana. They are unique and recognizable at first glance by their black/grey colour, with a land iguana’s crest, but the face and tail of the marine iguana. The big population of iguanas is due to the presence of prickly pears, their favourite food. Swallow-tailed gulls nesting in the rugged cliffs are seen along with other sea birds as Audubon shearwaters, red-billed tropicbirds, frigate birds and brown pelicans.

(B. L. D.) (Shared Guide)

AM – North Seymour

Seymour is an uplifted (as opposed to volcanic) island and therefore is generally flat and strewn with boulders. There are good nesting sites here for a large population of magnificent frigate birds. Blue-footed boobies perform their courtship dance in the more open areas and swallow-tailed gulls perch on the cliff edges. Despite the tremendous surf that can pound the outer shore, sea lions haul out onto the beach and can be found bodysurfing.

PM – Chinese Hat – Santiago Island

Chinese Hat is a 52 m/170 ft high volcanic cone, forming another islet right off the rocky coast of Santiago, where a small colony of Galapagos penguins have settled. Approaching Chinese Hat from the north, you will understand the meaning of the name. This is an excellent place to learn more about volcanoes, lava bombs and lava tunnels. You will arrive just in time to witness how this barren islet is colonised by pioneer species that have begun to sprout! Beautiful beaches of white coral sand and holes in the eroding lava fields are filled up with lava sand, which enables rooting. Galapagos sea lions and countless marine iguanas contribute to fertilisation and thus create many favourable options for newcomers, such as saltbush and the sesuvium carpet.

(B. L. D.) (Shared Guide)

AM – Twin Craters and El Chato Reserve (Santa Cruz)

The native scalesia forest of El Chato Tortoise Reserve is the best place to search for Galapagos giant tortoises in their most authentic setting! Despite the interesting breeding centres – where you are guaranteed to find tortoises in their corrals – there is nothing better than to observe them in their wild environment. Though it can be quite moist and muddy, your visit may turn into an adventurous quest when they have left their favorite pond silently.

The Twin Craters are found on either side of the road leading to Puerto Ayora. These impressive formations are not really volcanic craters and were formed by magma domes, which hardened on the outside while the lava continued flowing inside, leaving huge and empty magma chambers that eventually collapsed, leaving two large holes. The craters lie within a lush scalesia cloud forest, a high-altitude plant species that are endemic to the Galapagos. This area is also home to the carpenter finch, which uses tools to search for food. There may also be opportunities to see the vermillion flycatcher, a small red-breasted bird.

After this, assisted by the naturalist guide and some crew members, you will be taken to the airport for your flight to Guayaquil.

On arrival to Guayaquil International Airport (or Quito – your choice) your Best of South America Tour comes to an end.

(B.) (Shared Guide)