Galapagos, Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, and Rio de Janeiro
16 Days/15 Nights
From $6,579 per person
(Dbl. Occupancy, Not Incl. Airfare)
Overview
Beginning in Ecuador, you will journey to the Galapagos Islands, hiking along the volcanic landscapes and observing the endemic wildlife of this unique archipelago. Giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and flightless cormorants are among the species that can be found there. Continuing on to Argentina and Brazil, you will enjoy a Tango dinner show in Buenos Aires, and experience Corcovado and Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro, and the awe-inspiring Iguazu Falls on the border of both countries.
Lodging, Meals, and Airfare: This tour includes accommodations for 15 nights (3 nights in Quito, 4 nights on the Galapagos Seaman Journey, 3 nights in Buenos Aires, 2 nights in Iguazu, and 3 nights in Rio de Janeiro), 27 meals (15 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 6 dinners), and domestic airfare in Ecuador.
Best Time to Go: October-April.
Destinations: South America, Ecuador, Galapagos, Argentina, and Brazil.
Interests: Adventure, Culture & History, Expedition Cruising, Scuba Diving, Sea Kayaking, Snorkeling, Sun & Beach, and Wildlife Viewing.
Places Visited: Quito, the Galapagos Islands, Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, and Rio de Janeiro.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Note: The route and program may vary according to National Park policies and regulations, weather conditions, seasonal changes, safety reasons and wildlife encounters.
Dry Landing: Guests step from the dinghy directly onto rocks or a dock.
Wet Landing: As the dinghy edges onto a sandy beach, guests step into knee-deep water and wade ashore.
Day 1 (Sat): Quito.
Day 2 (Sun): City Tour of Quito-Middle of the World.
Around midday, the tour will head north to the equator for a trip to the monument at the Middle of the World. You may choose to visit either the Ethnographic or the Inti Ñan Museum, both located near the site of the monument. Along the way you will stop for a traditional Ecuadorian lunch (not included. Overnight in Quito. (B)
Day 3 (Mon): Quito-San Cristobal Airport-Kicker Rock-Isla Lobos.
Kicker Rock, also known as the Sleeping Lion because of its resemblance to a sleeping lion, is located off the coast of San Cristobal. The remains of a lava cone eroded by the sea, the two vertical rocks rising 500 feet from the ocean form a small channel that is navigable by small boats. This Galapagos Islands natural monument has become a favorite sight for cruises due to the many tropical birds, frigates, and boobies that fill the surrounding air. Beneath the sea the nearly crystal waters offer a brilliant show of colorful tropical fish and invertebrates.
Isla Lobos is about an hour by boat from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. The length of the trail is 850 meters and the estimated travel time is one hour. There is a small population of blue-footed boobies and common frigate birds nesting on this site. You can observe the two species of sea lions present in the archipelago. During the tour you go through a dry vegetation zone, substrate of volcanic rocks, and a sandy area. During the panga tour, brown pelicans and several species of shorebirds can be observed. While snorkeling, it’s common to see juvenile sea lions, manta rays and sea turtles. Overnight aboard the ship. (B,L,D)
Day 4 (Tue): Natural Galapaguera-Pitt Point (San Cristobal).
Pitt Point is on the north of San Cristobal. Here, there are endemic species such as lava lizards and red-footed boobies. The view is impressive when you walk up to the high part of the island. You may be lucky to see red footed boobies – the least seen of booby species. It’s also the home of the Chatham mockingbird, only found on San Cristobal Island. Overnight aboard the ship. (B,L,D)
Day 5 (Wed): Punta Suarez (Espanola)-Gardner Bay (Hood).
Gardner Bay is located on the north-eastern coast of Hood. It provides an excellent beach for relaxing, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and the opportunity to observe sea lions. Here, you can also observe sharks in the crystal clear ocean waters. Overnight aboard the ship. (B,L,D)
Day 6 (Thu): Punta Cormorant-Post Office Bay-Baroness Lookout (Floreana).
Post Office Bay is the location of a wooden barrel that was placed in the 18th century by the crew of a whaling ship. It has been used since this time by mariners and tourists as a post office. The idea is to carry letters or postcards to their destination by hand. Apart from being the Post Office Barrel, this site was the landing area for some of the first colonists. You will continue to the north of the island and will ascent to an elevated slope to enjoy a beautiful vista at the Baroness Lookout. It is said that Baroness Eloisa Von Wagner loved this place and spent several hours watching the horizon. Within walking distance (30 m) are the ruins of what is known as her house. From this lookout, the landscape covers the coastline from the Enderby Islet to Post Office Bay, as well as Cerro Pajas, the pool of flamingos, and wide forest of Palo Santo. Overnight aboard the ship. (B,L,D)
Day 7 (Fri): Charles Darwin Station-Baltra Airport-Quito.
After this excursion, you will be taken to the airport for your return flight to the Quito. You will be greeted and then transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Quito. (B)
Day 8 (Sat): Quito-Buenos Aires.
Day 9 (Sun): Buenos Aires-Panoramic City Tour-Tango Dinner Show.
In the evening, you will enjoy a typical Argentine dinner and wine, and a Tango show with a re-creation of the original style and melancholic rhythms of the 1940’s. The impressive lyrics will be interpreted by some of the best singers in the city. You will also hear some folk music from the Altiplano region of the country. Overnight in Buenos Aires. (B,D)
Day 10 (Mon): Buenos Aires-Fiesta Gaucha.
Day 11 (Tue): Buenos Aires-Iguazu Falls (Brazilian Side).
Note: U.S. Citizens need a visa to enter Brazil.
Day 12 (Wed): Iguazu Falls (Argentinian Side)-Great Adventure Tour.
In the afternoon, you will have the Great Adventure Tour. First, you will ride semi-rigid zodiac boats to reach the bottom of San Martin, Bosetty, Tres Mosqueteros and Canon de Garganta del Diablo falls and down the river rapids up to Puerto Macuco (two miles from the falls). Then, you will ride in an open jeep along the rainforest, observing the local flora and fauna with the aid of specialized guides. Overnight in Puerto Iguazu. (B)
Day 13 (Thu): Iguazu Falls-Rio de Janeiro-Samba Dinner Show.
In the evening, you will have dinner at one of Rio’s liveliest barbecue houses followed by a real Samba show with ‘mulatas’ and ‘batuqueiros’ showing you Brazilian rhythms, folklore and fancy carnival costumes. Overnight in Rio de Janeiro. (B,D)
Day 14 (Fri): Rio de Janeiro-City Tour-Christ the Redeemer Statue (Corcovado)-Sugarloaf Mountain.
In the afternoon, you will drive along Rio’s famous beaches to the Praia Vermelha cable car station where you will be taken to the Urca Mountain (mid-way station) with its gardens and look-out points. Then, the second part of the ride will take you to the peak of Sugar Loaf Mountain, 1,300 ft. above sea level. Overnight in Rio de Janeiro. (B,L)
Day 15 (Sat): Rio de Janeiro.
Day 16 (Sun): Rio de Janeiro.
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Itinerary Map
Prices & Dates
Price per Person
| Category | Single | Double | Triple |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Star | $10,609 | $6,579 | $6,259 |
| 4 Star | $10,689 | $7,089 | $6,279 |
| 5 Star | $12,109 | $7,839 | $7,149 |
| Deluxe | $14,409 | $9,129 | $7,589 |
Notes:
- The above prices are based on a Standard (twin) Cabin and are valid until December 15, 2016.
- Single passengers can save by sharing a cabin during the cruise portion of the tour.
- Triple prices are based on one child under 12 sharing cabin with two paying adults. The child sleeps in a sofa bed.
- Room/cabin upgrades and additional nights in each destination are available upon request.
- Christmas Season surcharges may apply.
Departure Dates
Saturday departures throughout the year.
What's Included
Price Includes
- South American Vacations’ expert pre-departure planning services and documentation.
- Quito-Galapagos-Quito airfare ($500).
- Airport/hotel transfers including baggage handling.
- Hotel accommodations including service fees and taxes.
- Accommodations on board the M/C Galapagos Seaman Journey.
- All meals scheduled on board and others as indicated on the itinerary.
- Excursions as indicated on the itinerary conducted by English-speaking guides and including all applicable entrance fees.
- Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee ($100).
- Use of snorkeling equipment and kayaks.
- Evening briefings during the cruise.
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare.
- Domestic airfare within Argentina and Brazil.
- Transit control card ($20).
- Brazilian visa.
- Meals not indicated on the itinerary.
- Gratuities to ship crew, tour guides, drivers, and hotel staff.
- Gifts and personal items.
- Travel insurance.
We will be happy to quote the cost of airfare and travel insurance, and to make these arrangements for you.
Accommodations
Quito & Galapagos
Boutique – Hotel Patio Andaluz
First Class – Galapagos Seaman Journey
Buenos Aires
3 Star – Dazzler Recoleta
4 Star – Loi Suites Recoleta Hotel
5 Star – Hilton Buenos Aires
Deluxe – Alvear Palace Hotel
Puerto Iguazu
3 Star – La Cantera Jungle Lodge
4 Star – Amerian Portal del Iguazu Hotel
5 Star – Loi Suites Iguazu Hotel
Deluxe – Melia Iguazu Resort and Spa
Rio de Janeiro
3 Star – Copa Sul Hotel
4 Star – Arena Copacabana Hotel
5 Star – Miramar Hotel by Windsor
Deluxe – Copacabana Palace Hotel
Additional Details
Group Private: All airport/hotel transfers in Quito, and the city tour of Quito/Middle of the World excursion are private, and all services in the Galapagos are operated on a group basis. In Argentina and Brazil, all airport/hotel transfers are private. In Buenos Aires, the Panoramic City Tour and Tango Dinner Show (transfers) are group tours for single passengers and 3 Star accommodations, and private for 4 Star, 5 Star, and Deluxe accommodation levels. The Fiesta Gaucha excursion is a group tour. In Iguazu Falls, the tours of the Brazilian and Argentinian side are group tours for single passengers and 3 Star accommodations and private for 4 Star, 5 Star, and Deluxe accommodations. The Great Adventure Tour is a group tour. And, in Rio de Janeiro, the Samba Dinner Show (transfers) and Corcovado and Sugarloaf Mountain excursions are group tours for single passengers and 3 Star accommodations, and private for 4 Star, 5 Star, and Deluxe accommodation levels.
Elevations: Quito is 9,350 feet above sea level.
IGTOA’S Galapagos Traveler Conservation Fund: South American Vacations is an active member of IGTOA (International Galapagos Tour Operators Association). In support of IGTOA’s Galapagos Traveler Conservation Fund, we contribute $20 for each passenger that we send to the Galapagos Islands. You’ll travel knowing that you support the lasting protection of Galapagos Islands.
Sixty percent of the funding of this program goes directly to the Charles Darwin Foundation for science, conservation, and education. Their work, carried out through the Charles Darwin Research Station and Galapagos National Park, is vital to the preservation of the islands. You can visit their web site to learn more www.darwinfoundation.org. The remainder goes toward IGTOA’s mission of creating a model of responsible and sustainable tourism.
Passport/Visa: For Ecuador, U.S., Australian, Canadian, and EU citizens require a passport valid for at least six months from date of entry and return ticket for stays of up to 90 days. Citizens of other countries are advised to contact the Ecuadorian embassy in their country before traveling. For Argentina, U.S., Australian, Canadian, and EU citizens require a valid passport (for the duration of your visit) and return ticket for stays of up to 90 days. Australian and Canadian citizens are required to pay a reciprocity fee of $100 and $75 respectively (subject to change without notice due to currency fluctuations or other reasons) online, and must show proof of payment prior to arrival. The reciprocity fee for U.S. citizens has been suspended until further notice. For citizens of Australia, this fee covers unlimited entries to Argentina for 10 years, while citizens of Canada are charged the fee every time they enter the country (or $150 for multiple visits within five years). The fee can be paid online at ProvinciaNet.com.ar. You will need to register in order to make the payment. Citizens of other countries are advised to contact the embassy of Argentina in their country before traveling.
Travel Insurance: In order to protect your travel investment from unforeseen circumstances that may arise before or during your trip, we strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance. We offer Allianz Global Assistance’s Classic Comprehensive and other plans. The Benefits and Coverage Limits are summarized on our Travel Insurance page. Call your travel counselor if you have any questions or to purchase a plan.
To Book This Trip: We require a non-refundable deposit of $1,600 per person for Single Occupancy and $1,200 per person for Double/Triple Occupancy, plus the cost of the airfare (if we arrange it for you). The balance of the trip cost is due 60 days prior to departure.
