Galapagos, Easter Island, Buenos Aires, and Iguazu Falls
19 Days/18 Nights
From $6,429 per person
(Dbl. Occupancy, Not Incl. Airfare)
Overview
This dream tour of the Galapagos Islands, Easter Island, Buenos Aires, and Iguazu Falls includes many of the most popular destinations in South America. You start in Quito, and then travel to the Galapagos Islands for a five day cruise aboard the Coral I and II. You continue on to Santiago, Easter Island and its Moai statues, and the cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires. Your final stop will be Iguazu Falls, formed by 275 different cascades, on the border between Argentina and Brazil.
Lodging and Meals: This tour includes accommodations for 18 nights (2 nights in Quito, 4 nights on the Coral I and II, 1 night in Guayaquil, 3 nights in Santiago, 3 nights in Easter Island, 3 nights in Buenos Aires, and 2 nights in Iguazu) and 29 meals (18 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 5 dinners).
Best Time to Go: October-April.
Destinations: South America, Ecuador, Galapagos, Chile, Argentina, and Brazil.
Interests: Adventure, Culture & History, Expedition Cruising, Sea Kayaking, Snorkeling, Wildlife Viewing, and Wine Tasting.
Places Visited: Quito, the Galapagos Islands, Baltra Island, Española Island, Floreana Island, San Cristóbal Island, Santa Cruz Island, Guayaquil, Santiago, Easter Island, Buenos Aires, and Iguazu Falls.
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 (Mon): Quito.
Day 2 (Tue): 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 (Wed): Quito-San Cristobal Airport-Interpretation Center-Tijeretas Hill (San Cristobal).
Interpretation Center & Tijeretas Hill (dry landing). San Cristobal is home of the capital town of the Galapagos Province, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Passengers visit the interpretation center, which is an excellent place to learn about the nature and history of the islands, displaying information of Galapagos volcanic origins, their remoteness from the continent, ocean currents, climate, arrival of the original species, among other points of interest. The human interaction is also showcased, chronologically narrating the most significant events about the colonization of the islands. Later on, a high-intensity hike can be done to visit Tijeretas Hill, a beautiful landscape ending with a magnificent view of a nearby large frigate bird colony. If there is enough time, a town visit can be planned. (Duration: one hour visit/one hour hike). Overnight aboard the ship. (B,L,D)
Day 4 (Thu): Cerro Brujo-Pitt Point & Pitt Islet (San Cristobal).
Pitt Point & Pitt Islet. Wet landing followed by a high-intensity hike on rocky terrain. The trail includes a 90-meter long, olivine beach and a path that climbs to the top of a volcanic tuff, through several magnificent viewpoints. This is probably the only site where the three booby species of the Galapagos can be seen together, as well as two species of frigate birds and a sea lion colony. It is also excellent for dinghy rides and snorkeling, where a good range of sea birds can be observed. (Duration: 2.5-hour hike/40 minutes snorkeling). Overnight aboard the ship. (B,L,D)
Day 5 (Fri): Suarez Point-Gardner Bay-Osborn or Gardner Islets (Española).
Gardner Bay, Osborn or Gardner Islets (wet landing). Gardner Bay is a beautiful white coral sandy beach guarded by a colony of sea Lions. Here, there are no trails, so visitors stay along the shore, spotting the Galapagos hawk, the American oystercatcher, the Galapagos dove, hood mockingbirds, yellow warblers, lava lizards, marine iguanas, and three species of Darwin finches – cacti finch (Geospizafuliginosa), the small ground finch (Geospizafuliginosa), and the warbler finch (Certhideaolivacea). Swimming and snorkeling offers a great variety of Galapagos marine wildlife including king angelfish, creole fish, damsel fish and parrot fish. (Duration: one-hour walk/one-our snorkeling). Overnight aboard the ship. (B,L,D)
Day 6 (Sat): Cormorant Point-Devil’s Crown-Champion-Post Office (Floreana).
Post Office (wet landing). Located on the north side of Floreana, the bay was named because in 1793 Captain James Colnett installed a wooden barrel which served as an informal post office for sailors passing through, who would take letters with them back to their destinations. Today, visitors continue the tradition by placing unstamped postcards inside the barrel, hoping that some other traveler, going to the letter’s destination, will take it back for free. The chances are that the letter posted can take a long time to arrive at its destination. However, there have been cases where it has arrived before the sender.
Here, you may encounter Darwin’s finches, Yellow Warbler and Lava Lizards and have great snorkeling opportunities with Green Pacific Sea Turtles. The island is also best known for its endemic vegetation: Scalesia villosa, Lecocarpus Pinnatifidus, and the Galapagos Milkwort. Snorkelers can practice on the main beach among playful sea lions. (Duration: 30-minute hike/one-hour snorkeling). Overnight aboard the ship. (B,L,D)
Day 7 (Sun): Highlands Tortoise Reserve (Santa Cruz)-Baltra Airport-Guayaquil.
After the visit, you will be transferred to Baltra Airport for your flight to Guayaquil. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Guayaquil. (B)
Day 8 (Mon): Guayaquil-Santiago.
Day 9 (Tue): Santiago-City Tour-Winery Tour.
Day 10 (Wed): Santiago-Easter Island.
Day 11 (Thu): Easter Island-Rano Raraku-Anakena Beach.
Day 12 (Fri): Easter Island-Orongo-Ahu Akivi.
Day 13 (Sat): Easter Island-Santiago.
Day 14 (Sun): Santiago-Buenos Aires-Panoramic City Tour.
In the afternoon, you will have a panoramic city tour of Buenos Aires. This tour will cover the most important sights in the city. You will visit the impressive National Congress (the Parliament), the Civic Centre, Plaza de Mayo, Casa Rosada, the headquarters of the executive branch of the government, and the town Hall. You will also see one of the best Opera Houses in the world. The tour will continue with a visit to the neighborhood of San Telmo, and you will learn about its history. On Sundays, you will be able to enjoy a flea market. You will go next to La Boca, known for its colorful architecture and for being the first port in Buenos Aires. This neighborhood was originally settled by Italian immigrants. You will also visit the Palermo and Recoleta areas of the city and modern neighborhoods such as Puerto Madero, with big mansions and great parks. Overnight in Buenos Aires. (B)
Day 15 (Mon): Buenos Aires-Dinner and Tango Show.
Day 16 (Tue): Buenos Aires-Fiesta Gaucha.
Day 17 (Wed): Buenos Aires-Iguazu Falls (Brazilian Side).
Note: U.S. Citizens need a visa to enter Brazil.
Day 18 (Thu): 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 19 (Fri): Iguazu Falls.
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
What's Included
Price Includes
- South American Vacations’ expert pre-departure planning services and documentation.
- Airport/hotel transfers including baggage handling.
- Hotel accommodations including service fees and taxes.
- Accommodations on board the M/Y Coral I and II.
- 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.
- Use of snorkeling equipment.
- Evening briefings during the cruise.
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare.
- Domestic airfare.
- Galapagos National Park Entrance Fee ($100).
- Transit control card ($20).
- Fuel surcharge for the ship ($50).
- 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
Guayaquil

3 Star – Hotel Palace Guayaquil

5 Star – Hotel Oro Verde Guayaquil
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
Additional Details
Group Private: All services in Quito and Galapagos are operated on a group basis. In Santiago, all airport transfers are private, and the city tour and vineyard tour are group tours for single passengers and 3 Star accommodations, and private for 4 Star, 5 Star, and Deluxe accommodations. All services in Easter Island are operated on a group basis for single passengers and 3 Star accommodations, and are private for 4 Star, 5 Star, and Deluxe accommodations. In Buenos Aires, the Panoramic City Tour and Tango Dinner Show are group tours for single passengers and 3 Star accommodations, and private for 4 Star, 5 Star, and Deluxe accommodations. 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.
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 Chile, U.S., Australian, Canadian, and EU citizens (except Greece) require a valid passport (for the duration of your visit) and return ticket for stays of up to 90 days. Greek citizens can stay for up to 60 days. Australian, and Canadian citizens are required to pay a reciprocity fee (considered a multiple entry visa) of $95 and $132 respectively upon arrival (subject to change without notice due to currency fluctuations or other reasons). Citizens of other countries are advised to contact the Chilean 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. For Brazil, U.S., Australian, British, and Canadian citizens require a passport valid for at least six months from date of entry, an onward or return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay. Citizens of other countries are advised to contact the Brazilian embassy 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: Call or email us to confirm the availability of the ship for your desired dates of travel. Once we have confirmed availability, you will need to pay a non-refundable deposit of $1,000 per person 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.
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