Highlights
- Discover the Galapagos the best possible way: on a small luxury yacht for an eight-day cruise visiting the most remote islands.
- Immerse yourself in the natural wonders of Galapagos: hike the volcano craters, explore wetlands, bays and coves.
- Get a close look at the flightless cormorants, blue-footed boobies, marine and land iguanas and frigate birds among many others.
- Kayak, Snorkel and Stand-up paddle board with the best equipment provided by the boat.
- Explore the little known coast of Ecuador and stay at two of its loveliest properties: Hotel del Parque and Hacienda la Danesa.
- Cross the border into Peru overland with your private vehicle and English-speaking guide going through little known seaside villages.
- Finish your journey at Kichic in Mancora Peru: a beautiful 5 star eco lodge right by the beach. The perfect place to relax and unwind.
This unique 14-day journey takes you to explore the Ecuadorean and Peruvian coast for one week, and discover the Galapagos on a one-week cruise, the perfect duration to reach the most remote islands. We have designed this itinerary especially for our guests favoring privacy and minimizing airport transfers and crowds.
You will each Galapagos on a flight from the coastal town of Guayaquil, and board your small luxury yacht to embark on your week long journey of discovery of this unique archipelago. A typical day consists of two outings to islands and bays, for a hike or a “panga”or zodiac ride to view wildlife. Time is always secured to do a bit of snorkeling, kayak or stand up paddle-boarding. The rest of your time is spent onboard savoring the delicious food and enjoying the spacious premises and of course the daily guide lectures which are enlightening!.
Once on the mainland again, you will stay at Hacienda la Danesa: a small owner-run eco hotel surrounded by lush vegetation and offering unpretentious, charming and authentic accommodation and impeccable service. At La Danesa you can enjoy horse riding , tubing on the river, cocoa plantation visits, cooking classes or bike rides. After a few days at La Danesa you will drive with your private vehicle and guide along the Panamerican highway across the border into Peru (250km) to reach the sun-kissed beaches of Mancora and the lovely Kichic Hotel, an Aracari favourite and the best place to unwind at the end of your trip.
Daily Summary 14 Days / 13 Nights
- Day 1
GuayaquilView on map
Arrival to Guayaquil
An English-speaking Aracari representative will be expecting you from your international arrival into Guayaquil, Ecuador with a sign bearing your name. He will greet you and escort you to your hotel to assist you with check-in.
Accommodation options
- Day 2
GalapagosView on map
Transfer from Guayaquil to Galapagos
An Aracari representative will meet you at your hotel 2.5 hours before your flight departure and escort you to the airport for your flight to the Galapagos.Take flight from Guayaquil to the Galapagos islands.
A treasure trove of unique marine and animal life, the Galapagos Islands is one of the world’s most foremost destinations for seeing wildlife. An archipelago made up of a total of 35 volcanic islands, Charles Darwin famously visited this isolated terrain located off the coast of Ecuador where this natural environment, home to species found nowhere else, inspired his theory of evolution.
Assistance will be provided for you when you arrive to the airport by one of our representatives after you have landed. You will arrive in the morning. After passing through immigration and baggage claim you will be met by Endemic staff and transferred to the yacht. You will be shown to your cabin where you will have some time to settle in before lunch and a welcome briefing.
Set sail to the north shore of Santa Cruz, which hosts the fascinating landscapes of Cerro Dragón (Dragon Hill). The first part of the walk here passes a brackish-water lagoon frequented by shorebirds, ducks and flamingos. Further inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western islands of the archipelago, as well as the chance of observing land iguanas.
Accommodation options
- Day 3
GalapagosView on map
Endemic Galapagos Cruise
The M/C Endemic is the newest Galapagos Catamaran, starting operations in July 2018. This luxury catamaran has a capacity for 16 passengers, eleven crew members plus guide, offering a service ratio of almost one to one. Being the first catamaran of a new generation of catamarans, the Endemic gathers elegant exteriors, spacious areas for high-end accommodation, social, and open areas. Navigations between the islands are sleek and fast due to Endemic’s design which delivers transverse stability when cruising around the archipelago.
Accommodation options- Day 4
GalapagosView on map
Endemic Galapagos Cruise
Our morning visit will take us to the beach at Darwin Bay. This white-sand coral beach heads a (1/2 mi / 3/4 km) trail that winds through mangroves that are filled with land birds. You may see Nazca Boobies, Red-footed Boobies, and Swallow-tailed Gulls. Further down the path, you may see sea lions playing in tidal pools. You will arrive cliff-side and can let the spectacular views soak in, while the Boobies and iguanas keep you company.
The afternoon takes us to El Barranco or The Cliff, also known as Prince Phillip's Steps, whose steep, rocky path will lead you up 25 meters (82 ft.) of cliff-face. After marveling at the view you will have the opportunity to take a (0.9 mi / 2 km) trek through Palo Santo vegetation. Here you will be dazzled by all the birds: Red-footed Boobies, Short-eared Lava Owls, Galapagos storm petrels and Galapagos Doves.
Accommodation options- Day 5
GalapagosView on map
Endemic Galapagos Cruise
Located in the highlands of Santa Cruz on the road to Baltra airport from Puerto Ayora, the scenic Twin Craters are approximately 30 meters deep. These two huge land depressions are surrounded by a scalesia forest with abundant birds such as yellow warbler and the vermilion flycatcher. Gorgeous views of the leafy green highlands forest are also part of the visit. Then we will continue our journey to board the M/C Endemic.
This morning’s landing site is Sullivan Bay, named for the channel where the yacht is anchored. If you created a partnership between well know glass artist Dale Chihuly and mother nature the result would be Sullivan Bay. Back in 1897 the island fired up its own internal kiln giving birth to a field of pahoehoe (“rope-like” in Hawaiian) lava reaching out into the channel toward Bartolomew. The results gleam in the sun like a gigantic, obsidian sculpture. It stirs the imagination to envision the once-molten lava lighting up the earth, flowing into the sea and sending plumes of superheated steam skyrocketing into the air as pockets of gas in the flow exploded when the lava hit the water. The flow gave birth to new land as it engulfed vegetation, leaving some plants forever etched into the earth. Today the flow stands as a great walkway gallery of abstract shapes resembling braids, curtains and swirling fans. Brightly colored painted locusts and lava lizards punctuate the black volcanic canvas, as does the occasional finger of lava cactus and spreading carpetweed. Hike into the flow taking time to admire the Earth’s craftwork.
Accommodation options- Day 5
GalapagosView on map
Endemic Galapagos Cruise
The Sierra Negra Volcano boasts the largest basaltic caldera in Galapagos at 9 x 10km. The site offers impressive views and the opportunity to observe up to 7 species of finch and a rich display of vegetation. The north side of the caldera provides evidence of its most recent volcanic activity in 2005.
The Wetlands are comprised of lagoons, swamps, and various mangroves that are home to unique bird species. The wall of tears is an interesting visitor site where mangroves and a white sand beach are passed on the way. The “wall” was built by previous prisoners kept on the island as a cruel way to keep them busy. The wall is about 3 meters wide, 100 meters long, and 5-6 meters high.
Finally, at the Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center of Isabela, infant and juvenile giant tortoises can be seen until they are ready to be released and survive in the wild. On the way back to the yacht, be ready to spot flamingos and other water birds.
Accommodation options- Day 6
GalapagosView on map
Endemic Galapagos Cruise
A visitor site on the way down to the southern parts of Isabela Island is Elizabeth Bay. There are a series of islets, a lagoon and mangroves surrounding it. The mangroves provide a great place to observe many birds and at the lagoon it is possible to see sea turtles resting and feeding.
A bit more south of Tagus Cove is Urbina Bay. Urbina Bay is an interesting site due to the uplifts of the island caused by volcanic and tectonic activity. When it rose, so did the corals and reefs that were under the surface. You can still see them although they are beginning to deteriorate due to air exposure. There are chances of seeing giant tortoises, land iguanas, and more flightless cormorants near the coast.
Accommodation options0- Day 7
GalapagosView on map
Endemic Galapagos Cruise
This visitor site is located on the upper west part of the island and was named after and English war ship that used to pass by in the 1800’s. This was a famous spot for many pirates and sailors who have left their names and the names of the ship inscribed on volcanic rock. There are many different natural features from various volcanic activities such as large volcanic rocks or small little balls of petrified rain and there is a hiking path that leads to Darwin Lake.
One of Fernandina’s visit points, is situated within a fascinating lava scenery with Lava-Cactuses and on the surface of the lava, mangroves thrive. The highlights are sea lions, penguins, the flightless cormorant (especially in spring and summer) and one of the biggest iguana colonies of Galápagos.
Accommodation options- Day 8
GalapagosView on map
Endemic Galapagos Cruise
In the morning, you will visit Espumilla Beach where marine iguanas lounge and the Sally Lightfoot crabs attract the hunting herons performing their predator and prey dance right before your eyes. Snorkeling is highly recommended with octopus, moray eel, shark and a variety of other species of tropical fish in abundance.
You will then travel to Buccaneer Cove, which is a testament to the fact that Santiago Island was once a refuge for British buccaneers. These pirates would anchor in the protected bay to make repairs to their ship and stock up on tortoise meat. The steep cliffs, where hundreds of seabirds perch in front of the dark red sand beach, are a magnificent site.
Rabida Island’s main attraction is the red sand beach, famous for its cactus groves and rock formation scenery, aside from the vegetation of the arid zone and the presence of native and endemic species. During the walk on the red sand beach you will see brown pelican nests and a lagoon where flamingos are seen from time to time.
Accommodation options- Day 9
GalapagosView on map
Transfer from Galapagos to Guayaquil
In the morning, visit to Mosquera, a small islet found between Baltra & North Seymour Islands. Lava gulls, sea lions, Sally light foot crabs inhabit this sand bank with an extension of over 600 meters. It also hosts the largest populations of sea lions and orca whales that can be seen occasionally depending on the season you visit the islet.
After this last visit, transfer to Baltra airport for your return flight to mainland Ecuador. Take flight from Galapagos to Guayaquil.
An English-speaking Aracari representative will be expecting you from your arrival into Guayaquil with a sign bearing your name. He will greet you and escort you to your hotel to assist you with check-in.
Located in the Costa region of Ecuador just before the marvelous Andes mountain range, we take pride in offering a conscious approach to living the good life. Hacienda La Danesa models hospitality with the lasting expressions of family and family that fosters and sustains the charming hacienda of the Olsen Peet family. "Deep Green" with discreet luxuries, traditional architecture, privacy and grace is what makes Hacienda La Danesa a unique property in Ecuador.
Accommodation options
- Day 10
EcuadorView on map
Full day at a Hacienda
Enjoy the day at the Hacienda participating in a selection of authentic a-la-carte experiences including cacao plantation tours, wet tubing in lazy rivers, horse riding, cooking classes, and bike rides. All excursions are focused on preserving local traditions.
Accommodation options- Day 11
MancoraView on map
Transfer from Ecuador to Mancora, Peru
Departing from Hacienda La Danesa early this morning, your guide and driver will escort you as your drive down the Pacific coast towards the Ecuador-Peru border. The journey to the border will take approximately 5 hours, and a box lunch will be provided on route.
After crossing into Peru and completing border formalities, you will be welcomed by your driver and will be driven to your hotel in Mancora, approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes away.
KiChic is a boutique beachfront resort in Mancora, Peru’s northern beach destination. Inspired by eastern concepts of Zen and meditation KiChic encourages guests to unwind and unplug, offering daily yoga classes in their on-site studio. The decorations of this stylish retreat are tasteful and understated, incorporating original sculptures and pottery. There are nine luxury suites in total each with a unique name and features, including open air showers/bathtubs. All of the rooms have a terrace, ceiling fans, air conditioning and mosquito netting. The sheets are 300-thread-count cotton with soft and firm pillows to choose from. The towels are made from organic bamboo fiber and bathrobes and organic toiletries are provided. KiChic’s food is particularly impressive, with both a vegetarian and seafood kitchen. After a day soaking up sun on the beach or poolside, there is also the option for a soothing massage to completely relax and unwind.
Accommodation options
- Day 12-13
MancoraView on map
Day at leisure
Day at leisure on the beaches of Mancora.
Accommodation options- Day 14
MancoraView on map
Transfer from Mancora to Talara Airport
Morning at leisure on the beaches of Mancora.
We will meet you at your hotel in Mancora and escorted approximately 1.2 hours to the airport in Talara for your domestic flight to Lima. Take flight from Talara to Lima.
An Aracari representative will be expecting you from your domestic flight from Talara with a sign bearing your name. He will assist you with all check-in procedures and escort you to the departure area to catch your international departure flight.
International departure from Lima.
Accommodation optionsAracari specializes in tailormade travel. Here are just some of our further trip suggestions. Contact us for more bespoke ideas to inspire your travels.
Journey pricing as of 2024
Basic Pricing - US$15,000 per person
This is a sample journey and can be tailored to your interests and travel style.
- Based on two people travelling together in double or twin occupancy
- Cost is per person for this 14-day itinerary
- Based on Hotel Selection: Hotel El Parque, Endemic, Hacienda La Danesa and Hotel Kichic
What's Included?
This journey is based on two people travelling together in double or twin occupancy, excluding flights (international and domestic).
- Includes all specified services in the journey description
- All transfers and entrance fees
- A welcome pack on arrival including: a pre-loaded cell phone to contact your travel consultant at any time, a printed booklet packed with insider tips alongside your detailed journey and up-to-date recommendations on dining and shopping
- Hand-selected English-speaking guides
- Specialist guides (where noted)
- 24-hour support from our locally based team
- Accommodation at hotels as mentioned above.
- Meals where indicated.
- Local English speaking guides throughout.
- Entrance tickets.
- All transfers to and from the airport.
- A detailed itinerary produced by us which includes historical information about the places you will visit, tips for the traveler, where to eat and where to shop, maps of the places you will visit, and a comprehensive reading list.
- Local airport taxes.
What's not Included?
- Domestic flights (quoted separately).
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Tips.
- Travel Insurance.
- International Flights and airport taxes.
- Neither personal expenses nor any other service not specified in the itinerary.
Life is a BeachA Private Journey to Ecuador & Peru - Day 2