Fly in the late morning to Bogotá via Miami. Arrive in Bogotá in the early evening, where you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel.
Depart for the historic and colonial neighborhood of La Candelaria. Discover its colonial houses, the Colon Theatre, Plaza Simon Bolívar, the Cathedral, the Chapel of the Sagrario, the Capitol, and the Palace of Justice, followed by a visit to the Botero Museum before lunch. In the afternoon, head to Zipaquirá and its Salt Cathedral, a truly magnificent and magical place.
Fly to Armenia, the coffee capital! Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. The Coffee Region symbolizes all the flavors of Colombia. After lunch, visit the Botanical Garden and the Butterfly Park.
Visit Hacienda Venecia, a typical coffee plantation in the region. After lunch, tour the plantation and learn about the coffee-making process. Meet the workers and enjoy a delicious coffee tasting.
Depart for the picturesque mountain village of Salento, which retains Antioquian architecture and is home to many artisans and musicians. Continue to Cocora Valley in the Los Nevados National Natural Park, an enormous forest of wax palms, Colombia’s national tree. Enjoy the harmony and adventure of this breathtaking landscape, accompanied by the sounds of water and birds. Lunch will be served in the valley.
Fly to Cartagena, a jewel of the Spanish Crown, once inhabited by indigenous warriors before the arrival of the Spanish. Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site. After lunch, explore the city: the Bocagrande modern district, the walled old town with narrow streets and charming balconies, the San Pedro Claver Church, the San Felipe Castle, and the Convent of La Popa with views over the city and bay.
Visit the Rosario Islands, a coral archipelago classified as a National Natural Park. Relax on white sandy beaches with crystal-clear waters, swim, or snorkel. Enjoy lunch in this paradisiacal setting, or take a nap in a hammock.
After a free morning, fly to Quito, the capital of the smallest Andean country. Quito offers vibrant indigenous cultures, superbly preserved colonial architecture, snow-capped volcanoes, the Amazon jungle, and the Galápagos Islands, a natural treasure with unique flora and fauna.
Explore Quito, where the fusion of its indigenous heritage and Spanish influence is evident. Walk through the historic colonial center, one of the best-preserved in Latin America. Lunch will feature Ecuadorian cuisine. Visit the "Mitad del Mundo" monument marking the Equator, where you can stand with one foot in each hemisphere.
Drive along the Pan-American Highway to Cotopaxi National Park, home to Ecuador’s highest active volcano. Enjoy spectacular landscapes, wild horses, and various bird species along the Limpiopungo Lagoon. After lunch in a traditional hacienda, continue to Patate Valley and check into a 300-year-old hacienda with panoramic views of the Tungurahua Volcano.
Drive to Baños, at the foot of the Tungurahua Volcano, known for its thermal waters. Visit the Waterfall Route and Pailón del Diablo, where the adventurous can descend to get a closer view of the waterfall. After lunch, head to Riobamba, a traditional town near the Chimborazo Volcano, Ecuador’s highest peak.
Visit the spectacular "Nariz del Diablo" train in Alausí and enjoy a brunch before heading south. Stop at the Ingapirca Fortress, an Incan site at 3,200 meters. Continue to Cuenca before flying to Guayaquil.
Fly to the Galápagos Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its endemic species. Board the "Santa Cruz" ship for an unforgettable cruise. Your first stop is Cerro Brujo, where you’ll enjoy a coastal panga ride and beach visit, observing marine birds, sea lions, and lava lizards. Welcome cocktail, dinner, and overnight aboard.
Visit Punta Suárez on Española Island to see marine bird colonies, including the famous waved albatross and mockingbirds. After lunch aboard, head to Punta Cormorant to explore a saltwater lagoon, home to flamingos and other birds. End the day at a coral beach where sea turtles nest.
Arrive at Fernandina Island, the youngest in the archipelago. A short walk will bring you to Punta Espinoza, home to the largest population of marine iguanas, along with sea lions, crabs, and Galápagos hawks. After lunch aboard, enjoy a scenic cruise through Bolívar Channel, where you may spot dolphins and whales. Explore the cliffs and geological features while learning about the region’s volcanic history.
The expedition ends today. Disembark and fly to Guayaquil for a transfer to your hotel. Enjoy some free time in the city.
Fly back home, arriving the following morning after an unforgettable journey.
Bogotá: The Orchids Hotel 5*
Armenia: Allure Arom Mocawa 5*
Cartagena: Charleston Santa Teresa 5*
Quito: Casa Gangotena 5*
Patate: Samrari Spa Resort 5*
Riobamba: Abraspungo Hacienda 4*
Guayaquil: Oro Verde Guayaquil 5*
CRUISE:
Santa Cruz
