Capitalize on this exceptional pairing of South America's new 'it spot', Colombia, with a luxury expedition cruise of the wildlife mecca known as the Galapagos Islands. Now more than ever, the people of Colombia feel as though they have something to prove, and the rejuvenation of major towns and cities is noticeably vibrant. Experience Bogota, the nation's capital, where a mix of modern skyscrapers falls to centuries-old Spanish Colonial architecture, then make your way to the sweeping vistas of the lush Quindio coffee region, one of the main cultivators of Colombia's world-famous coffee. Let your senses guide you as the sights and aromas of this region welcome you with a genuine authenticity that brings a smile to your face. Transition to Quito, Ecuador's capital, where you'll explore with a private guide before heading to the remote Galapagos Islands to set sail on a luxurious cruise. Experience wildlife up close in a way you never imagined. Come steps away from sea lions, land iguanas, Magellanic penguins, sea turtles, flightless cormorants, giant tortoises, and more. The breadth of species here is bound to amaze all who come to participate in its magic.
Modern-day Colombia has left behind its difficult past and emerges with a pulse of enthusiastic optimism that now runs through the entire country. Your team of experienced English-speaking guides and private drivers will help you see it in your interactions with passionate locals as they proudly share with you the rich history, culture and joy of this vibrant country. You’ll also experience it in the warm hospitality at the luxury and boutique hotels that span your stay.
Enjoy a personalized vacation that best suits your needs, developed by one of our experienced destination experts. Relax during your trip with our 24/7 support and expert local guidance.
Day 1: Bogota
In order to confirm your trip, you must submit copies of your passports for Colombia bookings.
For your added comfort, you will have an English-speaking guide waiting for you outside of customs with a sign with your name on it. Your representative will help you to co-ordinate meeting up with your private driver and accompany you to your accommodation.
Accommodation: Sofitel Victoria Regia (5*)
Prime location, pure elegance, comfort and luxurious service are the trademarks of the Sofitel Bogota Victoria Regia, impressing guests with an ideal combination of the classic and contemporary. Located north of Bogota in the exclusive area of La Cabrera, Zona T, easy access is offered to the city’s major business and financial centers as well as the best art galleries, restaurants, and renowned international designer boutiques. This hotel boasts rooms decorated in the latest trends, offering both luxury and comfort. Incorporating the use of bold colors such as eggplant and terracotta and an array of contemporary furniture, you will feel yourself embraced by a chic and cozy ambiance. Offering an atmosphere of delight and sophistication enhanced by delicate Colombian flower arrangements, this hotel exemplifies the luxurious Sofitel style.
Day 2: Bogota
You will be picked up from your hotel by private vehicle and guide to begin your historical city tour from North of Bogota. La Candelaria is Bogota’s heart and soul, from its humble beginnings this is the oldest part of the city and the Plaza Bolivar (Main Square) are high on any visitor’s agenda. As you wander the streets of La Candelaria away from the main square, your guide will not only explain the history of Bogota but also the intricacies of current Colombian culture and daily life. There will be time for a refreshment stop in one of the cities coffee houses. After this short break you will head on to the Botero Museum. This is a permanent exhibition of works or art by Fernando Botero, Colombia’s most famous artist who’s "oversized” art is instantly recognizable. The museum not only houses work by Botero but also other world famous artists such as Dali, Monet and Van Gogh.
You will stop in one of the local restaurants close to the square for a chance to sample some local Colombia cuisine.
The next stop after lunch will be the Gold Museum. The Museum has one of the finest collections of Pre-Hispanic gold in the world, with more than 35,000 pieces of pre-Colombian gold work in the collection. Next, you will visit the finest view point of Bogota, the hill top look out and monastery of Monserrate. The summit can be reached by either funicular railway or cable car. From the highest point the view across the city will enable you to see the different sectors of Bogota. The new convent is a pilgrimage site for many Colombians whom, during Easter week, make their way past the fourteen Stations of the Cross until reaching the convent at the summit.
Gold Museum is closed every Monday & Botero Gallery is closed every Tuesday.
Accommodation: Sofitel Victoria Regia (5*)
Day 3: Bogota - Armenia - Quindio Coffee Region
Meet your English-speaking guide and driver for a private airport transfer.
Domestic flight between Bogota and Armenia with Avianca Airlines. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour.
Airport transfer with private vehicle, and driver to the Quindio Coffee Region.
Accommodation: Hacienda Bambusa
Hacienda Bambusa Hotel was conceived as a place where guests can enjoy the privacy that can only be found in your own home, but with the comfort and services that only an excellent hotel can provide. Located in the southern part of this breathtaking ‘coffee land,’ it is a typical bamboo colonial style house surrounded by banana plantations, cattle fields, and featuring a majestic open view of the Andes Mountains. Ideally arranged for rest and relaxation, the spacious rooms all have views of the pool and/or scenic gardens, immersing the guest into a cultural paradise of bamboo guadua forests, rivers, creeks, and various fruit crops. The restaurant, run by Luz Adriana Martinez, serves a delicate and delicious variety of haute cuisine dishes exclusively for guests. Many of the dishes are prepared with products that are cultivated on the hacienda itself. Privileged by its environment and climate, the Hacienda Bambusa Hotel has been gifted with a stunning landscape and atmosphere that will embrace you like no other.
Day 4: Quindio Coffee Region
This tour will take you from the far north of Quindío to the beautiful Valle Cocora where the magnificent wax palm grows, in one of its few natural habitats. Then onto the first settlement in Quindío of the modern era. As you enter into Filandia you know you are in the Coffee region of Colombia. The main square has not changed in appearance or in character in decades. Filandia does not have an attraction to visit; Filandia is the attraction. A coffee break in one of the many small coffee shops will allow you to take in the quaintness of uninterrupted lines of brightly painted houses in the traditional Pueblo of the region. From Filandia you will drive to the Valley Cocora. Part of the wider Parque Nacional Los Nevados, the valley is located on the eastern limits of Quindío along the central Andean range. It has been regarded by Colombia as a sanctuary for its national symbol; the Wax Palm (Ceroxylon quindiuense). The Palm fringes the Mountain range, and is now protected and declared a national tree and symbol to prevent exploitation due to the celebrations during Palm Sunday, and therefore a threat against the endemic species dependant on the palm. Salento is a municipality in the northeastern part of the department of Quindío. It was the first settlement in Quindío of the modern era, and the first municipality founded in the department. Salento is located 24 km northeast of the departmental capital Armenia. The picturesque town is located on the Northeastern corner of the department and borders other departments, Risaralda and Tolima all sharing Parque Nacional Los Nevados. From Salento you will continue on to your hotel.
Includes private transportation, bilingual guide, lunch, entrances, Latte art activity in Salerno.
Accommodation: Hacienda Bambusa
Day 5: Quindio Coffee Region
Coffee is the heart and soul of this area and today you will see how this simple bean affects every part of the region on a privately guided tour. Tour the beautiful Hacienda San Alberto and learn all about the coffee process from start to finish. After your tour of the coffee nursery, coffee fields and processing plant, you will participate in a sensorial experience to awaken your senses so that you may fully understand and enjoy the complex art of coffee tasting and quality selection.
You will next visit The Botanical Gardens in Quindío. What makes this particular garden wonderful is its mix of accessibility and wildness. The paths are clear, but minimal, outlined with Guadua taken from the fallen stalks that decorate the forest. The main selling point of the garden is the Mariposario – or butterfly house. This net structure is built in the shape of a butterfly and is home to an array of surprisingly friendly butterflies.
You will also have the opportunity to learn about coffee tasting, the different aromas and textures of Colombia’s most famous export before you are returned to your accommodation at days end. Lunch is included in your tour.
Accommodation: Hacienda Bambusa
Day 4: Quindio Coffee Region - Quito
Transfer with private vehicle and driver from Quindio Coffee Region to the Airport.
Flight is required, currently not included in the quote.
For your added comfort, you will have an English-speaking guide waiting for you outside of customs with a sign with your name on it. Your representative will help you to co-ordinate meeting up with your private driver and accompany you to your accommodation."
Accommodation: JW Marriott Hotel
Welcome to Quito Ecuador and the JW Marriott Hotel Quito, where you will be greeted by an awe-inspiring atrium entrance. This hotel in Quito is one of the top-ranked Ecuador hotels according to Tripadvisor and Frommers. The guest rooms feature magnificent views of the mountains and volcanoes surrounding the city, including the famous snow-capped Cotopaxi Volcano. The JW Marriott is located next to the popular La Mariscal neighborhood, host to many Quito restaurants and bars. The hotel is close to the famous old city which is a Cultural World Heritage Site, and is just two hours to Otavalo, the largest craft market in South America. What sets the hotel apart is the resort type heated pool, the large fitness facility, and relaxing treatments available in the spa. Many vacation travelers and incentive groups stay at this hotel in Quito before or after their cruises to the Galapagos Islands.
Day 7: Quito
Enjoy a five hour private guided tour of Colonial Quito and discover the Middle of the World on a private guided tour with lunch included.
A wonderful tour through the streets and main squares of Quito Historic Centre, first city in the world to be declared by the UNESCO as "World Cultural Heritage" in recognition for its architectonic and artistic value. A visit to the Church and Convent of Santo Domingo is part of this spectacular visit; this convent has the best exhibition of architectural and religious art in the colonial city. You will have the opportunity to be delighted by the delicate and unusual beauty of this colonial Convent Treasures as the Chapels of El Rosario and Pompeya whose walls and columns are decorated in gold with an original blend of vegetable and anthropomorphic figures are a vivid example of the world famous Quito School of Art. The Convent of Santo Domingo displays colossal doors and ceilings covered with oil paintings and gold leaf. After this unique and special experience you will have lunch at typical Restaurant. In the afternoon, a short trip to the north of the city of Quito will lead you to the planet's Latitude 0´0´0´´where the Itiñan museum known too as "The trek of Sun" will guide you through the wonderful world of the Andean Cosmo-vision, culture and traditions. This is the place where you can stand with one foot on the northern hemisphere and the other one on the southern hemisphere…a unique experience.
Accommodation: JW Marriott Hotel
Day 8: Quito - Galapagos - Baltra Island - Santa Cruz Island - Galapagos Cruise
Quito airport transfer with private vehicle, driver and English speaking guide.
Fly from Quito to Galapagos via Guayaquil today. The flight duration is approximately 4 hours.
Please note: Flight rates and availability are subject to change until booking.
Your mandatory Galapagos tourist transit card is included in your itinerary pricing.
Please note: your airline tickets for the Galapagos flights are issued locally, and will be provided for you on the day you depart for the Galapagos, at the airport, by our local representative. For all Galapagos flights, the luggage allowance is 20 kg (44 lbs) per person.
Upon arrival to Baltra, a cruise representative will direct you to your shared transfer to the boat.
Welcome aboard!
Take some time to get settled into your stateroom prior to an onboard briefing about the boat, and the island of Baltra.
Your mandatory Galapagos National Park entrance fee is included in your itinerary pricing.
Please note: all Galapagos excursions are to be referenced as a guideline only - the route and program are subject to change according to National Park policies and regulations, weather conditions, seasonal changes, safety precautions and estimated wildlife encounters, etc.
A fuel surcharge is applicable to all vessels cruising in the Galapagos and all flights to/from Galapagos. These surcharges have been included in your trip price.
Fuel Surcharges are subject to change without notice and additional fees may be applicable at time of travel.
Santa Cruz Highlands
Here at the Highlands, you can walk along a path, observing the hills, ferns, volcanoes, and rich wildlife. This area is home to giant tortoises, forest, mockingbirds, Bahama ducklings, White-cheeked Pintail ducklings, Darwin finches, and many other species.
Accommodation: M/C Petrel (4N)
The 16-guest M/C Petrel is a luxury catamaran providing a first-class way to experience the magical Galapagos Islands. Named after a sea bird common to Galapagos, the Petrel is like its namesake: elegant, swift and silent at sea. A motorized catamaran, the Petrel is designed for comfort and stability and is outfitted with spacious cabins (each with a private balcony), a comfortable lounge, and Jacuzzi.
Day 9: Santiago Island - Galapagos Cruise
Sullivan Bay
Located southeast of Santiago Island, Sullivan Bay is of great geological interest. The area is covered by Pahoehoe lava flows combined with A’A lava. It was very active 200 years ago. This flow is geologically very young. The magma formed is flat, but the movement of underground lava, the rapid cooling and other eruptions led to the break in many places.
Bartholomew Island
Home of the famous Pinnacle Rock, Bartholomew consists of an extinct volcano with a variety of red, orange, black and even green volcanic formations. A trail of stairs leads to the summit of the volcano, boasting one o the best views of the islands. The beach is perfect for snorkeling and possible sightings of the Galapagos Penguin.
Accommodation: M/C Petrel (4N)
Day 10: Genovesa - Galapagos Cruise
Darwin Bay
This white-sand coral beach heads a half mile trail (.75km) that winds through mangroves filled with land birds. Nazca Boobies, Red-footed Boobies, and Swallow-tailed Gulls can be spotted here. Further down the path are tidal pools where sea lions swim playfully. At the end is a spectacular view off a cliff.
Prince Phillip's Steps
Also known as El Barranco, Prince Phillip's Steps' steep, rocky paths leads up to a high cliff-face. A marvelous view can be appreciated from here. This site is also home to Palo Santo vegetation as well as Red-footed Boobies, Short-eared Lava Owls, Galapagos Swallows, and Galapagos Doves.
Accommodation: M/C Petrel (4N)
Day 11: Santiago Island - Galapagos Cruise
Puerto Egas
Also known as James Bay, Egas Port is home to the curious Galapagos Hawks and Quick-footed Galapagos Lava Lizards. The trail leads to a coastline with gorgeous tide pools and grottos full of fauna. Here the Galapagos Fur Sea Lions bathe in the sun. This is also a great snorkeling site.
Espumilla Beach
Espumilla Beach is a popular place for marine iguanas and Sally Lightfoot Crabs. The crabs attract the hunting herons, performing the dance of predator and prey. With an abundance of marine life including octopi, moray eel, and shark, snorkeling is highly recommended.
Buccaneer Cove
Years ago Buccaneer Cove was a safe haven where pirates in the 1600 and 1700’s would stake out on the Northwestern side of Santiago Island. Sea turtles now take the pirates place and dig their nests for their eggs near the Mangrove trees. It is a great location for snorkeling and many marine birds and sea lions can be found here.
Accommodation: M/C Petrel (4N)
Day 12: Santa Cruz Island - Galapagos
Carrion Point
Carrion Point creates a sheltered lagoon with beautiful, turquoise water. During this visit you can snorkel and see a variety of fish, rays and perhaps the harmless white-tip reef sharks. The point is on the north coast of Santa Cruz Island at the entrance of Channel of Itabaca.
This morning you'll disembark from your ship, and bid farewell to the crew.
A group transfer will bring you to the airport on Baltra, for your return flight to the mainland.
Fly direct from Galapagos to Guayaquil. The flight duration is approximately 2 hours.
Please note that flight rates are subject to change without prior notice.
