Galapagos

Thursday 09 September

Depart Auckland on an evening flight. Cross the International Date Line and arrive into Santiago mid-afternoon. Transfer to a centrally located hotel for an overnight stay.

Friday 10 September

A full day to discover Santiago, a cosmopolitan city that has become one of South America’s most modern and vibrant hubs. Enjoy dinner at the hotel tonight.

Saturday 11 September

An early morning flight to Quito (2,850m /9,350ft). On arrival, rest at the hotel to acclimatise to the altitude. A welcome dinner in the hotel this evening.

Quito – perched high in the Andes amongst snow-capped mountains and misty volcanoes, Quito is a breath-taking destination. Spanning two hemispheres, its dramatic setting has always lured visitors, but its best kept secrets are hidden in the candlelit monasteries, leafy plazas and narrow cobblestone streets.

Sunday 12 September

Immerse yourself in a full-day tour of the Mindo Cloud Forest, where nature and adventure intertwine. Discover the breathtaking Mindo-Nambillo Ecological Reserve, home to an extraordinary array of birdlife, exotic flora and fauna, stunning natural wonders, and an enchanting hummingbird garden.

Monday 13 September

This morning’s tour of Quito highlights the city’s beautifully preserved colonial centre, which blends European, Moorish and indigenous architectural styles, including the San Francisco Church, Independence Square and the iconic Virgin of Quito statue. This afternoon, continue to the ‘Middle of the World’ for an unforgettable Equator experience.

Tuesday 14 September

A day of high altitude and spectacular scenery as you journey to Otavalo (2,532m). Begin with the vibrant and colourful Otavalo market, famed for its dazzling array of handicrafts, with free time to explore and enjoy lunch independently. Continue to the serene Peguche Waterfall before returning to Quito late afternoon.

Wednesday 15 September

This morning, fly from Quito to Coca, a small riverside town on the edge of the Amazon. From here, a two-hour journey by motorised canoe up the Napo River transports you deep into the jungle to Sacha Lodge for an all-inclusive three-night stay.

Thursday 16 September

Your time here will be unique and may include a forest canopy tree-top walk, climbing the giant Kapok tree tower, night time Caiman spotting, guided forest walks during the day or after dark, the Butterfly House, paddling in dugout canoes guided silently through forested creeks or swim in the safe Lake Pool.   

All activities and meals are included during your stay.

Saturday 18 September

Transfer back to Coca for the flight to Quito. Transfer to your overnight hotel. 

Sunday 19 September

This morning, fly to Baltra Island and transfer to your exclusive private cruiser, the Galápagos Angel. After lunch on board, cruise to North Seymour Island — an uplifted submarine lava formation that is home to land iguanas and thousands of nesting frigatebirds wheeling overhead in dramatic display.

Galapagos Islands - This isolated group of volcanic islands and its fragile ecosystem has taken on an almost mythological status as a showcase of biodiversity.  Yet you don’t have to be an evolutionary biologist to appreciate one of the few places left on the planet where the human footprint is kept to a minimum.

Monday 20 September

A day of extraordinary geological spectacle as you explore lava tunnels and ancient lava flows. This morning, cruise to Chinese Islet — an outstanding snorkelling destination teeming with sea lions, sharks, rays and penguins. This afternoon, visit Sullivan Bay, where the terrain rises into small volcanic formations, offering a vivid window into the archipelago’s fiery origins.

Tuesday 21 September

This morning, step ashore at the white-sand coral beach of Darwin Bay and walk a trail through the mangroves, alive with birdlife and the playful antics of sea lions in tidal pools. This afternoon, make the rewarding climb to El Barranco — also known as Prince Philip’s Steps — for sweeping panoramic views across the island.

Wednesday 22 September

This morning, visit Egas Port (James Bay) on Santiago Island — a captivating spot to snorkel alongside the curious Galápagos hawk and quick-footed lava lizard. This afternoon, call in at Rábida Island, one of the most visually striking islands in the archipelago, its distinctive red-hued shores offering superb snorkelling and exceptional birdwatching, including Galápagos hawks and brown pelicans.

Thursday 23 September

Today, visit the Fausto Llerena Tortoise Breeding Centre, where you can observe giant tortoises ranging from tiny three-inch hatchlings to four-foot adults. This afternoon, travel by bus from Puerto Ayora into the lush highlands of Santa Cruz and walk underground through remarkable lava tunnels.

Friday 24 September

Explore Española Island today. Visit Gardner Bay to walk among sea lions and curious mockingbirds, then head to Suarez Point for incredible wildlife sightings, including blue-footed and Nazca boobies and waved albatrosses—almost the entire global population breeds here. Finish with the island’s dramatic southern blowhole.

Saturday 25 September

Enjoy a scenic morning on Santa Fé Island, with walking trails to a viewpoint or through a giant cactus forest. This afternoon, visit South Plaza Island, where dramatic cliffs, towering Opuntia cacti, large sea lion colonies, and colourful land iguanas await.

Sunday 26 September

Begin the morning with a visit to Black Turtle Cove in the northern reaches of Santa Cruz — a tranquil haven nurturing young marine life,including black-tip and white-tip reef sharks, sea turtles and a variety of rays gliding silently through the shallows. Later, transfer to Baltra Airport for your flight back to the mainland.

Monday 27 September

A leisurely start before transferring to the airport for the flight to Santiago, where you will connect for the journey home.

Tuesday 28 September

Cross the International Date Line.

Wednesday 29 September

An early morning arrival into Auckland.