Discover the pure magic of our natural world plus two of South America’s most exciting cities on this 14-day Luxury Galapagos and Brazil vacation itinerary.
Whether you’re a young family or retired couple, the Galapagos and the Brazilian Amazon are two of the most rewarding places to visit on Earth. These destinations have the distinction of being largely untouched by humans, allowing their extraordinary ecosystems to thrive with an abundance of rare and endemic plant and animal species. Those who are lucky enough to see the Galapagos and Brazilian Amazon first-hand will have a unique opportunity to observe the wonders of our natural world like never before.
On this 14-day Luxury Galapagos and Brazil Vacation Itinerary, you’ll be swimming with Galapagos turtles, hiking to the top of a volcano, walking through the thick rainforest in search of monkeys, visiting an Amazonian tribe, and much, much more. An exciting adventure into the heart of nature awaits every day. On top of that, you’ll have the pleasure of visiting two of South America’s most exciting cities, Quito and Rio de Janeiro. But the best thing about it all is that every hotel, tour, and meal has been thoughtfully chosen to ensure the utmost luxury at every stop. Read on to find out what you could be doing each day of this once-in-a-lifetime itinerary.
Days 1 + 2: Exploring Quito through the senses
Quito, Ecuador
Day 1
Begin your trip with a bang in Ecuador’s capital city of Quito, the best-preserved colonial city on the continent. After checking into the ILLA Experience Hotel & Spa, the first of a succession of luxury stays during your trip, allow Quito to introduce itself with a private walking tour through the Historic Center. Between the mastery of Plaza Grande’s Spanish colonial palaces and the beauty found in the Museum of Pre-Colombian Art, your introduction to Quito will feel inspiring. After returning to the hotel for a post-travel-day massage, prepare your tastebuds for a genius South American flavors at NESTS restaurant.
Day 2
Today you’ll wake up with a big grin knowing you’re about to embark on the luxurious Quito Six Senses tour. This sensational sensory tour immerses you in the soul of Quito through a series of interactive experiences that highlight Quito’s rich history, culture, and tradition. You’ll start by sampling cacao at a chocolatier before assisting a top chef with their clay-baked tortillas and making crafts in the workshops of the very craftsmen who restore Quito’s historic buildings. The tour will wrap up at the handmade hat workshop where you’ll learn about Ecuador’s curious hat culture while making your own.
Days 3 – 7: Sail on the sensational Galapagos Horizon Cruise
Galapagos Horizon Trimaran
Day 3
After a smooth and comfortable morning transfer from Quito to the Galapagos via Guayaquil, you’ll arrive at your home for the next four nights, the stunning Galapagos Horizon Trimaran. With a capacity for only 16 guests, the Horizon is pegged as one of the top small cruises in the archipelago. Settle into your spacious suite before enjoying a glass of champagne on the private balcony as the trimaran sets sail to your first destination, Bartholomew Island. The views of the bay and Pinnacle Rock from the top of Bartholomew’s volcano, a short 1.2 mile/2 km hike uphill, are something you’ll never forget.
Day 4
Today you’ll wake up to the striking contrast of Rabida Island’s rich green vegetation and deep red-sand beaches. After a delicious buffet breakfast, you’ll be fueled for a morning of snorkeling amongst colorful fish and sea lions in the island’s lagoon. Afterward, wind down with some peaceful birdwatching — you’re likely to spot some of the Galapagos’ rarest birds in abundance on Rabida including a variety of finches. This afternoon, you’ll take a short stroll around James Bay where you’ll find Galapagos lava lizards and sea lions lazing in the sun amongst the pretty tidal pools. Spend the remainder of the day lazing like lava lizards on the Horizon’s peaceful sun deck.
Day 5
This morning, the magnificent Genovesa Island awaits to show off the delights of Darwin Bay, one of the Galpaagos’ most famous bays. Winding through the mangrove trail , you’ll discover the archipelago’s strangest land birds, the blue and red-footed boobies. Follow this with a relaxed dinghy ride around the tidal pools to spot some more local marine life or head back to the yacht to soak in the sundeck jacuzzi before climbing the Prince Philips at El Barranco. Satisfied after spotting Galapagos doves, swallows, and storm-petrels whilst admiring El Barranco’s brilliant bay views, it’s time to spend an evening enjoying a gourmet dinner and good conversation with fellow guests.
Giant Tortoise on Rabida Island, Galapagos
Day 6
With a belly full from another delicious buffet breakfast, enjoy a refreshing morning snorkel around Mosquera Islet, a short and narrow sandy islet surrounded by coral reefs. Afterward, enjoy having your feet firmly back on land when visiting the lush green highlands of Santa Cruz and its fascinating underground lava tubes. The day’s highlight, however, will undoubtedly be the opportunity to closely observe the astonishing giant tortoises and learn about their behavior and conservation at the Charles Darwin Research Station. Complete your last evening on board the Galapagos Horizon with yet another gourmet dinner freshly made by the talented onboard chef followed by your drink of choice at the bar with fellow guests now turned friends.
Day 7
Before saying your goodbyes to the world’s most unique natural habitat, you’ll make one last stop to see frigate birds on North Seymour. If you’re feeling brave, follow this with a final snorkel session amongst the reef sharks, rays, and garden eels.
The rest of the day will be reserved for traveling from the Galapagos to Manaus, a city in the heart of the Brazilian Amazon ready for the next exciting adventure.
Days 8 – 11 Explore the Amazon with Anavilhanas
Anavilhanas Amazon Jungle Lodge Bungalow
Day 8
Take some time this morning to settle into your Anavilhanas your luxury Amazon lodge for the next few nights complete with a jungle swimming pool, a massage room, a floating river bar, and plush bungalows with glass walls that allow you to be at one with nature. For your Amazonian introduction, hop on a riverboat and cruise around the rivers, river veins, and mangroves to catch a first glimpse of the local wildlife including monkeys, sloths, and perhaps even pink river dolphins. Then, get even more close and personal with the rainforest on a walk around the forests with an expert naturist guide.
Day 9
Enjoy a slow, lazy morning spotting monkeys, snakes, sloths, and birds from the safety and comfort of a swaying hammock inside your glass bungalow. Or gaze up at the jungle canopy through the glass ceiling as you soak in your bungalow’s sumptuous free-standing bath. Afterward, you’ll get the chance to catch piranha and other local fish on a traditional Amazonian fishing boat. Having had a pretty relaxed day, you’ll have plenty of energy left for a night walk through the rainforest. Believe it or not, night is the best time of day to spot the Amazon’s scariest insects and amphibians, as well as its nocturnal animals.
Brazilian Amazon Rainforest
Day 10
The Amazon isn’t all monkeys and macaws; today you will spend quality time with an indigenous Amazonian riverside community. Not only will you get to take part in their daily activities like fishing, crafting, agriculture, and cooking, but you will get to talk and laugh with the locals via your local guide, making connections within a world wildly different from your own. Afterward, try your hand at target practice using handmade bows and arrows from the Waimiri-Atroari ethnic group. Wind back in the evening with a well-deserved spa session followed by a gourmet dinner combining Amazonian flavors with modern cooking techniques.
Day 11
Rise at the crack of dawn to witness one of the most magical moments of a day in the Amazon — the sunrise.Your guide will take you on a tranquil boatride along the river allowing you to sit back and watch the sky fire up, creating a luminous glow off the rainforest canopies, whilst birds of paradise begin the morning chorus. A beautiful way to end your time in the Amazon before heading to Rio de Janiero, the final leg of your luxury Galapagos and Brazil vacation.
Days 12 – 14 Live the high life in Rio de Janeiro
Copacabana Oceanview Suite, Rio de Janeiro
Day 12
Today you’ll wake up to ocean views from your signature suite at the elegant and glamorous Copacabana Palace, the most iconic hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Enjoy breakfast on your balcony before being whisked away on a private tour of the city’s highlights including Wonder of the World, Christ the Redeemer. Spend the remainder of the afternoon browsing boutiques on the upscale streets of Ipanema — maybe you’ll find something sleek to wear to tonight’s dinner at Cipriani, the Copacaban’s Michelin-star Italian restaurant overlooking the hotel pool and the ocean.
Day 13
Make your final full day of your luxury Galapagos and Brazil vacation count with this unforgettable experience: a helicopter ride over Rio de Janeiro. From this unique and thrilling perspective, you can soak up the Brazilian capital’s breathtaking scenes including the bustling city architecture, sandy beaches, iconic landmarks, and the mountainous forests that engulf it. Use the rest of the afternoon to capture some culture in the Museum of Tomorrow and Museum of Modern Art, or to sip on caiprinhas at the hotel pool. Celebrate your last night in Rio with dinner at MEE, world-renowned Michelin-star restaurant praised for its exotic dishes and sake pairings.
Day 14
Having spent the past two weeks traversing two of the planet’s most magnificent natural habitats, the Galapagos and the Amazon, as well as two spectacular South American cities, it’s time to head home where the memories of this once-in-a-lifetime trip will always be there to put a smile on your face.
Secure your own Luxury Galapagos and Brazil Vacation Itinerary today
It will come as no surprise that this itinerary is one of our best-sellers so if you’re interested in securing this once-in-a-lifetime trip for yourself, get in touch with our travel experts as soon as possible. We will take care of everything from the moment you enquire to the moment you return from your trip. Experts in bespoke travel, we are also more than happy to accommodate requests to adapt and personalize the itinerary to suit you. For more information and booking inquiries, message us here or call on +1 855 217 9045 to enquire further.
