Brimming with splendorous vegetation and fascinating animal life, it is no wonder the Galapagos Islands gave rise to Charles Darwin’s unparalleled innovations. Art in Voyage presents a curated travel experience to “a little world within itself,” which combines opulence on land, and sea. Unprecedented grandeur at our Relais and Chateaux partner properties, and a luxury catamaran experience aboard the “Beyond III,” awaits. Accompany us on a journey of a lifetime, and indulge in invigorating adventure, pampering, and authentic cuisine. The bespoke itinerary includes snorkeling and diving with captivating marine flora and fauna or meandering across volcanic lava fields bustling with iguanas. From Quito to the shores of Santa Cruz, and all that lies between, we assure you that this private travel journey will be mesmerizing.
We will welcome you to Ecuador with a private transfer from the airport to our picturesque property, where you will be warmly greeted with cocktails followed by a traditional lunch. That afternoon, we will introduce you to the UNESCO World Heritage site, Quito, where a private local guide will lead us on a walking tour of the city's most wondrous cultural and historical sites. Learning more about ancient arts and crafts will be done by paying a special visit to the local artisans. In the evening, we will host a welcome dinner in your honor at the renowned gourmet restaurant Zazu, where your meal will be paired with both local and international wines.
After enjoying an Ecuadorian breakfast, we will make our way to the breathtaking Galapagos Islands. This swift journey will take approximately 2 hours by flight. The Beyond III crew (in addition to our conservation and nature guide) will greet us upon arrival and provide a snapshot of our upcoming 4-day itinerary. We sail to our first destination, Dragon Hill, which is a hypersaline (saltier than the ocean) lagoon that lies behind the beach. This lagoon is frequented by flamingos, common stilts, pintail ducks, and a variety of other bird species. The nesting sites of iguanas and the spectacular views of the bay can be enjoyed after a short walk to the top of the hill. Dinner will be served on board.
We make our way to Cerro Brujo on San Cristobal Island, one of the first sites visited by Charles Darwin. Cerro Brujo is a pristine white-sand beach that is inhabited by brown pelicans, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, and marine iguanas. For an underwater experience, snorkeling in the turquoise waters can be enjoyed. Our next stop for the day will be Leon Dormido. This small, distinctive island comprises two rocks that jut out of the ocean. It is home to a large colony of seabirds too. Kicker Rock is an excellent dive site where you will see large rays, turtles, hammerhead sharks, and, of course, an array of reef fish. Sundowners take place at Isla Lobos, home to great frigate-birds and various beautiful Aves. Dinner will be served on board.
Today, we set sail towards Osborn Islet (Espanola Island). This small island offers a majestic marine excursion, where you can snorkel and swim at leisure. After lunch, we make our way to Gardner Bay where the beaches and ultramarine waters are truly awe-inspiring. Around the small islets nearby, snorkelers will find multiple colorful fish and curious turtles. The bay is also frequented by a transient colony of friendly sea lions that embrace human companionship in the water. We complete the day’s adventure at Suarez Point which is one of the most outstanding regions of the Archipelago, where a plethora of wildlife species can be found along its pebbled beaches and cliffs. In addition to five species of nesting seabirds, there are the inquisitive and bold mockingbirds, Galápagos doves, and Galápagos hawks. Several types of reptiles, including the marine iguana and the oversized lava lizard, are unique to this island. Another exceptional dinner will be served on board.
Post yet another delicious breakfast, we will make our way to Santa Fe Island. This is a volcanic uplift and host to a forest of Opuntia cactus, the largest of its kind in the archipelago. Here, weathered cliffs provide a haven for swallow-tailed gulls, red-billed tropicbirds, and sehar-waters petrels. Watch in awe as the Santa Fe land iguana species and lava lizards pepper the terrain. The island is home to a charming turquoise lagoon and because of its calm waters, you can snorkel amongst the sea lions (an absolute privilege indeed). After lunch, we return to Santa Cruz and stop at the Darwin Research Station. The scientific research, technical information, and provision of the appropriate channels to ensure the proper preservation of the Galápagos Islands can be found at the station. A private guided tour will inform us about the natural history, issues concerning the islands, as well as visit the tortoise breeding/rearing project. Dinner will be served on board.
We will make our way to South Plaza this morning, which has one of the largest populations of land iguanas in the Galápagos Islands. It is also home to marine iguanas; and a hybrid iguana whose ancestors are both marine and land iguanas. The stark combination of dry and coastal vegetation zones are highlighted by the panoramic cliffs and rocky trail that circumnavigates the island. We will disembark, bid the Beyond III adieu, where Pikaia Lodge will be our home for the next 2 nights. A long, lazy lunch will be served overlooking the ocean and the expansive scenery surrounding the luxury eco-lodge. Later, a relaxing spa treatment (with our compliments) awaits. Don’t get too comfortable, as a delectable dinner paired with international wines awaits.
After breakfast, for those eager to learn more about the endemic fauna and flora, we have arranged a morning hike in the surrounding jungle. We return to the property, after a delightful picnic, where you have ample time to relax before we depart for one last cruise around the island on board the property's yacht. We toast to a successful adventure with sundowners and return to the property to enjoy a gourmet dinner, paired with excellent international wines.
A final breakfast awaits, after which we make our way to the airport to catch a short flight back to Quito. If you wish to uncover more of Quito or Ecuador we have some excellent suggestions…Why not extend your adventure to the nearby Ecuadorian Cloud Forest, where the sounds of the rainforest will wash over you as you keep your eyes peeled for butterflies and lush orchid forests? How about ticking the Inca Trail off of your bucket list with an extension to Machu Picchu? The possibilities are endless and we are eager to assist.
Our day-to-day itinerary may, from time to time and prior to departure, need to be altered or slightly modified to address possible unforeseen logistical and weather challenges. In such rare instances, Art In Voyage guarantees delivery of the content of the itinerary yet, in a different order.
All listed retreats (hotels, villas, and barges) are, at times, subject to changes. In such rare instances, similar or higher standards will be upheld.
In case of a cancelation at more than 90 days prior to departure, your deposit will be returned minus a $500 per person administrative fee.
In case of a cancelation within the penalty period: Find a replacement at least 30 days prior to departure and your journey will be fully refunded, minus a $500 per person administrative fee.
