Ecuador and Galapagos Holidays

The ultimate holiday of striking contrasts; our best South America holiday for adventure in both warm and cold climates. Explore the Chilean capital Santiago with its markets and foodie scene. Head to the heat of the Atacama to see volcanoes, flamingo lagoons, star gaze, explore Geysers and sunbathe. Sip local wine at the wonderful Matetic vineyards, before donning your cold weather gear for Torres Del Paine in Patagonia. Here its all about outdoor adventure and scenery. Then, get ready for a once in a lifetime experience; your Antarctica Cruise. Daily excursions await; spot Wales, penguins, seals, and snow as far as you can see. Contrasts again, in the rich lush landscape of the Lake District with hiking trails, bikes, kayaking, fishing, horse riding…making sure to enjoy the heated pool and gourmet cuisine.

A perfect multi-country holiday for lovers of food, wildlife, outdoor adventures and scenery. Eat at the world’s top restaurant in Lima, In the Amazon stay in the best Eco-lodges spotting incredible wildlife and birds on river trips and walks in the rainforest. Explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas, doing it differently with a traditional Pachamanca lunch and of course the must-see Macchu Picchu. See the vivid blues of Lake Titicaca before crossing over to Bolivia; a land of stark and eerie beauty. Salt flats, desert rocks and arid landscapes await, pressing on to the Atacama desert in Chile. A little rest and luxury after full days of adventure activities.

Three amazing countries with so much variety and contrast, a perfect combination eco holiday to South America. Enjoy walking tours in Santiago, before heading to the beautiful Chilean Lake District to see lava rocks, waterfalls and rapids. Immerse in rich culture and colourful streets in Chiloe Island, visiting a colony of penguins and sea otters. For ice and scenery, Patagonia is the best place to visit and is paradise for outdoor adventures. Get your hiking boots on for some of the best walks and views in the world in Torres Del Paine. Want to experience a Glacier up close? Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the greatest natural highlights in South America. Last but never least its Brazil! Tango shows, Malbec, passion and vibrancy await in Buenos Aires before ending with one mother natures greatest…Iguazu Falls.

Tick off the three wonders of South America; Macchu Picchu, Iguazu Falls and the Statue of Christ. The best honeymoon for food, hikes, remote beauty, culture, horse riding and plenty of time to relax in our favourite boutique hotels and lodges. Peru is a dream for culture, natural beauty and food. Do things differently and away from crowds, see the real country and discover incredible sights. After Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca add some contrast in vibrant Buenos Aires where we can arrange Tango Shows and delicious steak and red wine. Your Gaucho experience is totally unique, before heading to Iguazu falls for one of the great wonders of the world. End on a high in exciting and culturally rich Rio with some beach time to relax, restaurant recommendations in hand and private guide at your disposal.

Want an in-depth holiday to South America, in luxury? Our best holiday for 5*, top end and once in a lifetime experiences. Experience South America in luxury and in all it’s glory, taking in Patagonia, the Atacama Desert, Bolivian Salt Flats, Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley…not forgetting the wildlife rich Galapagos Islands. Stay on private boats, in boutique yurts, try the finest cuisine, have the best views and get away from the masses by doing it differently. Throughout your luxury adventure you will stay in the best luxury lodges and top eco lodges in South America.

Day 1 – 4 Arrive into Lima; the foodie capital. Rest and relax in a boutique hotel before meeting your private guide to explore this beautiful colonial city. Witness Barranco street art, museums, night visit to Huaca Pucclana, take a gastronomy tour and build in time to wonder on foot to soak up the city. Eat at the world’s number 1 restaurant.

Day 5-8 The Amazon. For nature and wildlife lovers the Amazon is paradise. Stay in eco wildlife lodges and spend days wildlife spotting on walks and boat trips looking out for Caiman, howler monkeys, red bellied Macaws, Anacondas, Turtles and rare birds. Have an expert guide throughout.

Days 9- 14 A change of scenery, get your trekking boots on for incredible outdoor activities. Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, a region of Inca cultures and ancient archaeological sites. See the Mara Salt mines, the Moray site, traditional Misminay communities and learn about traditional Andean life and customs. See the Ollantaytambo ruins, enjoy cooking and tasting a traditional Pachamanca lunch and of course soak up every minute of Machu Picchu. We suggest doing it differently, away from the crowds taking a point to point trek and experiencing more serene views.

Days 15 – 18 A couple of days at Lake Titicaca with its vibrant blues and colourful cultures before our first border crossing to Bolivia. La Paz is a perfect place to start your Bolivia adventure, with no need to rush your guide will show you the real city. Cable cars, markets, mountain views, churches… do things better and slower.

Days 19 – 22 Experience stark and beautiful Bolivia in Uyuni and the Salt Flats. Giant Cactus, breathtaking sunsets, Volcanoes…this is the Boliva you have travelled this far to see. Away from the masses, take in the vast bright white salt flats like nowhere else on earth.

Days 23 – 27 A stunning road crossing into Chile for your next country adventure. Spend quality time in the Atacama Desert at a slower pace taking in the highlights and hidden secrets. Flamingo Lagoons, Volcanoes, Moon Valley on bike or horseback, strange salt formations and bright red rocks surround you. Have remote picnic lunches and wine at the top of lakes, enjoy star gazing and hiking, and make sure to include sunbathing downtime in one of our favourite boutique hotels.

Day 28 – 31 The ultimate trip of contrasts, leave the red rocks and dry heat and head to the lush green beautify of the Lake District, Chile. Your guide will take you to rapids, waterfalls, try fishing, cycling, gentle or challenging walks – your days here are all bespoke.

Days 32 – 34 A cultural highlight; explore Chiloe Island, full of myths, legends and amazing people. Brightly coloured houses pepper the shore and mix in some wildlife time visiting a penguin colony where you may spot Cormorants and Sea Otters.

Days 35 – 42 Now Patagonia awaits, the land of ice and beauty. Your days in this stunning part of Chile include boat trips to Glaciers in Balmaceda and Serrano, epic hikes in Torres Del Paine (ranging in lengths and difficulty, bespoke to your fitness levels) the awe inspiring Perito Morena Glacier for ice trekking and wildlife spotting. Slow down your pace, enjoying gourmet food, fine wines and downtime in eco yurts or luxury lodges. Ushuaia and Tierra Del Fuego National Park wait for us, avoiding the crowds in this untouched wilderness. Choose kayaking, forest trails, and visit a traditional estancia ranch.

Days 43 – 46 We reach Argentina’s capital, the vibrant and addictive Buenos Airies. Get under the skin with and without your guide, explore local markets, street food, tango shows, local art, fashionable Palermo, elegant Recoleta and the parts of the city you’d otherwise miss. Be sure to try a delicious steak with Malbec.

Days 47 – 50 Thunderous Mother Nature at her best; Iguazu Falls. We cover both the Argentina and then Brazil side of the falls, getting as close as you can to hear and feel the mighty water. Opt to upgrade for some luxury at The Belmond where you have private access to the falls away from the coaches, for a truly memorable peaceful unique experience.

Days 51 – 55 Your epic South America sabbatical comes to a close in style, in Rio De Janeiro. Time on the beach, city tours with your guide, a cable car up Sugarloaf Mountain and of course Christ the Redeemer. No need to rush your time here; try street foodie highlights, fine dining restaurants, nearby hidden beaches…soak up the atmosphere and culture of the amazing city.

Day 1 – 5 Arrive into the foodie capital of South America, Lima. Rest and relax in a stylish boutique hotel, then really get under the skin of this amazing city. Take street art and gastronomy tours, with rooftop sun downers and vibrant markets. Enjoy city cycling tours and have the time to amble through the streets independently, soaking up the sights. Be sure to try one of the worlds top restaurants.

Days 6 – 9 A long drive day broken up by an overnight stop with delicious local food. Arrive at Arequipa, the ‘White City’ On foot with your guide explore the main plaza, San Francisco church and remarkable Monastery. A must-visit on your holiday to Peru.

Days 10 – 13 An incredible drive day through landscapes dominated by Volcanoes. Arrive at the banks of the Colca River staying in a charming lodge to explore the region properly. The Colca Canyon is the second deepest in the world, witness Condors flying high above and breathe in the pace of the river. A hikers paradise.

Days 14 – 16 Drive the beautiful road to Lake Titicaca, witnessing landscapes and nature en route that you would miss by flying. Relax and take in the blue waters and colourful cultures of the lake. Avoid the busy tourist routes and explore by kayak, enjoying a local delicious lunches with traditional music and learning the local ways away from the noise.

Days 17 – 21 Want to do something different on your sabbatical? We head to the Sacred Valley for our community immersion – one of our flagship excursions. Spend time with the Andean Misminay community taking part in traditional skills such a textile weaving, cooking, brick making. Learn about agriculture and gastronomy trying local delicacies (Guinea Pig) head out to the fields to see where and how produce comes from. See reforestation projects and learn the Andean Ecosystems. Lots of outdoor activities to choose from; Kayaking, SUPs, treks, bird watching and taking it all in away from tourists masses. Enjoy delicious Pisco sours at the end of each day.

Days 22 – 24 A highlight of any trip to South America, Machu Picchu. Enjoy dramatic views over the ruins after your unforgettable trek. Hearty lunches and local stories led by your expert guide.

Days 25 – 29 After the dramatic scenery and impressive landscapes, we mix things up driving to Cuzco, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Relax in a gorgeous boutique hotel, take it slow, take it all in. Food, markets, ambling, culture…and rest.

Days 30 – 32 Having ticked off Peru, we journey via plane to Quito, for our next sabbatical adventure. Stay in the center in our favourite boutique hotel. Choose from walking tours, chocolate tasting and gastronomy experiences, and visit artisan workshops…Welcome to Ecuador.

Days 33 – 35 Heading north by road to Otavalo, a fascinating town with a proud Kichwa indigenous culture. Take lakeside hikes, horse riding, a cooking class and make sure to include a visit to ‘Master Weaver’ Miguel Andrango. A true Travel Differently highlight. You are in no rush, take it all at your own slower pace.

Days 36 – 38 Explore the dense green ecosystem of the Cloud Forest. For nature and outdoor lovers, this is regarded as one of the best bird watching spots in the world. Try zip lining, river tubing, swim in waterfalls and have one of the best bird guides in the country point out rare breeds.

Days 39 – 41 Out of the jungle and into the views, Cotopaxi National Park packs a punch. This sabbatical holiday is full of variety, and here its all about snow capped mountains and hiking beneath them. Feel the wind in your hair galloping on horse back as the mountain range comes into focus. An amazing few days of landscapes and adventure.

Days 42 – 45 We head off the beaten track and into the Amazon basin for a wildlife packed holiday within a holiday. Avoid flights and take a unique road trip to witness how frontier towns give way to more traditional cultures as we head deeper and deeper into the wild. Thick jungle and beautiful river tributaries reveal the incredible flaura and fauna. With your guide spot Monkeys and Macaws to Caiman and Tapir.

Days 46 – 48 Leaving the Amazon, drive along the Southern section of the Avenue of Volcanoes, seeing Banos, the Inca complex of Ingaprica, Cuenca before ending in Guayaquil ready for your Galapagos sabbatical adventure.

Days 49 – 54 We finish your epic Peru and Ecuador Sabbatical in the world’s most unique wildlife wonderland; The Galapagos Islands. A once in a lifetime experience, and a must-include for any slow trip to South America. Our Galapagos experts will talk through options; a boutique cruise/ luxury private boat or land based island- hopping. Our top tip? Do both, especially as your longer sabbatical should offer the extra time needed. This will be the ultimate wildlife experience.

Day 1-5 Arrive and relax in style. Spend a slower pace exploring vibrant Buenos Aires. From stylish Recoleta, trendy La Boca and vibey San Telmo; see Tango shows, try incredible food (steaks, street food, fine dining, locals markets and Asados) find hidden bars, amazing wine and speakeasies.

Days 6-8 Escape the city and stay at a traditional Estancia. Horse ride, trek, eat, drink. You’ll be fully relaxed and in the Argentine flow of life by now.

Days 9-14 Avoid flying and drive to Mendoza, home of Malbec via striking deserts and red rock Canyons. In the wine region try South Americas finest wines, explore vineyards, take bikes between the vines and learn about the process. Time for some luxury pool time in one of our favourite vineyard hotels.

Days 15-18 Start the path less trodden, staying on an authentic working Ranch; the best way to really explore and take in the Andes. Away from the crowds a remote and genuine experience to see the real people of Argentina.

Days 19 – 34 Your self drive adventure begins. Cover vast distances and witness breathtaking scenery. See the mountains of Los Arrayanes National Park, working your way down through awe inspiring Patagonia, breaking driving with incredible trek days, staying in lodges en route. A Once in a lifetime road trip.

Day 35 – 37 You reach El Chalten’, a paradise for hiking and climbing enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Take the peaks on foot, or mountain bike.

Days 38-39 Reach El Calafate, relax and rest before visiting the amazing Perito Moreno glacier.

Days 40 – 50 Pick up your self drive adventure, hugging the dramatic coastline of Argentina, stopping en route to observe wildlife on land and sea, learning local cultures, trying regional dishes and discovering remote towns as you go, eventually reaching the capital.

Day 51-52 Check into a luxury city hotel with a spa, to rest and relax before your adventure comes to an end.

Classic Antarctica is perfect for those wanting to tick off the most coveted spots on the continent. The adventure begins with a cruise to Antarctica from Ushuaia. This sees you tackling the legendary Drake Passage, as remarkable seabird species keep you entertained overhead, including albatrosses and giant petrels.

As more and more icebergs come into view, you’ll know you’ve reached the Antarctic Peninsula. Over the next five days, you’ll explore this extraordinary, untamed part of the world under the careful guidance of your experienced expedition team, who plan each day to align with the weather and ice conditions.

Expect to make twice-daily landings or zodiac cruises, encountering immense ice cliffs, penguin rookeries, seals and whales. You may even have the opportunity to camp under the fresh polar skies.