Ultimate Colombia & Galapagos
This fabulous itinerary takes in the best of Colombia and the enchanting Galapagos Islands. Explore Colombia’s handsome cities, each with their own distinct flavour and take in the UNESCO-listed colonial charms of both Cartagena and the Ecuadorian capital, Quito. Then meet the incredible bird, marine and wildlife of the Galapagos Islands with a cruise on the first superyacht to operate in these magical waters.
Journey highlights
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Explore the ways in which Colombia is transforming its image with a stay in Bogota and Medellin. Both cities have revived their fortunes in recent years, with Bogota enjoying a burgeoning food scene and café culture, while Medellin’s nascent art and buzzing music scene is testament to its reinvention as a hotbed of creativity.
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Experience some of the finest and best-preserved colonial architecture in the Americas with a stay in both Colombian Cartagena and Ecuadorian Quito. Fabulous plazas, historic churches, cobblestone streets, whitewashed buildings and traditional markets await.
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Cruise the magical Galapagos Islands on the first superyacht to operate in this enchanting archipelago. With an unbeatable one to one guest to crew ratio, two custom-built, military-grade black rib tenders, complete with expert naturalist guides, expedition travel does not mean compromising on luxury.
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Meet the incredible Galapagos bird, marine and wildlife on a series of guided land and sea excursions. Walk among the giant tortoise, get up close to prehistoric iguanas, scout for blue-footed boobies and snorkel alongside sea turtles, sea lions, hammerhead sharks, manta rays and colourful reef fish.
- Ultimate itinerary:A harmonious blend of authenticity and superlative luxury, our Ultimate Journeys are designed for the discerning traveller, providing unparalleled insider access and exclusive luxury private experiences
Our tailor made journeys include:
- Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
- Private international airport transfers in destination
- Your own private, English-speaking local guides
- Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
- Entrance to must-see local sites
- Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
- Complimentary access to My Scott Dunn – industry-leading travel app providing pre-departure information and in-journey support
When to visit
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December to March is peak time to visit both Colombia and Ecuador, with agreeable weather all round. However the weather is rarely predictable and this itinerary can easily be enjoyed year-round. The Galapagos can be great off season if you wish to enjoy this National Park without all the crowds, and the wildlife can be seen all year (although please speak to your travel specialist if there is a particular species you are interested in catching!)
Itinerary
Fly to Bogota
Bogota, Colombia
The adventure begins in Colombia’s vibrant capital city, Bogota. Sitting at the foothills of the Andes, the city boasts a charming historic quarter, excellent museums, and burgeoning food scene. For the following two nights, your base is the Four Seasons Casa Medina Hotel. The property was the 1940s home of the Medina family and while an extension was built in the 1980s, the design is seamless. In fact, the hotel’s splendid architecture has made it one of Colombia’s National Historical Conservation Monuments. The wood panelling, stone pillars, hand-carved doors, original features, fireplaces, and stained-glass windows, make Casa Medina a wonderful introduction to the charms of Bogota.
Your stay includes a guided tour that takes in the best of the city, including the historic old town of La Candelaria. This delightful part of town boasts cobbled streets, handsome colonial architecture, impressive churches, and a relaxed café culture. During the tour, you will visit the Museo de Oro or Gold Museum, which holds the largest and best collection of pre-Colombian gold and art in the world.
You will also visit the Botero Art Museum showcasing Colombia’s most famous artist and cultural commentator, Fernando Botero and take a tour of the Military Museum, for a candid account of Colombia’s most recent political history. Also on the agenda is a trip on the cable car to the top of Cerro Montserrate, famous for the landmark Monserrate Monastery and sweeping views of the city.
For those with additional time, a visit to the magnificent Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira, just 25kms outside of Bogota is highly recommended. The Cathedral sits some 200m underground in the Halite Mountain and hosts a congregation of up to 3,000 people every Sunday.
Accommodation: Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina Bogota ( 2 nights )
Medellin, Colombia
The next stage of the journey is a stay in ‘the city of eternal spring,’ Medellin. In an area famous for coffee plantations, flower farms, orchids and butterflies, Medellin has shaken off its past notoriety, transforming itself into a cultural hotbed of creativity, art and design, social enterprise, music, and food.
Your base for the following two nights is Patio del Mundo, a boutique hotel nestling in a tropical garden oasis, a short stroll from El Poblado, with its first-rate restaurants, bars, cafés, and boutiques. With an intimate and personal vibe, the hotel is set in two beautifully renovated villas, and each of the seven classically furnished rooms feature the best in Colombian and international design.
Medellin is a maze of neighbourhoods connected by cable car, with a temperate climate, welcoming paisas (the name given to those from Medellin and Antioquia), colourful architecture, and stunning botanical gardens. A city tour will take you through Medellin’s many diverse districts from the giant sculptures of Plaza Botero (Colombia’s most famous artist was born in Medellin), to Comuna 13, whose harrowing history has been channelled into street art and a thriving music culture.
The city has many fine museums and exhibition spaces. The Museo de Antioquia houses a wealth of Colombian art, including many works by Botero or you can enjoy an immersive experience at the Parque Explora, a science and technology park full of interactive exhibits, a 3D cinema, aquarium, and vivarium. At the top of Cerro Nutibara, there is a replica turn of the century Antioquia town, with a church, museum and typical houses set around a central plaza or to immerse yourself in natural beauty, head out to the beautiful Parque Avri.
For those wishing to see more of the area’s scenic landscapes, the surrounding mountains and lakes are home to some delightful little pueblos, like Guatape, Santa Fe de Antioquia, Jardin and Tamesis, which can all be visited on a daytrip.
Accommodation: Patio del Mundo ( 2 nights )
Cartagena Historic City, Cartagena, Colombia
Considered to be one of the most beautiful cites of the Americas, the colonial gem Cartagena is the next destination on your tour. Located on the Caribbean Sea, the city was once the gateway to the Spanish Empire of the New World. For the following three nights you will stay at Casa San Augustin, a beautifully restored luxurious boutique hotel, full of historic charm, centuries-old wooden beams, original frescoes, flower-strewn balconies, and contemporary comforts.
Designed around a 300-year-old aqueduct, the property is in the heart of the Old Town and exudes a wonderful sense of serenity and calm. There is a destination restaurant, Alma which serves exquisite seafood in the softly lit colonial courtyard and the overall vibe is intimate and sophisticated.
Cartagena is a lovely city to explore. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the walled Old Town is resplendent with shady plazas, cobblestone streets, ruinous forts, charming churches, and historic convents. Other highlights include the 2,000-year-old Roman Theatre Museum, the Palacio Consistoria town hall built on the back of the mining boom in the late 19th century, and Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas a defensive castle on San Lazaro Hill.
In Plaza del Bolívar you will find the Museo del Oro, which exhibits its fine collection of archaeological objects dating back to the pre-Hispanic period, and the Palacio de la Inquisición, recognisable for its large baroque door. The Inquisition held its meetings in the palace here and it was also the site of the prison and torture chambers for opponents of the Catholic Church.
If you want to venture away from the city, you can relax on the sandy beach of Playa de Calblanque, or take a boat ride out, either for an all-day snorkelling trip in the Rosario Islands or a sunset cruise along the harbour. Likewise, if you are looking for something extra special, splash out on a helicopter tour to the famous Lost City, Colombia's hidden Machu Picchu
Accommodation: Casa San Agustin ( 3 nights )
Quito, Ecuador
Today, you will leave Colombia to fly to neighbouring Ecuador to stay in another colonial gem, Quito, the country’s delightful capital city. Your base for the next two nights is Casa Gangotena, a luxury boutique hotel in a sympathetically restored 18th century mansion. The hotel overlooks San Francisco Plaza in the heart of Quito’s UNESCO-listed Old Town. This convenient location, along with the hotel’s delightful mix of original features and chic contemporary comforts, makes Casa Gangotena a superb base for exploring the cultural delights of the city.
Enjoy a relaxed stroll around the captivating Old Town, one of the largest and best-preserved examples of colonial architecture in South America. The cobbled streets are home to whitewashed buildings with ornate balconies, picturesque plazas, handsome old churches and convents, traditional artisan shops, and vibrant colourful markets. To get a sense of the area’s geography, a trip up to the majestic sculpture, La Virgen del Pancecillo which overlooks the city or a cable car ride on the El Teleférico (known locally as TelefériQo) up the slope of the dormant Volcán Pichincha, offers fabulous views of the urban sprawl and surrounding volcanoes.
Ecuador has a reputation for world class chocolate and the city has plenty of chocolate tasting sessions on offer, where you can learn more about the history and production of this indulgent treat, along with tasting the produce. Another landmark attraction, around 45-minutes north of the city, is the Equatorial Monument where you can stand in the Middle of the World. With a latitude of 0º, you can literally stand with a foot in each hemisphere. Inside the monument you will find the Ethnographic Museum, with exhibits that focus on the different regions, geography, and peoples of this part of the world.
Accommodation: Casa Gangotena ( 2 nights )
Galapagos, Ecuador
This morning you will swap culture for cormorants as you make your way to the Enchanted Isles, the Galapagos Islands. As your flight approaches this magical archipelago, your first glimpse of the islands is spinetingling. Upon landing you will be taken aboard your home for the following seven nights, the Aqua Mare, the first superyacht to sail these exquisite waters.
Life onboard is an exclusive and very comfortable experience. Guests stay in one of seven sumptuous suites with Italian marble bathrooms, and can enjoy indoor and outdoor gourmet dining, a panoramic lounge with beam-to-beam observation windows, a six-person Jacuzzi on the teakwood sundeck and swimming from the platform on the lower deck’s Beach Club.
The one-to-one ratio of 16 guests and 16 crew members ensures personal and attentive service. The crew includes two expert naturalist guides to enrich your experience of the eco-diversity found here. The guides will accompany you on twice-daily expeditions aboard the Aqua Mare’s custom-built, military-grade black rib tenders. Wetsuits, snorkelling equipment, eight double kayaks and two stand up paddleboards are all provided for guests’ use.
The native Galapagos wildlife is notoriously tame, and you will enjoy many close encounters with the remarkable bird, marine and wildlife that live here. A series of both land and sea-based excursions will include the chance to swim and snorkel alongside playful sea lions, huge sea turtles, hammerhead sharks, penguins, giant rays and colourful reef fish and you will also get a chance to meet giant tortoises and iguanas. As you cruise the waters, look overhead at skies filled with Darwin’s famous finches, red-throated frigates, waved albatross, and blue-footed boobies, as dolphins, whales, and rays swim alongside.
You will also enjoy the opportunity to trek across other-worldly volcanic landscapes, hike the misty cloud forests, explore the lush green highlands and laze on pristine white sand beaches. After an active day exploring, the magnificent Aqua Mare is the ideal retreat to refresh and recharge your batteries.
Accommodation: Aqua Mare ( 7 nights )
Guayaquil, Ecuador
At the end of your incredible time in the Galapagos, you will fly to Guayaquil for your final night in Ecuador, staying at the Hotel del Parque. This elegant boutique hotel is in the Parque Historico overlooking the Daule River and colourful botanic gardens. One of the city’s finest hotels, it is housed in a lovingly restored former 19th century catholic hospice. Hotel guests can enjoy the Parque Historico nature trails and visit its wildlife sanctuary even when closed to the public.
The following morning, having enjoyed one last night of South American culture and hospitality, you will be transferred to the airport for the journey home.
Accommodation: Hotel del Parque ( 1 night )
Fly home
Call us on 020 3930 4802 to start planning your holiday.
Price Guide: ( based on double occupancy and includes international flights)
| Departing |
Price from*
|
Deposit from * | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 2024 | GBP £21,000 | GBP £3,200 | plan your trip |
| January 2025 | GBP £21,000 | GBP £3,200 | plan your trip |
| February 2025 | GBP £21,000 | GBP £3,200 | plan your trip |
| March 2025 | GBP £21,000 | GBP £3,200 | plan your trip |
| April 2025 | GBP £16,200 | GBP £2,400 | plan your trip |
| May 2025 | GBP £11,400 | GBP £1,700 | plan your trip |
| June 2025 | GBP £11,400 | GBP £1,700 | plan your trip |
| July 2025 | GBP £21,000 | GBP £3,200 | plan your trip |
| August 2025 | GBP £21,000 | GBP £3,200 | plan your trip |
| September 2025 | GBP £16,200 | GBP £2,400 | plan your trip |
| October 2025 | GBP £11,400 | GBP £1,700 | plan your trip |
| November 2025 | GBP £11,400 | GBP £1,700 | plan your trip |
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December 2024
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £21,000
Deposit from*GBP £3,200
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January 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £21,000
Deposit from*GBP £3,200
-
February 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £21,000
Deposit from*GBP £3,200
-
March 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £21,000
Deposit from*GBP £3,200
-
April 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £16,200
Deposit from*GBP £2,400
-
May 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £11,400
Deposit from*GBP £1,700
-
June 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £11,400
Deposit from*GBP £1,700
-
July 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £21,000
Deposit from*GBP £3,200
-
August 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £21,000
Deposit from*GBP £3,200
-
September 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £16,200
Deposit from*GBP £2,400
-
October 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £11,400
Deposit from*GBP £1,700
-
November 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £11,400
Deposit from*GBP £1,700
- plan your trip