South America Nature Tour

Fully Guided 26 Day Tour

3 Countries:  Ecuador - Peru –  Brazil  This kaleidoscope of South America is unbeatable for value, offering you the very best of this diverse continent.  You will begin your adventure of discovery in Guayaquil. 

Visit the unique Galapagos Islands, justifiably one of the world’s great wildlife destinations. As it had been free of humans and predators for almost all of its history, the islands have developed some of the most unique life forms on the planet. We explore the islands for 8 days on our comfortable small motor cruiser.

Fly to remote Puerto Maldonado on the Rio Madre de Dios- a tributary of the Amazon - still unspoiled, where animal and bird spotting is among the best in South America.    The Tambopata National Reserve is a 275,000 hectare conservation unit created by the Peruvian government in 1990 to protect the watersheds of the Tambopata and Candamo rivers  It is adjacent to the huge 1 million hectare Bahuaja Sonene National Park. Visit the unique Macaw Parrot Lick , and observe  local communities .

We travel into the heart of the Amazon –Manaus and explore the region with its flora and fauna and stay at a remote  lodge .

We then travel into the heart of South America – Brazil’s Pantanal  . The Pantanal is  the world's largest wetland of any kind. It lies mostly within the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul but extends into Mato Grosso as well as into portions of Bolivia and Paraguay, sprawling over an area estimated at between 140,000-195000sq.km.The Pantanal  eco system  is  thought to be home to 1000 bird species, 400 fish species, 300  mammal species, 480 reptile species and over 9000 different subspecies of invertebrates.

Note:

 Visas are not necessary for NZ/UK  passport holders

Yellow Certificate required / Malarials required

Inclusions:

ALL travel as per itinerary between Quito & Sao Paulo  – buses, boats, flights, transfers, and taxis

ALL transfers as per itinerary     

ALL accommodation twin/double share with private facilities in comfortable 3 star hotels

ALL entrance fees and sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary

Breakfasts daily,all meals in Galapagos , Amazon & Pantanal

Services of Professional Tour Manager (subject to a minimum of 6 people travelling, except on Galapagos Cruise where a on board guide/naturalist accompanies the group)

 All applicable taxes on airlines tickets

Services of local English speaking guides

Exclusions:

Meals not specified as above.  It is necessary to allow USD$35-45 per day to cover this on those days where breakfast only is included.  Insurance &  Visa fees.  Medical expenses, tips & airport taxes that have to be paid en route  ( allow US$280 ),  Optional sightseeing and personal expenses.  Galapagos Park entrance fee of US$100 which must be paid in US cash on arrival.

Aida Maria 

The sixteen passengers Aida Maria offers a great combination of comfort, style and economy for tours in the Galapagos. Each of the eight  cabins has a private bath and hot shower, air conditioning and an ample external deck to enjoy sunny Galapagos days.  Started operating in the Galapagos in 1997 offering cruises around the islands as a charter yacht as well as for individual travelers.  Its design is based in efficiency and comfort with ample social areas and 8 cabins 2 in main deck, 2 in upper deck and 2 in solarium providing optimum comfort for your experience exploring the Galapagos.. All meals and shore excursions are included . Accommodation in  2 berth cabins . Please note that the Galapagos National park fee of USD100 is to be paid in cash on joining the cruise.