The Wonderful Wildlife of the Colombian Llanos and Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands
Tour Introduction
This unforgettable natural history holiday combines two of South America’s ‘must-see’ wildlife destinations: Colombia’s Los Llanos Orientales and the Galapagos Islands, Darwin’s Enchanted Isles found far off Ecuador’s Pacific coast.
Begin in Bogota, Colombia’s capital, before flying to Los Llanos Orientales (the eastern plains), a vast expanse of tropical savanna, gallery forest, seasonally flooded wetlands and small hillocks. Unfeasibly large giant anacondas are found here, as are Orinoco crocodile, giant anteater, puma, jaguar, flocks of scarlet ibis, jabiri storks and a multitude of other fauna. Then enjoy a sensational seven-night voyage around the iconic Galapagos Islands for dramatic volcanic landscapes, fascinating human culture and a plethora of specially adapted wildlife, both on land and underwater.
Full Itinerary
Met on arrival in Bogota and transfer to the hotel. In the late morning begin exploring La Candelaria district accompanied by a private guide. Visit Bolivar Square and several important colonial and republican style buildings including the Palace of Justic, Congress, and cathedral, the Botero Museum with a permanent exhibition of the work of Fernando Botero, Colombia’s most famous artist, and the gold museum. The tour finishes at Monserrate with panoramic views over Bogota before returning to the hotel.
Staying at Hotel Artisan DC . Includes No Meals.
Transfer to Bogota Airport, fly to El Yopal and transfer overland to Hato La Aurora, a16,000-hectare reserve and cattle ranch in the wildlife-rich Llanos of Casanare department. In the afternoon begin exploring the area on foot accompanied by a private guide.
Staying at Juajn Solito Lodge . Includes All Meals.
Enjoy a full day of privately guided activities on foot, by boat, vehicle or on horseback. Llanos wildlife includes giant anteater, anaconda, giant anteater, jaguar, critically endangered Orinoco crocodile (one of the 25 rarest reptiles on Earth), spectacled caiman, scarlet ibis, Orinoco goose, roseate spoonbill and the two Llanos restricted endemics – pale-headed jacamar and white-bearded flycatcher.
Staying at Juan Solito Lodge . Includes All Meals.
Enjoy a full day of privately guided activities.
Staying at Juan Solito Lodge. Includes All Meals.
After breakfast enjoy a privately guided activity then transfer to El Yopal airport and fly back to Bogota.
Staying at Movich Buro . Includes Breakfast and Lunch.
Fly to Guayaquil, Ecuador. Met on arrival and transfer to the hotel.
Staying at Wyndham . Includes Breakfast.
Transfer to airport and fly to the Galapagos Islands. Begin a 7 nights Galapagos Islands cruise on board a tourist ship. Superior or luxury ships are also available.
For the next 7 days, you will explore the Galapagos Islands above and below the water on guided excursions. The dramatic volcanic landscapes of the Galapagos Islands offer some of the most unusual wildlife watching in the world. Above water there are plants and semi-tame animals whose geographical isolation and adaptation to the harsh conditions have led to the evolution of many unique natural histories, including marine iguanas, giant tortoises and the famous Darwin finches. Under the water, cool currents have introduced otherwise cold water species to these tropical seas: penguins, orcas and fur seals happily rub along with parrot fish, turtles and manta rays.
Staying at Cachalote Boat . Includes All Meals.
Return to airport and fly to Guayaquil. Catch your international flight home.
Staying at . Includes Breakfast.
Tour Accommodation
Juan Solito Lodge
Overview
Hato La Aurora has been in the same family for almost half a century and is divided up among siblings. The cattle operation is run by Nelson Barragan from the Hato, which is also the base for the Fundacion Jaguar Project, whilst Juan Solito Lodge is run by Nelson Barragan with assistance from Julio Barragan when required.
The lodge has 7 simple rooms of various bedding configurations with ensuite bathrooms (cold water showers, though usually lukewarm!), fan, plenty of shelving, and a plastic chair! The rooms are screened and mosquito nets available if preferred. There is also a large area (unscreened) with tables and chairs, hot water for tea and coffee, and an honesty fridge with cold beers and Coca Cola. The dining room (unscreened) is located a short walk away by the river. The birdlife is plentiful all around the grounds, and there are also capybara ambling around. Giant otters can occasionally be seen in the Ariporo River which flows alongside the lodge.
The food served is simple but plentiful and tasty, fresh fruit juice is provided at meal times, and there is also filtered water (from a well) for filling up water bottles. Small pouches of mineral water are also carried by the local guides on the excursions. Rubber boots are available for guest use, and good quality ponchos. WiFi is available near the dining area/kitchen.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Screened ensuite rooms with mosquito nets, large common area (unscreened) with tables and chairs, hot water for tea and coffee, and an honesty fridge with cold beers and soft drinks, and separate dining room (unscreened) a short walk away by the river. WiFi is available near the dining/kitchen area.
Local Wildlife
Wildlife might include giant otter, giant anteater, jaguar, the critically endangered orinoco crocodile, spectacled caiman, green anaconda, scarlet ibis, Orinoco goose, roseate spoon bill and plenty more!
Optional Activities
Safari drives, wildlife walks, boat trips, horse rides.
Hotel Artisan D.C.
Overview
The Artisan D.C. hotel is part of Marriott Bonvoy’s Autograph Collection and is located in the heart of Zona G, Bogota’s financial district, close to a variety of restaurants and bars.
The hotel is spread across two buildings and has a fresh, urban design with exposed brick walls showcasing the works of local Colombian artists. The 64 bright rooms have soundproofed windows, complimentary WiFi, air-conditioning, minibar, safe and cable/satellite TV.
The 1920s style Cooper Lounge Bar serves cocktails and light lunches and dinners, whilst sushi and Asian fare can be enjoyed at the fine dining Osaki Restaurant.
Those guests who are feeling more active can enjoy the hotel’s 24 hour fitness centre with its cardiovascular equipment and free weights.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Osaki fine dining restaurant, The Cooper Lounge Bar, complimentary WiFi throughout, laundry service, business centre, top floor fitness centre, room service, and concierge desk.
Cachalote Explorer
Overview
Originally a fishing boat built in 1988 in Vancouver, Canada, this spacious motor vessel was converted into a passenger ship in the early 2000’s. There are 8 ensuite cabins each with hot water, air-conditioning throughout, a large salon/dining area with flat screen TV and DVD player, sun deck, and other ample deck areas for relaxing. Cachalote Explorer also carries two kayaks for guest use.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Capacity
Length
Class
Cabins
1 Upper Deck cabin with a lower queen bed, lower single bed and single upper bed, 1 Upper Deck cabin with a lower double and upper single bed, 3 Lower Deck cabins with a double lower and upper single bed, 2 Lower Deck cabins with a lower queen bed, and one Lower Deck cabin with a lower single and a small upper single.
Facilities
Large lounge and dining area with flat screen TV and DVD, air conditioning, sun deck and other ample deck areas.
Hotel Movich Buro 26
Overview
This comfortable four star hotel is located just a stone’s throw from Bogota’s El Dorado Airport. The 248 soundproofed rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, LCD TV, minibar, coffeemaker and safe.
Meals can be enjoyed at the Ebano restaurant with a menu of international and local cuisine, whilst the Iraka Bar serves a variety of cocktails and other beverages. The hotel’s barmen have created the Movich cocktail made from Monin syrup, soda, ice, lime and either white rum, vodka or gin, served frappe and topped with a herb leaf!
Guests can relax in the hotel’s Avitta spa which offers a variety of treatments and massages. There is also a steam room, sauna, Jacuzzi, and a gym with a variety of cardiovascular machines.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Complimentary WiFi throughout, restaurant, bar, spa, steam room, sauna, Jacuzzi and gym,
Wyndham Hotel Guayaquil
Overview
Located the banks of the Guayas River this modern hotel is about 15 minutes from both the airport and downtown Guayaquil.
The 179 rooms and suites are equipped with a/c, satellite TV, safety deposit box, and complimentary coffee making facilities. There is complimentary WiFi throughout, and a laundry service is available.
The Rio Grande Restaurant offers a buffet breakfast from 0630 (coffee bar with bread and cakes before 0630), a buffet lunch, and a la carte dinner. The NuMa bar is open from 1600 until late (except Sundays), and 24 hour room service is available.
On the 9th floor rooftop there is a gym, two jacuzzis with a panoramic view of the river, steam bath and sauna, outdoor pool, and two massage rooms (additional cost).
Outside there is a riverside walk which passes around the base of Las Peñas and connects with the Malecon.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
There are two restaurants, an outdoor pool and two bars with lounges. Free WiFi in all areas, free airport shuttles, a health club, a poolside bar and a spa tub are on-site. Laundry service is also available.
Optional Activities
Explore Guayaquil and its colourful historic houses, the famous lighthouse, art galleries, museums, cafes, bars and restaurants. The hotel is close to Malecon 2000, the well known city boardwalk which is a lovely to take a stroll down at sunset.
Route Map
Departure Dates
Travel Information
Are International Flights Included?
No. Please contact us for a quote if required.
Best Visited:
December to March
Are you ATOL Registered?
Yes. This means we are legally able to book your international flights in conjunction with your ground arrangements so you can book with us with complete confidence. Read more about our ATOL license here.
John Melton
Area Specialist
If you have any questions regarding this Tour, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
The trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos was excellent. The boat was very comfortable and well run and the jungle lodge was fascinating – we saw lots of wildlife, including a rainbow boa beneath our cabin. You were right to advise us to spend the whole week in the islands – any less would not have been long enough. We are certainly considering going to Peru with [our friends] next year, so shall be in touch.
