You’ve always wanted to visit the Galapagos, those mysterious South American islands where Darwin first conceptualized evolutionary theory and changed the shape of modernity. You think of palms and rocky bluffs, turtles and finches, tropical highlands soaring out of the Pacific expanse. You probably don’t think of a stunning private villa and yacht, personal naturalist guides and gourmet meals. Well think again.
Latin Excursions, boutique travel consultants, specialize in bringing you to Latin America’s most sought after destinations, no matter how remote, in style befitting the most discerning traveler. Since 2005, Latin Excursions has been included each year in Travel + Leisure magazine’s list of the 125 top travel consultants.
Santa Cruz Island, the second largest of the Galapagos, and home to Puerto Ayora, the archipelago’s largest urban center, will be your base for an entirely personalized tour. Tours of three days or longer include excursions to the lava tunnels of the Santa Cruz highlands, the turtle nurseries of Tortuga Bay, kayaking on Mansa Beach and visits to many of the Galapagos archipelago’s most picturesque and remote islands, all reached by private speedboat.
Located in Puerto Ayora, the Galapagos Villa includes five bedrooms: two master suites with king-size beds, and three suites with two double beds, each with its own bathroom. The first floor includes a fully equipped kitchen and dining room as well as a living area. Also on the property is an intimate guesthouse with two double beds and two twin beds. A rooftop terrace in the main villa is the ideal place to enjoy meals prepared by your personal in-house chef.
The two houses are set on private grounds with a Turkish bath, a whirlpool, an infinity pool and apoolside bar set amidst tropical gardens. From here you can observe the endemic wildlife that has made the region famous: blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, Darwin finches, pelicans and sea lions just as Darwin did when he first arrived in 1835 – except you’ll be doing it in style.
Galapagos tourism has certainly evolved.