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10-Day South America Adventure: Island Wildlife and City Culture in Galápagos, Quito, and Medellín

Viewed by 85 travelers

Day 1: Arrival and Relax

Santa Cruz Island, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador on May 3, 2025

9:00am

Charles Darwin Research Station

Visit this important center for Galápagos conservation to see giant tortoises and learn about local wildlife preservation efforts.
USD5, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Restaurante Sol y Mar

Enjoy fresh seafood with a beautiful ocean view, docking the fresh catch and island specialties.
USD15, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Tortuga Bay

Relax on the pristine white sand beach and observe marine iguanas and blue-footed boobies in their natural habitat.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Lemongrass

Savor Asian fusion dishes with a Galápagos twist in a cozy, intimate setting.
USD25, 1h30m
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Day 2: Wildlife Exploration

Santa Cruz Island, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador on May 4, 2025

8:00am

Morning Snorkeling Tour at Las Grietas

Snorkel at the crystal-clear volcanic crevices to see colorful fish, sea turtles, and rays.
USD50, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Isla Grill

Try local Ecuadorian dishes like ceviche and grilled seafood while enjoying island views.
USD20, 1h

2:00pm

Hike to El Chato Tortoise Reserve

Walk through the highlands to spot giant tortoises roaming freely amid lava tunnels and scenic landscapes.
USD10, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Rock

Dine with a view and enjoy fresh local seafood in a casual open-air setting.
USD22, 1h30m
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Day 3: Flight to Quito

Quito, Ecuador on May 5, 2025

9:00am

Flight from Galápagos to Quito

Fly from Baltra Island Airport to Mariscal Sucre International Airport, approximately 2.5 hours.
USD200, 3h including transit

1:00pm

Lunch at Cafe Mosaico

Enjoy Ecuadorian cuisine with panoramic views of the city’s historic center.
USD18, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Quito Old Town

Walk through well-preserved colonial architecture, visit Plaza Grande and the beautiful churches like La Compañía de Jesús.
Free, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Zazu

Experience modern Ecuadorian fine dining with locally sourced ingredients in an elegant setting.
USD35, 1h30m
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Day 4: Cultural Immersion

Quito, Ecuador on May 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pancake House

Start your day with freshly made pancakes and local coffee in a popular local spot.
USD10, 1h

9:30am

Visit Mitad del Mundo

Explore the monument and museum located at the equator line. Learn about geographic features and culture.
USD5, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at La Ronda Cafe

Enjoy traditional Ecuadorian food in a charming historic street setting.
USD12, 1h

2:00pm

Visit the Museo del Banco Central de Ecuador

See impressive pre-Columbian artifacts and contemporary Ecuadorian art in one of the top museums.
USD3, 2h

6:00pm

Evening walk at La Carolina Park

Relax and mingle with locals in this large urban park with walking paths and gardens.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Casa Gangotena

Splurge on sophisticated Ecuadorian cuisine served in a historic mansion.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 5: Travel to Medellín

Medellín, Colombia on May 7, 2025

9:00am

Flight from Quito to Medellín

Take a direct flight to José María Córdova International Airport, approximately 2.5 hours.
USD180, 3h including transit

1:00pm

Lunch at Hacienda - Junin

Try traditional Colombian dishes like bandeja paisa in the heart of Medellín.
USD15, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour

Discover the vibrant street art and community transformation through a guided walking tour full of stories and colors.
USD20, 2h

6:00pm

Ride the Metrocable to Santo Domingo

Enjoy panoramic views of Medellín from the cable car connecting hillside neighborhoods to the metro system.
USD3, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Carmen

Dine on sophisticated contemporary Colombian cuisine by renowned chefs in an elegant atmosphere.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 6: Nature and City

Medellín, Colombia on May 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pergamino Cafe

Enjoy high-quality Colombian coffee with breakfast pastries in a trendy café setting.
USD8, 1h

9:30am

Visit Botanical Garden of Medellín

Explore 14 hectares of beautifully landscaped gardens, orchids, and butterfly park.
USD4, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at In Situ

Dine amid the botanical garden with modern dishes inspired by local ingredients.
USD25, 1h

2:00pm

Museum of Antioquia & Plaza Botero

View the iconic sculptures by Fernando Botero and explore Antioquian art and history inside the museum.
USD6, 2h

6:00pm

Cable Car Ride to Parque Arví

Take the eco-friendly cable car out to this nature reserve offering hiking, wildlife, and cultural sites.
USD7, 3h

8:30pm

Dinner at El Cielo

Indulge in an innovative sensory dining experience combining Colombian flavors and artistic presentations.
USD50, 2h
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Day 7: Day Trip to Guatapé

Medellín, Colombia on May 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at local bakery

Grab fresh empanadas and coffee to start the day early on a day trip.
USD6, 30m

8:00am

Travel to Guatapé

Drive or take a bus to Guatapé, about 2 hours east of Medellín known for colorful town and lake views.
USD10, 2h

10:15am

Climb El Peñol Rock

Ascend 740 steps to the summit for breathtaking panoramic views of the lake and islands around.
USD5, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Restaurante La Fogata

Enjoy traditional Colombian grilled dishes with fresh regional ingredients.
USD20, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Guatapé Town

Walk the vibrant streets decorated with colorful zócalos (bas-reliefs) and quaint shops.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Return to Medellín

Travel back to Medellín in the late afternoon for a relaxing evening.
USD10, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Humo

Savor smoky grilled meats and sophisticated dishes in a stylish setting perfect for unwinding.
USD30, 1h30m
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Day 8: City Sights and Shopping

Medellín, Colombia on May 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Velvet

Experience specialty coffee and hearty breakfast options in a chic café.
USD8, 1h

9:30am

Visit Plaza Mayor and nearby museums

Explore Medellín's convention center area and its cultural venues including small art galleries.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Burdo

Enjoy casual, contemporary Colombian food with a great atmosphere ideal for a midday break.
USD18, 1h

1:30pm

Shopping at El Tesoro Mall

Shop luxury brands, local crafts, and relax in chic cafes at one of Medellín's premier malls.
Free, 3h

5:00pm

Relax at Parque Lleras

Stroll and enjoy the buzz of Medellín’s nightlife district, a great place for people watching.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Oci.Mde

Dine on creative Colombian charcuterie and dishes made from carefully sourced ingredients.
USD35, 1h30m
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Day 9: Day of Leisure

Medellín, Colombia on May 11, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Zorba

Enjoy artisan coffee alongside delicious breakfast pizzas and healthy bowls.
USD10, 1h

10:30am

Visit Museo Casa de la Memoria

Learn about Medellín’s recent history and peace efforts in this thoughtful museum.
USD3, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Hija Mia Coffee Roasters

Relax with light meals and specialty coffee in a bright, welcoming café.
USD12, 1h

2:30pm

Spa afternoon at The Charlee Hotel

Unwind with a massage or spa treatment in Medellín's luxury boutique hotel spa.
USD70, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Carmen

Return for another exquisite fine dining experience to celebrate the end of the trip.
USD40, 1h30m
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Day 10: Departure Day

Medellín, Colombia on May 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pergamino Cafe

Enjoy one last Colombian coffee and light breakfast before heading to the airport.
USD8, 1h

10:00am

Transfer to Airport

Head to José María Córdova International Airport for your departure flight home.
USD20, 1h
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