April 26 – May 4, 2025

Galapagos Glamping & an Adventure into the Amazon!

“Many travelers who dream of visiting the Galapagos Islands also want to experience the Amazon rainforest. These two destinations are often paired together, but a two-week trip is often not feasible for everyone. That’s why we’ve created this one-week itinerary that allows you to see the best of both worlds. By utilizing private air, we can skip the hassles of commercial airlines and ensure that you have a smooth and seamless journey.
This itinerary is perfect for the traveler who has always wanted to experience the unique wildlife and ecosystems of the Galapagos Islands and the Amazon rainforest. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see some of the most amazing animals on the planet in their natural habitats” – Malaka Hilton

Join your fellow ATInsiders on an exclusive journey to the Galapagos and Amazon rainforests. Stay in the luxurious Pikaia Lodge, a Relais & Chateaux award-winning eco-lodge nestled in the heart of the Galapagos Islands. Wake up to stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and spend your days exploring the islands’ unique wildlife. Then, board the Delphine II, a luxurious yacht that will whisk you away to the Amazon rainforest. Spend your days swimming in crystal-clear rivers, spotting monkeys and jaguars in the jungle, and visiting traditional Amazonian villages. You will feel connected to the earth and its inhabitants as you are treated to the best that these two natural wonders have to offer.

April 26, 2025 – Sarasota to Baltra aboard our Private Charter – Start your adventure in style with a private transfer from your home or hotel in Sarasota to Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, where you will board the Challenger 850 and take to the skies. The Challenger 850 seats up to 14 guests and allows you to travel without the hassle of airport crowds, security lines, and delays. With its spacious cabin and state-of-the-art amenities, you’ll feel like you’re flying in the lap of luxury. All you have to do is relax and enjoy the flight.

 

Due to government aviation laws, our aircraft will clear in Quito or Guayaquil before continuing to Baltra. You will then be directed to the VIP Lounge at Seymour Airport (GPS). Lounge representatives will be present to assist with arrival procedures, paying national park fees and picking up luggage. You will then take a private van to the Itabaca channel, where you will enjoy a short 5-minute boat ride across to Santa Cruz Island. This is then followed by a 40-minute scenic trip in private transportation to Pikaia Lodge.

April 26-30 2025 – Pikaia Lodge – Check in and receive a complimentary welcome drink as well as your printed itinerary. Ease in with a welcome briefing before making your way to your expansive room with your a balcony. One look of the views and you will understand why Pikaia Lodge is a Relais & Chateaux award-winning accomodation.

April 26 – You will have the chance to relax and familiarize yourself with the Lodge’s facilities and beautiful surroundings. Pikaia hosts recommend having a therapeutic treatment at their Sumaq spa, swimming in the Infinity Pool, gym, trekking or cycling within our 31 hectares of grounds located in the heart of a tortoise reserve.

Evolution Restaurant opens at 7:30pm for dinner.

April 27 – FULL DAY LAND EXPLORATION Your day begins with breakfast at the Lodge’s in-house restaurant. You will meet your assigned naturalist guide at the lobby before heading out for the first half of the day’s adventure that includes visiting the giant tortoise reserve, walking through lava tunnels, and visiting Los Gemelos & Scalesia forest.

You will return to the Lodge for a delicious lunch, which is then followed by a quick rest before embarking on the afternoon activities. A afternoon in Puerto Ayora is a great way to experience the best of the Galapagos Islands. Begin with a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station, where you can learn about the history and conservation of the islands. After the station, take a stroll down the streets of Puerto Ayora, where you can shop for souvenirs, sample local cuisine, and immerse in the culture. In the evening, return to Pikaia Lodge, for an evening of indulging in the views and cuisine of Pikaia.

April 28 – NORTH SEYMOUR – MOSQUERA ISLET Your day begins in the lobby, where you will find a coffee/tea station. Here, you will meet your expert naturalist guide, who will be with you for the day’s adventure.

Shortly after, you board the Vision Pikaia yacht, where you enjoy a leisurely breakfast as you cruise to the first island. After a morning of exploring the island’s unique wildlife and landscapes, you’ll change into wetsuits for a snorkeling excursion in the crystal-clear waters of the second island.

After a refreshing shower in your private, air-conditioned cabin, enjoy a delicious lunch on the yacht. In the afternoon, relax on the sundeck or take part in a variety of optional activities, such as kayaking, paddleboarding, or fishing.

As the sun begins to set, the yacht makes its way back to Pikaia Lodge, where you can enjoy a final drink on the deck before retiring to your private accommodations.

Pikaia Lodge, Main Pool

 

April 29 – SULLIVAN BAY – BARTOLOME ISLAND Enjoy your second day aboard the Vision Pikaia yacht. Meet your guide at the coffee/tea station before boarding the yacht and venturing to Bartolome Island. Again enjoy your own private cabin, breakfast and lunch aboard the yacht. Today you will experience precious wildlife such as Galapagos Penguins, Rays, Sea Lions, Green Sea Turtle, Lava Herons, Lightfoot Crabs, Lava Cactus as well as stunning Lava Flows Landscape.

Return for an evening at the lodge.

Life at Pikaia

Each morning at Pikaia, wake up to the sound of waves crashing on the shore and the sun streaming through your private balcony.

Spend the day enjoying the many excursions available, from reclining aboard Pikaia’s yacht to experiencing a snorkeling excursion, where you’ll have the chance to see some of the most incredible wildlife on the planet. Keep your eyes peeled for giant tortoises, sea lions, penguins, and iguanas!

Return to the lodge for a refreshing swim in the infinity pool or a treatment at the spa before enjoying a gourmet dinner and wine pairing.

April 30 – DEPARTURE FROM PIKAIA LODGE & GALAPAGOS ISLANDS Once you have departed from Pikaia Lodge, you will embark on a 40-minute scenic trip in private transportation to the Itabaca Channel dock. This is the followed by a short 5-minute boat ride across to Baltra Island, then a private van ride to Seymour Eco-Airport. After you have checked in with your airline, you can proceed through airport security and the VIP lounge. At the VIP Lounge, enjoy light snacks before being called for your flight departure.

April 30, 2025 Baltra to Iquitos – Step back aboard the state-of-the-art Challenger 850 for a private flight to Iquitos, Peru. After landing, take a scenic car ride or breathtaking hydroplane journey to our embarkation destination, where the Delphin II awaits in all its resplendent glory. Enjoy a VIP reception on the shores of the Marañon River at Delphin’s private port. The Delphin II will be your floating hotel for the next four nights as you adventure into the heart of the Amazon.

Aboard Delfin, you will be served by our qualified staff who will introduce you to your exquisite and cozy suite, specially equipped with all the amenities for the experienced traveler as yourself. Orthopedic beds, pure cotton sheets, pillows of 100% pure natural latex, cotton bathrobes, air conditioning, and private bathroom with Spanish style hot water showers are all framed with a spacious private terrace we are sure you will enjoy to the fullest.

Delphin II

As the Delfin begins its journey, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from the elegantly appointed observation deck on the third level. Your naturalist guide will provide you with an overview of your itinerary, including activities, route, highlights, wildlife and vegetation to look out for, geographical and historical background, and other useful information.

May 1st, 2025 Yanallpa & Dorado River In the Amazon rainforest, the early morning hours are the best time to go birdwatching. The dry mornings with beautiful sunrises provide ideal conditions for spotting birds, as they are more active and easier to see. We will take a skiff to the shores of the Ucayali River, a hotspot for birdlife. This area is lush with large trees and old palm trees, which provide food and shelter for a variety of birds. We can expect to see red-bellied macaws, raptors, woodpeckers, swallows, and maybe even blue and yellow macaws!

In the afternoon, we will search for the famous hoatzins nesting a few feet above the water, and maybe even a sloth or two of the three-toed kind. The Dorado River is also home to troops of brown capuchin monkeys and squirrel monkeys. As the sun sets, we will look for black and white caimans, fishing bats, and noisy night monkeys, where you will encounter a whole new world of adventure. After dinner, join us for a movie night in the indoor lounge.

May 2, 2025 Full Day on the Pacaya River – The Pacaya River is the heart of the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, Peru’s largest protected area with a mean annual rainfall of nearly 3,000 millimeters. It is by far the largest protected wetland reserve in the world, and is filled with lakes, palm swamps, and streams. In the rainy season, the reserve becomes a flooded forest, creating a stunning and unique landscape. You will have the chance to explore one of the pristine Amazon lagoons in this wonderful region, and experience the beauty of the Amazon rainforest at its finest.

May 3, 2025 Yarapa River & Fundo Casual – Along the Yarapa River, you will have the opportunity to explore this tributary intimately. Listen closely for the sounds of the mysterious jungle as you travel downriver to a wide creek that leads to an attractive hidden lagoon. As you absorb the beauty of the landscape, you will have the chance to reflect on the wildlife that surrounds you. Hawks, terns, herons, and monkeys are just some of the animals that you may see, and you will also have the chance to meet the rivereños, the people who live in this region. These people are an important part of the Amazon ecosystem, and their presence reminds us that we are all connected to this magical land.

In this area, you may also see some of the more unusual monkeys that live in the Amazon, such as the pygmy marmoset, the squirrel monkey, and the monk saki. This medium-sized monkey with thick fur and bushy tail looks more like it belongs in the Arctic than the Amazon!

On board your skiff, you will visit a local community and meet the people who have called Amazonia their home for generations. You may step into a typical schoolhouse and meet the children, and then visit the women’s arts and crafts market. This is a great opportunity to learn about the culture and traditions of the Amazon people.

The Fundo Casual jungle trail takes you deep into the terra firme (non-flooded forest) of the Amazon rainforest. Your guide will point out the dynamic creatures and vegetation of the Amazon, so be sure to keep an attentive eye out for surprises! It’s almost unbelievable how with every step you take, you’ll find something new. Anacondas, rainbow boas, tarantulas, poison frogs, and porcupines have all been spotted on this trail. This is one of the very few places in the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve where you’ll spot the elusive two-toed sloth.

May 4, 2025 Disembarkation – After your journey on the Amazon River, the Delphin ground crew will take you back to Iquitos by private vehicle or by hydroplane. You will then board back onto the Challenger 850 and fly to Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, reminiscing on the once-in-a-lifetime experience you just had! Finally, enjoy a private transfer from Sarasota Bradenton International Airport to your home or hotel in Sarasota.

Call Jolene DiRocco at 941-951-1801 at extension 106 now to reserve your space on this unique journey today! You may e-mail at jolene@admiraltravel.com.

*Itinerary subject to change.

Cost starting from $29,950 per person based on double occupancy.

  • 30% deposit required to secure space. All payments are non-refundable.
  • Place your deposit by September 6th, 2023 and receive a complimentary round-trip hydroplane aircraft ride from Iquitos to Nauta in Peru. Instead of a two-hour, ground-bound journey from the airport to the boat, take to the skies for a scenic 30-minute plane ride.
  • A $250 per person Admiral Travel booking fee will apply. (VIPLane members complimentary)
  • Pricing is based on a minimum of guests participating. Pricing subject to change if minimum number of guests is not met.
  • Travel insurance is highly recommended. Please ask your advisor for details.

Inclusions

  • Chartered Private Aircraft Flights as listed above
    • Custom VIP Catering aboard flight
    • Transfers from your hotel or home in Sarasota or Bradenton to and from the airport on April 26th and May 4th.
  • Pikaia Lodge Inclusions
    • VIP Lounger at Seymour Airport (Bartra Islands), on arrival and departure
    • Complimentary Satellite Wi-Fi
    • Pikaia Lodge rucksack and water bottle
    • In-room mini bar
    • House wines and local bottled beer
    • Full board meals served at the Lodge and on board M/Y Vision – Pikaia
    • The use of wet suits, snorkeling gear and mountain bikes
    • Naturalist guide for the duration of stay
    • Marine navigations aboard our private yacht, M/Y Vision – Pikaia
    • Land excursions
    • Accommodation
    • Transport around the Galapagos Islands according to itineraries
    • Transfers to and from Baltra Island Airport
  • Delphin II Inclusions:
    • Meals:
      • Arrival day: lunchbox, hors d’oeuvres, dinner
      • Cruise days: all meals & snacks

      • Departure day: breakfast, lunchbox

Exclusions

  • Aboard the Challenger 850
    • Satellite Phone Calls
  • Pikaia Lodge Exclusions
    • Transport to and from the Galapagos Islands
    • International departure airport taxes (if not included in the airfare)
    • In-room service charges
    • Spa treatments
    • Laundry services
    • Telephone calls
    • Boutique and spa boutique items
    • Tips and gratuities
    • Optional additional activities
    • Additional private tours or transport services
    • Alcoholic beverages other than house wines and local bottled beer

    • Galapagos National Park fees (subject to change)

  • Aboard Delphin II
    • Gratuities
    • Spa treatments
    • Alcoholic beverages
    • Calls made onboard using Delphin’s satellite phone

PLEASE NOTE:

  • All payments made to or on behalf of Admiral Travel are non-refundable unless stated otherwise
  • Admiral Travel International and/or the Aircraft Operator reserves the right to substitute a similar or equal aircraft for any reason, including unavailability and other forces outside of our control.
  • Founder’s Journey will always be priced at or below published rates, but never higher.
  • Travel with like-minded individuals on these exclusive departures.
  • Enjoy a welcome cocktail party to meet your fellow travelers.
  • On many occasions, optional shore events are offered as an option that only our group is invited to join.
  • Special global relationships that the Hiltons have formed over the years will allow you privileged access opportunities.
  • Trips are offered well in advance to give ample time for your future planning.
  • Minimum numbers must be met in order for ATI hosts to host the journey.
  • ATI Hosts reserve the right to adjust the duration of their participation should any schedule conflicts arise.