15-Nights Galapagos, Patagonia and Beyond: South America by Private Jet

Bogota

The Andean city of Santa Fe de Bogota, the capital city of Colombia, is where most visitors begin their experience in the country.

Founded in 1538 by Spanish conquistadors, Bogota lies at the Western base of a mountain range that includes the shrine-topped peaks of Monserrate and Guadalupe.

The city is set at 8,500 ft/2,600 m—if you fly in from a much lower elevation, take it easy for a day or two to adjust to the altitude. Allow three days to see Bogota's sights.

Santa Cruz

This attractive large city is Bolivia's richest—you'll see expensive cars and luxury merchandise for sale (and plenty of affordable arts and crafts as well). The people of the city and the department (Santa Cruz), known as Cambas, are very proud of their success. By any measure, the Santa Cruz region is the country's wealthiest, and the city is considered the country's most progressive. It is also among the fastest growing, with a population roughly equal to La Paz. There are many Mennonites and Japanese immigrants to the east who have been credited with teaching the local farmers more productive techniques.

This rich agricultural area once benefited those engaged in illegal activities: Santa Cruz was a banking center for the Colombian-Bolivian cocaine trade in the late 1970s and early 1980s, although the region no longer produces cocaine.

See the Basilica Menor de San Lorenzo (visited by the late Pope John Paul in 1988) and its museum (rare ecclesiastical garments and colonial-era silver vessels), the zoo and the Casa de la Cultura Museum (native crafts and art). Relax in Arenal Park (which has an interesting Ethno-Folkloric Museum) or the central plaza (Plaza 24 de Septiembre). Until very recently, three-toed sloths could be seen in the eucalyptus trees that shade the plaza.

Day trips can be made to the pre-Incan ruins at Samaipata. A wonderful five-day excursion to the region east of Santa Cruz called the Chiquitania is also a highlight. There the gorgeous colonial lost-in-time towns of San Xavier, Concepcion, and San Jose de Chiquitos and others have restored churches that date from the Jesuit missions of the late 1600s. There is also the aquatic wonderland of the Pantanal to explore, and the border with Brazil is nearby.

For local entertainment, the Rio Pirai and its adjacent recreation area 10 minutes from the city center is the place to go on weekends. The atmosphere along this shallow river is that of a beach party. Buying food from kiosks, cruising the beach and racing dune buggies are all part of the fun. To really be included, however, you absolutely need to go with a native of Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz is 350 mi/550 km southeast of La Paz.

Patagonia, Chile

The Chilean Patagonia is a barren wonderland where the glaciers float across the emerald lakes, wild fjords winds through forests and the Andes’ peaks disappear into cotton candy clouds. It’s a traveler’s paradise for their greatest adventure yet however, it is highly encouraged to be selective of which area to explore as not all terrain and landscapes are for the wild and free. Three regions reign the Chilean Patagonia. In the north, lies the magnificent Lake District extending from Puerto Montt to Aisén. On the southern coast sits over 600 miles of land between the Lake District and Southern Chilean Patagonia. And the southernmost region of the Chilean Patagonia cradles Puerto Natales, Punta Arenas and Tierra del Fuego.

Mendoza

Mendoza is located on the eastern side of the Andes in Argentina. It is a popular stopover point for travelers on their way to ski the Andes, climb Aconcagua or enjoy adventure travel in the region. Mendoza is also known for its Malbec wine production.

Galapagos Islands

The Galápagos Archipelago is a unique world heritage. Situated on the equator 600 miles off the coast of South America, this remote volcanic archipelago remains much as it was millions of years ago. Over the centuries, animal and plant life from the Americas reached the islands and gradually evolved into new forms. Many of its species are found nowhere else on earth. Since Darwin's famous voyage, its marine and terrestrial ecosystems have provided a wealth of information and source of inspiration for people through the world. The "Enchanted Islands" continue to play an important role in our understanding of life on earth. The Galapagos experience offers world travelers a way to step back in time, to visit an isolated, relatively untouched place on earth.

Miami

A great climate which makes it a great vacation spot all year round, exciting attractions, professional sports teams, art, history, museums, and all of the nature parks and education you could ask for. Miami has many local activities & attractions, including Coconut Grove, Miami Beach, and South Beach. Amusement parks, deep-sea fishing, boat rides, sightseeing, fine dining, professional football, dolphin watching, marine museums. A visitor can spend hours, days, or weeks entertaining themselves and family without having to travel more than a few minutes in any direction. Nighttime entertainment includes: music and dance clubs with music ranging from smooth sounding jazz to lively disco, comedy clubs, concerts, theater, opera, symphony and movies. Virtually no one comes to Miami without taking a stroll along the Beach.