Talk about a photo op: Red can’t wait to snap pictures of the stunning Galapágos landscape, with its pristine beaches, towering volcanic peaks and enchanted lava tunnels—not to mention native species such as giant tortoises, finches, flightless cormorants, lava lizards and marine iguanas. The Galápagos are an archipelago of volcanic islands in the Eastern Pacific, located around the equator, 560 miles west of the mainland of South America. While remote, they have played host to visitors ever since Charles Darwin formulated his theory of evolution by natural selection in the 1830s.

Four couples will arrive in Quito, Ecuador, and check into the luxury boutique hotel Casa Gangotena, the city’s only Relais & Châteaux property. The following day, enjoy a private guided visit to Ciudad Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World City), where you can straddle both hemispheres at once, explore the Equator Monument and discover the Museo Etnográfico Mitad del Mundo showcasing Ecuador’s indigenous, pre-Columbian culture. You will enjoy an evening visit to the Fundación Guayasamín Museum, home to works by one of Ecuador’s greatest artists, Oswaldo Guayasamín. The day concludes with an exclusive dinner in a private area of the museum, featuring traditional Ecuadorian cuisine crafted by a local chef, accompanied by a private folkloric ballet performance celebrating the country’s music and dance heritage—an unforgettable blend of art, history and gastronomy in Quito, the world’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.

From Quito you’ll fly to Baltra and board the Galapagos Explorer, your home for the next week as you travel through the breathtaking landscape of the region. The Galapagos Explorer is an intimate 124-foot expedition yacht, meticulously designed to navigate the Galápagos Islands in ultimate luxury. The vessel is air-conditioned throughout and equipped with Starlink Wi-Fi, a sun deck with Jacuzzi and both indoor and outdoor dining areas where you can enjoy meals prepared by your private onboard chef. It offers short wetsuits, snorkeling gear and four double kayaks and two single kayaks, as well as naturalist guides who will illuminate every step of your journey.

The yacht offers four types of accommodations, each designed for comfort and style. On the lower deck, two 134 sq. ft. Luxury Cabins feature ensuite bathrooms and small windows framing views of the Galápagos. On the central deck, two Luxury Cabins with View provide slightly more space and windows overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Also on the lower deck, the Superior Suite offers 291 sq. ft. of refined elegance with wooden accents and two ensuite bathrooms. For the most spacious option, the Luxury Suite with View on the upper deck boasts 344 sq. ft. of space, panoramic windows, a double ensuite bathroom and stunning island vistas.

During your week aboard the Galapagos Explorer, you’ll explore the remarkable wildlife and landscapes of the Galápagos Islands. On North Seymour Island, just north of Baltra, you’ll find Pleistocene-era fossils and a bustling bird population including frigates, blue-footed boobies and swallow-tailed gulls, alongside land iguanas relocated from Baltra in the 1930s. At Pitt Point on San Cristóbal Island, an eroded tuff cone offers spectacular shoreline views and the rare chance to see all three booby species—Nazca, blue-footed and red-footed—plus magnificent and great frigates and a bachelor sea lion colony. Off San Cristóbal’s western shore, Kicker Rock rises hundreds of feet from the sea, providing sightings of hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, rays and seabirds.

On Española Island, both Osborn Islet and Gardner Bay are snorkeling and diving paradises, home to sea lions, colorful fish, coral and green pencil urchins. At Suarez Point, enjoy close encounters with sea lions and marine iguanas, and during mating season, witness thousands of albatrosses performing their courtship rituals. On Floreana Island, Champion Islet and Cormorant Point offer stunning scenery and excellent dolphin-watching, while the Baroness’ Viewpoint provides sweeping views of the island and nearby islets. Finally, at Post Office Bay, discover the historic barrel first installed in 1793 by Captain Colnett, and snorkel among playful sea lions and majestic green sea turtles amidst the island’s unique flora and marine life.

During this enchanting week, you’ll also visit Cerro Dragón, Los Gemelos and El Chato on Santa Cruz Island, Bartolomé Island, Genovesa Island on Darwin Bay and Daphne Major, as well as the Charles Darwin Research Station and Fausto Llerena Breeding Center.

Red is almost out of film, as well as breathless from this panorama of natural beauty. Bid high and generously to experience one of the world’s last unspoiled places, and our neediest children will be grateful for it.

Insider’s Info

This trip is for four (4) couples. Trip dates to be scheduled within 3 months of the auction and based on availability. Trip expires 18 months after the auction. Another yacht of similar size may be substituted based on winners’ preferred travel dates. International airfare to Quito, Ecuador is not included. VIP Meet and Greet airport services with customs assistance is at Mariscal Sucre Quito International Airport in Quito, Ecuador only. Non-alcoholic beverages are included during the tour and the visit to Fundación Guayasamín. Meals are only included as stated above. Select house wines, house liquors, local beers and non-alcoholic beverages are included on the Galapagos Explorer. Upgraded alcohol, wine and beers are an additional fee at the expense of the winning bidders. Gratuities are not included for any portion of the trip and are the responsibility of the winning bidders. Location of stops listed above while on the yacht are tentative locations and subject to change.