| About us | Destinations | News | Travellers Photos | Questions | Contact us | Links | Introduction |
| Updated 7/11/08 | |||||||||||||||||
The Galapagos Islands & Mainland Ecuador |
|||||||||||||||||
|
The Galapagos - The Enchanted IslesLong isolated, its species are so rare that virtually all the reptiles and half the plants and birds are found nowhere else in the world. Curious mockingbirds peck at your shoe laces, prehistoric land iguanas nibble on cactus while marine iguanas bask on the rocks. See huge 600 pound tortoises, flocks of pelicans, blue-footed boobies, albatross and frigate birds…the variety is infinite. Snorkel with sea lions, swim with the penguins and be close to birds that just won’t fly away, you are in their world. In an uncommon mix of warm and cold waters a rich marine life thrives with the dolphins, fur seals, sea lions and whales frolicking in the crystal clear waters. Each island is so different. There are moon-like landscapes and mist covered volcanic peaks, scrublands, forests, green and red sand beaches and forests of prickly pear cactus that grow taller than a man. This surreal setting is as mysterious as the creatures that inhabit it. No wonder the Galapagos Islands are called the Enchanted Isles……“everything they say about them is true”, they are AMAZING! The Cruise - a 7 night / 8 day cruise onboard a fully serviced 16 berth motor yacht, with 8 twin cabins with private facilities and all meals provided. Cruise from island to island and at least twice a day go ashore for several hours to study the unique fauna and flora that each island offers. We will be accompanied by an English speaking naturalist trained at the Darwin Scientific Station, adding so much to our understanding of this remarkable environment. Our nature experiences are not limited to the land as we have many opportunities to swim and snorkel with the sea lions, penguins, turtles and fish of every shape, size and hue. A Galapagos cruise, is a truly remarkable experience, a marine safari! Ecuador - An Undiscovered JewelOne of the most diverse, yet least visited countries in South America, Ecuador is a delight! An undiscovered jewel. Spend 13 nights of the trip on the Mainland, visiting the tropical coast, the Andean Highlands, the beautiful Central Valley of the Volcanoes and the edge of the Amazon Basin. Travel north along the Avenue of the Volcanoes, see Mt Cotopaxi, the world’s highest active volcano and stay in a 400 year old hacienda. Visit Banos a mountain spa town on the edge of the Amazon Basin, try on fine Panama hats in colonial Cuenca and ride the spectacular Devil’s Nose Railway, an adventure in itself! Visit colonial Quito, the architecture of the old city is stunning, well deeserving of its UNESCO Heritage status. Stand in two hemispheres at the Equatorial Line. Shop for weavings in the wonderful craftmarkets at Otavalo, for fashionable leatherwear in Cotacachi and wood carvings San Antonio de Ibarra, you are sure to be tempted! While at the livestock and produce markets of the Central Valle be fascinated by a way of life and economy so different from our own. Together the contrasting worlds of Mainland Eucador and the Galapagos Islands make for a most fasincating travel experience. Draft Itinerary Outline Day 1. Auckland to Guayaquil – flight departs late afternoon and arrives early evening Trip Data Price will include flights AKL/AKL (flight related taxes not included), a 7 night/8day cruise (all meals) on a 16-berth 1st class motor cruiser, internal flgihts between the mainland and the Galapagos, US$110 entry permit, English speaking naturalist/guide;12-day Mainland Ecuador tour, with breakfasts/transport/accommodation/sights.
|
||||||||||||||||
Please read our Frequently Asked Questions for important general information. For more specific details about this trip (including an itinerary) please Contact Us. |
|||||||||||||||||
