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Galapagos & Ecuador
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The isles of the Galapagos are surely on every wildlife enthusiast's dream-list of places to visit. Join us for a cruise around these 'enchanted isles' on one of the best of the smaller vessels operating there. And why not combine this with a trip to the fabulous cloud-forests of the Andes, with a dazzling array of birds.Lying 600 miles away from the continent of South America, the remote isles of the Galapagos have played a central role in the history of man's ideas. Named "The Enchanted Isles" by the first sailors because of the mist that often hid them from sight, they have had a long history as a haven for both explorers and pirates. However, it was Charles Darwin's observations of the relationships between the islands' species, inspiring one of the most revolutionary of scientific theories, that ultimately caused the human species to look at itself quite differently.Today the scientific value of these isles in providing a natural laboratory of ecology and evolution is probably greater than ever. The Galapagos Islands are one of the most remarkable wildlife sites in the world. As well as their twenty-six endemic bird species and amazing seabird colonies, they have many unique creatures, including Giant Tortoises and Marine Iguanas. Formed by volcanic action, never joined to any continent, and still very isolated, these islands display a classic evolutionary history. Colonisation, almost at random, followed by the evolution of the few colonising species into a variety of often strangely adapted forms, has produced an incredibly distinct and characteristic assemblage of life forms. The islands today form a fascinating but fragile evolutionary laboratory, and are still the subject of intense biological study. But it is probably the tameness and abundance of the birds and other wildlife that make the Galapagos uniquely attractive to anyone with an interest in the natural world. Their position in the cold Humboldt current flowing north from the Antarctic and bringing nutrients to the surface, make the surrounding waters rich in fish and plankton, and account for the huge numbers of seabirds here. The underwater world is no less fascinating, and although the water can be surprisingly cool, there will be several chances to snorkel over the reefs and submerged volcanoes around the Galapagos shores, looking at the enormous diversity of fish, including huge Manta Rays, sharks (including Scalloped Hammerhead), as well as turtles and some of the other abundant marine life. |
© Mike Read
Magnificent Frigatebirds
Prices:
The price is per person, and is fully inclusive of economy scheduled return flights London-Quito*, internal flights to Galapagos, airport taxes, National Park entry tax, full board accommodation, road and boat transport as described, incidental tips and the services of the leader and local guides.
The price excludes travel insurance, optional tips to local guides, drivers and boat crew, drinks and other personal expenses. *For an ex-international flight cost (starting and finishing in Quito), please deduct £695 per person from the tour cost. **It may be possible to offer one or two cabins as singles subject to availability. Tailor-made extensions If any clients would like to extend their stay with a trip to the cloud forests or to other places in Ecuador, we'd be happy to provide a quote. Both trips will be operated in conjunction with Limosa Holidays. |
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To get the best out of our visit, we're opting to cruise around the islands on a small luxury motor-yacht, the Beluga. With just 16 passengers in double cabins, each equipped with private facilities, the yacht is fully air-conditioned (lovely when you come back in for lunch!) and has a nine-man crew. It is a longer boat than most of its class, and there is plenty of deck space for watching seabirds and marine life, also providing superb photographic opportunities. It is also one of the fastest, meaning less time spent travelling between the islands. Smaller yachts have much more flexibility than the larger vessels, and we'll be able to enjoy a really top quality experience during our voyage through the islands. Landings - some wet, some dry - will be made from small open 'pangas' or dinghies. Our extension takes us to the cloud forests and high altitude páramo of the Andes, for a feast of birdwatching, where we search for some fabulous birds including Andean Cock-of-the Rock, Andean Condor, Sword-billed Hummingbird and Torrent Ducks! Please note that we can also quote for tailor-made extensions and itineraries in Ecuador. Accommodation: In Ecuador we stay in hotels and lodges with en suite facilities throughout. On the Galapagos cruise we use the Beluga, a 16-berth motor vessel, with twin en suite cabins. Single cabins may be available subject to availability. Transport: in Ecuador we travel by bus (or minibus) with local driver. Walking: Mostly easy walks; the going is moderate at times in the Andes, but always taken at a slow pace. Numbers: Max. 15 clients Leaders: John Muddeman and local guides
Click here for a full, printable itineraryTailor-made Galapagos holidays Our sister company, Wild Ambitions, can provide tailor-made Galapagos holidays at almost any time of the year - please contact us to discuss details and prices. Please contact Wild Ambitions on 
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