Ecuador & Galapagos Cruise

ON SALE!!! Save up to $800 per couple!!!
For a limited time only save up to $800 per couple
on this unforgettable journey to
Equador and the Galapagos Islands.
Reserve by May 28, 2009
to qualify for the early booking discount.
Space is limited so please reserve early.

YOUR ITINERARY

Day 1: Depart USA. Your exciting expedition to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands begins today with a flight to Quito, the colonial capital of Ecuador. This attractive city, located just 15 miles from the equator, is surrounded by ice-capped volcanoes. Upon arrival you'll be met and escorted to your upscale, conveniently located hotel. Hilton Colon Hotel or Grand Hotel Alameda.

Day 2: On a guided tour of Quito learn about its colonial past, history and culture. Visit the old town and see the Church of San Francisco, the first religious building constructed in South America by the Spanish. See La Compania, the city’s most ornate church. Admire the spectacular views of the Valley of Tumbaco. On a clear day see the impressive volcanoes surrounding the city. Afternoon at leisure. (B)

Day 3: Quito/Galapagos Cruise: San Cristobal Island. Over the next four days cruise along and visit the enchanted Galapagos Islands, where you’ll see a variety of exotic wildlife. This morning, fly from Quito to San Cristobal, the easternmost gateway to the islands. Board your first class cruise boat, your base while exploring the islands. This afternoon a naturalist guide will lead you on a short walk to Ochoa Beach, an excellent spot to view pelicans, sea birds and anemones. Observe the thick vegetation and mangrove trees. Free time to walk on the beach, snorkel or swim before returning to the boat. MV Galapagos Explorer. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Galapagos Cruise: Española Island. Upon landing at Suarez Point on Española Island, the southernmost in the archipelago, learn about lava terrain while crossing inactive lava fields. Aside from the sea lion colonies, this is a great site for bird watching. You may spot marine iguanas, lava lizards and colorful Sally Light Foot Crabs. You may also encounter a large colony of Waved Albatross. Later, visit the famous blowhole, where water shoots high into the air. After lunch, arrive in Gardner Bay situated on the opposite side of Espanola Island. The beach here is one of the most magnificent in the Galapagos and is home to many sea lion colonies. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Galapagos Cruise: Santa Cruz Island/ Rabida Island. This morning arrive in Santa Cruz Island where you'll visit the fascinating Darwin Station and learn about the research conducted on the island. The station is a breeding and rearing center where tortoises of different subspecies are prepared for reintroduction to their natural habitats. Later sail to Rabida Island, a small island covered with dry coastal vegetation. This is a beautiful island with stunning contrast between the red-tinted sand of its beaches and the vivid green of its mangroves. It is home to sea lions, blue-footed boobies and pelicans. Enjoy a short walk to the top of the trail where you may take photos of the clear waters and the volcanic peaks. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Galapagos Cruise: Santa Cruz Island/Quito. Arrive at Bachas Beach on Santa Cruz Island where you may observe bodysurfing sea lions, marine iguanas and sea turtles. Swim or stroll along the white-sanded beach. Later, disembark and fly back to Quito. Hilton Colon Hotel or Grand Hotel Alameda. (B)

Day 7: Otavalo Excursion. On today's excursion to the Ecuadorian countryside, descend into spectacular Guayllabamba Gorge before arriving at Otavalo, a sprawling Indian market. Here, you’ll find unique handicrafts made by the indigenous locals. Later, visit the small town of Cotacachi, Ecuador’s center of leatherworks. Return to Quito later this afternoon. This evening savor a farewell dinner at a famous local restaurant. (B,D)

Day 8: Quito/USA. Today, board your return flight. Your memorable journey ends as you arrive the USA later today. (B)

About MV Galapagos Explorer

The elegant MV Galapagos Explorer is a modern first class cruiser especially adapted for Galapagos Cruises. The ship can accommodate up to about 100 guests in either classic ocean-facing cabins with portholes or higher deck cabins with large panoramic windows. All cabins are outside facing, spacious and have a private bath with shower and two lower beds. The ship has ample public facilities including a lounge, game room, library and a jacuzzi. The elegant restaurant serves delicious continental cuisine. To enrich your visit to the Galapagos Islands, there are several expert naturalists on board as well as a glass-bottom boat available for those not wishing to snorkel.

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YOUR TOUR INCLUDES:

Round trip airfare from Miami via LAN Airlines
Airline fuel surcharge
Intra-South America flights, ground transportation and transfers
Accommodations at First Class hotels with private bath
Three-night Galapagos Cruise aboard MV Galapagos Explorer
14 meals: 7 full buffet breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L), 4 dinners (D)
Comprehensive sightseeing tours and shore excursions
Professional English-speaking tour directors

TOUR COST AIRFARE INCLUDED*
DEPART	RETURN	RESERVE BY MAY28'09	RESERVE AFTER MAY 28

2009
Jul 13	Jul 20	$ 2799	$ 3199
Aug 17	Aug 24	$ 2799	$ 3199
Oct 5	Oct 12	$ 2799	$ 3199
Nov 2	Nov 9	$ 2799	$ 3199
Nov 16	Nov 23	$ 2799	$ 3199
Nov 30	Dec 7	$ 2699	$ 3099
Dec 14	Dec 21	$ 2599	$ 2999
2010
Jan 4	Jan11	$ 2799	$ 3199
Jan 18	Jan 25	$ 2699	$ 3099
Mar 1	Mar 8	$ 2699	$ 3099
April 19	Apr 26	$ 2699	$ 3099
Rates are per person based on double occupancy. Single room supplement add $1099. *Government taxes and fees are not included. Galapagos Park fee ($100) is not included.


CABIN UPGRADE
Rates are based on Classic outside cabin with porthole on Magellan Deck. Upgrade to higher deck cabin with panoramic windows: • Premium cabin on Marco Polo Deck: add $195 per person/$350 single • Deluxe cabin (with balcony) on Erickson Deck: add $395 per person/$695 single.

Important travelers note The high altitudes reached on this trip (Quito is at 9,900 feet above sea level) and the amount of walking involved, often on uneven terrain, requires that you be in good physical condition to fully enjoy the trip. We strongly suggest that you consult a physician regarding any concerns prior to making a reservation.

About Galapagos Islands

Welcome to the enchanting Galapagos Island, a magical place like no other on earth! Charles Darwin turned these fascinating isles into a unique living laboratory to study evolutionary changes that led to a new understanding of life on earth. In order to protect the ecological balance, the number of visitors to the islands is limited. You’ll be one of those privileged guests to visit the islands and get to know a wide variety of exotic wildlife unique to this archipelago! Get close to animals less fearful of humans than those found elsewhere. This is a once in a lifetime adventure you’ll never forget!

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