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The Galapagos Islands<br />

Unique & rare species • Close encounters<br />

with wildlife • Year-round destination<br />

A visit to these remarkable isolated islands<br />

along the equator is regarded as one of the<br />

world’s greatest travel experiences. The<br />

fascinating wildlife of the Galapagos has<br />

adapted to a unique environment of stark lava<br />

formations, cactus forests and lush highlands<br />

without influence from the mainland. As a<br />

result, the animals have never learned to<br />

fear humans, allowing for extraordinary close<br />

observation and endless photo opportunities.<br />

Spot endemic species such as the giant tortoise<br />

and the marine iguana, and abundant birdlife<br />

including blue-footed, red-footed and Nazca<br />

boobies, greater and magnificent frigate birds,<br />

flightless cormorants, waved albatrosses,<br />

Galapagos penguins, and Darwin’s finches.<br />

Marine life is varied, ranging from Galapagos<br />

sea lions, fur seals, whales, dolphins and<br />

sharks, to colourful Sally Lightfoot crabs and<br />

tropical fish.<br />

The Galapagos Islands are accessed from<br />

mainland Ecuador via the local airports on<br />

Baltra and San Cristóbal, and can be explored<br />

from an expedition cruise at sea, or from a<br />

land-based hotel or lodge.<br />

Blue-footed boobies, Galapagos Islands<br />

Endemic<br />

Small boats & catamarans<br />

Accommodating up to 16 guests, the small<br />

yachts and catamarans have a more intimate<br />

atmosphere and are suited to those who prefer<br />

a more interactive cruise. These superior or<br />

luxury vessels offer comfortable cabins, some<br />

with private balconies, a bar-lounge, spacious<br />

sun deck, and inside and outside dining areas.<br />

Complimentary snorkelling equipment and<br />

kayaks are often provided.<br />

Isabella II<br />

Medium-sized & large cruisers<br />

The bigger boats accommodate from 40 up to<br />

100 passengers and offer a greater stability at<br />

rougher seas, more spacious social areas and<br />

the most comprehensive range of facilities<br />

including observation lounges, a library and<br />

reading room, a separate dining room, fitness<br />

room and jacuzzis. Service is excellent and<br />

daily shore excursions are still provided in<br />

small groups with expert naturalist guides.<br />

Giant tortoise, Galapagos Islands<br />

Galapagos by land<br />

Four inhabited islands on the archipelago<br />

(Santa Cruz, Isabela, Floreana and San<br />

Cristóbal) offer a number of hotels and lodges<br />

for those who prefer to avoid long durations<br />

at sea. Experiences can be better tailored by<br />

choosing from a range of boat excursions<br />

or land-based activities. Scenic inter-island<br />

flights have led to increasingly popular island<br />

hopping, or multi-centred combinations.<br />

A suggested itinerary...<br />

Classic Ecuador<br />

12 days & 9 nights<br />

from £4,295 (incl. flights)<br />

Category • Superior<br />

Explore the highlights of mainland Ecuador<br />

and take a cruise to see the unique wildlife<br />

of the Galapagos Islands.<br />

Day 1: Fly to Quito via Amsterdam (N)<br />

Days 2-3: Quito<br />

Morning arrival and transfer to your hotel for<br />

a 2-night stay. Take a city tour. (B)<br />

Day 4: Cotopaxi • Riobamba<br />

Visit Cotopaxi National Park and continue<br />

south to Riobamba. Stay overnight. (B, L, D)<br />

Day 5: Ingapirca • Cuenca<br />

Drive to Alausi. Ride the switchback train<br />

along the Devil’s Nose (subject to operation)<br />

or visit a local Andean community. Continue<br />

by road via Ingapirca to Cuenca. Stay 2 nights.<br />

(B, L, D)<br />

Day 6: Cuenca<br />

Explore the quaint streets of colonial Cuenca<br />

and nearby artisan villages. (B, L)<br />

Day 7: Cajas • Guayaquil<br />

Travel by road via Cajas National Park to<br />

Guayaquil and stay overnight. (B)<br />

Days 8-10: Fly to the Galapagos<br />

Fly to the Galapagos Islands for a 3-night<br />

cruise. (B, L, D)<br />

Days 11-12: Fly home via Guayaquil and<br />

Amsterdam (B) (N)<br />

Extensions: It is possible to extend your time<br />

in the Galapagos with a longer cruise or a<br />

stay at the Finch Bay Eco Hotel.<br />

Tailor-made travel<br />

Contact our experts<br />

020 3627 3097<br />

CoxandKings.co.uk/make-an-enquiry<br />

For more information or to book, contact us on 020 3627 3097 or speak to your travel agent<br />

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