ECUADOR GALAPAGOS ISLANDS AND AMAZON
The highlights of the first stage, are Ecuador's famous volcanoes and the tropical Amazon region. Later, spend a full week cruising from island to island in the Galapagos.
Desolate and remote, the islands have remained a prehistoric tableau of fantastic creatures found nowhere else on earth. Charles Darwin arrived on the HMS Beagle in 1835, and his observations helped him form the hypothesis of evolution. The isolation of the islands -lying on the equator some 600 miles off the coast -has helped to conserve the unique animal and plant life.
Volcanoes and Amazon
Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is perched in a mountain eyrie (9350 feet) and is ringed by snowy Andean peaks. After a day there, spend the following week exploring the highlands and the jungle. Drive to Cotopaxi (13,000 feet), and the world's highest active volcano (19,700 feet). Admire the splendid views around the crater lake of Quilatoa - perhaps spotting the graceful flight of the condor. There is a chance of a short hike on the slopes of Chimborazo volcano before continuing to Banos hot springs. Also stay at Misahualli on the Napo River, a tributary of the Amazon, and spend a day walking and canoeing to find exotic plants, spot rare birds and meet the Alama Indians. Return to Quito and fly to the Galapagos Islands.
Las Islas Enchantadas
The writer, Herman Melville, designated them the "Enchanted Isles" and these bewitching islands are a haven of curious and unusual plants, birds and animals. Here you can catch a glimpse of prehistory as giant tortoises and dragon-like lizards crawl over the black, sun heated lava. Fearless, but far from tame, the wildlife can be approached closely and the photographic opportunities are superb. The diverse birdlife includes the blue-footed booby, the albatross, penguins, frigates and flightless cormorants. The landscape of the islands is equally fascinating, reminiscent of a moonscape.
Itinerary
Day 1	Join in Quito.
Day 2	In Quito; walking tour.
Day 3	Drive to El Mindo; birdwatching.
Day 4	Drive to Otavalo
Day 5	Visit Otavalo market; continue to Lasso via San Pablo Lake.
Day 6	Drive via Saquisili Market to Cotopaxi; walk . Continue to Banos
Day 7	Drive to Misahualli; board motorised canoes.
Days 8 and 9	Explore Amazon Rainforest on foot and by canoe.
Day 10	Return to Misahuali, drive to Banos
Day 11	Drive to Chimborazo, walk in National Park; continue to Riobamba.
Day 12	Bus and train to Guayaquil.
Day 13	Fly to Baltra (Galapagos Islands)
Days 14 to 19	Exploring the Galapagos Islands: San Cristobal, Espanola, Floreana, Genovesa, Bartolome, Seymour Norte.
Day 20	Fly to Quito
Day 21	End in Quito.
This special interest trip for naturalists visits one of the greatest wildlife habitats in the world. To see the natural wonders of the Galapagos Islands, a small motor yacht rather than an ocean-going cruise ship, is used. Space on board the vessel is somewhat restricted, but it offers an infinitely better approach to the islands' unique flora and fauna.
The cost of this arrangement in Ecuador is from HK$20,982. Valid until March 2001.