Discover Galapagos
The Cormorant incorporates the very best of Galapagos Catamaran design. The modern and ample accommodation includes jacuzzi, huge sun deck and a private balcony for each of the spacious staterooms. Kayaks are also available for use. Cormorant combines high quality with competitive pricing making your Galapagos experience an affordable luxury. Cruise itineraries on the Cormorant range from a 4 day introduction to the Galapagos, to a 15 day mega cruise where you'll thoroughly explore the Galapagos from end-to-end. Key Features: Private Balconies, Large Suites Available, Excellent Itinerary, Quality Control Manager, Kayaks on board. Cormorant: 16 guests Luxury Galapagos Catamaran
Main Deck Accommodation: Cormorant Luxury Galapagos Catamaran (Central & Western Islands) Cormorant 2016 Rack Rates 8 Days 5 Days 4 Days Staterooms $6,550 $4,165 $3,090 Suites $7,120 $4,470 $3,400 Charter (16 passengers) $97,800 $62,200 $46,160 Upper Deck Sun Deck
Day Day 1: Saturday Day 2: Sunday Day 3: Monday Day 4: Tuesday Day 5: Wednesday Activity CORMORANT (HAUGAN CRUISES) Central & Western Islands Itinerary am: Baltra Island: Arrival to the airport and transfer to Santa Cruz to visit the highlands before boarding. Dress appropriately for a hike. pm: Santa Cruz - Los Gemelos: Spanish for The Twins, they are two volcanic depressions on the highest part of Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz - Highlands: The highlands are located in the northern part of the island and can reach elevations up to 1500 mt. am: Isabela - Las Tintoreras: A short distance from Puerto Villamil is the small island known as Las Tintoreras. Isabela - Sierra Negra Volcano: On the way up you can see lush vegetation and the summit offers a spectacular view of the lowlands. pm: Isabela - Tortoise Breeding Station: Created to protect animals in their first years of life from the threats of foreign species. Isabela - Wetlands: They consist of lagoons, swamps, and mangroves and are home to a variety of unique bird species. am: Isabela - Moreno Point: Beautiful rocky shores where penguins and shore birds, including blue herons, are usually spotted. pm: Isabela - Elizabeth Bay: As you enter the bay, hawks soar overhead and schools of fish can be seen swimming beneath the surface. am: Fernandina - Mangle Point: A visit to Mangle Point allows visitors to witness the amazing views and wildlife on the Coast of Fernandina Island. pm: Isabela - Urbina Bay: Its waters are a good place to see turtles and rays. Ashore you'll find a short trail leading to a coral reef. am: Fernandina - Espinosa Point: A narrow stretch of land where hundreds of marine iguanas gather largely on black lava rocks. pm: Isabela - Vicente Roca Point: The remnants of an ancient volcano form two turquoise coves with a bay protected from ocean swells. Day 6: Thursday am: Santiago - Puerto Egas: Puerto Egas, with its black sand beaches, was the site of small salt mining industry in the 1960s. pm: Santiago - Buccaneer Cove: Buccaneer Cove is a testament to the fact that Santiago was once a refuge for British buccaneers. Santiago - Espumilla Beach: Espumilla Beach is a popular place for marine iguanas and Sally Lightfoot Crabs. Day 7: Friday Day 8: Saturday am: Genovesa - Prince Phillip's Steps: An extraordinary, steep path leads through a seabird colony full of life, up to cliffs that are 25m high. pm: Genovesa - Darwin Bay: A coral beach where a 750 mt. trail takes you through more seabird colonies. am: North Seymour Island: Explore the rocky coast, passing colonies of blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigate birds.
Launched in 1997, this elegant 216 feet (66 meters) barquentine is the most apt way to visit these islands made famous by Charles Darwin. A large and truly romantic sailing ship, she navigates through the archipelago majestically under full sail. With spacious decks, experienced crew and passionate owners, she accommodates up to 16 guests, and was specially designed with sound, environmental-friendly cruising in mind. Accommodations are located on the Cabin Deck and each cabin features private bathrooms with hot water. The spacious main and sun decks are comfortable places to have a drink in the lounge, read a book in the library or simply relax in a sun chair while enjoying the view. Mary Ann: 16 guests Galapagos Sailing Ship Both decks are ideal places for wildlife observation. With a nine-member crew plus a Galapagos Naturalist Guide on board, we assure you a high-end and educational cruise experience with many interesting wildlife encounters.
What makes the S/S Mary Anne Special: Due to its steel hull, tall masts and deep draft, the Mary Anne is one of the most stable vessels in the islands. Travel with the Galapagos Cruise industry pioneers. Elegant 3 mast barquentine that is the only of its kind on the Islands Navigating with full sails, you will enjoy travelling without the sound of engines, dolphins and whales are more likely toswim alongside Whether travelling alone or in a group, the Mary Anne can accommodate everyone, with 8 single cabins and no single supplement. Crew: 9 Crew Members + Certified Naturalist Guide Accomodation and facilities: All guest accommodations are located on the Cabin Deck. The Main Deck is complete with dining room, kitchen, library and entertainment centre, and on the Sun Deck you will find open-air seating, kayak storage, the bridge and plenty of space for taking in the beautiful sights. The vessel features a wood-panelled, comfortable lounge area with a cosy bar and ample sun decks. Price for 7 night/8 day Eastern Itinerary: USD 4980 per person Additional packages available.
Day Activity MARY ANNE (ANDANDO) Eastern Islands Itinerary Day 1: A first impression- Saturday Day 2: Up north - Sunday Day 3: Contours of Sullivan Bay - Monday PM: After arriving at Baltra airport we will be greeted by an Angermeyer Cruises representative to then board the Passion and have lunch. After lunch, we will navigate a short distance to Black Turtle Cove, a large mangrove lagoon on the north coast of Santa Cruz Island. Pelicans and herons roost on the branches, while marine dwellers such as Green Sea Turtle or Golden Ray may cruise right next to the panga as it makes its way through the mangroves. AM: We travel to Genovesa Island and reach Darwin Bay (wet landing), a unique site lined with red mangrove and soft-haired prickly pear cacti where Red-footed Boobies and Great Frigatebirds perch tamely. PM: At Prince Philip Steps (dry landing), we climb the edge of a cliff where Frigatebirds, Nazca Boobies, and Red-footed Boobies nest. We will be seeking out the impressive Redbilled Tropicbird amidst Galapagos Storm Petrels. AM: Dry landing at Bartholomew to climb up the wooden steps and reach the summit of this spatter cone for a most breathtaking panorama of the islands well photographed Pinnacle Rock, views of neighbouring Santiago and many other central islands in the distance. PM: We head across to Sullivan Bay (dry landing) in Santiago to walk over a recent lava flow, including very fresh pahoehoe lava formations, lava bubbles containing crystallized minerals, and pioneer plants. Along the shoreline, we may find Galapagos penguins and herons going after small fish. Day 4: Mars on Earth - Tuesday AM: Wet landing onto Rábida s deep-red beaches to explore the red island s fascinating interior and saltwater lagoon. Darwin s finches, Galapagos mockingbirds, and yellow warblers feed off the vegetation; given the right time of the year brown pelicans will be nesting on salt bushes that fringe the beach. PM: We head across to Cerro Dragón on Santa Cruz s north-west shore (dry landing); we visit a saltwater lagoon, home to Greater Flamingos, Black-necked Stilts, and White-cheeked Pintails. Further inland we find a fantastic land iguana nesting site.
Day Day 5: Hidden treasures - Wednesday Activity AM: We will spend today visiting Santa Cruz Island s most famous highlights. We will have a dry landing in the dock of Puerto Ayora to then board our transportation and head to the Island s highlands. This area, in contrast to the coastal region, has lush vegetation and forest, due to the humidity that gathers in the higher regions. We will visit one of the ranches of the area, where it s possible to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat. As these animals migrate from the coastal area to the highlands and back, the chosen ranch will depend on the presence of the tortoises, as they roam free and change their locations. This is also a good place to see the Galapagos hawk and barn owl of this island and the surrounding forests are filled of birds such as the vermilion flycatcher or the yellow warbler. PM: We will enjoy lunch in the ranch to then head back to Puerto Ayora for our second visit of the day, the Charles Darwin research station and the Fausto Llerena breeding centre. Here, we will see tortoises from different islands. The animals are found in large semi natural pens for their protection, but also to ensure an easy view for the tourists. The pens are divided according to four different stages: eggs, neonates, juveniles (held here until they are mature enough to be "repatriated"), and adults. After this visit, we will have some time to explore the town of Puerto Ayora and its many souvenir shops, before boarding the M/Y Passion for dinner and the usual briefing. Day 6: Heading Eastward - Thursday Day 7: From albatrosses to blowholes - Friday Day 8: A last goodbye with the tortoises- Saturday AM: Dry landing on one of the oldest docks of the Archipelago, colourful Plaza Sur is home to vibrant green prickly pears, deep red Sesuvium and coppery-orange land iguanas; impressive seaward cliffs are excellent for a variety of coastal birds. This is also a great place to observe the adult and pup sea lions swimming along the shores. PM: After a wet landing onto a white beach where sea lions are usually resting, on Santa Fe, we will be looking for the endemic species of land iguana, larger and yellower than land iguanas on other islands. The largest prickly pear cacti in the Galapagos are also found here. AM: Punta Suárez (dry landing) is a spectacular walk into the intimacies of life at sea, with nesting sites of Blue-footed and Nazca Boobies, as well as the fascinating breeding rituals (April to December) of Waved Albatross. Lined with neon coloured marine iguanas (January), and lazy Galapagos sea lions, we walk up to an amazing viewpoint of the famous blowhole. PM: We will spend the day in fantastic Española, starting with Gardner Bay (wet landing), an outstanding beach with sea lions, marine iguanas, and the intrepid Española Mockingbird. AM: This is our last day on the islands. After breakfast we will disembark in Puerto Ayora to take our transport to Baltra Airport, making a short stop to visit the Lava tunnels found in the highlands. These intriguing tunnels were formed by lava flow that hardened on the outside while still maintaining its fluid scolding state on the inside, leaving hollow tunnels where it passed. We will walk inside one of these tunnels (that are artificially illuminated to help visitors) to have a close look at the formations and learn more about the origin of these volcanic archipelagos. After this visit we will continue our ride to Baltra airport for the flight to mainland Ecuador. In addition to the land visits we offer a good balance of other activities such as snorkelling, panga rides and kayaking.
Ecoventura s signature fleet includes three identical expedition yachts custom-designed for Galapagos cruising: the M/Y Eric, Flamingo I and Letty. Built in 1991 and refurbished annually, these identical superior first-class sister yachts accommodate no more than 20 guests and feature three decks of spacious staterooms with polished teak interiors trimmed with shiny brass fittings. Accommodations include ten double outside-facing cabins with a window or porthole view, one double bed or two twin lower beds, fully air-conditioned with private bathroom (hot and cold water showers), bio-degradable soap/shampoo dispensers, hair dryer, closet, drawers, intercom and separate climate controls for your comfort. There s a dining room, wellstocked bar and conference area with a flat screen TV, library and panoramic picture windows. Or you can relax in a lounge chair on the sun deck, enjoying sea breezes and a sky full of stars. ERIC, LETTY & ORIGIN 20 guests Galapagos Motor Cruiser Cruise features 7-night expeditions depart every Sunday from San Cristobal 20-guest superior first-class motor yacht 10 fully air-conditioned outside staterooms with private bathrooms Delicious, varied cuisine, wonderfully prepared by our culinary school-trained chefs Fully-stocked bar and boutique, 24 hour coffee & tea station Lounge for briefings with TV, DVD, games and library Wildlife observation areas, open and shaded sun deck with loungers Enjoy with compliments Three meals served daily, after-excursion snacks and nonalcoholic beverages Captain s welcome and farewell cocktail parties House wine and local beer served during dinner Guided excursions and daily briefings with English-speaking expert naturalists Low guide to passenger ratio (max. 10 guests per guide) Complimentary mask, fins and snorkels, 3mm custom full wet suits Multiple kayaks
cabin categories deck-plans dolphin deck Cabins #1,3 & 4 have two twin lower beds or one double bed and picture windows. Cabin # 2 has one double bed and picture window. (Cabins average 95 square feet / 8.8 square meters) booby deck Cabins # 5 & 6 cabins have one double bed and picture windows. (Cabins average 90 square reef / 8.4 square meters) iguana deck Cabins #7 & 8 have two twin lower beds and port lights. Cabins # 9 & 10 have two twin lower beds and one upper berth with port lights and can be sold as triples. (Cabins average 110 square feet / 10.2 square meters) SINGLE cabins are limited and assigned by Ecoventura to the best cabin available at the time of sailing. 2016 rates & departure dates m/y eric & letty deck double triple single Iguana deck $4300.00 $4100.00 $7300.00 Booby deck $4775.00 Dolphin deck $5150.00 *FIT RATES: 8 DAY/7 NIGHTS (rates are per person)
Day Day 1: Sunday Day 2: Monday Day 3: Tuesday Day 4: Wednesday Day 5: Thursday Day 6: Friday Day 7: Saturday Day 8: Sunday Activity ERIC, LETTY & Origin Western/Northern itinerary Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, SAN CRISTOBAL (Chatham) CCJG (La Galapaguera Cerro Colorado), SAN CRISTOBAL Darwin Bay (SN, PR, KY), GENOVESA (Tower) Prince Philip s Steps (SN, PR) GENOVESA Las Bachas (SN) or Black Turtle Cove (PR) Cerro Dragon (SN) SANTA CRUZ Punta Espinosa (SN), FERNANDINA (Narborough) Urbina Bay, ISABELA (SN) (Albemarle) or Punta Vicente Roca Elizabeth Bay, ISABELA (PR) Tagus Cove, ISABELA (SN, PR, KY) Puerto Egas, SANTIAGO (SN) (James) Rabida Island (SN, PR, KY) (Jervis) Highlands of SANTA CRUZ (Indefatigable) CCFL (Darwin Station) SANTA CRUZ Interpretation Center, SAN CRISTOBAL SN = snorkel, KY = kayak, PR = panga (dingy) ride Ecoventura alternates two different full week 7-night itineraries as required by the Galapagos National Park in an effort to better reduce usage on heavily visited sites. The order of visits may vary slightly based on the yacht assigned.
Metropolitan Touring pioneered travel to the Galápagos Islands in the early 1960s. They pride themselves on the quality of their trio of expedition Galapagos island cruise tours vessels and their eco-hotel, their safety standards, their loyal and outstanding staff and their commitment to giving guests an incomparable experience of the Islands while preserving their riches for future generations. Santa Cruz II 100 guests Galapagos Cruise Ship While you experience this Galapagos cruise, you can walk among unique species such as marine iguanas basking in the sun and observe the elaborate mating rituals of bluefooted boobies, albatrosses and frigate birds. Unthreatened by predators, Galápagos island cruise creatures are undisturbed by visitors, who, one and all, come away inspired and changed by their experience of nature here.
4 nights Northern Galápagos, Monday to Friday Cabin 2016 Price per Person (US $) Horizon Deck Explorer Triple (2) $ 3,195 Horizon Deck Explorer Twin / Double (23) $ 3,401 Horizon Deck Voyager Single (2)* $ 4,637 Expedition Deck Explorer Twin / Double (17) $ 3,538 Panorama Deck Explorer Twin / Double (3) $ 3,641 Panorama Deck Darwin Suite Twin / Double (3) $ 4,126 Cabin Distribution
Santa Cruz II Galapagos Cruise Northern Itinerary Day Day 1: Monday Activity Baltra Island We land at Baltra Island by plane in the morning and transfer to the dock to board the Santa Cruz, where we receive a welcome introductory briefing and lunch. Las Bachas (Santa Cruz Island) This beautiful visitor site is located on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, a glorious white beach with several brackish lagoons only a few steps away from the sea. These lagoons are the feeding grounds of various wading birds, from stilts to flamingos. This is a great opportunity to get acquainted with snorkelling gear and techniques. Welcome cocktail, expedition plan for Tuesday and dinner. Day 2: Tuesday Buccaneer Cove (Santiago Island) After breakfast, we explore the coastline along the impressive cliffs of Buccaneer Cove, learning about the area's distant and recent history. The cove is home to a large number of marine birds, sea lions, and inter-tidal organisms. Enjoy fantastic natural formations such as the "Elephant Rock", "The Bishop" and an impressive natural cave. This is a great site for snorkeling or panga ride. Puerto Egas (Santiago Island) Once we disembark at the beach, we can enjoy a swim or snorkel amid a rocky shoreline, usually in the company of marine turtles. From here, we head off to our walk, a great opportunity to see land and marine birds amid landscape of tuff-stone layers and lava flows. At low tide, marine iguanas graze upon the algae beds and we can also observe a colony of fur-sea lions. Non-snorkelers can enjoy a longer walk.
Day Activity Day 3: Wednesday After breakfast, we land on Rábida Island's red-coloured beach, caused by the unusually high content of iron in the volcanic material. Our walk brings us close to a large colony of sea lions, marine iguanas, mockingbirds, yellow warblers and several species of Darwin's finches. Very close to the beach, a salt pond hosts migrating greater flamingos at certain times of year. This is a great place to snorkel from the beach, both for beginners as well as for experienced snorkelers, due to the unique combination of underwater species and submarine landscapes. Non-snorkelers will enjoy a ride on the glass bottom boat or a panga ride. During navigation to our next island, dolphins are often spotted! Bartolomé Island We land at Bartolomé for a hike to the summit of this diminutive island that boasts fantastic views of the archipelago. This is a moderately steep climb aided by a wooden staircase, resting platforms and handrails the view from the top is worth the effort! Following our walk, we take to the pangas and the glass bottom boat for a ride around the colossal Pinnacle Rock, and then land at the beach to enjoy some swimming, snorkelling or just relaxing (possibly with Galápagos penguins in attendance). Day 4: Thursday Prince Philip Steps (Genovesa Island) The morning starts with a panga ride along the cliffs of this dramatic island, followed by a landing with a steep climb (90 feet) up some stairs to reach a flat plateau. Along our walk, we can observe large colonies of Nazca boobies, red footed boobies, great frigate birds and storm petrels. Those not wishing to disembark can enjoy a longer panga ride along the cliffs (depending on weather conditions). After the walk, we can snorkel along the dramatic cliffs where there are chances of spotting lots of fish, including hammerhead sharks. Darwin Bay (Genovesa Island) In the afternoon, we land at this beautiful beach to enjoy some swimming and/or snorkelling. Following our dip, we take an easy stroll to observe hundreds of birds, mainly frigate birds, red footed and Nazca boobies, gulls, herons, finches and mockingbirds. There's an optional walk over sharp lava and uneven terrain for dramatic views, or else we can return to the beach or enjoy a panga ride. Day 5: Friday Puerto Baquerizo Moreno & Tortoise Breeding Centre (San Cristóbal Island) After breakfast, there's optional departure to see the breeding programme of giant tortoises at Cerro Colorado. Here, we learn about this endangered species and its promising recovery. Following the visit, we return to town and transfer to the airport to take the flight back to the mainland.
PRICING All cruise prices will be converted to GBP at exchange rate of the day 8 weeks before departure. Cruise prices listed are original prices charged by cruise operator, no commission is added. Additional costs: Flights from Ecuador mainland: GBP 300 per person (approximate) Galapagos National Park Entry Fee: USD 100 per person Transit control card: USD 20 per person N.B. All cruise itineraries listed are examples currently being followed and approved by the Galapagos National Park Rosemary Hill Email: rose@highlives.co.uk Direct Tel: +44 (0)20 8835 7086 I began my career in the travel industry 20 years ago specialising in the lesser visited areas of Central America. Forever the adventurer the vast continent south of the isthmus beckoned me down to Patagonia where I worked at the edge of the Torres del Paine National Park ensuring travellers were matched to suitable steeds, had packed enough dry socks for a week out in the wilderness and that the guides had brought the Chilean vino and Cerveza! Memories abound over the years, from cruising around the Galapagos with my intrepid 70 something mother to white water rafting on river rapids in Peru with my 6 year old daughter.
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LAND BASED GALAPAGOS If the idea of spending several days on board a boat doesn t appeal, you may want to consider one of our land-based Galapagos options - whether an adventurous safari experience or a comfortable, luxury hotel. Landbased stays in Galapagos are particularly suitable for families, as it gives you a secure and secluded base to return home to each night after your daily adventures. GALAPAGOS SAFARI CAMP Galapagos Safari Camp is immersed in nature and was conceived and built with a passion sparked by the incredible views, the immediate intimacy with nature and the unspoiled and raw beauty of the location. The African-styled tented camp is a creative alternative to exploring the archipelago, and soaking up nature in comfort. Nestled in the wild highlands of Santa Cruz Island, with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the National Park, the stylish camp offers a panoramic lodge, nine charming tents, a family suite and an infinity pool under a canapé of endemic trees. It is unobtrusive in its architecture, designed with discreet luxury that is unpretentious and welcoming. During your visit spend time relaxing at the infinity pool which is perfect for a refreshing dip or birdwatching, or head to The Viewpoint terrace for a spot of yoga, a private lunch or sundown cocktails. The camp is an ideal choice for families, offering both the family suite, which accommodates six guests and is ideal for younger children, or tented accommodation, which promises to thrill slightly older children. In addition to this the camp offers Kids Club during the summer and winter school vacations, when a qualified coordinator is on-site to supervise a range of exciting activities. The camp s 55-hectare farm provides the chef with the necessary fresh, organic ingredients to design a delightful farm-to-table menu. FINCH BAY HOTEL The award-winning Finch Bay Eco Hotel lies just steps from the beach in a secluded location, across the bay from Puerto Ayora on the island of Santa Cruz, in the middle of the Galápagos. Guests cherish the hotel s privacy, natural surroundings, swimming pool, fine dining and superb service. The ecologically-designed Finch Bay s infrastructure and activities are entirely orientated to a concept of true ecotourism, and it has won numerous awards for its conservation efforts. Delicious, healthy international and Galápagos-inspired dishes are prepared daily by the hotel s qualified Executive Chef, using the freshest ingredients including many from its organic vegetable garden. Finch Bay Hotel is committed to environmental and social initiatives, and has implemented a number of progressive systems including their own water treatment plant; energy-saving measures such as solar panels and movement sensors; improving insulation to keep rooms cool; using soap, detergent and shampoo supplies which are environmentally-friendly and are manufactured with biodegradable ingredients; and having their own composting system. Guests here experience these remarkable islands at their own pace, exploring wonders of both the land and sea, making for an enriching, and relaxing retreat.
Galapagos Safari Camp
Finch Bay Hotel
Ecuador Extensions Many customers choose to combine their adventure in the Galapagos Islands with a stay on mainland Ecuador, exploring this fascinating country. There are opportunities to delve deep into the Amazon Jungle, kick back in the countryside with a stay at a rural hacienda, or soak up the culture in the historical capital of Quito.
Napo Wildlife Centre Napo Wildlife Centre lets you swap the city, town and village life for the eco-community that is the jungle and its inhabitants, making for an unforgettable experience. It is a place unlike any other, located in the heart of one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet - Ecuador s Yasuni National Park. Rich with extraordinary wildlife and vibrant local culture, it allows you to experience unique Amazon landscapes and wildlife. Built by the Kichwa Añangu Community, this project is situated on the Northern margins of the Yasuní National Park on the banks of the Napo River. The lodge can be reached by motorboat from Coca city. The main hall of the Napo Wildlife Centre is a central structure where visitors and staff meet, dine and share their experiences during their stay. In this main house there are several comfortable social areas including a fully-stocked bar; a library where you can borrow interesting books to read during your stay; the restaurant where all meals are served and a 20 ft high observation tower that provides an incredible 360 view of the surrounding forest, lake and passing wildlife. Also, there is a short trail behind the house where nocturnal creatures can be observed. The Napo Wildlife Center complex has sixteen luxury cabins, all spacious, clean and comfortable
Hacienda Zuleta Dating from the late sixteenth century, this Ecuadorian hotel lies in the spectacular Andean mountain range of Ecuador at 9,600 feet (2,800 meters) above sea level, only two hours north of Quito, the capital of Ecuador. Zuleta is a colonial working farm of 4,000 acres (2,000 hectares) that has belonged to the family of Mr. Galo Plaza lasso, a former president of Ecuador, for more than 100 years. It was chosen as one of the world s Top Ten Finds by Outside magazine and named as one of the best Ecuador Hotels by National Geographic Traveller. The hacienda has 14 beautifully decorated bedrooms, all with their own fireplace; antique gardens along with cosy living and reading rooms, all of which offer a peaceful atmosphere. Delicious home cooked Ecuadorian cuisine among other types of gastronomic adventures are offered daily, prepared with organic vegetables, trout and dairy products produced on the Hacienda. From here you can discover the area on horseback or mountain bike. Alternatively, visit the Condor Andes rehabilitation program Condor Huasi Project. Hacienda Zuleta offers warm hospitality and an insight into life on an authentic hacienda in the Andes of Ecuador.
Casa Gangotena Situated in a newly-restored historic mansion overlooking Plaza San Francisco, the three-story Casa Gangotena Boutique Hotel in Quito harbours 31 rooms, all of which showcase a fine mix of classic architecture, contemporary interior design, antiques, fine furnishings, modern technology and quintessential comforts. Beautifully and eclectically-appointed, the hotel invites its guests to explore and relax, whether you re in the dining room, the patio, the garden scented with the perfume of native flowers, the elegant indoor Sitting Room or atop the panoramic third-floor terrace. Casa Aliso This 10-room hotel offers all the style and comfort of a small luxurious home. The interiors are especially inviting, with use of colour, fresh flowers and marble throughout creating the atmosphere of a fine private residence (which it was when built in 1936). In keeping with its former incarnation as a private residence, the Casa Aliso entrance offers a warm welcome to weary travellers, making it feel almost like arriving at the home of an old friend La Casona de la Ronda Located in Calle Morales in the Historical Centre of Quito Old Town, and set in a colonial style house built in 1738, La Casona De La Ronda offers bright rooms decorated with stylish wooden furnishing and parquet floors, some with seating areas and city views. Drinks from the bar and hot beverages from the coffee shop can be enjoyed in the garden and on the terrace. This Hotel is a favourite with guests, with reviews describing it as an oasis of tranquility within Quito".
HOW TO BOOK If you are ready to book, simply send us an email to confirm and we will make the necessary arrangements. Tour: We request a 25% deposit on the price of your tour at the time of booking and we accept payment by bank transfer, debit card or credit card (minor charges may apply). The full balance is payable 60 days before the date of travel. Flights (International and Internal): The full price of flights is payable immediately in order to secure current prices. Payment methods are the same as above and we will issue you with your flight e-tickets. If you prefer to book refundable tickets please let us know, there is normally an additional cost for these. Your booking is protected All flights and holidays that include a flight sold by HighLives Travel are ATOL protected. Our ATOL number is T7380. In addition, we are a member of the Travel Trust Association (membership number U8743) and all funds paid to us are held in HighLives Trust Account. You can check our membership by visiting the Travel Trust Association web page. Once we have received payment in full we will send you your final documents in the post, including full itinerary and flight details. You are welcome to contact us at any time throughout the booking process if you have any questions. Finally, all bookings made with HighLives are also financially protected under the relevant supplier's customer protection bonds.
HighLives Travel: Working with the best teams across Latin America Experienced, knowledgeable guides: You will be accompanied by a highly educated and knowledgeable guide who you can trust to look after you and provide a wealth of interesting information on the places you visit. All our guides are recruited from the local communities but have a comprehensive level of English language so that you have the best experience possible. Private transport with trusted drivers: We offer private transport between destinations and ensure that the vehicles are of high quality and suitable to the terrain. Our drivers are fully vetted and some of the friendliest and most trustworthy people you will meet along the way.
HighLives Travel and the ArBolivia Project We are the official travel partner of ArBolivia Project, an initiative founded by The Cochabamba Project, in conjunction with approximately 1,000 smallholder families, that focuses on reforestation and sustainable land use within the tropical regions of Bolivia. The ArBolivia Project takes a business approach and splits the profits from timber revenues equally with farmers, rather than paying local people a salary and exporting most of the profit overseas. This way, the project is far more likely to be sustainable, and ultimately successful, by addressing social and environmental problems with a business solution. It takes 25 years and more than 60 for a typical tree to reach sufficient maturity to be felled and exported, which is where ArBolivia relies on donations. Our project sponsorship programme guarantees a 60 donation for every person travelling with HighLives. 100% of donations go directly to the ArBolivia Project to ensure that farmers are paid and supported to enable their trees to grow and avoid slash and burn farming. We also encourage our customers to match this donation, which we facilitate on their behalf. The ArBolivia Project has been structured so that it can be replicated more widely, both within Bolivia and elsewhere and we look forward to supporting its expansion across Latin America in the future.