Galapagos
OUT OF THIS WORLD T
There's nowhere else on earth like the 13 ‘visitable’ islands of the Galapagos Islands, an otherworldy destination of unique flora and fauna where time seems to have stood still, say Nicki Grihault
he Galapagos Islands will likely be the stand out highlight of a trip to Ecuador.
This volcanic otherworldly archipelago
lying 1000kms off Ecuador's coast in the Pacific Ocean, nicknamed the 'Enchanted Isles' by Spanish sailors, is simply 'the greatest wildlife show on earth'. With no predators, the animals on the
13 visitable islands are fearless, allowing for rare and precious up, close and personal viewing. A trip to Charles Darwin's living laboratory is high on travellers' wish lists – ranking fourth 'must see' in a recent survey by The Adventure Company. Typically sold as a once in a lifetime
holiday to mature couples, the Galapagos is also increasingly popular with honeymooners and families. Most people experience the
Galapagos Islands as part of a cruise, which reaches remote and lesser-visited islands too far for a day trip and is the greenest option. The choice of boats, to suit all budgets, divide into small boats for 16-20 people to medium-sized (40-50 pax) and large (90-100 pax) cruisers. Small boats offer an intimate, exclusive experience and can be chartered, but larger boats have better on-board facilities, larger communal areas and more stability against seasickness. Some boats offer adventure such as canoeing, kayaking and diving. The opening of new hotels on the islands and the launch of a LAN flight to the Galapagos last year has made land-based trips and island-hopping more popular, particularly with families. A new seven-day trip between Isabela, San Cristobal and Santa Cruz by eco-
The Galapagos Tortoise is the largest living species of tortoise, reaching weights of over 400kgs (880lbs)
focussed ground handler Tropic Journeys in Nature launched this year. In 2012, an island community will hit the silver screen in The Galapagos Affair, a historical thriller set on Floreana and starring Kristin Scott Thomas. Ecuador, the same size as Britain, is biologically diverse: the Andean mountains, Amazon jungle trips and it capital, Quito, is often twinned with the islands. With the centenary of the discovery of Machu Picchu in July 2011, many operators are also combining the Galapagos with Peru. Special offers abound and include free domestic flights on selected cruise
GALAPAGOS Top Selling Tips...
• Don't set a date... “ With set cruise departures, flexible dates give the widest range of options”
ISABELLE MAZILLE Product Manager, Galapagos Islands Journey Latin America
• For land lubbers and to laze... “ The Finch Bay Hotel offers a Galapagos experience for those who wanting a relaxing add on” SARAH GATT, Kuoni
departures and 15-20% discounts during 2011 with Travel 2 and 20% off a cruise with the award-winning La Pinta with Elegant Resorts. Responsible tourism is doing slightly better than the tourism industry as a whole and Ecuador's new tourism initiative, which focuses on sustainability and benefitting indigenous communities, is bang on trend. New Galapagos National Park (GNP) Service regulations, which come into effect in February 2012 to ease the pressure on visitor sites, will change the way visitors see the islands. All boats must be on 15-day
www.sellinglonghaul.com • June 2011 41
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