Peru, Ecuador & Galapagos vacation

COUNTRY:
Ecuador, Galapagos Islands, Peru
HOLIDAY TYPE:
A small group adventure
DEPARTURES:
CHECK AVAILABILITY2013: 12 Jul, 26 Jul, 9 Aug, 23 Aug, 6 Sep, 20 Sep, 4 Oct, 18 Oct, 1 Nov, 15 Nov, 29 Nov, 13 Dec
PRICE:
From £2149 (14 days) excluding flights
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VOUCHERS:
Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday
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Peru, Ecuador & Galapagos vacation
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Peru, Ecuador & Galapagos vacation

Small group adventure holiday
Typically you will be sharing your experiences with between 4-20 like minded travellers (depending on the trip, operator and how many others are booked on the trip) and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends its good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting new people as well as seeing new places.

How Peru, Ecuador & Galapagos vacation makes a difference

A portion of proceeds from each tour is donated to the Charles Darwin Foundation, Inc. supporting conservation in the Galapagos. Our boat is a chartered, locally owned and operated yacht, equipped to accommodate 16 passengers. Your voyage is guided by a Level 3 (the highest possible rating) naturalist guide certified by the Darwin Research Station.

In Peru we work closely with the Inca Porter Project (IPP) a non-profit organization that works to improve the lives and working conditions of porters on the Inca Trail. Together with IPP we have provided porter communities first-aid and job training workshops and ensure fair working conditions to all of our porters.

We ensure minimal social and environmental impact in the places we visit by travelling in small groups, using local transportation and staying in locally-owned hotels. We also work with experienced local guides who are knowledgeable of local culture, history, flora and fauna. On this tour we visit three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Galapagos Islands, the city of Cuzco and the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu.

Peru, Ecuador & Galapagos vacation

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The story of the provider of Peru, Ecuador & Galapagos vacation

When Bruce went travelling after University in 1989 he realised he had limited options: he could either go backpacking or stay on a resort. Returning to Canada, he set up a company that bridged the gap and offered young professionals an affordable way to immerse themselves in the culture of different countries. Bruce gave some of the profits back to the communities he passed through. Today he has offices in 38 countries and runs a travel foundation that builds projects all over the world; he is adamant that all staff adhere to his original business model of sustainability and happiness.

Holiday provider no: 294

Peru, Ecuador & Galapagos vacation

Peru, Ecuador & Galapagos vacation

Reviewed 29 Jul 2009 by Frances Kidd5 star rating

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?


Snorkelling with sea lions and penguins.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?


Fantastic - go for as long as you can.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?


Not really.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?


Fantastic. Great crew and guide. Wildlife unbelievable.

Reviewed 31 Jul 2008 by David Weller3 star rating

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?


The opportunity to see close-up the most wonderful selection of animals and birds.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?


Be aware that a "family" holiday doesn't necessarily make any concessions to the fact children are present. The Naturalist's talks were way over their heads, the food wasn't always child appropriate, and we were not able to book a family room in the pre-trip hotel. Thankfully the hotel itself on arrival soon showed that it can be done - easily! Read the dossier carefully which is well-put together and contains all kinds of very useful information. Be aware that there is considerable pressure to tip and to tip well, despite being told that tipping is a "personal choice". We were told about tipping a total of four times and by contrast, we were given just one Emergency Practice talk.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?


Yes in that it provides employment. Yes in that measures are in place to minimise the impact on the environment.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?


Despite some serious concerns, overall we were very grateful for the well organised opportunity to see the natural beauty. We sincerely hope our constructive criticisms will be acted upon.

Read the operator's response here:

We appreciate the comments in this regard. We are working with our Naturalist guides to tailor their lectures when children are present. Thank you for your comments, and we are working toward improving upon this. The point raised in regard to tipping is always a thorny issue. It is a personal choice, and if there was pressure applied beyond what one would consider normal, we apologize, and are reviewing.
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Holiday Reviews

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Peru, Ecuador & Galapagos vacation
Date Prices (Adult,pp) Basis Status  
12 Jul 2013 £2149 ex flights Full  
26 Jul 2013 £2149 ex flights Full  
09 Aug 2013 £2149 ex flights Full  
23 Aug 2013 £2149 ex flights Full  
06 Sep 2013 £2149 ex flights Full  
20 Sep 2013 £2149 ex flights Full  
04 Oct 2013 £2149 ex flights Full  
18 Oct 2013 £2149 ex flights Full  
01 Nov 2013 £2149 ex flights Full  
15 Nov 2013 £2149 ex flights Full  
29 Nov 2013 £2149 ex flights 1 space left Click here to enquire about or book the 29 Nov 2013 departure
13 Dec 2013 £2149 ex flights Full  
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