Cruise and tour Ecuador & Galapagos

We discover the diversity of Ecuador on this adventure. Our journey starts with a cruise around the Galapagos Islands, one of the world's greatest marine reserves and home to many unique species of wildlife including the giant Galapagos tortoise and the marine Iguana. Travelling on a small vessel with a maximum of 16 passengers on board means we are doing all we can to minimize our impact on this fragile environment – it also means we enjoy an intimate atmosphere on board, unlike some of the floating gin palaces we come across!

Much of the wildlife has no instinctive fear of man so this is a fantastic opportunity, under the watchful eye of our licensed biologist, to get up close with nature. Next up is the Amazon jungle, where we stay in a small jungle lodge owned and operated by the indigenous Indians of the region. Leaving the jungle lowlands behind us we enter the towering peaks and volcanoes of the Andes Mountains. We finish our holiday discovering the back streets of Quito and the colourful Indian market town of Otavalo.

This trip is focused on respecting and benefiting the local people and the environment of this country. On this trip you will be lead by an experienced local leader passionate about their country's history, heritage and natural beauty that will help you to get 'under the skin' of their country and see it through the eyes of a local. This trip stays at locally run accommodation; we eat at local restaurants and travel on local transport. This ensures the financial return to the local economy opens up training and employment opportunities - and allows for informal and meaningful interaction between our travellers and local people.

In 2009, we aim to neutralise all major emissions created by our trips, so that they can be offered as the best green alternative available. This means all greenhouse gases emitted by transport and accommodation during all of our trips will be balanced by an Australian-based ‘profit for purpose’ company that invests all funds into renewable energy and will invest in projects aimed at ‘neutralising’ your contribution to greenhouse gases.

The maximum group size on all of our adventures is 16 passengers – with exception of some African trips (24 max) and in the Polar Regions, where our ship carries a maximum of 110 passengers. Travelling in small groups ensures we make significantly less impact on the natural environment, as well as breaking down many of the communication barriers presented by a larger group. 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 time to make your own discoveries. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting new people as well as gaining an understanding of the respective cultures you visit.