galapagos - ecoventura brochure
TRANSCRIPT
G A L A P A G O S I S L A N D S[extreme wildlife]
[ s u r v i v a l o f t h e f i t t e s t ]
“It’s not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the
most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.”
– Charles Darwin
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GALAPAGOS ISLANDS, BEYOND DISCOVERY | 1-5
THE ECOVENTURA EXPERIENCE | 6-11
SIGNATURE YACHTS: M/Y ERIC, FLAMINGO I & LETTY | 12-17
DIVE LIVE-ABOARD: M/Y SKY DANCER | 18-19
EXTENSIONS IN ECUADOR AND PERU | 20-23
Meet face-to-face with a giant tor toise. Snorkel with penguins and dive with sea lions. Hike along
ancient lava tunnels and back to the beginning of time. Ever since Darwin boarded the Beagle over
170 years ago, exploring the Galapagos Islands has remained one of life’s great adventures.
Since 1990, Ecoventura has been leading the way in expedition cruising in the Galapagos. Our
first-class fleet includes three identical motor-yachts and a custom-designed dive boat - all unmatched
for comfor t and safety. Sailing with only 20 fellow guests, venturing ashore in small groups of ten,
you’ll experience these islands in a highly personal, close-up way. And you’ll also be pleased to
know of our reputation for environmental integrity. We’re committed to preserving the Galapagos
National Park and we’ve received many plaudits for our effor ts.
Come let our experienced naturalist guides share the secrets of the islands with you. Venture to
the most spectacular sites on land or beneath the sea. Enjoy the cour tship dance of the blue-footed
boobies or massive waved albatross. Dive with a hammerhead shark or whale shark. Come be amazed.
a world of evolutionary enchantment
Wildlife wanders freely and almost fear lessly in the Galapagos. This remote
island group with its dramatic and desolate beauty is home to some of the
most unique species in the world. Many are endemic such as the Galapagos
tor toise , marine and land iguanas, the flightless cormorant and, of course,
Darwin’s famous finches. Darwin noted that different species adapted to fit
different niches on individual islands, which gave r ise to his idea of
natural selection.
You may glimpse a fr igate bird in cour tship, his bright-red breast puffed
up in a dazzling display, or the spectacular dive of a blue-footed booby fishing
close to shore, or the graceful waved albatross - so comical and clumsy
when taking flight. It’s all here in the Galapagos, a treasure-trove of natural
histor y awaiting your discovery.
[ e x p e d i t i o n c r u i s i n g w i t h e c ove n t u r a ]
galapagos penguin
While all penguin species are only found in the
Southern Hemisphere, the Galapagos Penguin is the
only one to live near the equator. Endemic to the
islands, at approximately 14 inches in height it is
smaller and more duck-like than its southern
cousins of the Antarctic.
M/Y Eric and Flamingo I, anchored at Española (Hood Island)
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Located about 600 miles west of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands were created five
million years ago by undersea volcanic eruptions. In 1535, Tomás de Ber langa, Bishop
of Panama, floated into this archipelago and named it Galapagos after the giant tor toises
he encountered. Pirates used the islands for refuge and to bury their stolen treasure,
but it wasn't until the end of the 19th century, when it became a regular por t of call
for whaling fleets, that the wildlife was threatened.
The islands’ most celebrated visitor was Char les Darwin, who arr ived aboard the
HMS Beagle in 1835. The rare life forms he encountered helped him formulate his
theor y of evolution, which he published in The Or igin of Species by Means of
Natural Selection.
After visiting the Galapagos in 1941, Herman Melville entitled his book The Encantadas.
But it wasn’t until 1959 when it became par t of Ecuador’s national park system that this
fragile ecosystem with its rare and endemic species came under protection. In 1979
the Galapagos archipelago was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
giant tortoise
The giant tor toise is probably the best known of all Galapagos animals
and even gave the archipelago its name; Galapago means “saddle” in
Spanish which refers to the saddle-back shape of the shell. They can
weigh up to 250 kg. and live for more than 100 years.
Wolf(Wenman)
Darwin(Culpepper)
galapagos islands[ archipiélago de colón ]
Marchena(Bindloe)
Pinta(Abington)
Pta. MejíaPta. Espejo
Genovesa(Tower)
Darwin Bay
Prince Philip’s Steps
San Cristóbal(Chatham)
Leon DormidoCerro Brujo
Pta. Pitt
Loberia
Isla Lobos
Puerto BaquerizoMoreno
Española(Hood)
Pta. Suárez
Pta. Cevallos
Gardner Bay
Floreana(Santa Maria, Charles)
Pta. Cormorant
Black Beach
Post Office Bay
Devil’s Crown
Enderby
Champion
GardnerWatson
Santa Cruz(Indefatigable) Plazas
Baltra
Santa Fe(Barrington)
Canal de Itabaca
Academy BayPuerto Ayora
Cerro DragonTurtle Cove
Sombrero ChinoDaphne
Santiago(James)
Rabida(Jervis)
Buccaneer Cove
Sullivan Bay
Pinzon(Duncan)
Guy Fawkes
Wolf Volcano
DarwinVolcano
Alcedo
Volcano
Pta. García
Pta. Albermarle
Puerto Egas
Espumilla BeachJames Bay
Fernandina(Narborough)
Tagus Cove
Ecuador Volcano
La CumbreVolcano
Pta. Espinoza
Pta.Vicente Roca
Pta. Moreno
Isabela(Albemarle)
Cerro AzulVolcano
Sierra Negra Volcano
Chico Volcano
Elizabeth Bay
Pta. Cristóbal
Pto.Villamil
BartolomeNorth Seymour
Mosquera
pacific ocean
equator
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Flightless Cormorant, Punta Espinosa, Fernandina Island
Red-billed Tropicbird
Bachas Beach
Playa Ochoa
Cape Marshall
[ a l i v i n g l a b o r a t o r y o f n a t u r a l s e l e c t i o n ]
t h e g a l a p a g o s i s l a n d s
[ j o u r n e y t o t h e u n k n ow n ]
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“Ecoventura has demonstrated its commitment to the conservation of natural
resources and social well-being in Ecuador. Its proactive stance has been a source
of inspiration for conservation organizations that believe in the development of
sustainable tourism.”
— Ronald Sanabria, Sustainable Tourism Director for the Rainforest Alliance
Ecoventura is committed to preserving the Galapagos Islands as a unique and priceless UNESCO World
Heritage site. Through var ious effor ts in conser vation and sustainability, we are able to offer highly
personalized eco-adventures aboard our fleet of modern motor-yachts while at the same time abiding
by our claim as a responsible tour operator.
[ g r e e n i n g t h e g a l a p a g o s ]
SMART ECOLOGICAL CERTIFICATION
Smart Voyager is a Galapagos conservation program
created by the highly respected Rainforest Alliance
organization and its Ecuador-based partner, Conservación
y Desarrollo. Smart Voyager awards its green seal of
approval to tour operators who meet a set of
conservation standards. Ecoventura was one of the
first to receive Smart Voyager certification. In addition,
in 2005 the Rainforest Alliance awarded Ecoventura’s
president, Santiago Dunn, the prestigious Individual
Sustainable Standard-Setter award.
ECUADOR’S FIRST CARBON NEUTRAL COMPANY
The Carbon Neutral Company is a leading provider
of strategic solutions to help companies assess and
reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In 2006, Ecoventura
became the first “carbon neutral” company in Ecuador
by measuring the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions
from their four boats and reducing them wherever
possible. We then offset the unavoidable emissions
through a portfolio of climate-friendly projects
including reforestation in Chiapas, Mexico, renewable
energy projects in Sri Lanka and India, and methane
recapture in the U.S.
GALAPAGOS MARINE BIODIVERSITY FUND
Ecoventura guests have the opportunity to support
a new fund administered by the World Wildlife Fund
in support of the Galapagos National Park Service.
The fund targets environmental education and marine
conservation by strengthening the local communities’
ability to manage natural resources. GMBF puts donated
funds to work on the ground, addressing critical issues,
reversing ecological damage and conserving Galapagos
for the future.
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s o m e p e o p l e s a i l t h r o u g h l i f e[ o t h e r s e x p e r i e n c e i t ]
Experience moment after moment of wonder in a land where time stands still. Our comprehensive
7-night cruises explore the entire archipelago. And thanks to an outstanding guide-to-guest ratio, you’ll
venture ashore in small groups of no more than ten fellow explorers, experiencing this magical realm
in the most authentic and educational way possible.
We offer all kinds of active exploration. Go on a nature walk and marvel at pre-historic land iguanas
and lava lizards. Slip into a sea kayak and discover hidden tide pools, mangrove forests, beaches of
red, green and black sand and the hardened lava fields smeared into the edges of the shores. Swim
back and for th across the equator with sea lions that perform an underwater ballet. Go birding to
look for the Nazca booby. Or put on your own mask and enter the delicate balance of life underwater,
watching schools of graceful spotted eagle rays gliding beneath you.
Exploring the undersea is a major par t of the Galapagos experience where cold and warm waters
intermingle and where fur sea lions, sea tur tles, dolphins, whales and tame reef sharks thr ive .
We provide complimentar y snorkeling equipment, wet suits and kayaks.
After dinner, attend a briefing by one of our naturalists. With so few guests, your guide can take
the time to explore a topic that interests you personally.
ecoventura welcomes families
Families with children are welcome throughout the year. However, dur ing
school breaks, there are designated family depar tures that offers the best of a
science museum, zoo, aviary, marine park and a cruise vacation all rolled into one.
Our naturalists know how to bring these Islands they love to life and to balance
learning with fun for the entire family.
These depar tures feature age-appropriate activities and kid-friendly meals .
They are geared toward helping younger children and teens to understand
and appreciate the delicate balance of this fragile ecosystem. On board, children
are welcome to visit the bridge and learn about astronomy, navigational char ts
and tie nautical knots with our Captain. They can enjoy special par ties including
movies and popcorn, ice cream sundae social and our special King Neptune
costume par ty and talent show.
waved albatross
With a wing span of 7 to 8 feet and a weight of up
to 11 pounds, the waved albatross is the largest
Galapagos bird. On land they walk with a waddle
and appear very clumsy, but in the air, they are
among the most graceful of sea birds.
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t h e m o d e r n f l e e t o f e c ove n t u r a
[ m / y e r i c , f l a m i n g o I , l e t t y & m / y s k y d a n c e r ]
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"These islands, volcanic nubs pushed up above the oceans surface five hundred
miles west of Ecuador, constitute one of the shrines of modern science.”
— David Quammen, Flight of the Iguana
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cruise highlights➢ 7-night expeditions depar t every Sunday from San Cristóbal
➢ 20-guest superior first-class motor yacht
➢ 10 fully air-conditioned outside staterooms with private bathrooms
➢ Dining room featuring Ecuadorian and international cuisine
➢ Fully-stocked bar
➢ Conference room for briefings with TV, DVD player and librar y
➢ Observation areas and open sun deck
Ecoventura’s signature fleet includes three identical yachts custom-designed for Galapagos cruising:
the M/Y Er ic , Flamingo I and Letty . Built in 1991 and refurbished annually, these 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 por thole view, one double bed or two twin lower beds,
fully air-conditioned with private bath (hot and cold water showers), soap/shampoo dispensers, hair
dr yer, closet, drawers, intercom and separate climate controls for your comfor t. There’s a dining
room, well-stocked bar and conference area with a flat screen TV and panoramic picture windows.
Or you can relax in a lounge chair on the sun deck, enjoying sea breezes, sunshine or a sky full
of stars.
m / y e r i c , f l a m i n g o I & l e t t y[ e x p l o r i n g t h e i s l a n d s i n t i m a t e l y a n d i n d e p t h ]
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enjoy with our compliments➢ Three meals daily, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages
➢ Captain’s welcome and farewell cocktail par ties
➢ 2 excursions daily with English-speaking naturalist
guide– maximum 10 guests
➢ Complimentar y snorkeling equipment, custom wet
suits and clear-bottom kayaks
Iguana Deck
Dolphin Deck
Booby Deck
m / y e r i c , f l a m i n g o I & l e t t y[ s i g n a t u r e y a c h t s ]
DOLPHIN DECK
BOOBY DECK
IGUANA DECK
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S L.O.A.: 83 feet / 25 meters Beam: 24 feet / 7 metersDraft: 6 feet / 1.8 metersGross Tons: 240Cruising Speed: 10-12 knotsEngines: (2) 402 HOP Caterpillar, 8-cylinder turbo diesel Generators: (2) Perking 90 KY generators Water Capacity: 5,000 gallons / 18,921 litersWatermaker Capacity: 2,530 gallons per day / 9,575 liters per dayFuel Capacity: 5,400 gallons / 20,435 liters
DOLPHIN DECKCabins have two twin lower beds or one double bed and picture windows(cabins average 95 square feet / 8.8 square meters)
BOOBY DECKCabins have one double bed and picture windows (cabins average 90 square feet / 8.4 square meters)
IGUANA DECKCabins have two twin lower beds with port lights or two twin lower beds and one upper berth to accommodate triples (cabins average 110 square meters / 10.2 square meters)C
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You’ll venture ashore in rubber infladable dinghies, locally called pangas, in small groups of ten led by
one of our experienced English-speaking guides. That’s important since you can get to know the Galapagos
more intimately aboard a smaller ship. A seasoned Captain, eight dedicated crew members and two
experienced English-speaking naturalist guides attend to the details of your cruise, beginning with transfers
from the airport on San Cristóbal to your private yacht.
You’ll start each day with an early breakfast including fresh fruit juices, eggs cooked to order and a wide array
of fresh fruit, followed by a morning excursion.The lunch buffet features a variety of crisp salads, fresh produce
and pastas, meat and fish specialties.You’ll have time for a siesta before another excursion in the afternoon. Before
dinner, naturalists hold a briefing for the next day’s activities. Relax and enjoy a leisurely dinner with local delicacies
such as ceviche, grilled seafood and enticing deserts.The Captain often dines with everyone on board.There’s
a greater sense of camaraderie and shared excitement, and it’s easier to mix and mingle with the staff and
fellow guests. Later, we navigate to the next island, arriving in the morning for a new adventure ashore.
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m / y s k y d a n c e r[ p r e m i u m d i v e l i v e - a b o a r d ]
Swept by both the cold waters of Antarctica and warm currents from the tropical Pacific, the underwater
world of the Galapagos is as uniquely enchanting as the islands themselves. Here penguins swim with tropical
fish and iguana feed underwater. Fur sea lions, hammerhead sharks, turtles and the magnificent mantas are just a
fraction of the species that thrive in one of the world’s top dive spots. Remember, the entire archipelago
has been declared a marine reserve, which protects marine life 15 nautical miles off shore and prohibits
industrial fishing 40 nautical miles off shore.
Aboard the M/Y Sky Dancer, you can explore Darwin’s living laboratory while luxuriating in all the creature
comforts of a Peter Hughes DivingTM custom-built dive vessel for up to 16 divers. Accommodations include
eight private en-suite cabins with two twin or one king size bed with window view or por t light, private
head/shower, mirrored cabinet and wardrobe, bathrobes, hairdryer and toiletries. The elegant M/Y Sky
Dancer is fully air conditioned and features a spacious lounge area and fine dining. Two dive masters
and up to four dives a day ensure that your voyage transcends into a treasured adventure.
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NS L.O.A.: 100 feet
Beam: 24 feetCruising Speed: 12 knotsRange: 2,400 milesFuel Capacity: 8,000 gallonsWater Capacity: 6,000 gallonsDesalinator Production: 4,500 gallons per dayCompressors: two high / two low pressureVoltage: 110 and 220 voltsNavigational Aids: VHF and HI-SUB radios, GMDSS, color radar, echo
sounder, Furuno GPSSafety Aides: EPIRB (emergency position indicator radio beacon)
LIDO DECK
MAIN DECK
DOLPHIN DECK
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cruise highlights➢ 7-night expeditions from San Cristóbal
➢ Diving at Wolf and Darwin islands
➢ Naturalist dive instructor and dive master
➢ Ecuadorian and international cuisine
➢ Main salon with audio/video enter tainment center
➢ Zodiac & dive platforms with fresh water showers
➢ Dive equipment and camera rentals
➢ Ample space for personal gear storage
➢ Nitrox fills
enjoy with our compliments➢ All beverages including wines and liquors
➢ Up to four dives daily and land excursions
➢ Dive deck assistance and fresh water rinses
➢ All Peter Hughes amenities including terrycloth
bathrobes, fresh hot towels after every dive
and morning beverage service
Scalloped Hammerhead Shark
Lido Deck
Luxury Dive Live-Aboard
QUITO – UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE
Ecuador’s Andean capital sits almost upon the equator,
yet at such a high altitude (almost twice as high as
Denver), its climate is superb - warm days, cool nights - all
in a setting few cities in the world can match.
Climb Cerro Panecillo to see the striking panoramas:
an emerald valley punctuated by whitewashed houses
topped with red-tiled roofs and encircled by a ring
of snowcapped volcanic cones. Walk the steep and
winding cobbled streets of the old town with its rich
colonial architecture, churches, monasteries and
museums. A host of treasures rim the majestic
Plaza de la Independencia including the 19th-century
Cathedral and Presidential Palace. Built in 1605, the
church of La Compañia with its ornate baroque
facades is a stunning display of art and architecture -
both inside and out. And don’t miss the Capilla del
Hombre (Chapel of Man), the former home and
private museum of Oswaldo Guayasamin, a legend
of Ecuadorian art, paintings, sculpture and jewelry, on
permanent exhibit.
GUAYAQUIL – PEARL OF THE PACIFIC
Ecuador’s largest city and seaport has gone through a
metamorphosis over the past few years. Its crown
jewel is the Malecón 2000, a two-mile pedestrian
walkway along the Guayas River, with restaurants, cafés
and shops, botanical gardens and a contemporary art
museum. Many buildings in the city have been
refurbished, especially in Las Peñas, Guayaquil’s oldest
neighborhood, where centuries-old houses line narrow,
atmospheric streets.
Another new attraction is the Guayaquil Historical
Park, an in situs museum of the region’s history
and culture. Here you’ll find a wildlife park with the
flora and fauna that once populated the area including
parrots, tapirs and deer, a historic zone that recreates
Guayaquil from the early 1900s, and an area that
celebrates the indigenous cultures complete with
recreated haciendas and people in native dress.
Ecuador contains some of South America’s most spectacular scenery
and Ecoventura’s post-cruise options are a seamless way of extending
your travels ashore.Whether you choose to spend just the day or
a night or two, we offer a selection of options that range from city
tours in Guayaquil and Quito to overland trips through the Avenue
of the Volcanoes or to the famous market at Otavalo. Stay in a jungle
lodge in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Or reach for the sky on a 6-night
journey to Machu Picchu hidden high above the clouds in the
Peruvian Andes.The choice is yours.
OTAVALO & THE CENTRAL HIGHLANDS
The Andean region north of Quito is famous for
crystal lakes, traditional adobe villages, snowcapped
volcanoes and bustling markets.The famous market
at Otavalo with its magnificent Andean setting is
one of the largest in South America. In spite of its
popularity, the indigenous people continue to maintain
their ethnic identity, wearing traditional blue ponchos
and speaking Quichua, their native language. Here
you’ll find an array of native, locally-made crafts
including alpaca sweaters, ponchos, Panama hats (an
Ecuadorian creation despite its name), hammocks
and woven tapestries.You’ll also visit Calderón, famous
for its bread-dough figures, and Cotacachi with its fine
leather goods.
HACIENDA CUSIN & MONESTARIO DE CUSIN
This exquisitely restored 17th-century estate offers
great food and charming guest rooms and cottages,
many furnished with antiques and log-burning fireplaces.
LA MIRAGE GARDEN HOTEL & SPA
This luxury country inn built on the grounds of a
200-year-old hacienda is the only Relais & Châteaux
property in Ecuador. All rooms are essentially suites
with separate sitting areas, fireplaces and fine antiques.
The outdoor gardens are also magnificent and there’s
a spa and an outstanding restaurant.
e c u a d o r [ l a n d o f c o n t r a s t ]
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AVENUE OF THE VOLCANOES, COTOPAXI & CENTRAL MARKETS
Discover the spectacular scenery of Cotopaxi
National Park and the Avenue of the Volcanoes, where
11 massive, brooding, snow-covered peaks overlook
brooks and rivers, small villages and terraced farmlands.
You can visit a market nearly every day of the week
where natives dressed in colorful ponchos come
from miles around to trade their livestock, handicrafts
and gossip. Or go hiking or biking in the park, named
after the highest active volcano in the world. Cotopaxi,
with its perfectly shaped cone is home to such high-
altitude birds as the Punta hawk and even the
Andean condor.
LA CIENEGA
This 400-year old hacienda with its beautiful gardens
and view of Cotopaxi Volcano is a colonial jewel.
Its massive walls have been witness to some of the
most important events in the history of Ecuador.
SAN AUGUSTIN DEL CALLO
Experience daily life on a working hacienda at San
Augustin del Callo, built in the 15th-century on the
site of an Inca palace and once an important
Augustinian convent.
e c u a d o r i a n r a i n f o r e s t [ j u n g l e l o d g e s ]
The Ecuadorian Amazon, El Oriente, is home to more species of plants and animals than in the rest of
the world's ecosystems combined: brilliant hummingbirds, toucans, macaws, parrots - over 400 species of
birds alone!
Beneath the green canopies wander tapirs, capybaras, peccaries and even jaguar. Scores of howler
monkeys swing from vine to vine and streams, rivers and lakes suppor t an exciting number of species
from the vicious caimans and piranhas to freshwater dolphins and gentle manatees.
Here along the Napo River in the hear t of the rainforest, jungle lodges offer comfor table
accommodations and excellent access to the awesome wildlife. Escor ted by a naturalist and native
guide, you can hike or venture in dugout canoes to the backwaters of this vibrant ecosystem,
discovering the remarkable diversity wildlife and enjoying cultural encounters in tribal villages
tucked deep in the jungle.
Hidden high in the Andes and lost to the world
for centuries, Machu Picchu was rediscovered in
1911 by retired U.S. Senator Hiram Bingham. A
journey to this lofty citadel is a once-in-a-life-
time experience.
Our 6-night land extension includes two nights
in Lima, Peru’s Andean capital, built on both sides
of the Rio Rimac at the foot of the Cerro San
Cristóbal.The colonial area around Plaza de Armas is
a pedestrian district lined with splendid 17th-century
architecture. Lima has many fine museums and
private art collections with pre-Columbian artifacts,
stunning relics from the Cuzco era and beautiful
works of colonial ar t.
Cuzco is an Andean jewel and UNESCO World
Cultural Heritage site.Visit the cathedral and La
Compañia, the convent of Santo Domingo and the
fortress of Sacsayhuaman. Just an hour away lies
LA SELVA LODGE
Deep in the virgin forest, La Selva is situated on a
splendid hilltop setting overlooking Garzacocha
Lake. Built entirely of local materials and delightfully
designed to blend with its natural setting, this small,
intimate eco-hotel can accommodate up to 40
guests in 16 bungalows with private baths and a
lodge with dining room and bar/lounge overlooking
the lake. La Selva is well known for its "gourmet"
jungle cuisine, and there's also a butterfly farm and
a 135-foot tower for a true bird's-eye view of the
forest canopy.
SACHA LODGE
With its stunning lakeside setting and experienced
enthusiastic staff, Sacha Lodge provides a superb
base from which to explore the rainforest.There
are 26 duplex cabins (accommodating up 52 guests)
with private baths and high thatched roofs designed
with native materials and well concealed in the lush
surroundings. Sacha is home to one of the largest
butterfly farms in Ecuador. The observation tower
built around a giant kapok tree is an excellent
lookout for birders, and a just-completed 940-
foot canopy walkway provides an unbelievable
opportunity to spot animals and epiphytes seldom
seen from the ground.
NAPO WILDLIFE CENTER
From accessible parrot clay licks to giant otters, Napo
Wildlife Center shows off spectacular wildlife in Yasuní
National Park. It is the newest luxury hotel in the
region, an ecotourism project that includes the
conservation of over 52,000 acres of some of the
most important rainforest in the national park.
The Center accommodates up to 20 guests in 10
private bungalows with lake views.There's a dining
room, bar and lounge, and an adjacent observation
tower.The Center is uniquely located in the ancestral
territory of the Anangu Quichua community.
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the narrow, winding Urubamba Valley, known as
the Sacred Valley of the Incas, with picturesque
villages like Pisac, known for its colorful market, and
Ollaytaytambo built on top of original
Inca foundations.
Abandoned by the Incas, fabled Machu Picchu
is located high above the clouds in a spectacular
setting overlooking the deep canyon of the
Urubamba River.The citadel served as a place of
worship and stargazing, and as a private hacienda for
Inca royalty.
Ecoventura’s 6-night Machu Picchu extension is
available in three different categories based on hotel
and transportation.The deluxe tour includes travel
on the Hiram Bingham Orient Express train and
lodging at the most luxurious hotels in Peru, the
Premium First Class tour offers the best value
and the Standard tour is our most affordable.
machu picchu [ lost city of the incas ]
t e s t i m o n i a l s [ p a s s e n g e r s ’ e x p e r i e n c e ]
“We just returned from celebrating our honeymoon
on the Flamingo I in the Galapagos. Besides having
a phenomenal visit with the wildlife (in and on the
water) and reveling in the scenery, we also thoroughly
enjoyed the social life. We've never toured with a
more across-the-board delightful group of employees
than we found on the Flamingo I.”
— Maria Doyle and A.J. Rogers
“We enjoyed the luxuries of the Eric, the good food
and great level of service provided by all the crew.
More importantly, the manner in which Ecoventura
makes it possible for visitors to experience nature
in small groups when traveling on the Flamingo I is
a rare and greatly appreciated experience.”
— Emilie Barber
“Ecoventura embodies an informal
spirit of discovery and adventure.”
— Santiago Dunn, President
“The Letty was FABULOUS!!! I keep telling everyone
that if you can only take one vacation for the rest
of your life, go to the Galapagos Islands and go on
an Ecoventura boat. I especial ly loved the 20
passenger limit.The small boat experience can't be
beat. Another thing I found to be so impressive were
the ecologically responsible policies you adhere to.
I can never say enough positive things about
your company.”
— Valerie Morello
“This turned out to be the trip of a lifetime.
I cannot say enough good things about the quality of
the Ecoventura staff. Everyone from the booking
agent, to the crew on the Letty, to the naturalists who
accompanied us on all our adventures, were truly
extraordinary people.”
— Jennifer Rennet
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