SEATTLE, Aug. 16, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Travelers have 10 opportunities in 2017 to channel their inner Darwin with UnCruise Adventures' updated nine-day trip in Quito, Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands. A new itinerary spends two days exploring colonial Quito and 7 days cruising the islands on the 48-guest La Pinta.
The Darwin’s Islands & Colonial Quito adventure begins with a two-night stay at the Casa Gangotena, a 31-room upscale boutique hotel in Quito’s historic center. Guided walking tours explore the city’s culture and cuisine, and bring guests to historic landmarks and museums. Guests also take in the entire nighttime panorama of the city with a private dinner at Quito’s premier view restaurant.
The six-night island cruise aboard La Pinta sails from Isla Baltra and visits the islands of Seymour Norte, Isabela, Fernandina, Rábida, Santa Cruz and Floreana. Highlights include visits to seven islands with stops at the Charles Darwin Research Center, the geological marine site of Punta Vicente Roca on Isla Isabela, as well as a visit to Isla Rábida’s red beach.
“Visiting the Galápagos Islands is a once in a lifetime opportunity for most people,” said Captain Dan Blanchard, CEO. “The wildlife encounters here are unforgettable, and combined with time in Quito, it’s a well-rounded tour of two must-see UNESCO sites.”
Expert naturalists, guided tours and small group adventure activities aid in exploring the islands’ birds and wildlife up close in their natural habitat. See giant tortoises, iguanas, flamingos, green sea turtles, white-tipped reef sharks and lava lizards. Guests can also see blue-footed boobies, 13 species of Darwin’s finches, flightless cormorants, gulls, seabirds, shorebirds, tropic birds and the short-eared owl. Guests can choose to kayak, walk, hike, skiff, snorkel and peek into the underwater world through a glass-bottom boat.
The 10 departure dates in 2017 include February 22, March 22, April 19, May 3 and 17, June 28, July 12 and 26, August 9 and October 4. Comprehensive inclusions consist of two nights deluxe hotel accommodations; two commercial flights between Quito and Galápagos; entry fees to national parks/preserves; exclusive transfers; tours and adventure activities; breakfast, lunch and private dinner in Quito on day two; and all meals plus premium spirits, wine, and beer on board La Pinta. In 2017, rates begin at $8,295 per person, double occupancy for the inclusive land tour and island cruise adventure.
Two land tour extensions take guests further into South America. A four-night Amazon rain forest cruise aboard the Anakonda explores the Amazon Basin. Travel through the Pañacocha Biological Corridor, home to pink and grey river dolphins, monkeys, manatee and caiman. Cruise the Napo River and visit Yasuni National Park, a UNESCO Biological Reserve, with eyes peeled for parrots, macaw and parakeets. Rates begin at $2,725 per person, double occupancy.
An adventure tour exploring Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and the Sacred Valley in Peru can be added post-cruise. This six-night tour visits Lima, Chinchero, Ollantaytambo, Moray, Maras, Machu Picchu and Cusco. Guided tours visit Inca sites and towns in the Sacred Valley with interpretation of the culture, history and people past and present. Machu Picchu and Cusco are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Rates begin at $4,695 per person, double occupancy. Bookings placed before October 28, 2016 will receive a savings of $300 per couple when reserving the February 22, March 22 or April 19, 2017 departure.
To book or to request additional information, contact your travel agent or UnCruise Adventures at 888-862-8881 or sales@uncruise.com. Group and family charters are available.
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Editor’s note: Visit the Media Gallery for press materials and images. More high-res photos for editorial use are available through Sarah Scoltock at sarahs@uncruise.com.
About UnCruise Adventures
Celebrating 20 years of adventure in 2016, UnCruise Adventures’ boutique yachts and small ships carry 22-88 guests on voyages in Alaska, Hawaiian Islands, Mexico’s Sea of Cortés, Columbia & Snake Rivers, coastal Washington, British Columbia, Galápagos Islands, Costa Rica and Panamá. UnCruise Adventures, under the parent company of InnerSea Discoveries Alaska Inc., is a member of Trusted Adventures, dedicated to the highest standards of small-group travel and to giving back to the places visited.