Galapagos 2019 SOLD OUT
We love the natural world with all its wonder, beauty and diversity. So, we have selected the Galapagos Islands and Ecuador for this conference and tours, knowing it is on the bucket list for many of you.
Galapagos 2020 from Mark Cunich on Vimeo.
Galapagos Islands Cruise – Conference Program
The Santa Cruz II took up the baton from its legendary prodecessor, M/V Santa Cruz in 2015, and brought with it a chic new way to explore the wonders of the Galapagos Islands in style and comfort. On top of Metropolitan Touring’s unrivalled expeditions, this ship guarantees that the utmost care will be given to the Galapagos Islands by implementing the newest sustainable advances in sailing, thus protecting their delicate ecosystem.
The Galapagos Islands is a magical realm where isolation has caused the wildlife to evolve into fascinating forms with unique behaviours. Cormorants have forgotten how to fly, iguanas have learnt to swim, turtles have become gigantic and sharks are mild. For most people this is a once-in-a-life-time journey so we have selected the itinerary to give you a chance to see as many landscapes, seascapes and types of creatures as possible. For the keen photographers amongst you, opportunities will abound. We are sure you’ll enjoy the luxuries of our small private ship – the comfy cabins, the gourmet meals, the panoramic lounge, the great service. We look forward to sharing a drink and tales of the day’s adventures on the top deck with you.
Ecuador is a place that brings together our love of traditional ways of life, history and stunning scenery. So, for our pre-conference tour we take you on an adventure from Quito through the Andes all the way down to sea-level at Guayaquil. We’ll wend our way through the verdant pastures of the highlands through little villages where traditional Indian life continues; spy dramatic volcanoes; walk past crashing waterfalls; clamber over Inca ruins; explore beautiful colonial towns; take one the world’s most amazing train trips; and barter for locally-made handicrafts at colourful markets.
The Amazonian jungle is another of those experiences on many a wish list. So, for the post-conference tour we take you deep into the Ecuadorian Rainforest to stay in an ecolodge. There you can stroll along canopy walkways, paddle in dug-out canoes and walk through the jungle with native guides to discover the mysteries of the forest and the life of the Kichwa Anangu. We’ll be on the look-out for monkeys, sloths, toucans, river dolphins and more birds and insects than you can poke a camera at.
So we hope you will share the Galapagos and Ecuador adventure – designed by us with passion for your pleasure.