020 8747 8315 / journeylatinamerica.co.uk bookings, consultant advice and additional information 109Tourist class yachtsThese are smaller than the cruise liners and offer a more intimate atmosphere. The cabins are comfortable with reasonable amenities, if not particularly spacious. They are favoured by those who prefer the laid-back approach of a smaller craft. Letty, Eric & Flamingo These are identical 25.5m motor yachts with ten outside cabins over three decks, the upper two of which have picture windows. They have a dining room, bar and library, and the teak furnishings create a sleek, nautical look. Each vessel has two transparent bottom tandem kayaks to explore the underwater world from above. Top class and excellent value. Departs Sunday 6 or 8 days Cachalote This 29m schooner/motor sailer has capacity for 16 passengers in eight upper/lower berths distributed over three wooden decks, each teak wood cabin has two portholes. She is an old-style boat appealing to those who prefer a true sea-borne experience in a cosy informal setting. Meals are served in the Victorian-style dining room. Departs Wednesdays, 8 days Beluga This sturdy 33m steel-hulled motor cruiser accommodates 16 passengers in eight attractive double cabins. She has a modern-designed interior and ample space on deck to relax. In fact, in spite of her compact size, there is a real feeling of space throughout the vessel. Departs Fridays, 8 days SANTA CRUZDarwin'sBayPrincePhillip'sStepsKickerRockGardnerBayPuertoBaquerizoMorenoPuntaSuárezPuertoAyoraPuntaTagus CoveEspinosaPuertoEgasChineseHatBARTOLOMÉISABELAFERNANDINAJAMESSAN CRISTÓBALTOWERNORTH SEYMOURESPAÑOLABlackTurtleCoveSullivan BayCerro DragonDarwin BayPrincePhillip'sStepsGardnerBayPuntaSuárezPuertoAyoraPuntaCormorantPost Office BayUrbinaBayPuntaEspinosaPuertoEgasElizabethPuntaBayMorenoCerroBrujoChineseHatTagusCovePuntaVicenteRocaBARTOLOMÉISABELAFERNANDINASANTA CRUZJAMESFLOREANABALTRAPLAZAESPAÑOLANORTH SEYMOUR---- 8 days/7 nights Genovesa itinerary---- 8 days/7 nights Fernandina itinerarySANCRISTÓBALSANTA FÉRABIDATOWERGardnerBayPuntaSuárezPuertoAyoraPuntaPost Office BayCormorantUrbina BayTagusCovePuntaEspinosaPuertoEgasCerroDragonElizabeth BayPunta MorenoIslaLobosPuntaPittPuntaVicenteRocaSullivanBayEspumillaBeachBARTOLOMÉISABELAFERNANDINASANTA CRUZJAMESFLOREANANORTH SEYMOURBALTRA---- 8 days/7 nights Genovesa itinerary---- 8 days/7 nights Fernandina itineraryESPAÑOLASANCRISTÓBALPLAZASANTA FÉTOWERPrincePhillip'sStepsDarwin BayOther tourist class yachts we recommend include: Sagitta, Coral I and II, Beagle, Monserrat. Full details on our website.metropolitan touringmetropolitan touring

STEPHANIE BONHAM-CARTERmetropolitan touring110 Galápagos IslandsAlternative Galápagos The most popular way of exploring the Galápagos Islands is to take a naturalist cruise. But for some, the idea of sea travel is less appealing than a land-based exploration avoiding the restrictions of on-board life and offering more active explorations. You can enjoy a varied holiday in the archipelago based at one of a number of eco-aware hotels and guesthouses. Most are located on Santa Cruz Island, one of the largest and home to Puerto Ayora and Baltra airport. There is a nascent hotel infrastructure on Isabela Island, featuring locally-run, economical family guesthouses with basic facilities. There are a number of excursions and activities on offer at all Galápagos hotels, including hikes, mountain-biking, horse-riding, sea-kayaking, snorkelling, scuba diving and day tours to other islands.Even if you choose to take a cruise, you can extend your stay for a few days to relax on land. A wind-down after a week of ship-based exploration, wildlife observation and lectures is highly recommended.Finch Bay is the only one on Santa Cruz Island which is situated on a beach. The location is idyllic: there are no paved roads or motorised vehicles. The wooden building features verandahs and interconnecting walkways and is surrounded by mangroves, and there is a large pool. Galápagos Safari Camp is an exquisite property, perfect for a total relax. It is based on the concept of top-of-the-range African safari camps, which have little to do with transitory camping under canvas. The main lava-built lodge sits astride a ridge with panoramic views and the 9 huge luxury 'tents' each have a balcony, bedroom and separate bathroom. There's a small infinity pool.Walking in the Galápagos and Andean Ecuador 12 days, 10 nightsQuito 2 nights, Chugchilán 2n, Quito 1n, Isabela island, Galápagos 4n, Guayaquil 1n.Day 1 Fly from the UK, arriving Quito the same evening. Accommodation at Hotel Patio Andaluz for 2 nights. Day 2 Afternoon tour of the city including the colonial centre and city views from El Panacillo hill. Days 3&4 Drive down the Avenue of the Volcanoes, via the indigenous markets at Saquisili or Pujilí, to the Black Sheep Inn at Chugchilán, high on the eastern flank of the Andes. Visit the volcanic crater of Quilotoa (below) with its gemstone green lake and hike back (5hrs) through exquisite, diverse countryside (p100). Day 5 Return to Quito, overnight. Days 6-9 Fly to Baltra in the Galápagos Islands and continue by light aircraft to Isabela. Its only settlement, Puerto Villamil, is very peaceful with a laid-back atmosphere, you will be based at a small guesthouse where you choose between a wide range of activities including biking, snorkelling and trekking. Highlights include a visit to the Sierra Negra volcano, and the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre. Guided observation of the prolific wildlife indigenous to the island (60% of Galápagos species are present on Isabela) is of course provided on most of these excursions. Day 10 Fly to Guayaquil on the Pacific coast, overnight. Day 11 Fly to the UK, arriving day 12. Prices from £2,526pp based on two sharing, excluding transatlantic flights. Regular departures from the UK istockphoto.comTROPIC