shutterstock.commetropolitan touringisabelle mazillejascinva carvalho020 8747 8315 / journeylatinamerica.co.uk bookings, consultant advice and additional information 111 darwin's triangle Fancy getting more of an intimate feel of the islands? There's a novel, exciting way of seeing, breathing and sleeping in this unique environment, hopping by motor launch between Santa Cruz, Floreana and Isabela, staying on each at the new Red Mangrove Lodges: small, adobe or wooden, rustic-style hotels. You'll be taken on guided excursions, including hikes across lava fields, in the highlands and through tropical forests, and snorkelling off powder-white beaches. You'll see the same prolific, curious wildlife as you would from a cruise, where landfalls are relatively short and more regimented. Further options Travelling alone Some cruise companies will accept your booking in a twin cabin on a 'willing to share' basis, and the price you pay will be as if you were one of a couple. This price will be honoured even if no-one actually shares with you. If you insist on a single cabin, some companies will charge in full for the unoccupied space (even though there may be only one bed!). Travelling as a family The Galápagos Islands are a wonderful destination for families, and children will be enthralled by the wildlife. The weird lava formations, blow-holes, white beaches, swimming and snorkelling offer great entertainment for older children. Family departures cater especially for children, with games, films, special meals and specialist children's guides for the excursions. Other vessels may accept children, but not all have specific children's facilities. In all cases parents are responsible for their children's safety and behaviour. Alternatively, you can have an excellent land-based family holiday staying at one of the hotels, which offer a range of activities. Diving in the Galápagos Strong currents, surge and cold waters make diving in the Galápagos difficult, but the dramatic undersea theatre is one of the most spectacular in the world. To be comfortable diving here you will have to have at least 30 open water dives in your log book. Galápagos waters are full of large marine life?whale sharks, hammerheads and rays. Dive departures and occasional dives on naturalist cruises may be pre-booked; please consult our website or ask our consultants. Above Tortuga Bay.

112Sublime landscapes, wildlife, history, culture?Peru has more than its fair share: there is something for everyone in this ancient land. Snow-capped Andean peaks shelter the temples and fortresses of the Inca and other pre-Columbian cultures, linked by a network of paved trails easily followed by the modern traveller, who may prefer to visit them by road or rail. Much of Peru's territory lies in the Amazon basin, swathed in tropical forest, surviving virtually untouched; but its diversity of exotic wildlife and vegetation is surprisingly accessible. Peru's arid coastline is dotted with the haunting remnants of ancient cultures?easy to visit, a bit harder to decipher, always fascinating.Above and beside of all of this, the Spanish colonial heritage has survived to provide a living record of the richness of its art and architecture?from humble village to imperial city, the visitor is spoilt for choice. The markets, music and fiestas of contemporary Peru just add to the colour.This is a country with a long tradition of welcoming visitors, which has a sophisticated and wide-ranging infrastructure, from rustic guesthouses to fine hotels; mountain bikes to luxury trains, paved roads and frequent local flights.