Galapagos (Ecuador)

This small, coastal country is so-named for its position at the widest part of the Earth – the Equator. Fittingly, Ecuador’s crown jewel – the Galapagos Islands – is similarly situated astride the Earth’s latitudinal centre line. Approximately 1000 km west of the mainland lies the curious cluster of islands that so fascinated Charles Darwin during his famed voyage of the HMS Beagle in 1835 – a voyage that proved crucial in providing us with a deeper understanding of evolution and ecology. By boarding one of our fully chartered yachts, you are taken into a world like no other. Highlights will include swimming with sea turtles and myriad tropical fish; walking among sleeping sea lions on the various sand and coral beaches; clambering over pristine lava fields; and coming in close proximity to animals wholly unafraid of humans. Your Galapagos expedition cruise can be bookended in various ways, including a visit to highland city Quito in the heart of the Andes mountains; birding on the slopes of the Andeas; or staying at our lodge in Mindo Cloud Forest.

• The Darwin Research Station conducts active science aimed at preserving endangered species
• The Otavalo Market offers a stunning array of art and crafts without any of the dreaded hucksterism
• Ecuador was the first nation in 2008 to declare that nature has constitutional rights
• The world-famous Panama hat is actually of Ecuadorian origin
• The Flightless Cormorant is the only of its kind that cannot fly

• Getting the perfect picture of iconic Pinnacle Rock
• Dining at our favourite hacienda near Otavalo
• Spending a few days in the clouds at our rainforest lodge