SOUTH AMERICA | TOURS & CRUISES
Planning your trip to the Galapagos Islands
Editor's Note: Like most equatorial locales, the Galapagos are a year-round destination. September, however, typically sees the roughest seas, water temperatures are at their coolest and the majority of the reliable yachts head for dry dock for most of the month.
THE BEST WAY
From LAX, American and Avianca offer direct service (stop, no change of plane) and American, Continental, Copa, Delta and Lacsa offer connecting service (change of plane) to Quito, Ecuador. Restricted round-trip fares begin at $379. From LAX to Guayaquil, Ecuador, American, Continental, Copa, Delta and Lacsa offer connecting service. Restricted round-trip fares begin at $613.
FOR THE RECORD:
Galápagos map: In the Sept. 2 newspaper, a map accompanying the article on the Galápagos Islands mislabeled the country of Colombia as Ecuador.
From Quito or Guayaquil, passengers have a choice among three Ecuadorean airlines for their trip to the Galápagos: Aerogal, Icaro or Tame. Round-trip fares range from $380 to $410. Tickets can be purchased through a tour operator or may be included in the price of a boat package. Tickets should be purchased at least six weeks ahead.
PACKAGE TOURS
Quasar Nautica Expeditions, (800) 247-2925, www.yachtsgalapagos.com or www.quasarex.com. The Lammer Law is a 16-passenger, 93-foot trimaran with eight cabins, each with its own bathroom and shower. Seven-day, eight-night cruises including meals and a naturalist cost $3,600 per person.
Metropolitan Touring, (877) 534-8584, www.metropolitan-touring.com. The Isabella II is a 40-passenger, 21-cabin ocean cruiser. Cost of an eight-day, seven-night cruise -- including all meals and three naturalists but no airfare -- is $3,600 per person.
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