Getting down to the Galapagos Islands has always been considered expensive, but that can't be said any longer with Metropolitan Touring's packages, which start at an incredibly low $999, ranging up to as much as $2,348 for the best cabins and longer itineraries.
These prices are for selected departures of the 90-passenger Santa Cruz and the 40-passenger Isabela II between now and December 23, 2002. You get a three-, four- or seven-night Galapagos cruise, a four-night stay in a first class or deluxe hotel in Quito with breakfast daily, a half-day tour in that city, an excursion to the Otavalo Indian market with lunch at a country inn, and all airport transfers. (The airfare is separate, up to you, though Metropolitan will help your search for the lowest fares from your gateway city.)
In the Galapagos, the package includes all meals, daily briefings and sightseeing excursions led by naturalist guides, as well as use of snorkeling equipment. In Quito, lodging is at the 4-star Dann Carlton or the Mansion del Angel (a boutique hotel), or at the 5-star Swissotel.
The costs mentioned range at the low end for seven nights, then $1,259 to $1,659 for 8 nights, and $1,979 to $2,348 for 11 nights. Price is per person, with two persons in a room or cabin. Children get a 50% discount if under 12 years of age. The cheapest price, $999, is available for a three-night Santa Cruz sailing combined with the Hotel Dann Carlton, and is available on one or more departures per month from August through December. Galapagos National Park entrance fee and roundtrip airfare between the Galapagos and the mainland cost extra.
More information on these packages, including exact departure dates, is available on Adventure Associate's Web site, www.metropolitan-touring.com, or by phoning 800/527-2500 or 972/907-0414.
