Chile contd… Patagonia/Torres del Paine

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Patagonia/Torres del Paine
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Galapagos Islands at a Glance Baltra Island Baltra is one of the main gateways to the Galapagos and many cruises depart from here. The island has more desolate vegetation than any other Galapagos island. Here you will find the dramatic cactus tree. Isabela Island The largest island in the Galapagos, created by lava flow from six volcanoes, five of which are still active. A diverse range of wildlife inhabit the island including giant tortoises, land iguanas, blue-footed boobies, mocking birds, Galapagos penguins, flamingos and pelicans. San Cristobal Island San Cristobal Island is the Galapagos' alternative airport. Back in September 1835, San Cristobal was the first island Charles Darwin set foot upon in the Galapagos. The island is home to many sea birds, including frigate birds and the blue-footed booby and large sea lion colonies. Santa Fe (Barrington) Island The small bay on Santa Fe provides one of the most picturesque anchorages in the Galapagos, which is often strewn with California sea lions. From here, follow a trail through a forest of tall opuntia cacti and you may be lucky enough to spot the large endemic land iguanas. Santa Cruz Island Home to the Charles Darwin Research Station, here you can learn about the conservation efforts being undertaken in the area. Impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forests, many land birds, including eight species of Darwin finches and the famous giant tortoises can all been seen here. Fernandina (Narborough) Island Fernandina, the youngest island in the archipelago, has an amazing combination of barrenness and abundant wildlife. Having no introduced mammals, it has a very unique environment, with the highest density of marine iguanas, sea lions, Sally lightfoot crabs and hawks. Bartolomé Island A small island, Bartolomé has a wild and unearthly lava landscape and is home to the famous Pinnacle Rock. To get the best views and fantastic photographs you will need to take the steep climb, aided by a wooden staircase, to the top for breathtaking views. Espanola (Hood) Island Espanola is the most southerly island with the whitest coral beach, complete with a noisy colony of sea lions and excellent snorkelling opportunities. You will encounter curious mockingbirds, blue-footed and masked boobies, Sally lightfoot crabs and red-bill tropical birds. Santiago (James) Island One of the larger islands in the archipelago, dramatically covered with lava flows, arid vegetation and volcanic black sand beaches. At low tide the marine iguanas graze upon the emerald green algae. Santiago is great for snorkelling and swimming. North Seymour Island In early years, North Seymour Island lay on the ocean bed. Here, enjoy a walk along the coast and observe bird colonies of blue-footed boobies, magnificent frigate birds, swallow-tailed gulls, sea lions and marine iguanas. Genovesa (Tower) Genovesa Island is now an extinct eroded volcanco. See thousands of birds including frigate birds, red-footed boobies and lava gulls. From December to June the spectacular courtship of the frigate birds can be witnessed. Bartolome Island Floreana (Charles) Island In 1793, the `Post Office barrel' was established by British whalers to send letters to and from England. Floreana is also home to pintail ducks, warblers, stingrays, green turtles and the pinkest flamingos in the world. M/V Galapagos Legend M/V Legend The expedition ship, the MV Legend, is the fastest ship in the Galapagos and boasts the extensive facilities of a cruise liner whilst being able to offer the intimacy of a smaller craft; ideal for those who yearn to get closer to nature, but who wish to do so in a degree of comfort and style ­ in essence, the best of both worlds. The air-conditioned cabins and suites, 57 in total, all come with private facilities and are fully carpeted. Facilities on-board include the outdoor pool with adjoining sun-deck and Fisherman's Bar. Also outside are the observation decks, from where passengers can spot dolphins, and various al fresco dining areas; however, most of the chefs' international dishes can be enjoyed in the Dining Room or served privately in the intimacy of one's cabin. The passenger lounge is used to hold the Neptune Party which celebrates the crossing of the equator and any other social activities, whilst for those passengers who have a deeper interest in the islands, an extensive library can be found on board with books and films relevant to the Galapagos. Apart from viewing the incredibly rare wildlife of the Galapagos by land and by sea, passengers also have some tremendous hiking opportunities, the chance to swim and snorkel in these stunning waters and the rare delight of visiting the Charles Darwin Research Centre in Puerto Ayora. Islands visited include (7-night cruise): China Hat, Santa Cruz, Floreana, Espanola, San Cristobel, North Seymour, Bartolome, Isabela, Fernandina and Santiago Galapagos National Park fee of $100 (subject to change) per person is payable locally. Tour Prices Prices per person, twin share including all meals & excursions, in £'s from M/V Galapagos Legend 3 Night Mon 4 Night Thu 7 Night Mon & Thu 1243 1414 Superior - Interior 01Jan08-31Dec08 592 665 789 887 Superior - Exterior 01Jan08-31Dec08 Junior Suite 01Jan08-31Dec08 786 1048 1697 Supplements apply 01-07Jan08, 22Jan-29Feb08, 13Mar-30Apr08, 01Jul-02Sep08, 01Oct25Nov08 & 17-31Dec08: Superior - Interior 3nt £34, 4nt £46 & 7nt £80, Superior - Exterior 3nt £33, 4nt £44 & 7nt £77, Junior Suite 3nt £40, 4nt £53 & 7nt £85. Prices for single cabins are available on request. Brochure prices may change. See booking conditions. 55