CHOOSE YOUR TRIP - ECUADOR

• Project Ecuador
  Visit Quito, the highest capital city in the world. Explore Otavalo and it's famouse markets. Take a 3 day Amazon Jungle excursion.
• Climb-Bike-Dive Ecuador
  A multiday adventure tour in Galapagos - dive, mountain bike, sea kayak and horse ride. A guided climb of Cotapaxi (the highest volcano in the world) and the Picchincha volcano. And a visit to Banos - a health resort of hot thermal pools.

ABOUT ECUADOR

Our distinctly different adventures in Ecuador, take us through the Andes and along the valley of volcanoes, taking in some of Ecuador’s most dramatic scenery and highest peaks. Ride on the roof of the train as it negotiates the spectacular “devils nose” rail ride. Immerse yourself in the famous markets of Otavalo, wheeling and dealing with the local Indians as they have done since pre Inca times. Roam the cobble stone streets of the colonial town of Cuenca, Ecuador’s cultural meca. Go deep into the Amazon basin and discover the unparalleled biodiversity unlike anywhere else in the world. The Galapagos Islands... there's nothing like them in the world. Incredible and beautiful volcanic landscapes and animals with no fear of people.

275.830km squared, Ecuador is about the some land mass as New Zealand and is nestled in the northwest coast of South America. Bound by Colombia to the north, Peru to the east and south and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Ecuador is defined by 4 distinct regions, The Andean Highlands, The Pacific Lowlands, The Amazon Basin and The Galapagos Islands. Ecuador offers a fascinating blend of the colonial and indigenous cultures: charming towns and villages, colourful indigenous markets, pre-Colombian artifacts, and impressive architecture.

The Galapagos Islands are located approximately 1000km west of Ecuador. The isolation of the islands has allowed life forms to evolve,and to be only found in the Galapagos. An the incredible array of mammals, fish, birds and reptiles will make for a unforgettable experience.

QUICK FACTS

OFFICIAL NAME: Republic of Ecuador
POPULATION: 12 500 000
CAPITAL CITY: Quito
PEOPLE: 40% INDIAN, 40% MESTIZO (mixed European and Indian decent), 15% Spanish, 5% African decent
LANGUAGE: Spanish, Quechua, Quichua
RELIGION: 90% Roman Catholic, 10% Other
CURRENCY: American dollar
MAJOR INDUSTRIES: Bananas, tourism, oil, shrimp, coffee, fish

Galapagos Multi-Activity Adventure Trip (10 days)
From the heights of the second largest volcanic crater in the world, to the depths of the enriched and unexplored waters of Galapagos, our carefully planned Adven-tour is a must for all lovers of outdoor adventure.
 
INTRODUCTION

Southern Exposure Tours brings you a wild and unforgettable Galapagos Islands experience.

The Galapagos Islands are known worldwide for their fearless wildlife, but no amount of hype can prepare you for such a close encounter with nature. Here you can amaze at Giant 200kg tortoises lumbering through cactus forests, enjoy the entertaining courtship display of the blue footed boobies and Magnificent frigate birds, or snorkel with penguins , sea lions, and sea turtles, all in startling close up.

Galapagos, or “The Enchanted Islands”, discovered in 1535 and made famous by British scientist Charles Darwin over 150 years ago, have evolved into one of the top tourist destinations in the world and voted as one of the “Seven wonders of the underwater world”.

97% of the land in the archipelago and 40 miles of surrounding waters are protected and form The Galapagos Marine Reserve.
Because of strict regulations enforced by The Galapagos National Park this delicate ecosystem has continued to thrive and has led to the islands nomination as a “Natural Heritage of Humanity” (2002).

Located on the equator, 970km west of the Ecuadorian coast in South America, The Galapagos archipelago consists of 6 main islands; San Cristobal (capital), Santa Cruz, Isabela, Floreana, Santiago and Fernandina (the last two are uninhabited). There are also 12 smaller islands and over 40 small islets that have official names.

The total land area of the islands is about 8000 km2 spread over about 45,000 km2 of sea.

DIVE GALAPAGOS

Do not miss out on the opportunity to Scuba dive in Galapagos!!

Best known for its big animals, wall and drift diving, these volcanic islands are one of the most desirable Scuba diving destinations in the world.
Catering for all levels of divers, the Galapagos Islands are an adventure diver’s paradise where any moment could surprise you. The animals here are seen in such abundance and variety that you wont find in any other place.
Not just reef fish, and schools of pelagic fish, in Galapagos you can encounter sea lions, marine turtles, moray eels, penguins, dolphins, and several species of whales, sharks, and rays; an incredible diversity, including many unique endemic species.

With full dive equipment available and a bilingual Dive master, complete your Galapagos adventure by experiencing this amazing and unforgettable underwater world.

The islands have 2 main climatic seasons. From December to June, air temperatures are warm (ave.28c) and the skies are usually clear with occasional heavy rain showers.
From June to November the air is slightly cooler (ave. 24c) and the skies are often slightly overcast, although there is very little rain in the coastal regions.

Scuba diving and snorkeling is done all year round in Galapagos. During the hot/wet season (Dec-June) prevailing winds are from the east and the islands are bathed in the warm northern currents coming from the Panama basin, average sea temperatures are 26c and the sea is gentler.
During the cold/dry season (July-Nov) winds from the southeast prevail, the seas are often choppy, influenced by strong currents from the south, and average sea temperatures are 22c , but can drop to as low as 16c depending on the site.

Underwater visibility is best from December- April. 30m of visibility in Galapagos is considered great, but usually it’s around 15m.

HOTEL / BOAT PACKAGE

We have combined our fast and spacious new launch “CHRISTINE” with clean comfortable accommodation, to offer you this attractive hotel / boat package, allowing you to spend more time on land to live and experience the Galapagos Islands in a more relaxed and comfortable style.

You will spend your days here in paradise, enjoying uncrouded tourist attractions traveling onboard one of the fastest tourist boats operating in the islands with no more than 12 passengers. And after your day trip relax during the evenings in the cozy atmosphere of your hotel, or get out and enjoy the interesting nightlife that the islands have to offer.
Bargain with the locals for your souvenir T-shirts or local handicrafts, and dine in the evenings in your choice of restaurant.
These are just a few of the numerous advantages that we offer you with our new and exciting hotel / boat package.

BOAT "CHRISTINE" (characteristics)

Capacity: 16 passengers. (12 Divers)
Top Speed: 30 knots.
Length: 11 meters.
Beam: 3.2 meters.
Motors: 2 motors, Yamaha, 200hp each motor.

Also includes private toilet, double cabin, VHF radio, GPS, covered seating area, radar, portable ladder, zodiac for 6 passengers, full dive equipment, brand SCUBAPRO, fresh water.

Private tours & charters are available. Please enquire.