$4590.00 plus roundtrip airfare to Quito, Ecuador

Join us for an exciting week on the famed Galapagos Islands, as we search out all the endemic species in the archipelago.The trip is accessible for anyone, and will even appeal to the non-birding partner. This famed archipelago straddles the equator 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, is home to 24 endemic species of birds, and offers the chance to get up-close and personal with wild animals that are still unafraid of humans. The stark volcanic scenery is beautiful in its own right. We will explore these amazing islands from a medium-sized motor yacht which holds 16 passengers in comfort. All cabins have private bath and air conditioning. Plenty of food and juice are provided during the family-style meals, and snorkel gear is available.

Ecuador is the most biodiverse endemic zone in the Andes, holding over 70- endemics. It is the mecca of neotropical birding. For sheer diversity of birds in a short trip, nothing else in the world comes close to Ecuador. Nowhere else is it as easy to experience such a range of habitats and families in a safe country with good infrastructure. This tour covers a wide range of altitudes, from the cool temperate forests to the humid lowlands. With luck, the tour will feature such thrillers as Toucan Barbet, Plate-billed Mountain Toucan, and the astonishingly beautiful Velvet-purple Coronet.

While in Ecuador, we will be staying at the lovely Tandayapa Bird Lodge, in the heart of the cloud forest, only 60 km away from Quito. This place is a paradise for birders, naturalists, and photographers. On most days you can relax in your chair and see 18 of the 31 species of hummingbirds in their natural habitat, or simply enjoy the outside spa.

The physical pace on this trip is easy to moderate. We expect to see 180-230 species.

Please contact Lynne Schaffer at 512 847 3557, or lynneschaffer@hotmail.com, for any additional information.