Galapagos Wildlife: A Photo Pro Expedition

© Richard de Gouveia

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Casa Gangotena
Location
Quito, Ecuador

Capturing the elegance and luxury of a bygone era, Casa Gangotena is Quito’s finest boutique hotel. This Relais and Chateaux property enjoys a premier location in the heart of the city’s Old Town—South America’s best-preserved colonial quarter—right next to San Francisco Plaza. Housed in a historic mansion that was once the home of several Republican-era presidents, the residence was eventually claimed by the prominent Gangotena family, who undertook lavish renovations to the property that is part of Quito’s cultural heritage inventory. The hotel features 31 rooms over three floors, each unique, which remain faithful to the design of the original house. While they vary in size, all are spacious, averaging around 377 square feet. High ceilings permit bright Andean sunlight to flood the rooms through tall windows. Elegant furnishings include plush carpets, flowing curtains, a king-size or two double beds dressed in fine linens, and Art Deco furniture including desks, armoires, tables and armchairs. Gorgeous marble bathrooms have large frosted windows with leaded glass and deep porcelain soaking tubs. Amenities include Wi-Fi, telephone, flat screen TV and in-room safe.

The Restaurant features signature dishes drawing from Ecuador’s rich and diverse culinary traditions and contemporary innovation. Head to the rooftop terrace to enjoy panoramic views of Quito’s cityscape over tea, coffee, wine or cocktails. Or sip a drink in the walled garden, amid the peace of native trees, plants, blooming flowers and a stone fountain. Inside, The Bar offers a sophisticated, cozy haven with leather chairs, cushy banquettes and original oil paintings. Enjoy a specialty cocktail or world-class gin tasting at the glossy wooden bar. The hotel also provides relaxing spa treatments in the Wellbeing Space, your sanctuary to indulge in an Andean herbal massage, muscle tonic, volcanic rock hot stone treatment, or a manicure or pedicure.


M/C Petrel
Location
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

The luxurious 115-foot Petrel is named after a seabird common to the Galapagos. Like its namesake, Petrel is elegant and swift. This motorized catamaran is designed for comfort and stability while conveying guests in style between the islands of the Galapagos. Eight large staterooms, including two suites, accommodate up to 16 guests. Cabins have varied configurations with either two full beds which can convert to a queen or a single king. Each has a private balcony, ample closet storage, writing desk and en suite bathroom. An additional ninth cabin offers cozy single accommodations. Interior decor is as clean and contemporary as the ship's exterior profile, featuring a palette of black and white accented with scarlet and gold. Chrome, leather and glossy teak floors accentuate the modern design. An open top deck offers 360-degree views, while a spacious lounge provides room to relax in the air-conditioned interior. Enjoy fine meals in the dining room or on the aft deck. Two bars offer outdoor refreshments, while a Jacuzzi and library round out the ship's shared spaces.

Click here to see the M/C Petrel deck plan and cabins.

Cabin Descriptions

> Cabins 1 and 2 are located on the main deck closest to the dining room. The beds are queen-sized but can be converted to two full-sized beds. The cabins are approximately 323 sq. ft.
> Cabins 3 and 4 are larger suites located on the main deck. The beds are king-sized. There is a chair in the room which can be converted into a small sofabed for triples. The sofabed is recommended for children. The cabins are approximately 463 sq. ft.
> Cabins 5 through 8 are located on the upper deck. The beds are queen-sized but can be converted to two full-sized beds. The cabins are approximately 323 sq. ft.
> Cabin 9 is located on the upper deck. It was has one twin bed and is approximately 151 sq. ft.

Nat Hab's Tortoise Camp
Location
Santa Cruz, Galapagos Islands

In our constant quest to offer distinctive immersions in nature, we offer this unique one-night safari-style camping excursion on all scheduled Galapagos adventures. Ascend from the sea into the highlands of Santa Cruz to reach Nat Hab's exclusive Tortoise Camp, set on a gently rolling mountainside overlooking the distant Pacific Ocean. Here amid lush Scalesia forest and subterranean lava caves, guests have an intimate encounter with nature found nowhere else in the Galapagos. The environs around our camp are native habitat for several dozen Galapagos giant tortoises, which we regularly see from July through February. From March through June, the tortoises typically move to lower elevations, though a handful often remain at the campsite. During these months, we make an excursion to a nearby tortoise reserve for close-up sightings.

Although Tortoise Camp is rustic, it holds surprising comforts. Accommodations are in two-person permanent tents on raised platforms with large viewing windows, or in charming treehouses, which also have real beds, bedding, pillows and towels. The four treehouses have en suite flush toilets as well as a small sink. The six raised tents have a small sink plus private en suite showers and flush toilets, though the latter are located adjacent, just outside the sleeping tent, a few steps away. For treehouse guests, showers are available in a shared bathhouse about 50 yards away. The camp chef prepares a full dinner and breakfast, served in the covered dining room. The adjoining sheltered lounge space offers comfortable seating in front of a crackling log fire. A bar is also available for evening drinks and socializing.

In the morning, a bus picks us up for the return trip to the sea where we reboard our boat. If you choose to participate in this special camping option, you will not miss any activities on your daily itinerary.

Please Note: While beds and toilets are provided with all accommodations, there is an element of "roughing it" at Tortoise Camp. Some challenges may include walking over uneven terrain and spying a few critters (particularly the wonderful variety of insects and arachnids that inhabit the island). Also, should it be rainy, we'll have to walk through environs that may get muddy. It is our hope that the unique setting and remarkable proximity to wild tortoises will more than outweigh any discomfort. But our guests always have the choice to participate in this overnight stay or to remain on the ship. Camping on Santa Cruz is a special opportunity, though only you can determine if it is one that you will truly enjoy. The great majority of our guests do! A stay at Tortoise Camp is weather-dependent.  
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