GO...UP & AWAY - JAXFAX Travel Marketing Magazine
GO...UP & AWAY - JAXFAX Travel Marketing Magazine
GO...UP & AWAY - JAXFAX Travel Marketing Magazine
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SOUTH & CENTRAL AMERICA NEWS & BEST BUYS<br />
60 dives. Once in the water, they will find excellent diving, Tandazo<br />
said. Sighting large sea animals such as whale sharks, sea<br />
turtles, hammerhead sharks, is practically guaranteed, and several<br />
native species such as the Galapagos marine iguana and<br />
Galapagos shark are on display. Penguins and whales are also<br />
sighted, although Tandazo said only a 7 mm wetsuit is necessary.<br />
“For experienced divers, the Galapagos is a must,” he said.<br />
The Galapagos chain is made up of 13 main islands, six minor<br />
ones and dozens of volcanic cays, a layout that has lent itself to<br />
cruising. But many independent travelers are looking beyond.<br />
Tandazo also noted Suretrak is offering hotel-based island-hopping<br />
packages, which allow visitors to spend more time in the islands.<br />
While only four islands–Santa Cruz, Floreana, San Cristobal<br />
and Isabela–have hotels, there are no plans to open other islands<br />
to hotel development. “The Galapagos have always been offered<br />
in a very traditional manner by cruising,” said Gray Line’s<br />
Irigoyen. He said Gray Line is now planning home stays and<br />
camping in the islands, part of its efforts to sell packages with<br />
more experiential tourism in Ecuador. “We’re trying to give<br />
tourism to Ecuador a new focus,” he said. Indeed, Ecuador is<br />
stepping up its tourism promotions for the entire country, said<br />
Mariano Proaño, under secretary of tourism. He noted Ecuador<br />
has tripled its resources for marketing and promotion in the U.S.<br />
for 2010 as part of the country’s 2010-2014 marketing plan.<br />
For further information call the Ministry of Tourism-Ecuador<br />
Tourism Promotion Fund at 593-2-250-7560; E-mail fmpt_americas@turismo.gov.ec;<br />
or visit www.ecuador.travel/en<br />
$ 2000 ECUADOR AND GALAPA<strong>GO</strong>S<br />
Marnella Tours is selling a seven-day<br />
Ecuador: the Galapagos Passport, aboard the M/Y Coral I & II<br />
starting at $2,000 per person double on departures from August<br />
through Sept. 10. Included are: RT airfare to/from the<br />
Galapagos Islands from Quito/Guayaquil; three nights aboard<br />
the M/Y Coral I & II, meals & two tours daily on ship, three<br />
nights at Quito’s Four Points Sheraton with complimentary<br />
breakfast daily, a city tour of Quito, all hotel taxes & service<br />
charges, roundtrip airport transfers, as well as the Galapagos<br />
National Park Tax ($110) and the cruise fuel surcharge ($78).<br />
Standard cabins start at $2,000 per person double; $3,400 for<br />
single standard cabins. International airfare is additional. Call<br />
866-993-0033; www.marnellatours.com<br />
Cruising Galapagos with Adventure Associates<br />
Adventure Associates is offering a 10-day Galapagos Islands,<br />
Ecuador: Wilderness Cruise Package. The 7 night / 8 day cruise on<br />
an 83’ yacht includes all meals, and is accompanied by certified local<br />
naturalist guide. Also included are two nights lodging in Guayaquil<br />
or Quito; round-trip flight from Guayaquil or Quito to Galapagos; all<br />
airport transfers; and two breakfasts. With a guide, clients spend<br />
eight exciting days cruising the islands, snorkeling with colorful fish<br />
and taking short day hikes through one of the world’s greatest<br />
wildlife and volcanic island environments. An optional diving package<br />
is available. Packages start at $3,625, and represent a $500 savings.<br />
Visit www.adventureassociates.net; 888-532-8352<br />
FEBRUARY 2010 WWW.<strong>JAXFAX</strong>.COM SOUTH & CENTRAL AMERICA 65
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