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GALAPAGOS and PERU, NEWSLETTER |
News and Updates for the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador and Peru including Machu Picchu |
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The GALAPAGOS EXPLORER II
Special "Flamingo Promotion"
The Galapagos Explorer II has announced special promotional package rates for cruises throughout 2011. The special rates include the cruise in a suite sized cabin, the round trip airfare from the mainland, the national park fee, transit fee and fuel surcharge as well. Click on Galapagos Island Tours above, visit our discount cruise page for more details. or call our toll free line.
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THE M/V GALAPAGOS EXPLORER II NOW OFFERING MORE BALCONY SUITES |
| The M/V Galapagos Explorer II has announced the addition of new balcony suites. The Galapagos Explorer II has altered the Deluxe Suites to add private balconies to all of the cabins on the Erickson deck of the shipas well as some of the Premium Suites on the Marco Polo Deck. Currently there are four Renaissance Balcony Suites onboard, and the addition of the new Deluxe Balcony Suites will bring the number of balcony suites to sixteen. Over the years, the balcony suites have been extremely popular with passengers, giving access to the outside sea air without the necessity of leaving the privacy of your own cabin. Very few ships in the Galapagos Islands, have private balconies. Currently the Galapagos Explorer II has fifty cabins, and of those, sixteen will have private balconies. Deluxe Balcony cabins will be available for use on the ship throughout 2011. |
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THE FINCH BAY HOTEL NOW OFFERS SEA KAYAKING
Located on the Island of Santa Cruz near the town of Puerto Ayora in the Galapagos Islands, the Finch Bay Eco Hotel has been recently renovated. . This hotel offers an excellent stop over for both pre & post Galapagos Island cruise extensions. Rooms are available for a tour package with visits to the local islands, or hotel accommodations only with an option for meals included. Partake in a Galapagos Island Adventure with close contact with the natural Galapagos world, with the opportunity to select from a host of activities: including hiking, exploration of the island, siestas on the beach, the private swimming pool, as well as the Jacuzzi and hotel amenities.
In addition, the hotel now offers sports equipment for snorkeling and also kayaking for those who want to venture past the hotels lovely pool.
Located at the front of the hotel in Punta Estrada Bay, learners will practice kayaking, and just a short distance from the hotel is Academy Bay, with excellent opportunites to explore the bay by kayak. With 8 kayaks available, each one is designed to carry two kayakers. Check with the hotel for the best times to kayak on the bay.
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*call
for availability |
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| The Hotel Sumaq has been operating since 2008 in Aguas Caliente near Machu Picchu in Peru. This new five star hotel offers 60 rooms and will include wireless internet, cable TV and also heating. In addition the hotel will offer a business center and spa treatments. For the very busy Aguas Caliente ; Machu Picchu corridor, this hotel will be a welcome addition. The hotel is listed as five stars (in a five star rating system). Staff members from Stanford Travel Systems recently visited the Sumaq as well as many of our recent passengers, and report that this hotel is now one of the best hotels in the area. Gourmet chiefs and finely appointed rooms and private bathrooms. Be sure and request a room with a view of the river. Some of the rooms have spectacular views of the river flowng through Aguas Caliente town. |
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*call
for availability |
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WEATHER IN THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS - JANUARY THROUGH MARCH
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In the Galapagos Islands, January to March are the transition months and the beginning of the warm season, leading up to the hottest months in April and May. Some days are overcast while the cooler days are giving way to warm and sunny days ahead. Often the clouds will disspate by aftenoon and sunny weather will prevail. However, the temperatures are very comfortable with air temperature in the mid 70's (fahrenheit) as well as water temperatures too. Very comfortable temperatures, considering the fact that the Galapagos Islands cross the Equator. Islands in the west such as Fernandina and Isabela tend to be cooler. This is great weather for snorkeling, however wetsuits are recommended to protect against the midday sun. It may rain occasionally in the afternoons for short periods, but there is a determined weather pattern of sunny mornings during this season. The ocean is generally calm due to the absence of the south east trade winds. These weather conditions make this month unique, where you will find the opportunity to watch many land species at their best.
Because of the presence of fresh water from the rain, Galapagos landfall turns "Green". Plants and leaves will appear in zones where it was supposed to be dry and desolated . It is important to mention that land species such as: lizards, land iguanas, finches, tortoises, mockingbirds reproduce at this time of the year since there is an increase in the availability of food sources like insects, flowers and seeds.
On the islands, Blue Footed Boobies and Nazca Boobies can be seen on Espanola Island. On North Seymour Island, the magnificent Frigate Birds with their red plummage are courting. Recent visitors on North Seymour report seeing the courting dance of the Blue Footed Boobies as well. Visitors are spotting Blue Footed Boobies on almost all the islands- a sure sign that the seas are full of fresh fish. The warmest months of the year in the Galapagos Islands are considered to be December through June. On Espanola and elsewhere, the Marine Iguana males are sporting their mating colors and protecting their territores in advance of the mating season. Bring plenty of sun screen for the hotel tropical sun and a wind breaker for the late afternoon.
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Promotions for the Queen of the Galapagos |
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Save over $200 per person on selected seven night cruise on the 16 passenger yacht the Queen of the Galapagos in 2011 |
*call
for availability |
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Up to 20% off for selected 3 and 4 night cruises on the M/V Santa Cruiz for the cruises in 2011. Offer good until the end of March 2011. 25% off for the seven night cruises in 2011.
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*call
for availability |
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Amazon
Adventure - THE NAPO WILDLIFE CENTER |
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Stanford Travel Systems offers free airfare to the Amazon in for passengers who book a seven night cruise in the Galapagos Islands. Call for details. |
*call
for availability |
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