“The
best part of traveling with IE is their knowledgeable guides,” said
Amazon guest Bill Anderson of Jonesborough, Tenn. “It’s not that
they just live in the area, they grew up in the region.”
Aboard
IE’s pioneering journey into the headwaters of the Amazon
River, guests travel aboard a classically styled
riverboat, the 24-guest Aquamarina, enjoying numerous wildlife
sightings. Daily outings on this small-ship adventure take travelers
deep into the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve to spot diverse
wildlife, hike into the rainforest, and even fish for piranha. During
excursions into the narrow river tributaries, guests may spot more
than 100 kinds of birds, pink and gray river dolphins, sloths, giant
otters and nocturnal animals such as caimans and capybaras.
Amazon
cruise passengers also spend time with Ribereños in remote river
villages, handing out school supplies to children and meeting with a
local shaman. Ensuring a high level of authenticity, IE varies the
villages guests visit during their Amazon expedition.
“Seeing
the river villages and residents was interesting,” said Anderson.
“We particularly enjoyed the impromptu visits with fishermen along
the river. Their experiences were enlightening.”
Prices
for the 10-day Amazon River cruises departing March 29,
April 5 and 26, May 10 and 24, 2013 start at $2,898 (reflects
discount) and include pre-cruise accommodations, complimentary
onboard laundry, all excursions, most meals, transfers and tips to
porters and waiters for included meals.
Galápago
Islands. wiki
On
the 10-day Galapagos Islands cruise, International
Expeditions’ newly renovated 32-guest yacht M/V Evolution navigates
to captivating islands, where the small group size allows for easy
access to the wildlife and far more personal attention than guests
find aboard large cruise
ships. Onboard, guests sail in comfort with
spacious accommodations, fine cuisine and a host of amenities
including an observation deck (perfect for whale watching) and
canopied bar, plus complimentary snorkeling equipment, wetsuits and
kayaks.
In
addition to daily snorkeling and hiking, other highlights include a
visit to the Charles Darwin Research Center, famous for its tortoise
breeding programs; an exploration of Fernandina Island, a haven for
flightless cormorants; and a sailing to iconic Kicker Rock.
Highly
trained Galapagos naturalist guides enhance travelers’
experiences by sharing their in-depth knowledge and bringing guests
within inches of giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, sea lions,
penguins and other animals.
Prices
for the Galapagos Islands expedition cruises departing
February 22, March 8, April 10 and May 3, 2013 start at $4,098
(reflects discount), and include pre- and post-cruise accommodations,
all excursions, most meals, transfers and tips to porters and waiters
for included meals.
Source:
International Expeditions
