Budget-savvy adventurers can reconnect with nature and take advantage of a $1,000 per person discount on nine Amazon and Galapagos small-ship cruise departures offered by nature travel experts International Expeditions. Discounted Amazon expeditions depart March 29, April 5 and 26, May 10 and 24, 2013. Specially priced Galapagos sailings are offered February 22, March 8, April 10 and May 3, 2013. Guests traveling on these legendary waters not only enjoy fantastic pricing, but the company of highly-rated, local naturalist guides.
“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.
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
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