Experience the Evolutionary Wonders of the Galapagos Islands; The Ecological Trip of a Lifetime

Salvador, Brazil, March 03, 2007 --(PR.com)-- The Galapagos Islands, 1,000 km off the coast of South America and part of the Republic of Ecuador, are often called a “laboratory of evolution” due the varying degrees of evolutionary changes found within the plant and animal species thriving there. Since Darwin famously documented the endemic species of Galapagos in the 1800s, adventuring scientists and travelers have flocked to the islands in order to explore, research, and help preserve their delicate and unique ecosystems. The islands’ intrigue and beauty have made them the location and subject for countless novels, Hollywood films, and science and nature documentaries. Intelligent Leisure Solutions, an internet-based luxury travel company specializing in Central and South America, now offers the adventurous traveler this environmental experience of a lifetime aboard the M/V Galapagos Explorer II, a first-class, 293-foot, 100 passenger, ocean-going cruise ship. Luxury accommodations aboard the M/V Galapagos Explorer II give guests the opportunity to relax and enjoy the many amenities of the ship while sailing through the breathtaking sea and landscapes of Galapagos. A typical day on the 8 day/7 night package begins with fun, informative lectures given by professional naturalists aboard the ship, followed by swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving to experience the marine life of the islands first-hand. After lunch, you set sail to a different location in the islands each day to explore on foot- trekking, bird, and other wildlife-watching, as well as excursions to the towns of the Galapagos province. Almost every moment of the trip is devoted to exploring and experiencing the wild, pristine paradise of the Galapagos Archipelago.

The Galapagos Archipelago National Park is made up of 13 large islands, 6 smaller ones and 107 islets and rocks, with a total land area of nearly 8,000 square kilometers. The islands are volcanic in origin and several volcanoes in the west of the Archipelago are still very active. The M/V Galapagos Explorer II takes you throughout the entire area with stops on nine of the islands where you are guided by bilingual professional guides. The adventure begins in San Cristobel Island with a visit to the Galapagos Interpretation Center in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the capital of the Galapagos province. At the Interpretation Center, you will receive an educational Galapagos Island Cruise, introduction to the diversity of the islands through exhibits on geology, evolution, human history and environmental responsibility, among others. You then travel to Española and Santa Cruz Islands to view indigenous wildlife, including sea lions, fur seals, pelicans and other Galapagos sea birds. On the third day of the cruise, you travel to Genovesa Island to the Prince Phillip’s Steps, a birding paradise. Watch for the Galapagos finches made famous by Darwin, Flightless Cormorants, Blue-footed Boobies, Masked Boobies, Whimbrels, Lava Gulls, and Night Herons, and many others as they breed on the islands. In the days that follow, you will sail to Bartolome, Santiago, Fernandina, Isabela, and North Seymour Islands for more bird and animal watching, snorkeling, swimming, and special expeditions to volcanic sites. The Galapagos Island cruise provides you with the once-in-a-lifetime experiences of snorkeling off of Fernandina Island to watch Galapagos iguanas feeding on underwater seaweed, coming into close contact with Galapagos penguins as they scurry about the islands, and silently observing giant turtles guarding their nests on the beaches.

The M/V Galapagos Explorer II is the newest and most elegant vessel cruising the waters of Galapagos, and guests can take advantage of the luxurious suite accommodations, international and Ecuadorian restaurant, boutique, library, solarium, piano bar, spa, swimming pool, and whirlpool services daily. All of the suites are exterior rooms and almost all have panoramic views of the ocean. Because of the smaller number of passengers, you experience unmatched luxury and intimacy on board and in the lecture and exploration groups as well. Medical services are available 24 hours a day and the special needs of all passengers are met with efficiency and care. The M/V Galapagos Explorer II is also an environmentally conscious vessel with recycling and responsible waste removal programs, as well as mandating small groups for tours in order to minimize the environmental impact tourism has on the islands. Photos and more extensive information regarding the M/V Galapagos Explorer II, full trip itineraries and price quotes for the cruise package, and the natural history, geology, and ecology of the islands can be found on Intelligent Leisure Solutions website, www.ils3.com. Click on the Travel Vacation Packages link, then choose South America, Ecuador, and then the Galapagos Cruise link. You can also contact Intelligent Leisure Solutions by phone to speak with their Galapagos travel specialists, all native speakers and fluent in English, in the United States, 1-888-ILS3-COM (457-3266), in Europe, 44-20-7669-4493, or in Brazil, 55-71-3113-4203 ext 24.

Intelligent Leisure Solutions is a web-based Destination Management Company (DMC) for Latin America that offers only luxury, custom-made trips from pre-selected destinations, accommodations, packages and tours to travelers and MICE (Meeting, Incentives, Conventions and Events) clients seeking differentiated travel experiences. Intelligent Leisure Solutions has been selected by the Brazilian Ministry of Tourism as an Affiliate Member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization. They are also Authenticated by the Tralliance Corporation and the .Travel Registry.

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