NAT U R AL WO N DER S OF

THE A M A Z ON AND G A LAPAGOS

A river cruise along the Amazon aboard the Amazon Discovery combined with an Island Hopping adventure in the Galapagos aboard La Pinta - 1st to 20th March 2016

Isabela Island

Lima

Sea lion

Albatross

J

oin us for this unparalleled journey and discover the wonders of the natural world as we explore the Amazon River and Galapagos Islands aboard two very special vessels, the newly launched 44-guest Amazon Discovery and the 48-guest La Pinta which we have chartered for this unique combination.

After some time in Lima, we travel to the Amazon and board our river ship, the Amazon Discovery. The Amazonian rainforest is one of the most bio-diverse regions on our planet and is home to thousands of indigenous peoples, who have lived there for millennia. We will venture into remote and pristine areas of the rainforest where we can observe the wilderness, diverse wildlife and interact with the region’s indigenous communities. Expeditions on foot and by skiff provide an opportunity to view jungle wildlife including playful monkeys, legendary pink river dolphins and colourful tropical birds, as well as river turtles, anacondas, caimans and other amphibians and reptiles of this unique eco-system. Following on from our time exploring the Amazon we fly to Quito for a two night stay before continuing our journey with our island hopping adventure in the Galapagos archipelago which is located 600 miles off Ecuador’s Pacific Coast and originated from undersea volcanic activity six million years ago. The archipelago’s 13 major islands, six smaller ones, and scores of islets are all part of Ecuador’s National Park system. In 1835 Charles Darwin visited the islands and discovered this “living laboratory” which inspired his writings on the Theory of Evolution. Many of the animals on the Galapagos Islands have developed into different species from their continental relatives, and because they have never experienced man as a predator, they show no fear of humans. The moment you set foot on your first island of the Galapagos you will see that curiosity and fearlessness are a way of life. Whether strolling along the islands’ pristine beaches, searching for the spectacular waved albatross, having a “chat” with a particularly friendly sea lion, or snorkelling with Galapagos penguins, a feeling of freedom surrounds you. During our cruise aboard La Pinta, the world’s most wondrous group of islands is yours for unhurried exploration. Follow the nature trails; enjoy the amazing sights, snorkel with the sea lions and experience this veritable garden of Eden. Today there are a number of vessels offering cruises in the region ranging in size from six to one hundred passengers, but we have chosen to charter a very special vessel from our associates and experts in Galapagos cruises, Metropolitan Touring who have sixty years’ experience of providing guests with unique and quality travel experiences. We believe La Pinta is perfect for those who prefer a small, superior vessel, a highly experienced expedition team, small groups ashore and an environmentally friendly programme.

THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS Isabela Fernandina

ECUADOR

Quito

Guayaquil

Rabida Santa Cruz

Baltra San Cristóbal

Floreana

Iquitos Amazon

PERU MAP NOT TO SCALE

Santa Fe

THE ITINERARY

Lima

Day 1 London to Lima, Peru. Fly by scheduled indirect flight. Arrive this evening and transfer to the Westin Hotel (or similar) for a two night stay.

to Iquitos. On arrival we transfer to the Amazon Discovery moored on the Itaya River. Embark and start our Amazon journey as we sail this evening.

Day 2 Lima. Enjoy a morning at leisure to recover from our journey. In the early afternoon we will enjoy a panoramic tour of Lima city, which was founded by the conquistador Francisco Pizarro in 1535, and then named the City of Kings by the Spaniards who took the city in name of the Spanish Crown. During the viceroyalty the city became the most important capital in the region, and as testament to this, today you can still see the imposing buildings that were constructed principally in the city centre. We will see the most important buildings in the Plaza Mayor, such as the Government Palace, the beautiful Cathedral; and the various small palaces and colonial balconies that adorn the capital of the Peruvian Republic, all of which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO thanks to its well preserved architecture. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon before meeting for dinner this evening.

Day 4 Monkey Island & Momon River. Arrive this morning at Monkey Island. We will use the ship’s skiffs to disembark before a short walk to this private reserve. Here we find a charity dedicated to save orphaned monkeys. Many of them have been rescued from markets where they are traded and brought to the reserve for rehabilitation on the 250 hectare island. Here we will find seven different species of monkey found in the Peruvian rainforest. Continue our journey over lunch and arrive at the Native Boras Community on the Momon River. The Boras inhabitants are originally from the area of the upper Putumayo at the border of Colombia, attracted by rubber fever, they migrated to the Amazon. They still maintain their customs and cultural traditions and local festivals and ceremonies are associated with their myths and legends. They paint their bodies for their dances, the usual pattern among men and women being a stylized snake. Meet them at their ¨Maloca¨ ceremonial place and observe their dances.

Day 3 Lima to Iquitos. After breakfast in the hotel transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight

Giant Tortoise

Day 5 Tahuayo & Yarapa River. This morning we will search for the most elusive and exotic fresh water pink river dolphin, medium sized, with a long snout and little or no dorsal fin you will see that they are really pink and the area we will be searching is one of their favourite feeding spots. We may also be able to enjoy a swim in the river before continuing to the Yarapa River, another tributary of the Amazon River. Here we will stroll around its shores and small creeks in search of the typical Amazonian wildlife. We will keep an eye out for small monkeys, birds and iguanas whilst tropical flowers grow wild on the small creeks shores. Day 6 Amazon Headwaters & San Francisco Village. We will wake up at the Amazon Headwaters where the Ucayali & Marañon Rivers merge and give birth to the mighty Amazon River. We will use the skiffs to explore the local area. Return to the ship as we cruise to San Francisco Village, a local community where we will have the opportunity to visit their houses and see how simple their daily life is. We will be greeted by lots of children who take you to their school and we will also visit the local arts and crafts market. This afternoon there will be the chance to hike through this pristine and unique jungle ecosystem, passing through a classic tropical rainforest with emergent trees and canopy trees reaching up to 55 metres in height. Many trees have buttress roots which often extend high up the trunks while palms are abundant and many of them have stilt roots. Biologically, this kind of forest is probably one of the richest habitats on earth, supporting the most species of plants and animals per unit area. Our target is the

giant ceiba or kapok tree with its large diameter. We also find local medicinal plants and encounter them while hiking. This forest is also very good for spotting birds such as the bluish-fronted jacamar seen in pairs in middle and lower parts of forest edges, or collared trogons and red capped cardinals. Day 7 Yana Yacu Pucate River & Nauta Cano. Arrive this morning at the Yana Yacu Pucate River, a protected area within the Pacaya Samiria Reserve. We will use the skiffs to travel deep into the rainforest with its fantastic diversity of flora and fauna. You will have the chance to enjoy some of the myriad bird species, colourful butterflies and other diverse insects, noisy monkey troops and active pink and grey river dolphins. In the afternoon we have the chance to explore the small creek of Nauta Cano with its lagoons and stunning panoramas. Cruising is the best way to experience the diversity of the wildlife that populates the rivers and their neighbouring habitats. We will sail quietly near the shore, exploring marshes, streams and oxbows. Using the skiffs, we will head to a beautiful lake for a spectacular fishing spot, where we expect to catch “piranhas”. There are 25 different species of piranha in the Amazon basin. Once it is dark, you will hear the second instalment of the jungle symphony. Armed with powerful spotlights, we will start our night safari in search of night herons, pauraques, spectacled owls and fish bats flying over the water scooping up fish. Spectacled and black caimans are found in these pristine waters, and our guides will point them out to you. Stargazing at this time is unique while fireflies light up the jungle around us.

Day 8 Santa Ana & Iquitos. Our last call will be at Santa Ana village, a local arts and craft market where the local children will perform a traditional dance. In the afternoon we arrive in Iquitos and enjoy a dinner ashore at the Al frio y al Fuego, one of the most emblematic restaurants of Iquitos which floats in the middle of the Itaya River, just in front of the City of Iquitos. Day 9 Iquitos to Quito, Ecuador. Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to Quito via Lima. On arrival in Quito we will transfer to the Hilton Hotel (or similar) for a two night stay. The remainder of the day is free for independent exploration or to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities. Day 10 Quito. After breakfast enjoy a guided tour of Quito including the colonial quarter which is the largest and best preserved in South America and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will visit Independence Plaza, flanked by the Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, the Municipal Building and the Archbishop’s Palace. Continue on to the Monastery of San Francisco one of the great religious buildings of the New World; its impressive façade and atrium that lead to its Baroque interior influenced by Moorish style, with the winged Virgin of Quito at its main altar. The remainder of the day and evening are free. Day 11 Quito to Baltra, Galapagos. After breakfast at the hotel transfer to the airport for the scheduled flight to Baltra. On arrival transfer to La Pinta. After lunch onboard we enjoy a walk along the coast of North Seymour Island, observing numerous bird colonies as well as sea lions and land iguanas. There will also be a chance to explore the coastline in the skiffs.

Day 12 Isabela & Fernandina. This morning we will explore Punta Vincente Roca on Isabela Island. Since there is no landing site at this location, the coastal exploration is by skiff, while the naturalist guide explains the dramatic geology of the area, with remains of lava flows and tuff stone layers. There is abundant wildlife and, depending on the conditions of the ocean, we will be able to snorkel along the cliffs, hopefully in the company of green sea turtles. In the afternoon, we visit the youngest and most pristine island of the archipelago, Fernandina. Punta Espinoza has an amazing combination of barrenness and abundant wildlife. Highlights include hawks, penguins, the flightless cormorant and astounding views of the surrounding volcanic landscapes. Day 13 Isabela Island. After breakfast, we disembark at Urbina Bay, on the western side of Isabela Island, the result of an uplifting of the ocean floor. Here you can find corals, shells, and large, very colourful Galápagos land iguanas and occassionally giant tortoises. As we navigate the Bolívar Channel, there is a good chance of spotting whales. On the northwest of Isabela, secluded Tagus Cove provided a favourite anchorage for pirates and whalers over the centuries, and today makes a great visitor site. An uphill hike takes us to the back of Darwin Crater, filled with salt water. We can snorkel or ride kayaks amid the dramatic landscape before our hike. Day 14 Rabida & Santa Cruz. In the morning, we disembark at Rabida Island’s red-coloured beach. A stroll along the beach allows us to observe marine iguanas, mockingbirds, yellow

Monkeys

Toucan

Marine Iguana

Amazon river

warblers and several species of Darwin’s finches. This is a great place to snorkel from the beach. For those non-snorkellers, we can ride our glass-bottom boat for a submarine exploration. The north shore of Santa Cruz hosts the fascinating landscapes of Cerro Dragón (Dragon Hill). Our walk includes circling a brackish water lagoon frequented by lagoon birds, while further inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western islands of the archipelago, as well as the chance of observing land iguanas. Day 15 Santa Cruz. This morning we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the giant tortoise pens, within an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest. These are the headquarters of scientific investigation, conservation and the National Park administration. A delicious lunch is served at the poolside of the Finch Bay Eco Hotel and after lunch, we wind up to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island by vehicle. This is a great place to look for the brilliant Vermilion Flycatcher and the endemic Scalesia tres. A visit to observe giant tortoises in the wild may be included, if weather conditions are good. Day 16 Floreana. After breakfast, we land at Post Office Bay to visit the historic barrel that has served as a post office in the archipelago for over two centuries. Panga rides along the maze of channels on Floreana’s north shore can also be enjoyed. There is great snorkelling from the beach as well. Before disembarking at Punta Cormorant this afternoon we can snorkel or ride our glass-bottom boat along the coast of an extinct cone called “Champion Islet”. Our visit to Punta

Cormorant takes in an olivinecrystal beach for an easy walk by a brackish water lagoon where bird species like greater flamingos may be observed. On the other side of the island, we come to a whitesand beach where sea turtles come out at night to nest. Day 17 Santa Fe & South Plaza. We take the skiff over to this idyllic sandy-white beach populated by colonies of sea lions. Galápagos hawks are often easily observed, perched atop salt bushes. The endemic land iguana, unique to this island, may be spotted during the walk. Following the walk, we can snorkel and swim along a natural wave barrier. On South Plaza the turquoise waters of the channel here contrast brilliantly with the white sand and black lava of the shoreline, while a carpet of scarlet sesuvium succulents serves as groundcover for a grove of luminescent green prickly-pear cactus beyond, populated by yellow-gray land iguanas. Along the coastline one finds sea lion colonies, while sea

birds play with the thermals that form along the cliffs of this small but amazing island. Day 18 San Cristobal to Guayaquil. Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to Guayaquil. On arrival transfer to the Oro Verde Hotel for an overnight stay. The remainder of the day is free for independent exploration. Day 19 Guayaquil to London Heathrow. After breakfast in the hotel enjoy a morning at leisure. In the early afternoon you will be collected and taken on a tour including Centennial Plaza that honours the heroes of Guayaquil’s independence, the famous Moorish Clock Tower and Bolivar Park, with an equestrian statue of South America’s liberator, Simon Bolivar. Afterwards we transfer to the airport for our scheduled indirect flight to London. Day 20 London Heathrow. Arrive this afternoon.

PRICES PER PERSON

Based on double occupancy Cabin Descriptions

Fauna Stateroom (Amazon Discovery) & Standard Twin cabin (La Pinta) Flora Stateroom (Amazon Discovery) & Standard Twin cabin (La Pinta) Estuary Suite (Amazon Discovery) & Superior Twin (La Pinta) Amazonia Suite (Amazon Discovery) & Superior Twin (La Pinta) Fauna Stateroom (Amazon Discovery) & Standard Twin cabin (La Pinta) for sole use

Prices £8595 £8995 £9995

SOLD OUT £10995

Price Includes: Economy class scheduled international and domestic air travel, seven nights aboard La Pinta on a full board basis, six nights aboard Amazon Discovery on a full board basis with local beers, soft drinks, fruit juices and wine with dinner, two nights hotel accommodation in Quito on a bed and breakfast basis, overnight hotel accommodation in Guayaquil on a bed and breakfast basis, two nights hotel accommodation in Lima on a bed and breakfast basis, dinner on day 2, Quito, Lima and Guayaquil City tours, Galapagos National Park fee and Transit Card, transfers, port taxes, airport taxes. Not Included: Travel Insurance, gratuities. NB. Ports subject to change and local conditions.

It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change. Charles Darwin

Amazonia Suite

Estuary Suite

Dining room

Indoor lounge

Outdoor lounge

Flora/fauna stateroom

Spa

AMAZON DISCOVERY

SUN DECK

INDOOR AIR CONDITIONED LOUNGE

BAR

GYM

BAR STORAGE

OPEN AIR COVERED LOUNGE

PLUNGE POOL

REST ROOM

SPA WHEEL HOUSE

UPPER DECK 211 DINING ROOM

209

207

205

203 201

210

208

206

204

202

111

109

107

105

103

101

110

108

106

104

102

MAIN DECK

AMAZONIA SUITE

TOUR MANAGER CABIN

CREW CRUISE MANAGER CABIN

Your Dining The dining room onboard seats all passengers in one sitting and is located on the upper deck. Breakfast onboard is an American-style buffet, lunch offers a selection of fresh salads, daily soups, and entrees. Dinner is a la carte and offers soup, salad, a main course, and dessert. Vegetarian options are always available. During the day, guests can enjoy snacks and beverages

complimentary during dinner. Please note that images shown are artist’s illustrations of what the vessel will look like as it is currently under construction.

DECK PLAN

GALLEY

Your Space The Amazon Discovery is elegantly furnished and spacious throughout. There is an open air covered lounge and an indoor, airconditioned lounge, both relaxing environments to watch the passing scenery and the indoor lounge is the venue for nightly entertainment and educational talks. Enjoy handcrafted cocktails, fine wines, and onboard entertainment in a relaxing environment – a fitting end to a perfect day of exploration ashore. The onboard attentive staff are always available to offer a cool beverage, whether you prefer freshly-squeezed juice as you enjoy the warm breeze watching an incredible sunrise, or a favourite cocktail while photographing a dramatic sunset. The Spa is an oasis to relax, rejuvenate and truly pamper yourself and there is also a small fitness area and plunge pool.

in the lounges located on the Sun Deck. Complimentary coffee, water, tea, soft drinks, and local beer are available throughout the day. House red and white wines are also

OFFICE

Your Stateroom / Suite All accommodation is attractively furnished and spacious with cabins ranging in size from 22 square metres to 55.5 square metres. All cabins feature panoramic windows, bath robes and slippers, spaquality bath amenities, in-room safe, individual climate control, , generous storage space, iphone docking station with alarm clock and hairdryer. Bottled water is replenished daily and there is a welcome flower arrangement and fresh fruit upon arrival. Beds in the staterooms can be configured as twin or double and the Amazonia Suite and Estuary Suites feature fixed king beds. In addition, guests staying in the Amazonia Suite or Estuary Suites benefit from a mini-bar, in-room breakfast service, complimentary one hour spa treatment per guest,

complimentary laundry service and evening canapés.

INFIRMARY

For the exploration of the Amazon we have chartered the newly built, luxurious Amazon Discovery. Featuring just 22 spacious suites and staterooms she is the perfect vessel for our exploration. The friendly onboard staff will provide you with excellent service and do much to contribute to your enjoyment throughout your journey and the atmosphere onboard will be relaxed and informal. For excursions, deluxe skiff boats will be used and excursion boots and waterproof rain ponchos will be available onboard for any wet landings.

36

ESTUARY SUITE

FLORA STATEROOM

FAUNA STATEROOM

Observation Lounge

Double cabin

Buffet on Sun Deck

LA PINTA Built in 2007 and accommodating a maximum of 48 guests, La Pinta is a 63-metre yacht, designed for the ultimate luxurious expedition adventure in the Galapagos Islands. After a day of wildlife exploration, La Pinta provides a haven of relaxation and tranquillity with tastefully appointed accommodations and all the facilities to create a stylish yet informal ambiance. We have chartered the vessel from our associates and leaders in Galapagos cruising, Metropolitan Touring.

Your Space Public areas are located over three decks, all of which offer superb views of your breathtaking surroundings. Public areas include a bar, library, lecture room, boutique and a spacious Sun Deck which has an outside bar and comfortable sun loungers. There is also a fitness centre with gymnasium equipment, Jacuzzi Double Cabin and hydro massage. You will also find three internet stations onboard.

Your Cabin/Suite La Pinta boasts among the largest cabins of any vessel in the Galapagos and the 24 en-suite cabins all feature outside views with floor to ceiling windows, twin or queen double beds, and are located on the Upper Deck. There are four superior cabins which also feature a sofa bed. These cabins measure 23m2 which is slightly larger than other cabins measuring 17m2. All cabins are air-conditioned with individual controls and have ample storage space, a safe, telephone, multichannel sound system and connections for personal iPods, MP3 and MP4 players.

Your Dining La Pinta offers a single and open sitting elegant restaurant where a mix of international and Ecuadorian cuisine is served. Breakfast and lunch are buffet, with a wonderful selection of local fresh produce, of particular note are the fruit juices in the morning. Dinner is a three course set menu. Life Onboard A crew of 27 will provide the best possible onboard service to make your cruise the trip of a lifetime while ensuring safety at all times. For daily explorations, the vessel features Zodiacs, a glass-bottomboat, sea kayaks and snorkelling

onboard using the latest audio visual equipment. There is also a Medical Officer onboard. The atmosphere onboard is friendly and informal with a focus for dress code on comfort and practicality for onshore exploration.

equipment for guests to use. There will be four naturalists onboard to share their in-depth knowledge of the Galapagos and each naturalist will accompany a group of just 12 passengers ashore. There will also be talks and daily briefings

DECK PLAN BOAT DECK

OBSERVATION LOUNGE & BAR

LIBRARY

BAR GYM

JACUZZI

CABIN DECK 323

324

321

322

319

317 315 313

320

318 316 314

311

312

309 307

305

303 301

302 310 308 306 304

RECEPTION

MAIN DECK

SHOP DINING ROOM

H SUPERIOR CABINS

STANDARD CABINS

2 Chester Close, Belgravia, London, SW1X 7BE +44 (0)20 7752 0000 | [email protected] | www.noble-caledonia.co.uk Our current booking conditions apply to all reservations and are available on request.

Cover image: Red footed boobie, Galapagos. 230115_P