Galápagos Travel & Ecuador guide

Following a fantastic 11-day trip in May ’09 with ITN advertiser Galapagos Travel (783 Rio del Mar Blvd., Ste. 49, Aptos, CA 95003; 800/969-9014, www.galapagostravel.com), we had a four-day extension on the Ecuador mainland arranged by their sister company, Galápagos Travel Proinvertur C (Av. Amazonas 477 Y Roca. Ed. Rio Amazonas 1012, Quito, Ecuador; phone [593 2] 562990 or fax 564440). The cost was approximately $800 per person.

Our mainland guide, Carlos Lara (cell phone 593 [0] 99797394 or home phone 593 [0] 72805546 or e-mail green_explorador@yahoo.com), was well informed and helpful. He works independently throughout Ecuador and guides birding expeditions as well.

Normally, for a two-person party, he charges $60 per person per day (about seven hours). That includes private transportation in his minivan but no meals or entrance fees.

LAURA FORD

Santa Rosa, CA