The height of exploration - Ecuador & Galapagos

This week, ten young disabled people featured in the BBC’s documentary Beyond Boundaries - Across the Andes, attempt to cross Ecuador and the treacherous Andes, including climbing Cotopaxi, one of the world’s highest active volcanoes. With the help and guidance of expedition leader, ex-SAS man Ken Hames, and a healthy dose of teamwork, the group take on the journey-of-a-life-time.

For a less strenuous approach to exploring Ecuador, Wildlife Worldwide offers an 18-day expertly guided Complete Ecuador tour combining the country’s culture and natural history, with birdwatching on Cotopaxi, plus a 7-night cruise of the wildlife-rich Galapagos, departing London daily throughout 2008.

On arrival in Quito, guests are transferred to the comfortable Grand Hotel Mercure Alameda. Here, 2-nights are spent visiting local sites including the Equatorial Monument and nearby pre-Incan ruins of Rumicucho (thought to be a solar observatory and fortress), an Indian market with time to enjoy some of the city’s restaurants.

Next, a short flight to Coca followed by a motorised canoe and Indian dugout transfer to Sacha Jungle Lodge, situated in the north-eastern corner of Ecuador deep in the Amazon jungle.

This region protects more species of plant and mammal than almost any area of a similar size, and is home to 15% of all the bird species on the planet, including Blue-and-yellow Macaw, Cobalt-winged Parakeet and Harpy Eagle. More than 100 species of mammal are also in residence, including Three-toed Sloth, Black-mantled Tamarin and Jaguar.

The rivers, streams and lakes support two species of freshwater dolphin, four species of caiman and over 300 species of fish. Here, a 3-night adventure includes trips aboard small motorboats and dugout canoes, which easily navigate the smaller streams and creeks, together with plenty of opportunities for land-based wildlife viewing.

Return to Quito and a further two nights at the Grand Hotel Mercure Alameda. From here, a day is spent exploring and birdwatching on Cotopaxi (5,897m), the world's highest active volcano, adorned year-round in a layer of snow. Next, head to the Galapagos archipelago for a 7-night voyage around the islands, viewing their unique wildlife including migrating Humpback Whale (June), dolphin, shark and ray. Also, large numbers of feeding seabirds are very active in July, such as Blue-footed Boobies.

Finally, spend 2-nights in Guayaquil for visits to a banana or cocoa plantation and enjoy birdwatching in a mangrove forest before homeward flights next day.

The tour costs from £3,095 p/p including flights (via Miami), transfers, hotel, boat and jungle lodge accommodation, some meals and expertly guided activities.

The Galapagos National Park Fee and Municipal Tax fee of US$100 per person is not included and is collected locally.

For more information, visit Wildlifeworldwide.com.