THE FACTS ABOUT GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

Ecuador

WHERE 'Complete Ecuador' is an 18-day trip that combines a seven-night Galápagos voyage with time spent hiking and canoeing in the Amazon. The Galápagos Islands visited by the Alta include Baltra, Santa Cruz, Genovesa, Fernandina, Isabela, Bartolomé and Española. From £3,655 per person. Extras include Galápagos fees and taxes (totalling about £70), and departure taxes of about £45 WHICH The best choice of ship in the Galápagos Islands is the Alta, a 42-metre, ketch-rigged motor-sailer. It takes only 16 passengers in eight double cabins, each with private shower room, plus eight crew WHY The guides speak fluent English, have science degrees and have undergone training courses run by the Galápagos National Park Service WHO Wildlife Worldwide (020 8667 9158; www.wildlifeworldwide.com). Wildlife- and wilderness-holiday specialist with expedition voyages to the Galápagos Islands, as well as Antarctica and the Arctic region