^{Ecuador &}the Galapagos Islands

The deluxe JW Marriott, one of Quito's finest hotels, is located along the famous Amazonas Avenue within walking distance of Quito's exclusive financial district and shopping malls. The service excellence offered by the JW Marriott is amplified by unique and spectacular landscapes with breathtaking views of the Andean Mountain range topped off by snow capped volcanoes. All the hotel's en suite rooms are air-conditioned, enjoy hairdryer, TV, telephone, mini bar, in room safe and 24 hour room service. The JW Marriott also features a choice of bars and restaurants, a health club, swimming pool, whirlpool and sauna.

Cuenca is a city of great architectural beauty, and has been declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. The first class Oro Verde is located in one of the most exclusive areas of the city, overlooking a beautiful lagoon and the river Tomebamba. Guests have a choice of restaurants, each boasting an outstanding reputation for fresh produce presented with style. The hotel also features a swimming pool, sauna and Turkish bath. Each of our en suite rooms feature hairdryer, TV, telephone, mini bar, and room service.

The city of Guayaquil is located on the banks of the Guayas River and is Ecuador's principal port and commercial centre. The deluxe Hilton Colón is centrally located within easy access to Guayaquil's attractions. The hotel has an impressive ten storey high atrium and each of the hotel's 294 rooms, are en suite and air-conditioned, and feature TV, telephone, mini bar, hairdryer, in room safe and 24 hour room service. The hotel also boasts a choice of restaurants, and in the Atrium Bar you may enjoy a variety of appetisers and cocktails with fine live music. The hotel also features a health club, sauna, spa and swimming pool.

Isabela II is the most luxurious motor yacht sailing the Galápagos archipelago. Accommodating just 40 passengers, Journeys of Distinction have chartered the yacht for the exclusive use of our group. Isabela's informal ambience lends itself to a spirit of camaraderie with your fellow travellers.

Specialising in cruising the Galápagos for over a decade, Isabela's well trained 27 member team consists of Ecuadorian officers, naturalists and crew.

Sleek in style, Isabela's three decks feature a bar with deck chairs, a jacuzzi and an observation area for bird and seal watching at leisure. By evening, passengers gather for a briefing on the next day's activities with the on board naturalists. Viewing from the bridge is encouraged as Isabela operates an 'open bridge' policy.

Isabela anchors close to shore for swimming, snorkelling and hiking. Modern pangas (zodiac style rafts) can be launched at a moment's notice. The pangas will also transport guests ashore for informative hikes with naturalist guides. A glass bottom boat is also aboard for comfortable observation of marine life.

On board dining is casual, even for dinner. There is an attractive dining room where all passengers are served in an unhurried single seating.

All Isabela's outside staterooms are approximately 142 sq.ft. and feature private shower and toilet and individual air-conditioning.

Technical specification

Category C - Cabin deck, double bed (120 sq ft.)
Category B - Cabin deck, twin or double bed (142 sq ft.)
Category A - Main deck, double bed (166 sq ft.)

• Built: 1988
• Refurbishment: Panama, March 2000
• Category: Deluxe
• Gross Tonnage: 1,025
• Length: 166 ft.
• Draft: 12 ft.
• Beam: 38 ft.
• Cruising Speed: 10 Knots
• Number of Guests: 40
• Crew Members: 24
• Naturalist Guides: 3
• Resident Physician: Permanently on board
• Crew Nationality: Ecuadorian
• Registry: Ecuador
• No Elevator
• Full Air Conditioned