galapagos
La Pinta
La Pinta is perfect for those who enjoy their luxuries yet prefer a relaxed atmosphere. This luxurious state-of-the-art mid-size expedition yacht, inaugurated in 2008, leaves no room for improvement! 207 feet long and taking only 48 passengers allows for plenty of spacious social areas. Accommodations and facilities are stylish and tastefully appointed, yet provide informal. This yacht offers the highest standards of service with every amenity imaginable. Perfect for couples, families, and people of all ages who appreciate excellence.
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This new luxurious yacht follows strict environmental rules while providing luxury, comfort and style. Her ample public areas feature a stylish and modern decor with a light nautical touch. All cabins are located on the middle deck, have panoramic windows, individual air-conditioning controls, generous storage space, desk, and several electric outlets for recharging photo, video, laptops, DVDs, etc. Bedding is made of fine cotton with down duvets and a choice of pillows. Bathrooms are complete with all accessories including hair dryer and plush towels.
Three public decks include a large bar-salon, dining room, library, sky bar and sundeck. Other amenities include Jacuzzi, whirlpool and Hydro massage, fitness gym, MD & infirmary, internet/conference room, boutique, telephone with direct international dialing, satellite internet connection and wireless in designated areas.
Glass bottom boat, snorkeling equipment and shortie wetsuits are available to guests at no charge. For young explorers. The “Young Pirates” program allows children 7 to 12 years old to fully absorb Galapagos --at their own pace. They’ll enjoy a different educational approach, with “children only” activities, special meals, interpretative recreational materials and books.
Along with the traditional international cuisine, and some Ecuadorian delicacies, La Pinta’s creative chef offers healthy, light and delicious meals. A choice of wines is available for dinner. Guests will thoroughly enjoy the variety of colorful tropical fruit juices every morning, and the generous buffet for lunch, with many fresh salads, cold cuts, cheeses, seafood and plenty of vegetarian options. Coffee, tea, crackers and biscuits are available for guests at all times. Weather permitting, meals are served al fresco and Bar-B-Q’s are offered on the Sun Deck. All meals are free seating with no dress code. The Captain and Officers will be happy to join you at your table.
The crew of multilingual naturalist guides, licensed by the Galapagos National Park, imparts their expertise and contagious enthusiasm, whether discussing geology or bird watching, snorkeling or stargazing, evolution or sports. La Pinta crew is made up of professionals, passionate for Galapagos and ready to cater to the needs of the most discerning guests.
NEW FOR 2009 ONLY: La Pinta is offering 4 and 5 day cruises for certain dates in 2009, in July, August, September and December.
Use these Activity Level Ratings as a general guide to help determine which of our adventures is best for you. Your perception of level of difficulty may vary from ours according to your own level of fitness and travel experience. Whether or not you stay in your comfort zone on the trip you select may also be influenced by the pacing we build into the itinerary, and your own preparation for the trip. While relatively high elevations are unavoidable when you're traveling in the Andes Mountains, we may judge a trip as "moderate" so long as passengers have sufficient time for acclimation. Our detailed trip itineraries give much more information about what you can expect. If you are unsure which trip is best for you, please call us. We'll help guide you toward the right fit.
Moderate
These adventures involve fairly easy travel. There is no camping: you sleep in hotels and country inns each evening. Trips may include short hikes and/or walks of two to three hours. Our itineraries include excursions in passenger mini-vans, over roads with many curves and potholes. Elevations rarely exceed 12,600'. At Machu Picchu and other Inca sites, we climb and descend relatively steep stone staircases. Trips to Amazon lodges involve travel by boat and canoe, plus hikes on forest trails at a moderate pace. In the rainforest, you may encounter rain, mud, and pooled water. Trips to the Galapagos include optional hikes on sometimes uneven rocky and/or slippery terrain. Passengers must get into and out of dinghies on beaches and at docks.
Active
These adventures include more hiking than in our moderate trips. You negotiate a variety of terrain, at elevations no more than 15,000'. Some trips include long days of overland travel. You sleep comfortably in hotels each evening.
Strenuous
While we rate all of our treks as strenuous, there is a substantial range of challenge between the easiest and the most demanding of our treks. Expect to hike 6-8 hours each day over steep and rugged terrain. You may hike to elevations of 17,000', with options to hike higher from several camps. Many include camping multiple nights at relatively high elevations. On most treks in the Andes, night-time temperatures can drop below freezing on one or more nights. On our Inn to Inn based treks, you'll spend each evening in a comfortable mountain lodge.
Extreme
Our toughest treks are suitable for those that enjoy a good physical challenge. You trek (and in some cases climb) over steep, rugged terrain at high elevations with substantial altitude gains. Some glacier travel requires knowledge of basic climbing techniques including use of crampons, ice axe, and ropes. These trips are in remote wilderness areas and include camping as high at 17,700'. Successful summit bids top out at 18,871' (Nevado Pisco), 19,347' (Volcan Cotopaxi) and 20,945' (Nevado Ausangate).
Departures Friday, weekly, all year
NEW: Free round-trip airfare Quito or Guayaquil to Galapagos until March 26, 2010
2010 Rates, per person, double cabin:
$4,656 twin or double cabin
Single cabin $6,984 or +100% in double cabin for single use
Fuel Surcharge: $203
Read MoreDepartures Friday, weekly, all year
2010 Rates, per person:
8 Days
$4,656 twin or double cabin
$6,984 single cabin (3 cabins available for single use) or +100% of per person rate in double cabin
Fuel Surcharge: $203
Galapagos Airfare (from Quito or Guayaquil): $325 to $425, depending on the routing and the season, subject to change
ADDITIONAL FEES:
Galapagos Park Fee $100; INGALA tourist card $10
Christmas/New Year departures 10% additional.
Peak Season Surcharge: applicable Mar 26-Apr 5 & Dec 24, 2010 - Jan 3, 2011 -- additional $200/adult additional; $130/child. No other discounts apply.
Single Supplement: see above
Children’s discount: 25% for children 6-11, not applicable during Peak Season
Day 1 Friday
Morning: Baltra Island – Arrival
Afternoon: North Seymour Island
Day 2 Saturday
Morning: Fernandina Island: Punta Espinoza
Afternoon: Isabela Island: Punta Moreno
Read MoreDay 1 Friday
Morning: Baltra Island – Arrival
Afternoon: North Seymour Island
Day 2 Saturday
Morning: Fernandina Island: Punta Espinoza
Afternoon: Isabela Island: Punta Moreno
Day 3 Sunday
Morning: Floreana Island: Post Office Bay, Champion Islet
Afternoon: Floreana Island: Punta Cormorant
Day 4 Monday
Morning: Rabida Island
Afternoon: Santa Cruz Island: Las Bachas beach
Day 5 Tuesday
Morning: Santa Cruz Island: highlands
Afternoon: Santa Cruz Island: Puerto Ayora town and Charles Darwin Research Station
Day 6 Wednesday
Morning: James Island: Sullivan Bay
Afternoon: James Island: Puerto Egas
Day 7 Thursday
Morning: San Cristobal Island: disembark at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, visit Interpretation Center
Afternoon: San Cristobal Island: Cerro Brujo
Day 8 Friday
Morning: Baltra Island – Departure fly back to mainland
Included in the Cruise rate:
All meals on yacht, daily excursions led by experienced English-speaking naturalist guides, snorkel gear (mask, snorkel, fins, floating device & mesh bag.) shortie wetsuits, bottled drinking water.
Not included:
Round-trip airfare (figured separately & prepaid); Galapagos Park Fee, Galapagos Transit Control Card; tips to guide, crew and staff; soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
Length: 207’
Beam: 39.37’
Type: deluxe motor yacht
Safety: SOLAS, STCW, MARPOL, ISM COS 12
Crew: 24+ 3 naturalist guides
Cruising speed: 12 knots
Read MoreLength: 207’
Beam: 39.37’
Type: deluxe motor yacht
Safety: SOLAS, STCW, MARPOL, ISM COS 12
Crew: 24+ 3 naturalist guides
Cruising speed: 12 knots
Air Conditioning: Yes, throughout
Diving: No
Decorated in blue and white with light wood paneling, La Pinta’s staterooms are bright, cheerful, large, providing unparalleled comfort. The 24 outside cabins are located mid-ship, on the Upper Deck, and have a sizable panoramic window. Each cabin has a small deck, closet and storage space, and chairs. Double cabins are 175 square feet, with private bathroom and air conditioning. Bed linens are a luxurious fine cotton, with down duvets and a choice of pillows. Modern bathrooms have all the amenities.
Read MoreLa Pinta’s ample staterooms, decorated in blue and white with light wood paneling, are bright and cheerful, and provide unparalleled comfort. The 24 outside cabins are located mid-ship, on the Upper Deck, and have a sizable panoramic window. Each cabin has a small deck, closet and storage space, and chairs.
Double cabins are 175 square feet, with private bathroom and air conditioning. Twin beds (32” x 79” inches) can convert to one Queen bed (64” x 79” inches.) Six cabins can be connected, suitable for families, and there are also 4 triple cabins of approximately 236 square feet (22 sq. meters).
Bed linens are a luxurious fine cotton, with down duvets and a choice of pillows.
Modern bathrooms have all the amenities, including hair dryer and plenty of plush towels.
Quick Facts
- 8 days only
- 48 passengers
- Friday departures
- 207 feet long
- Motor yacht
- Naturalist cruises & family-oriented programs