SOUTHAMERICAGALAPAGOS  ECUADOR 126 " It was well- paced and interesting, catching the main tourist sites and quirky sides of life. I really enjoyed it." Sara McCuntock south america Imaginative Facts Tour code: LPUG • Activities: Wildlife spotting, sea kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, snorkelling • Accommodation: 8 nights tourist class hotels • Transport: Plane, car, boat, bicycle • Flights: Included in tour price - Quito to San Cristobal, Baltra to Quito • Fully Escorted: Services of local representative in Quito, services of guide and local crew in the Galapagos • Imaginative Traveller Suggests: Add our ' Inca Trail Extension' DAY 1: QUITO- Arrive and transfer to hotel. DAY 2: GALAPAGOS ISLANDS- Fly to the island of San Cristobal. After our welcome briefing and lunch at a local restaurant we hike to the Interpretation Centre, then continue towards Frigate Hill along trails of lava rock. Frigate Hill is often visited by blue-footed boobies and of course, the frigate birds after which it is named. On our return, we stop for a refreshing swim. This evening enjoy dinner at a waterfront restaurant. ( BLD) DAY 3: PLAYA OCHOA - LEON DORMIDO-We spend the morning paddling along the coast in sea kayaks, exploring rocky bays and coves full of wildlife. The area is home to colonies of sea lions, marine turtles, blue-footed boobies, and frigate birds. We visit Isla Lobos, a snorkelling site where we hope to encounter sea lions and continue to Leon Dormido, a fantastic area for snorkelling or diving. We might see Galapagos sharks or eagle and golden rays, as well as many species of tropical fish and starfish. ( BLD) DAY 4: SANTA CRUZ- Take a boat to Santa Cruz Island, where we transfer to El Chato reserve, the natural habitat of the Galapagos tortoise. We may also see pintail ducks, egrets, flycatchers and finches. Explore lava caves featuring incredible volcanic tunnel formations then drive to Cerro Mesa, from where we cycle through farmland and villages. ( BL) DAY 5: TORTUGA BAY- Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, and meet Lonesome George, the last giant tortoise of his species. We then kayak around Divine Bay and Punta Estrada, in calm, turquoise waters that wind through high- walled lava channels. White- tipped sharks and rays can often be glimpsed, while colonies of birds, crabs and marine iguanas perch along the jagged cliffs. In the afternoon we hike to Tortuga Bay, a beach area used as a nesting site by thousands of marine turtles. ( BL) DAY 6: ISABELA ISLAND- Travel by boat to Isabela Island. This is the largest island in the archipelago, formed by 6 volcanoes and well known for its beautiful white sand beaches. We visit El Muro de las Lágrimas ( the Wall of Tears), a historic site that dates from between 1946 and 1959 when Isabela Island was used as a penal colony. The wall was built with lava blocks and had no other purpose but that of keeping the prisoners occupied. This afternoon we snorkel in Concha y Perla, a lovely sea pool filled with marine life. Later there is the chance to relax and enjoy the exotic white sand beaches of Puerto Villamil. ( BLD) DAY 7: ISABELA ISLAND- From Puerto Villamil we drive to the highlands, then hike to the rim of the active Sierra Negra volcano before exploring the edge of the huge lava-filled crater. Time permitting, we have the option of continuing our hike to the Chico volcano, an area of extraordinary lava formations and a great example of the dramatic geological events that created the Galapagos Islands. We use horses to carry our equipment during this excursion. ( BLD) DAY 8: BALTRA - QUITO- Transfer to Baltra and fly to Quito. On arrival, transfer to hotel. ( B) DAY 9: QUITO- Tour ends. ( B) Note: This is a standard itinerary and it may change without prior notice due to local weather conditions, or alterations in Galapagos National Park policy. A brilliant multi- activity adventure in the amazing Galapagos Islands • Discover the Galapagos archipelagoin a way you never thought possible • Hike on the lava rock of Frigate Hill and ascend the dramatic Chico volcano • Kayak with sea lions and turtlesand snorkel round ' Sleeping Lion' rock • Cycle on Santa Cruz Island and relax on the sandy beaches of Isabela Island • Visit the giant tortoise ' Lonesome George' Ultimate Galapagos! Charles Darwin Research Station Ultimate Galapagos San Cristobal Frigate Hill Leon Dormido To QuitoFrom Quito Baltra El Chato Isabela Island Puerto Villamil Santa Cruz Argentina Volcanoes & Pampas Buenos Aires Pampas Puerto VarasBariloche Pucon Santiago Peulla Bolivia Chile Andean Journey La Paz Santiago La SerenaPisco Elqui Valley Calama Uyuni Potosi Sucre San Pedro de Atacama Single Supplement £ 210 ( optional) Voluntary Carbon Offset £ 21.88 Price includes flights to and from the Galapagos Islands * Includes tour price of £ 1370, local payment of US$ 300, Galapagos entry fee of US$ 100All prices are subject to currency fluctuations £ 1580pp Land Only * pioneer Tour duration 9 days © Imaginative Traveller © Imaginative Traveller © Imaginative Traveller Starts SatEnds Sun QuitoQuito 2009 11- Jul- 0919- Jul- 09 01- Aug- 0909- Aug- 09 03- Oct- 0911- Oct- 09 24- Oct- 0901- Nov- 09 14- Nov- 0922- Nov- 09 26- Dec- 0903- Jan- 10 Starts SatEnds Sun QuitoQuito 2010 27- Feb- 1007- Mar- 10 10- Apr- 1018- Apr- 10 22- May- 1030- May- 10 03- Jul- 1011- Jul- 10 14- Aug- 1022- Aug- 10 25- Sep- 1003- Oct- 10 06- Nov- 1014- Nov- 10 18- Dec- 1026- Dec- 10 new tour for 2009 We can also offer Extra Accommodation, Adventure Travel Insurance& Flights Our ' Ultimate Galapagos' tour is land based which means for those who don't have their sea legs - you get to stay in hotel rooms! did you know ... Save up to 15% on your tour - see page 243

BOLIVIA  CHILE  ARGENTINA 127 SOUTHAMERICA Imaginative Facts Tour code: LAAJ • Activities: 4WD excursion around Uyuni and the Atacama Desert • Accommodation: 9 nights simple hotels, 2 nights basic lodges, 3 nights overnight bus • Transport: Public and private bus, 4WD jeep • Fully Escorted: By Imaginative Traveller tour leader • Imaginative Traveller Suggests: Add our ' Easter Island Extension' DAY 1: LA PAZ- Arrival day. DAY 2: LA PAZ- A full free day in the high capital city of La Paz. This evening we take an overnight bus to Sucre. DAY 3: SUCRE- We have time to explore Sucre, one of Latin America's colonial gems with elegant streets and lively markets. DAY 4: SUCRE - POTOSI- Free morning. In the afternoon we take the bus to Potosi. DAY 5: POTOSI- A full free day in Potosi. There is the chance to visit one of world's oldest silver mines. These were once the source of the city's wealth and are still used to this day. DAY 6: POTOSI - UYUNI- We travel to the remote town of Uyuni, our base for exploring the salt flats of southern Bolivia. DAY 7: SALT FLATS EXCURSION- We take 4WD jeeps from Uyuni in Bolivia to the oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama in Chile. The Salar de Uyuni sits at 3,666m above sea level, making it the largest and highest salt flat in the world. An awe- inspiring sight. ( LD) DAY 8: HIGH ANDES CROSSING- We continue our journey, reaching 5,000m in altitude, with the only company being wild vicunas and guanacos that gallop away on our approach. The end of the journey is the striking Laguna Colorada, with its population of more than 30,000 flamingos. ( BLD) DAY 9: ATACAMA DESERT- The dramatic sight of Licancabur Volcano tells us that we are leaving Bolivia behind and crossing the border into Chile. We make for the small but lively oasis town of San Pedro de Atacama. ( B) DAY 10: ATACAMA DESERT- A free day in San Pedro de Atacama. There is the opportunity to visit Moon Valley, a dramatic lunar landscape of wind- eroded hills, and to walk along the crest of ' The Great Sand Dune' and watch the sunset from the top. DAY 11: CALAMA - LA SERENA- In the afternoon we take the bus to the nearby town of Calama, where we board our overnight bus to La Serena. DAY 12: LA SERENA - PISCO ELQUI VALLEY- Free day to relax on the nearby beach or to take an optional excursion to the beautiful Pisco Elqui Valley, a beautiful grape-growing area with plenty of hiking options. We also have the opportunity to visit Chile's biggest pisco distillery. DAY 13: LA SERENA- A full day to explore this carefully restored colonial town. Evening overnight bus to Santiago. DAY 14: SANTIAGO- Early in the morning we arrive at Santiago, the Chilean capital, a cosmopolitan city of wide boulevards and landscaped parks set against a stunning backdrop of Andean peaks. DAY 15: SANTIAGO- Tour ends. Note: Days 7- 9 may change during the rainy season ( January- March) due to high water levels in the salt flats. Journey through the wild lands of southern Bolivia and northern Chile • Enjoy the Bolivian cities of La Paz, colonial Sucre and Potosi • Take a 4WD excursionto the vast Uyuni Salt Flats, the highest in the world • Witness the lagoons, hot springs and geysersof the Atacama Desert • Chill out at La Serena beachor visit the scenic Pisco Elqui Valley • Relish clear southern skies, remote settlements and volcanic scenery Bolivia Chile Andean Journey Imaginative Facts Tour code: LAVP • Activities: Optional hiking, whitewater rafting, horse- riding, mountain- biking in Pucon and Bariloche, horse- riding at the estancia • Accommodation: 9 nights simple hotels, 2 nights estancia ( multi- share), 2 nights overnight bus • Transport: Public bus, train, boat • Fully Escorted: By Imaginative Traveller tour leader • Imaginative Traveller Suggests: Explore the mysteries of Easter Island on our ' Easter Island Extension' DAY 1: SANTIAGO- Arrival day. DAY 2: SANTIAGO - PUCON- The Chilean capital is a cosmopolitan city of wide boulevards and landscaped parks, set against a stunning backdrop of Andean peaks. We have a free day to explore the city, before boarding the overnight bus to Pucon. ( B) DAY 3: PUCON- Arrive in Pucon, in the heart of the stunning Lake District. Few landscapes can equal its beauty, with areas of volcanic cones blanketed by glaciers. DAY 4: PUCON- The excellent facilities offered by the lakeside resort of Pucon give us the chance to enjoy many different activities. Choose from hiking, white- water rafting, horse- riding or volcano climbing, among others. ( B) DAY 5: PUERTO VARAS- We take a bus to the small lakeside village of Puerto Varas, a charming German enclave at the foot of the snow- capped Osorno Volcano. In the evening we can visit the fish market and enjoy an excellent fresh seafood dinner - possibly the best in the country. ( B) DAY 6: PEULLA- This morning our epic journey into Argentina begins. We drive around Lake Llanquihue before crossing the stunning Lake Todos Los Santos by boat. The lake is also known as Lake Emerald, due to its vivid blue- green waters. Later we arrive in Peulla, a charming village in the heart of the Lake District. ( B) DAY 7: BARILOCHE- Cross the Perez Rosales pass to reach Puerto Frias. Once in Argentina we board a boat to cross Lake Frias to Puerto Alegre, and from there a short bus ride takes us to Puerto Blest where we take a boat once again to cross the beautiful Lake Nahuel Huapi. Stunning snowy peaks surround us - the journey of a lifetime! We then travel to Bariloche, our base for two nights. ( B) DAY 8: BARILOCHE- Situated by the clear waters of Lake Nahuel Huapi, San Carlos de Bariloche is definitely one of the top adventure destinations in Argentina. The rivers are ideal for rafting, and the mountain paths are great for hiking, mountain biking and horse- riding. There is also time to enjoy the town's lively nightlife. ( B) DAY 9: BARILOCHE- After a free day we board an overnight bus for our journey into the Argentinean pampas. ( B) DAY 10: ARGENTINEAN PAMPAS- On arrival we transfer to a traditional estancia. Estancias are Argentinean ranches that welcome guests, and are an important part of the local history and culture. ( LD) DAY 11: ARGENTINEAN PAMPAS- We enjoy a full day at the estancia. There is time to explore on foot or on horseback in the company of the local gauchos, test our ability with a lasso and taste an original ' asado', an Argentinean barbecue. ( BLD) DAYS 12 & 13: BUENOS AIRES- Today we say goodbye to our hosts and take a bus to Buenos Aires, the cosmopolitan Argentinean capital. Buenos Aires is famous for its tango, football, sophisticated outlook and European-style architecture. A full free day to explore the city. ( B) DAY 14: BUENOS AIRES- Tour ends. ( B) Note: If the lake crossing service is not running for any reason, we will travel by bus between Puerto Varas and Bariloche. An active trip through some of the continent's most dramatic scenery • Travel from cosmopolitan Santiago to the cultural melting- potof Buenos Aires • Experience the Lake District's emerald lakes and snow- capped volcanoes • Cruise the famous ' Lake Crossing' between Chile and Argentina • Enjoy the natural delights of Argentina's adventure city, Bariloche • Immerse yourself in traditional estancia lifein the Argentinean Pampas Chile Argentina Volcanoes & Pampas Single Supplement £ 160 ( optional) Voluntary Carbon Offset £ 28.62 * Price includes tour price of £ 735and local payment of US$ 220All prices are subject to currency fluctuations £ 849pp Land Only * Single Supplement £ 290 ( optional) Voluntary Carbon Offset £ 28.13 * Price includes tour price of £ 975and local payment of US$ 300All prices are subject to currency fluctuations £ 1135pp Land Only * adventureradventurer Tour duration 15 daysTour duration 14 days StartsEnds La PazSantiago 2009 Starts SatEnds Sat 14- Feb- 0928- Feb- 09 Starts SunEnds Sun 29- Mar- 0912- Apr- 09 17- May- 0931- May- 09 12- Jul- 0926- Jul- 09 13- Sep- 0927- Sep- 09 25- Oct- 0908- Nov- 09 06- Dec- 0920- Dec- 09 StartsEnds La PazSantiago 2010 Starts SunEnds Sun 28- Feb- 1014- Mar- 10 11- Apr- 1025- Apr- 10 23- May- 1006- Jun- 10 04- Jul- 1018- Jul- 10 15- Aug- 1029- Aug- 10 26- Sep- 1010- Oct- 10 07- Nov- 1021- Nov- 10 19- Dec- 1002- Jan- 11 StartsEnds SantiagoBuenos Aires 2009 Starts SatEnds Fri 03- Jan- 0916- Jan- 09 28- Feb- 0913- Mar- 09 Starts SunEnds Sat 12- Apr- 0925- Apr- 09 31- May- 0913- Jun- 09 26- Jul- 0908- Aug- 09 27- Sep- 0910- Oct- 09 08- Nov- 0921- Nov- 09 20- Dec- 0902- Jan- 10 StartsEnds SantiagoBuenos Aires 2010 Starts SunEnds Sat 14- Mar- 1027- Mar- 10 25- Apr- 1008- May- 10 06- Jun- 1019- Jun- 10 18- Jul- 1031- Jul- 10 29- Aug- 1011- Sep- 10 10- Oct- 1023- Oct- 10 21- Nov- 1004- Dec- 10 Save up to 15% on your tour - see page 243 Save up to 15% on your tour - see page 243