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Galapagos Cruises Itineraries 2012

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General facts about Ecuador

Time Zone:

Ecuador is located at GMT -5 (Eastern Standard Time zone). The Galapagos Islands are one hour behind mainland Ecuador, although the Legend and Coral ships are governed by mainland time.

Population:
Ecuador’s has a population of about 13.5 million. Spanish is the country’s official language and Quechua is spoken by many indigenous groups. Religion: 95% Roman Catholic.

Currency:  
U.S. dollar. Capital: Quito. Government: democracy. Business Hours:
In Quito and Guayaquil, most stores, banks, businesses, and foreign exchange offices are open from 9:00 to 18:00, Monday through Friday. On Saturday, many stores and some businesses are open from 9:00 to 13:00. Shopping malls, however, are open every day, including weekends, from 10:00 to 20:00 and have bank branch offices, ATMs and foreign exchange facilities.

Holidays:
January 1 New Year’s Day
February or March Mardi Gras (Carnaval)
March or April Holy Week (Good Friday)
May 1 Labor Day
May 24 Battle of Pichincha
July 25 Foundation of Guayaquil (local)
August 10 National Independence Day
October 9 Independence Day of Guayaquil
November 2 All Souls Day
November 3 Independence Day of Cuenca
December 6 Foundation of Quito, celebrated in
Quito the first week of December
with bullfights, parades and street
dancers.
December 25 Christmas

Welcome to Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands

It is our pleasure to have this opportunity to share with you an experience that will be unforgettable.

Ecuador is a one-of-a-kind country where four worlds coexist in a unique way. The Pacific Coast, the Andes, the Amazon region and the Galapagos Islands constitute Ecuador’s geography and cultural identity and make it, beyond doubt, a destiny appropriate for every taste and a once-in- a-lifetime experience.

Ecuador is located on the northwestern coast of South America, just on the equatorial line that divides the Earth into two hemispheres. It is a multiethnic country, with great cultural, natural and archeological wealth. Despite its small size, it has the highest biodiversity per square meter on the continent. Of all the oceanic islands in the world, the Galapagos are in a league of their own. It is essential, therefore, that your time here be used to the fullest and in the most pleasurable way possible.

We have created an environment and chosen a tour where you can both enjoy and learn what has taken many years of research -and centuries of debate- to discover. Please read the National Park Rules first. Your visit is an example of how human beings are currently able to respect and protect nature.

On behalf of the master of the vessel, officers, guides and the crew, we welcome you aboard.

This voyage has been especially designed for you. This guide to Ecuador and the Galapagos is one more way to serve you.

Kleintours extends its most cordial welcome to Ecuador and wishes you a happy and pleasant stay with us!.