January 30, 2006

Tahoe City, CA > AdventureSmith Explorations has designed an exclusive, land-based multi-sport adventure, combining the Galapagos Islands with adventurous activities such as hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, mountain biking and horseback riding.

From start to finish, guests are treated to an all-inclusive, 10-day Galapagos Multi-sport Adventure that features nine nights' accommodation, transfers to and from the airport, Quito historical tour, air transportation from Quito to the Galapagos Islands and a host of multi-sport activities. Travelers explore the southern islands of the Galapagos Archipelago, traversing the marine reserve by kayak, coasting down the highlands by mountain bike, hiking through intriguing volcanic formations and even enjoying a scenic horseback ride. Also included, is transportation from island to island via private, 12-person yacht. Activities are done in varying levels and alternate options are always available to serve each individual's taste for adventure. All the while, a naturalist guide shares the amazing array of flora and fauna of the region. Each evening is spent at small port towns in comfortable, choice hotels.

The journey begins in Quito, Ecuador, South America's oldest capital city and a UNESCO world heritage site. Guests enjoy a guided walking tour of Quito's colonial center followed by an included flight to San Cristobal Island. Upon arrival, the adventure kicks off with a hike to nearby Frigate Hill for splendid views of the coastline and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Here, there is a good chance for first encounters with local wildlife including frigate birds, blue-footed boobies and Darwin finches. On the return to town, guests may enjoy a swim from the white sand shores of Mann Beach.

The next day features a morning kayak excursion along the coast to Playa Ochoa, with opportunities for sea lion, marine turtle, blue-footed booby and frigate bird sightings. Once at Playa Ochoa, there is time to relax, enjoy the beach or swim with the sea lions. The paddle continues to Leon Dormido for snorkeling, or for certified divers, one of the best dives in the islands. From San Cristobal, guests board a fast boat to Santa Fe and Santa Cruz Islands. Santa Fe Island is home to a beautiful, crystal clear cove ideal for snorkeling. Santa Cruz Island features lava channels with calm waters ideal for kayaking.

At El Chato Reserve in the upper realm of Santa Cruz Island, more adventures await, with a morning hike featuring lava caves, volcanic formations, incredible views of the coastline and Media Luna, an old collapsed crater at the tip of Santa Cruz Island. The journey back features a mountain bike excursion through farmlands and small villages to El Garrapatero beach, where after a full day of hiking and biking, guests have time to relax before visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about conservation and management efforts in the archipelago.

The next morning, guests again board a fast boat and cruise to Isabela Island, the largest island in the archipelago. Here, the group visits the Galapagos Rearing Center to learn about tortoise development and conservation, and enjoy an opportunity to explore the bay in search of the Galapagos penguin. As the Galapagos Multi-sport Adventure comes to a close, one more adventure remains: a six-mile horseback ride to the rim of Sierra Negra volcano, followed by a hike to Chico volcano. In the morning, it's back to the mainland to enjoy a final evening in Quito before returning home.

The Galapagos Multi-sport Adventure is offered year-round, with rates starting at $2,699 per person, double occupancy. AdventureSmith Explorations also offers custom trips for groups of six or more.

For reservations or more information, visit www.AdventureSmithExplorations.com, call 1-800-728-2875 or email travel@AdventureSmithExplorations.com.

AdventureSmith Explorations is an ecotourism company specializing in small ship cruises and adventure tours founded on the ideal of utilizing travel to create connections with the world's exotic natural environments and native cultures. The company's founder, Todd Smith, utilizes his years of experience in the adventure travel industry as well as his expertise as a professional naturalist to distinguish AdventureSmith Explorations by combining fun and exciting activities such as sea kayaking, hiking, small ship cruising and rafting in places not found on more conventional itineraries; extraordinary places in such destinations as Alaska, Costa Rica, Belize, Ecuador and the Galapagos, Guatemala, Antarctica and New Zealand.

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