DETAILS

Cruising the Galapagos

Tour prices vary significantly and depend on the size of the boat, the season (January through March is peak) and the duration of the cruise (usually eight days or so). Remember to ask if the tour includes the Galapagos National Park entrance fee, which runs $100 per person.

The economy-class fleet -- typically converted fishing boats -- is at the lowest end of the scale, costing as little as $800 per person for a week. Most U.S. tour operators will not book passengers on these boats. First-class boats as well as luxury yachts cost on average between $2,000 and $4,000 per person. Cruise ships and specialty trips are even more expensive.

Tour operators in the United States include Ecoventura (800-633-7972, http://www.ecoventura.com/ ), Wilderness Travel (800-368-2794, http://www.wildernesstravel.com/ ), Wildland Adventures (800-345-4453, http://www.wildland.com/ ) and Inca (510-420-1550, http://www.incafloats.com/ ).

Wildland Adventures, for example, offers a 11-day excursion that includes three nights' hotel in Quito, plus a city tour and most meals, and an eight-day 20-passenger cruise, with naturalist-led walks and talks. Cost is from $3,225 per person double, and includes round-trip air from Quito to the islands and park entrance fee. Departure tax is an extra $31.60. The company can also book international air, with fares from D.C. running about $650. Departures are year-round. For cruise only, Ecoventura has seven- night trips on 20-passenger motor yachts; price is from $1,950 for low season.

The Galapagos Conservancy (703-538-6833, http://www.galapagos.org/ ), based in Falls Church, also recommends the International Galapagos Tour Operators Association ( http://www.igtoa.org/ ), which lists environmentally conscious tour operators. The nonprofit also offers info on conservation efforts.

For general info: Ecuadorian Tourism, http://www.vivecuador.com/ , or Embassy of Ecuador, 202-234-7200, http://www.ecuador.org/ .

-- Andrea Sachs