Contact: Laura Stegman
310/470-6321

Up-Close Nature Adventure to Ecuador and Galapagos Islands
Offered by Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA)

Trip Led by Connie Morgan, GLAZA President, and Experts in Region's Fauna, Flora, Geology, Ecology, Conservation and Natural History

Optional Extension to Peru Includes Excursion to Machu Picchu

July 13 - 22, 2008
The Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA) offers an extraordinary
travel opportunity to discover the unique wildlife, sculpted landscapes,
spectacular volcanoes and Andean moorlands of Ecuador and the Galapagos
Islands on an adventure presented by Classic Escapes from July 13 to 22,
2008.  The journey provides a unique perspective of Ecuador and the islands
located 600 miles off its Pacific coast made famous by Charles Darwin, who
visited in 1835 and later wrote "The Origin of the Species."  Travelers are
accompanied by Connie Morgan, GLAZA president, and guides with extensive
knowledge about the region's fauna, flora, geology, ecology, conservation
and natural history.  An optional extension to Peru and Machu Picchu is
available.

The trip is operated by Classic Escapes, whose mission is to provide
educational and entertaining experiences that nurture and directly support
diverse wildlife and cultures around the world.  The firm has established
the Classic Escapes Conservation Fund, which provides a percentage of
profits to support conservation and wildlife researchers performing their
critical work in the field.

Departing from Los Angeles, the adventure begins with a visit to Quito,
Ecuador's vibrant capital, including a walking tour of the colonial city, a
trip to Pichincha Volcano by aerial tram for panoramic views, and a
view-rich drive to the foot of the Cotopaxi Volcano and the Andean moorlands
of Cotopaxi National Park.  Next is a scenic ride on the one-coach Chiva
Express, then a flight to San Cristobal Island and a cruise aboard the M/V
SANTA CRUZ built specifically for exploring the Galapagos Islands.  Stops
include Punta Suarez, one of the most outstanding wildlife areas of the
archipelago, on Hood Island, one of the oldest in the chain; the spectacular
lava fields and salt-water lagoons of Isabela Island, the largest in the
Galapagos formed some five million years ago when six underwater volcanoes
flowed together; exploration of Tagus Cove in pangas or kayaks; Fernandina
Island, with its hundreds of brilliantly-colored marine iguanas; and Itabaca
Channel at Santa Cruz Island for a visit to the Charles Darwin Research
Station where scientists from all over the globe conduct biological
research.  The journey ends with a ferry crossing to Baltra Island, followed
by a return flight to Guayaquil, then another back to Los Angeles.

Among the spectacular wildlife visible to travelers during the trip are
herds of wild llama, marine turtles, sea lions, lava lizards, Sally
lightfoot crabs, huge colonies of blue-footed boobies, magnificent
frigatebirds and waved albatrosses, flightless cormorants, Galapagos hawks,
swallow-tailed gulls and manta ray.  Horseback riding, hiking, swimming,
snorkeling, mountain biking and shopping are just some of this trip's
exhilarating features.

A seven-day optional extension to Peru, from July 21 to July 29, offers
exploration of lands where Spanish conquistadors and ancient civilizations
existed, with visits to Lima and Cusco (the once capital of the Incan
Empire) a hike to mystical Machu Picchu, and trips to Sacsayhuaman,
Ollantaytambo, the Sun and the Moon temples and the Sun Gate.

Included in the package are round-trip flights, superior and best available
accommodations at hotels and on the cruise ship (upgrades available); all
meals while on the Galapagos cruise and additional meals during the trip;
all hotel taxes/tips and gratuities for baggage handling; entrance fees to
places of interest and on sightseeing tours indicated in itinerary (except
the Galapagos Islands entrance fee, which is $100 additional per person);
and complimentary backpack, passport wallet and baggage tags.

Itinerary and sequence subject to change, determined by the Ecuadorian Park
Services.

The trip is $5,595 per person, double occupancy in main deck standard
cabins, plus taxes of $150 (subject to change), and the Galapagos National
Park fee of $100 per person.  A single supplement is $1,995 per person.
Cabin Upgrades are $76 per person additional for Upper Deck Standard Cabin,
$215 per person additional for Boat Deck Standard Cabin, and  $362 per
person additional for Boat Deck Superior Cabin.  The optional extension to
Peru/Machu Picchu is $2,995 per person, double occupancy, and $895 per
person, single room supplement.

The year 2008 marks more than four decades of GLAZA's success in supporting
the Los Angeles Zoo's work as an educational resource for the citizens of
Los Angeles, and as an international center for the conservation of
endangered wildlife.  GLAZA provides support for Los Angeles Zoo exhibits,
conservation, capital projects, education programs, community outreach,
research, and more through fund-raising and an endowment, membership,
special events and more.  GLAZA currently has 65,000 member households, the
second largest non-profit organization membership in Los Angeles.  Many of
its nearly 300,000 individual members have sustained their GLAZA support for
more than 20 years.

For detailed descriptions of the Ecuador/Galapagos journey, including a free
brochure and more information, please call Melissa Grossenbacher at the
Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association, 323/644-4792, or visit
http://lazoo.org/calendar/travel/index.html.

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The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens is located in Griffith Park at the junction of the Ventura (134) and Golden State (5) freeways. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 2 to 12. The Zoo is open from 10am to 5pm daily. For general information, call 323/644-4200.