TRAVEL INTEL

Although the Galápagos Islands are a fantastic year-round destination, travellers should plan travel at least six months in advance since flights, accommodations, and tours are limited. The 17-room luxury eco-resort Pikaia Lodge (pikaialodgegalapagos.com) offers all-inclusive three-, four- and seven-night land-based exploration packages of the islands. Alternatively, Finch Bay Hotel (finchbayhotel.com), with 27 modern rooms, is a short boat-ride away from Puerto Ayora. Ecuador-based Metropolitan Touring (metropolitan-touring.com) is a pioneer in the Galápagos Islands—it owns and operates a trio of vessels, and in the islands, and has luxury properties throughout Ecuador. From Singapore, fly into Ecuador’s capital Quito via Amsterdam or Houston. Stay at the luxurious Casa Gangotena, a restored colonial mansion that overlooks the historic Plaza de San Francisco (casagangotena.com). Galápagos tours can easily be combined with a luxury trip to Peru’s Machu Picchu. Contact Singapore-based Lightfoot Travel (lightfoottravel.com) for details.