Aurora Expeditions Holds their Breath for the Amazon Rainforest On World Environment Day: 5 June 2016

Aurora Expeditions Holds their Breath for the Amazon Rainforest On World Environment Day: 5 June 2016

The Amazon Rainforest is known as the ‘Lungs of the Planet’. The lush and tropical South American jungle spreads across over half of the continent and provides the world with 20% of its oxygen. Each year 78 million acres of the Rainforest are cut down – a fact that devastates cruising specialist and wilderness enthusiasts, Aurora Expeditions. And with World Environment Day just around the corner, on the 5th June, it has never been a better time to discuss the important contribution the Amazon makes to our planet.

The adventure cruising experts always ensure conservation, preservation and a respect for the environment is at the forefront of all of their voyages. And this year, Aurora Expeditions have launched two incredible journeys, combining the Ecuadorian Amazon and the constantly evolving Galápagos islands to give their small ship of passengers the ultimate insight into a fragile and beautiful corner of the planet.

The astounding itineraries, that last between 20 and 26 days take passengers through the verdant jungle of the Ecuadorian Amazon, through the Andean cloud forests, up active volcanoes and across to the immaculate and wildlife-rich waters of the Galápagos – a chance to explore this equatorial nation’s wildest corners.

Mashpi lodge and Sacha lodge are two of the Amazon’s finest jungle abodes and are brand new to Aurora’s Ecuador program. Mashpi, perched at 900 metres above sea level, is a gateway to the stunning biodiversity of Ecuador and is nestled in a forest fragrant with tropical waterfalls, butterflies, vibrant orchids and an incredible collection of hummingbirds. And Sacha, found within a 5000-acre private reserve, can be reached over mysterious blackwater lakes and jungles alive with the chatter of spider monkeys.

Using these spectacular lodges as a base, intrepid travellers can trek and canoe through the Ecuadorian rainforest, in search of red howler monkeys, pink river dolphins and spectacular parrots – beautiful species that make up some of the 5 million animals, insects and plants that call these forests home. There is even the chance to pedal through Mashpi’s cloud forest on a SkyBike – a wonderfully unique way to explore the pristine tree tops.

And moving onto the Galápagos, the volcanic archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, wildlife lovers will be in their element as they will see the isolated islands that have sheltered a diversity of plant and wildlife. These stunning island, made up of white sands, turquoise waters and tropical forests, were the inspiration for Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution, after the naturalist visited in 1835.

Swimming in warm waters with sea lions and turtles, snorkeling amongst technicolor fish and playful penguins, and trekking in the land of iguanas, blue footed boobies, and giant tortoise – the Galápagos are a haven of wilderness that has been kept safe and virtually untouched by human intervention.

World Environment Day celebrates the beauty of our planet and aims to inspire people to take action against the growing strain on the planet’s natural world. Aurora Expeditions is delighted to be hosting these expeditions at such a critical time, and hopes to make environmental ambassadors out of each and every one of their passengers.

Aurora Expedition’s Ecuador Adventures start from US$13,500 per person including both ship and land accommodation, snorkelling and kayaking activities, all shore excursions and guided tours, and internal flights from Quito to Coca and Quito to Baltra.

For more information please contact Aurora Expeditions on 1300 061 490 or +61 2 9252 133, email info@auroraexpeditions.com.au or visit www.auroraexpeditions.com.au