Metropolitan Touring - Ecuador Mainland
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Metropolitan Touring was founded in 1953 and is Ecuador’s leading Travel Corporation with its own ground and Galapagos cruise-expedition operation.
Expanding over 50 years, the history of Metropolitan Touring is full of passion, inspiration, courage and success, with an extraordinary team of a highly professional staff led by a group of Ecuadorian visionaries eager to boost tourism in Ecuador.
Designed for upscale and demanding guests, Metropolitan Touring offers a fulfilling selection of exciting and innovative experiences in Ecuador’s megadiverse four natural regions: Pacific Coast, Andean highlands, Amazon Rainforest and Galapagos Islands. Our dedication to quality, our experience, excellence in travel safety, commitment to earthly environments and local cultures is unequalled in the discovery business.
- About Us
- Products and Services
- Essential Info
- Booking T&Cs
Expertise and Specialisation
Metropolitan Touring pioneered responsible tourism and expedition voyages to the Galapagos Islands and are the leaders in the operation of exciting, innovative and imaginative tours and excursions in continental Ecuador.
Our Galapagos expeditions aboard the 90-guest MV SANTA CRUZ and yacht ISABELA II are geared toward all aspects of the Galapagos: discovery, adventure, environmental interpretation, aquatic activities, relaxation, superb service and much more. Our 21-room Finch Bay Eco Hotel Resort on Santa Cruz Island offers land and sea packages with our new Sea Finch Yacht designed to bring guests in close contact with the unique wildlife and wondrous nature of the Galapagos National Park and Galapagos Marine Reserve.
Metropolitan’s exclusive “Chiva Express” Rail & Road programs offer the unique experience of “riding the roof” along the Andean Highlands and down to the Pacific coast.
Licences and Associations
Tourism patent for Quito Municipality
ACE SEGUROS SA – General Liability Policy No.352.349
Membership of Chamber of Tourism Pichincha
Membership ASOGAL (Asociación Nacional de Empresas Turísticas en Galápagos)
Membership of ASECUT (Asociación Ecuatoriana de Operadores Mayoristas de Turismo
Membership of ASEC (Asociación Ecuatoriana de Ecoturismo)
Membership of AHOTEC (Federación Hotelera del Ecuador)
Responsible Travel
As pioneers of ecotourism in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, we are totally committed to the conservation of all ecosystems, natural and urban habitats and people’s well being.
We support and contribute to the preservation of the environment, scientific investigation, education, and permanently promote environmental awareness among our personnel, local communities and guests through our direct participation in the operation of sustainable tourism and the creation in 1998 of the Galapagos Ecuador Foundation which finances two major projects: garbage recycling and coastal cleaning. Community and nature are at the heart of our business.
We encourage the protection of Ecuador’s extraordinary biodiversity and the appropriate use of its natural resources. We respect our cultural heritage, learn from it and work with the communities to create new opportunities for development.
New Yacht La Pinta
Season: Year round
A week-long voyage is the best way to frame the beauty of the Galapagos Islands. Our vessel sets the standards of small-ship luxury where our informal, yet elegant ambiance, will enhance the rewarding island sites visited. La Pinta is luxury… redefined. La Pinta will launch operations in the Galapagos Islands by March 2008. EXPEDITIONS: Friday to Friday 8 days / 7 nights
Yacht Isabela II
Season: Year round
Our expedition yacht gives you an in depth understanding of the Galapagos Islands. Its on board team of engaging experts will bring the islands alive throughout a revealing week-long itinerary. Our personal attention to detail will make your expedition memorable, comfortable, and inspiring.
EXPEDITIONS: Tuesday to Tuesday 8 days / 7 nights
M/V Santa Cruz
Season: Year round
The only expedition ship ever built for the Galapagos Islands. Its leadership and commitment to preserving the islands is witnessed in every outing. Superb cuisine and friendly service will enhance the beauty of this unique destination.
EXPEDITIONS: Monday to Monday / Friday to Friday 8 days / 7 nights | Monday to Friday 5 days / 4 nights | Friday to Monday 4 days / 3 nights
Finch Bay Eco Hotel
Season: Year round
Located in Galapagos, on Santa Cruz Island, right on the beach on a private seaside location, surrounded by mangroves. Here guests can cherish the privacy, natural surroundings and superb service.
“LAND & SEA” PACKAGE TOURS: Sunday to Wednesday (4 Days / 3 Nights) | Wednesday to
Sunday (5 Days / 4 Nights) | Sunday to Sunday (8 Days / 7 Nights) | Wednesday to Wednesday (8 Days / 7 Nights)
Chiva Express
Season: Year round
Riding the rails is the best way to get to the heart of the country. Our programs offer a real immersion into the Andean life, experiencing first-hand the sights and insights, textures and colors, aromas and flavors.
Options: Cotopaxi National Park by Chiva Express, full day | Chiva Express
Quito/Riobamba Guayaquil, 1 night | Chiva Express Quito/Riobamba Cuenca, 2- or 3 nights | New! Chimborazo Andean Adventures by Chiva Express 2-,3-or 4-nights
Other services
Season: Year round
Ground services for: Otavalo, Quito, Mindo, Papallacta, Guayaquil,
Amazon Rain forest, Birdwatching programs, and much more!
Food and Beverages
We work with best standard restaurants and food suppliers. The meals included at hotels. Usually hotels at the main cities (Quito – Guayaquil) include buffet breakfast or American breakfast and hotels in other cities are booked with half board. Tours with overnight include full board. Drinks are not included. We provide one daily water bottle for full day tours and overnight tours.
Accommodation
Hotels have to accomplish high standards, good location and health & safety standards. Categories depend on the city facilities; we work with hotels from Tourist to Deluxe category.
Transport
Standard Van, Mercedes Benz Sprinter 313 & 314 for 09/14 pax; 4x4 vehicles are also used such as Ford Explorer, Hyunday Santa Fe & Chevrolet Blazer. Several types of Hino buses are also used; we lease 02 Hino buses with 34 seats. All vehicles have A/C and are no older than 2000. We only use 80% of the total seating capacity. Coolers/Ice boxes can be provided under request.
Local Guides
Guides are constantly trained both in our products and also in field (Colonial Center, Otavalo, Galapagos & Jungle, etc.). Experience differs from 3 years (the youngest) to 36 years guiding. We have 22 guides at our disposal as well as 7 (one English/French) dedicated only for transfer. A Flight coordinator for flights to Galapagos (Isabela, Santa Cruz & Finch Bay – up to 15 guests) with all groups is also provided.
Age Restrictions
Minimum 2 years old for land tours and 6 years old for Galapagos cruise. Maximum age depending on physical conditions.
What to Bring
Detail and specific equipment or clothing, etc that may be required for the type of services offered.
Galapagos:
Small backpack (waterproof), Comfortable walking shoes, Sneakers with rubber soles
Shorts, Long pants, T-shirts, Long and Short sleeved shirts, Wind breaker, Bathing suit -wetsuit for snorkeling in cold months , Socks, Underwear, Hat or cap, Toilette kit (biodegradable shampoo please), Sun block , Sunglasses, Binoculars , Camera & camcorder, Any medicine you may be taking , Book/ Notebook
Land tours:
Andes: A modern flexible winter clothing system should be used. Essential items are several fleece layers and a complete wind and waterproof shell, also a warm hat and gloves. Hiking boots or comfortable walking shoes. Sun block (SPF 40). Camera (wide angle lens). Binoculars. Flashlight. Sunglasses.
Amazon: Passport , Comfortable walking shoes or tennis, Rubber boots and rain ponchos (sometimes provided as a courtesy), Long pants, 3 or 4 lightweight (not Jeans); Long and short sleeved cotton shirts or blouses, 3 or 4 ; Windbreaker or sweater; Cotton socks, a pair per day ; Shorts, 2 or 3; T-shirts, 3 or 4,Bathing suit, Cotton underwear, Hat or cap, Plastic water bottle, Suntan lotion, Sunglasses, Flashing with extra batteries, Binoculars (available for rent), Waterproof small backpack, Insect repellent , Cameras with high speed film, Personal first aid kit , Plastic bags for wet clothes.
Coast: Wear light clothes for warm weather, good walking shoes, hat or cap, insect repellent.
Individual (FIT´s) Deposits or Prepayments
On Metropolitan's own Galápagos products Yacht La Pinta, M/V Santa Cruz, Yacht Isabela II and Finch Bay Eco Hotel for individuals (FIT's) a US$200.00 non-refundable deposit per guest is needed for us to confirm any reservation. Full Payment is needed 60 days prior to the date our services are due to begin. All services not owned by Metropolitan Touring (Amazon and third party products) will be subject to the policies and conditions established by each operator. For all land services for individuals (FIT's), full pre payment is needed 60 days prior to the date our services are due to begin.
Individual Payments
Payments must be made in the following order of preference. A. Wire transfers. All wire transfers must have the Metropolitan Touring (MT) tour number(s), on their reference code field. Additionally, we need a copy of the payment confirmation issued by the bank via fax or e -mail, with the following information added to it: a) MT tour number(s); b) the amount of money that you are paying for each tour. This information is key to our accurate and expedite processing of payments. B. Credit card payments: For which a “Signature on File” form must be filled. This form authorizes Metropolitan Touring to charge our services to your corporate Visa, Master Card or American Express Credit Card. Payments should be written to the order of: Empresa Turística Internacional. You may request this form to the Account Executive or Sales Manager serving you at your bank. C. USD Check payments: May be made, as long as they are received at least 60 days before our services are scheduled to begin. Metropolitan Touring may also accept floating or revolving deposits equivalent to 2 months of billings.
Cancellations
Prior to acknowledging a cancellation request, we encourage our customers to reutilize the booking at another date for the same guests, or utilize the space for other guests in the original date. Galápagos Services: On Metropolitan's own products in Galápagos: Yacht La Pinta, M/V Santa Cruz, Yacht Isabela II and Finch Bay Eco Hotel for individuals (FIT's) cancellations, the following applies: If cancellation is received between 60 and 0 days before our services are due to begin, full price will be charged. Land Services: On all Private Individual (FIT´s) cancellations for land services, a US$200.00 handling fee per tour will be forfeited on all cancellations received between 60 and 0 days prior to the date our services are due to begin. On all Shared and Semi-Private Individual (FIT´s) cancellations for land services, a US$50.00 handling fee per tour will be forfeited on all cancellations received between 60 and 0 days prior to the date our services are due to begin. Hotel Accommodations: If cancellation is received between 4 and 0 days before our services are due to begin, we shall charge the first night of hotel accommodation. (Only if the hotel charges).
Liability Clause
The tour operator and its agents act only as agents for passengers in all matters pertaining to transportation, accommodations or other services not provided directly by Metropolitan Touring. As agents, all tickets, exchange orders or vouchers are issued by them subject to any and all terms and conditions under which such means of transportation, accommodations or other services are offered or provided. The booking agent, airlines involved and general agent will not be liable for any vehicle furnished by any such other party, firm or corporation in carrying out or failing to carry out arrangements previously agreed upon, nor for the negligent misconduct of any such other party, firm or corporation in providing or failing to provide, are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time passengers are not on board their conveyance. The passenger contract in use by the airlines concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between booking agent, airline general agent and the purchaser of these and/ or passenger. We suggest that you book an insurance policy with your Travel Agency.
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