One of the fastest growing types of travel today is travel in small groups. In its fifteenth year, Ecotour Expeditions operates ever more popular small group trips to some of the most unique and unspoiled destinations in the world. The trips are thoughtful and sophisticated and include visits to the most spectacular natural sites in the Amazon, the Galapagos Islands, Costa Rica, Brazil and Peru.

One of the most extraordinary trips in the Ecotour collection is a nature discovery cruise called “Heart of Amazonia”. This voyage goes far into the Amazon wilderness to observe the spectacular flora and fauna of the rainforest. The trip is based on the small ship called The Motor Yacht Tucano which is the most comfortable expedition vessel in the entire region. The M/Y Tucano  is fully air-conditioned and designed especially for both intimate wildlife viewing and passenger comfort. There is a large observation deck as well as a balcony across the front of the vessel that allows views of monkeys, colorful macaws and toucans, hanging sloths, fantastic butterflies and other wildlife among the countless leaves and flowering vines of the rainforest. The spacious lounge offers a panoramic view of the forest and here in the evenings the vessel's naturalists give talks on the Amazon’s exotic flora and fauna. All of the cabins on board are air-conditioned and have private bathrooms.

Tucano explores farther into the unspoiled regions of the Amazon than any other nature cruise. There are year round departures of an 9 Day program "Heart of Amazonia" priced at $2,100.

More information can be obtained from Ecotour Expeditions, Inc. in Jamestown, Rhode Island (800-688-1822) or on their website www.naturetours.com.

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