Ecuador’s newly-elected president, Rafael Correa, was sworn in last January 15, as President of Ecuador for the period 2007 - 2011.

Correa, 43, an economist with studies in Louvain, Belgium and the United States, has vowed to restructure Ecuador’s foreign debt –like Argentina did- and to work to solve the needs of Ecuador’s poor.
The country's large indigenous community accepted Mr. Correa as their leader at a ceremony in the Andes Mountains, where shamans did a cleansing in the traditional way, prior to his taking power.

On January 2007 we successfully started the operation of the Chimborazo Adventure programs of 3-, 4- and 5 days which include the Chiva Express rides plus trekking and horseback riding. These operate with a maximum of 16 guests.

The Chimborazo Andean Adventure includes a day of horseback riding and a day of trekking amid breathtaking scenery, multicolored patchwork fields swaying with the wind, and the majestic snowcapped Chimborazo in full view. Accommodations are at the “Star of the Chimborazo” named after the tiny hummingbird Ecuadorian Hillstar ( Oreotrochilus Chimborazo ) endemic to this area. This mountain lodge provides heated rooms, plenty of hot water, cozy beds and excellent meals served around a large fireplace, a perfect ambience to share mountain stories, legends and anecdotes with the hosts and fellow travelers. Then, continue your trip on the Chiva Express to Guayaquil and Cuenca.

For complete itineraries please visit:
www.metropolitan-touring.com or
www.chivaexpress.com (unbranded site).

Metropolitan’s search for excellence not only implies the operation of high quality services, but to be responsible with the community and the environment. Thus, the company is actively involved in the conservation of nature and contributes to improve the living conditions of local communities.

This is done mainly through the Galapagos Foundation, sponsored by Metropolitan Touring and other Ecuadorian tour operators. A booklet has just been published to raise awareness of the actions and accomplishments of Metropolitan’s commitment toward the community and the environment. Please visit www.fundaciongalapagos.org for more information and how you can help.

Metropolitan Touring executives will be glad to see you at ITB in Berlin from March 7 to 11.

Our company, as in past years, has joined efforts with eight South American partners to have our own stand “South American Encounter”, where you will be welcome at Halle 1.1, Stand # 204.

Metropolitan will also be present together with the Ecuador delegation at stand #202.

Small adjustments have been implemented in the itinerary of the MV SANTA CRUZ:

• The program on Sunday afternoon is now at Punta Vicente Roca instead of Urbina Bay. Both sites are on Isabela Island.

• Due to logistical reasons, for the Friday afternoon visit the MV SANTA CRUZ will sail directly from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno to Cerro Brujo on San Cristobal Island.

• On the last day of the Friday/Monday itinerary guests disembark early for the visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station, while the MV SANTA CRUZ takes fuel at Baltra, so the ship no longer sails around Daphne Islands.