The Galapagos Islands and Ecuador: Zoology, Ecology and Ornithology
of the Pacific

Itinerary

Day 1

Check in at Heathrow for flight with Iberia via Madrid to Quito, Ecuador. Evening arrival transfer to the Swissotel, Quito, within easy access to the Old City.

Day 2

500 years of colonial architecture have ensured that Quito was the first city to be made a World Heritage site. We visit its plazas & churches - El Congreso, La Catedral, La Compania, Guapulo & La Iglesia de San Francisco. Overnight at the Swissotel, Quito.

Day 3

Visit snow capped volcanoes of the Andes, and Otavalo’s famous market. Its multicoloured plaza offers beautiful textiles, native paintings, straw hats & other Ecuadorian curiosities. Lunch in a colonial Hacienda. Afternoon visit to Cuicocha Lake and to Cotacachi. Overnight at the Swissotel, Quito.

Day 4

Fly from Quito to San Christόbal, Galapagos, where we join our private 108 ft expedition motor cruiser CORAL I. We have chartered this elegant 36 berth cruiser exclusively for our group. Arranged on three decks, she has two observation areas, plus lounge & dining saloons. All cabins have air conditioning, twin or double beds and private bathrooms/toilets. Afternoon dry landing (Dry Landings are made by dinghy onto a Jetty) in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, capital of the Galapagos Islands. Visit the Interpretation Center, an excellent place to learn about Natural History in the Galapagos. The Museum of Natural History displays information on the volcanic origins of the islands, their remoteness from the continent, ocean currents, climate, the arrival of the different species and their colonization, among other points of interest. The human history is also showcased, chronologically narrating the most significant events related to the discovery and colonization of the islands. 

Day 5

Morning wet landing (Wet landings are necessary where there is no jetty. The dinghy will be brought as near to the shore as possible and clients step overboard into ankle-deep water. We recommend carrying your shoes and putting them on after wading to the beach) at Cerro Brujo (San Cristóbal), an eroding tuff cone that at several locations is composed of outpoured lava formations, and a beautiful white sand beach, great for snorkeling and sunbathing. We visit a lagoon where migratory bird species can be seen: Black-necked Stilts, Ruddy Turnstones, Whimbrels, other sandpiper species and White-cheeked Pintails. Cerro Brujo offers beautiful views of Kicker Rock, the southern part of San Cristobal and the adjacent coast. Afternoon wet landing at Pitt Point followed by a hike on rocky terrain. This is probably the only site where the three booby species of the Galapagos can be seen together: Nazca, Blue-footed, and Red-footed, as well as two species of frigatebirds and a sea lion colony; it is also excellent for dinghy rides and snorkeling, where a good range of sea birds can be observed.

Day 6

Wet landing at Espumilla Beach (Santiago). This visitor site is surrounded by mangrove forest, which makes for a pleasant walk, taking us to a magnificent viewpoint of the entire bay. We will see Darwin finches, mockingbirds, and White-checked Pintail. There’s also a lagoon where Flamingos can occasionally be seen. Afternoon wet landing on a beach of black volcanic sand at Egas Port (Santiago) visited by Darwin in 1835. The unique, truly striking layered terrain of Santiago’s shores is home to a variety of resident and migrant birds, including the bizarre Yellow-crowned Night Heron and astounding array of marine wildlife including lobster, starfish and marine iguanas grazing on algae beds alongside Sally Lightfoot Crabs. Colonies of endemic fur seals swimming in cool water pools formed by volcanic rocks. Snorkeling here offers rarities such as octopus or squid. Optional visit to the Salt Mines where you can observe the two species of sea lions: fur and the Galapagos sea lions.

Day 7

Dry landing on Bartolomé. We discover a fascinating moonscape formed by different volcanic parasitic cones —lava bombs, spatter, cinder cones —as we hike to the summit for impressive views of the surrounding islands, including the eroded tuff cone Pinnacle Rock. We also encounter marine iguanas and lava lizards. Beach time is a great opportunity to snorkel and see (perhaps swim with) Galapagos Penguin, sea turtles and White-tipped Reef Shark, among a great variety of colorful fish. For many visitors, this may turn out to be the best of snorkeling experiences; the water here is generally clear, without too much surf and full of marine life. Due to its geographical location, the lack of vegetation is immediately noticeable. Pioneer plants are observed, so called because they are the first to establish roots on new ground. They include Tiquilia nesiotica (which is endemic to the island) and Chamaesyce (known as sand mat or spurge in English), lava cactus, and Scalesia bushes. Behind the beach we have dunes covered by mangroves. Afternoon wet landing at Sullivan Bay. This visitor site located at the southeastern portion of Santiago Island, and of important geologic interest, features extensive lava flows believed to have been formed during the last quarter of the 19th century.

Day 8

Dry landing on Santa Cruz. A 45-minute bus ride will take us to the Highlands and Primicias Ranch.  This is an excellent place to see the Galapagos Tortoise in the wild. These enormous and slow-moving reptiles are responsible for the island’s name and therefore approaching them in their humid and forested abode is always an inspiring adventure. They can weigh between 250 and 300 kg and can live up to 150-200 years. Birds to be seen include the Galapagos mockingbird. At the Charles Darwin Research Station we will have the opportunity to meet Lonesome George, the last surviving individual of its species and symbol of our efforts to preserve the fragile Galapagos environment.  It is an excellent place for visitors to be photographed with them.

Day 9

Morning wet landing on a white sand beach at Santa Fe surrounded by a sea lion colony; we continue walking through an endemic cactus forest as we search for the endemic Santa Fe land iguana, the largest in the islands and distinctively paler. This island is home to a number of endemic species including Galapagos Hawk, Galapagos Snake, rice rats, a variety of finches and one of the four species of Galapagos mockingbirds. Deep-water snorkeling. Afternoon at South Plaza (Plaza Island). Dry landing on the northern part of the Islet. The walk begins with an impressive cactus forest surrounded by land and marine iguanas; as we reach its highest point, be on the look out for tropicbirds and a bachelor sea lion colony. In South Plaza there is a large colony of the smaller sized land iguanas. The population is approximately 300 individuals. They feed on all kinds of vegetation, but during the dry season survive on the fruits and flowers of Opuntia cacti. Due to their proximity with marine iguanas, where we will encounter the one and only Galapagos hybrid iguana.

Day 10

Wet landing on Rábida. Dark-red sand covers these unique beaches; Rábida is considered the epicenter of the Galapagos Islands due to the diversity of its volcanic geology. Nesting Brown Pelicans are found from July through September and nine species of the famous Darwin’s finches can be seen. We will also take a dinghy ride along cliffs to observe nesting seabirds, and snorkel off the coast, where marine life is particularly active. Afternoon wet landing at Bachas Beach on the north side of Santa Cruz; behind the beach lie two small flamingo ponds with iguanas, coastal birds, Darwin finches, mockingbirds, and gulls, as well as interesting native and endemic vegetation, red and black mangroves, salt bushes, and much more. This beach is one of the main nesting sites of sea turtles in the Galapagos. A female can lay eggs 3 or 4 times with an average of 70 eggs each, but then spend 3 or 5 years without breeding.

Day 11

We circumnavigate the islet of Daphne, an eroded tuff cone formation that was created by successive volcanic activity, for an opportunity to see Darwin’s finches, Blue-footed Boobies, Nazca Boobies, Red-billed Tropicbirds, Swallow-tailed Gulls, and Brown Noddies. Afterwards, we transfer directly to Baltra Airport for return flight to Guayaquil to connect with overnight flight to London.

Day 11

Morning arrival at Heathrow

Optional Pre-Tour: Amazon Rainforest

For those that have the time, we have arranged an optional pre-tour visit to the Rainforest of the Amazon Basin in Ecuador. After a short 30 minute flight from Quito down the eastern Escarpment of Andes to Coca, there is an fascinating boat trip down the Rio Napo, the largest tributary of the Amazon to La Selva Jungle Lodge, a comfortable thatched lodge overlooking Lake Garzacocha

For anyone interested in ecology this is an extraordinary experience - the vegetation and the bird life are from another world! From La Selva there are canoe rides and walks deep into the rain forest among stately kapok trees, endless palms and colourful creepers. Bird life is profuse, with toucans, mealy and blue headed parrots in profusion.

Please call us for prices.

Tour Details

DATE:

7 – 18 October 2012

PRICE:

From £4,650 from London

INCLUDES:

Airfare from London, twin or double bedded room/Standard outside cabin with private bathroom, full board, all excursions with local guides, all entrance fees, UK departure tax, expert leader. Click here for more details about our yacht in the Galapagos, Coral I, as well as cabin upgrade options.

Single supplement £1,950.

NOT INCLUDED:

Airline ticket taxes other than UK departure tax (UK passenger service charge, security tax, foreign departure taxes, fuel surcharges), insurance, visa if required, drinks, tips to crew, drivers & local guides.

*May be joined without flights. Ask us for the land-only price

ACCOMMODATION:

In Quito, the accommodation is 4 star. The CORAL I is a 40 meter German-built yacht in the ‘superior’ category. Refurbished in 2004 she is very comfortable, with sixteen outside guest cabins, arranged as 8 Upper Cabins (Supplement for Upper Cabin £250 per person) and 8 Standard Cabins. The Upper Cabins, arranged as two on the Main and six on the Upper deck, all have large windows. The Standard Cabins, on the Lower Deck, have portholes and access to Upper Decks by means of companionways.

FITNESS LEVEL:

Moderate/Active - We have graded the fitness level required for participation in this tour as Moderate/Active. Whilst in the Galapagos we will be far from first world medical assistance. In Quito we shall be at altitude (2850m) and many people feel the effects of this on arrival. There are no hikes in this tour except for the afternoon of Day 5, (which you may choose to leave out), however whilst on the mainland we will be walking around a busy city for several hours at a moderate pace and it is important that everyone is able to keep up with the group. Whilst in the Galapagos we shall almost always be walking on uneven ground, with the most extreme being jagged lava flows, so clients need to be steady on their feet. Shore excursions in the Galapagos are reached by inflatable dinghy and a good sense of balance is required to get in and out of these. Landings on islands are sometimes made in shallow (ankle-deep) water rather than onto a jetty and guests need to be able to climb overboard and wade onto the beach. For this reason we feel this tour is unsuitable for the frail or for anyone who routinely uses a walking aid such as sticks, a walking frame, or a wheelchair. Travel to high altitudes is not generally recommended for those with a history of heart disease, lung disease, or sickle cell disease. If unsure whether this tour is suitable for you, please check with us.

Trip Lecturer

This tour will be accompanied by Nick Davies, Professor of Behavioural Ecology, University of Cambridge. Professor Davies is an ornithologist and has accompanied many successful alumni tours.

Professor Davies' research concerns the study of behavioural adaptations in relation to ecological and social conditions.  In theory, natural selection should favour behavioural strategies which best promote an individual's ability to pass copies of its genes on to future generations.  This creates conflicts in animal populations, not only conflicts between rivals for territories and mates but also conflicts within seemingly harmonious ventures such as male-female pairs cooperating to rear offspring.  Professor Davies' work attempts to elucidate the nature of these conflicts and to understand how they are resolved.

Fast facts

• Sovereignty: Ecuador is a Republic
• Language: Spanish
• Currency: US Dollars
• Timezone: Quito is 5 hours behind London. The Galapagos is 6 hours behind

• Immunisations: The NHS website Fit For Travel recommends that all travellers to Ecudaor confirm primary courses and boosters are up to date as recommended for life in Britain - including vaccines given to special groups because of risk exposure or complications (e.g. hepatitis B for health care workers, influenza and pneumococcal vaccines for the elderly). Additionally, the following courses or boosters are usually advised: diphtheria; tetanus; hepatitis A; influenza A (H1N1); typhoid; yellow fever. Other vaccines sometimes advised: rabies; hepatitis B; tuberculosis. Ecuador does have Malarial mosquitoes in some parts of the country however almost all the areas we are visiting are considered a low to risk, so antimalarials are not usually advised. The exception is our day trip to Otovalo, which is within the Malarial zone. Check with your doctor as to whether antimalarials are necessary. Note that a Yellow fever certificate is required if entering from an area with risk of yellow fever transmission (not for those arriving direct from the UK).

  *Note This advice is intended to be a guide only, as we are not qualified to give out medical advice. Travellers should always consult their own GP before they travel to get up-to-date information which is relevant to their own circumstances.

• Visas: UK, EU and US passport holders do not require a visa to enter Ecuador as a tourist. Nationals of a few countries (such as China) do require a visa in advance, so please check with your local Ecuadorian consulate before travel.
• Flying time: 14 hours including change of planes in Madrid.
• Will my phone work: Ecuador uses the 1900 and 850 MHz bandwidth as per the USA so only triband or quadband UK phones will work there (as long as your provider has authorised its use abroad). In the Galapagos, there will be reception on the first and last day near the Island of Baltra but reception is unlikely after this. The ship has a telephone where family and friends can reach you in an emergency.

Extensions in South America

For those with more time, we have arranged an optional group pre-tour to the Amazon Rainforest. We would also be delighted to arrange private excursions within Ecuador, Peru, Chile or Argentina to coincide with the dates of the tour.