Cruising the Galápagos Islands Plus Cloud Forests and Colonial Quito, Ecuador
Sierra Club Outings Trip | International
Highlights
- Explore one of the world’s top wildlife destinations
- Enjoy naturalist-led hikes and snorkel in the Galápagos
- Stay two days in a high Andean cloud forest eco-lodge
Includes
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All meals, lodging, entry fees and gratuities
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On-trip transportation and in country flights
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Certified Naturalist Guide while in the Galapagos
Overview
The Trip
On this trip we immerse ourselves in two of Earth’s most fascinating and diverse lands: Galápagos and the cloud forests of the high Andes. We begin with a visit to culturally rich Quito, hit the highlands for an overnight, and then fly 600 miles by jet to the islands for a week of exploring.
"The natural history of these islands is eminently curious," wrote Charles Darwin of the Galápagos.
It is an apt description; from its unique landscapes to its comical birdlife, this volcanic archipelago has both puzzled and stunned its visitors for more than 400 years. Here, animals live without fear of human beings and are very approachable, due to their isolation from natural predators, a condition created by the very processes of evolution that first stirred Darwin to speculation in 1835. The Galápagos Islands are among the world’s foremost
The Trip
On this trip we immerse ourselves in two of Earth’s most fascinating and diverse lands: Galápagos and the cloud forests of the high Andes. We begin with a visit to culturally rich Quito, hit the highlands for an overnight, and then fly 600 miles by jet to the islands for a week of exploring.
"The natural history of these islands is eminently curious," wrote Charles Darwin of the Galápagos.
It is an apt description; from its unique landscapes to its comical birdlife, this volcanic archipelago has both puzzled and stunned its visitors for more than 400 years. Here, animals live without fear of human beings and are very approachable, due to their isolation from natural predators, a condition created by the very processes of evolution that first stirred Darwin to speculation in 1835. The Galápagos Islands are among the world’s foremost wildlife preserves, providing us with unique and amazing experiences.
In fact, a full 50 percent of the species here are not found anywhere else in the world. Such creatures include the three-foot-long vegetarian marine iguana, which is the only known sea-feeding lizard on earth, and the Galápagos tortoise, which can grow to six feet in length, weigh 600 pounds, and live for 150 years. The archipelago also boasts Sally Lightfoot crabs, sea lions, lava lizards, and a prolific bird population that includes the magnificent frigate bird, Galápagos penguins, the blue-footed and Nacza boobies, and chance to observe and puzzle over the ever-evolving Darwin’s finches. The play of light and water over the geologic landscape as well as the close encounters with wildlife are a photographer’s dream.
Darwin, of course, was the archipelago's most famous visitor; his chapter on the Galápagos in The Voyage of the Beagle remains a classic and is well worth reading. He made extensive collections of plants and animals and observations of their natural history. This gave him sufficient material to support more than a quarter century of research. Twenty-four years later, he published the classic The Origin of Species, which shook the foundations of biological thought and led to profound changes in man's philosophy of nature. These are the very islands that inspired Charles Darwin in 1835. We will visit the Darwin Research Center.
The Galápagos is a world-class destination! Darwin wasn't the only one to find inspiration in the Galápagos. During the whaling era, Herman Melville made landfall here, and he perpetuated the sailor's nickname: "the Enchanted Islands." The swirling fogs that surround the islands at certain times of year gave rise to the legend that these were floating islands.
Observe the dynamic landscape of this volcanic archipelago with its fascinating geologic features.
During the Galápagos cruise part of our trip, we island-hoppers will have 8 days and 7 nights on board our 16-passenger yacht. With our Galápagos Naturalist Guide, we have daily (mild to moderate) hikes to surreal lava flows and vista points, snorkeling tidal pools or swimming with tropical fish, penguins, sea lions, and turtles. The protected nature of the islands has allowed its creatures to be unafraid of people, so we may walk though bird rookeries with displaying Blue-footed Boobies, Frigatebirds, Lava Gulls, Flightless Cormorants and Darwin’s finches for up-close amazing photography. On board, we have chances to see unique ocean going birds such as the Galápagos Shearwater, Galápagos Petrel, Red-billed Tropicbird, Nazca Booby, and two species of charming Storm-Petrels dancing on waves around the boat. The non-moving targets of this dynamic, still forming archipelago will fascinate and pique our wonder and curiosity. Bring extra memory capacity for video, underwater, creature and landscape shots!
But before Galápagos, we orient ourselves to Ecuador with a city tour of Old Town Quito, a World Heritage site, and with lunch on the square. We will walk Quito’s Old Town with its colonial churches and museums as we acclimate to the 9,200 foot altitude, and a visit to the center of the earth at the Equatorial Line. The next day we have an early departure to our highland cloud forest lodge famous for its hummingbirds, Bellavista. Bird, hike, or photography are your choices for two days before we return to Quito and our flight to the Galápagos.
The trip begins and ends in Quito. Trip price does not include your international flight.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Quito, the capital city of Ecuador and a World Heritage site, high in the Andes at 9,200 feet. You will be met upon arrival and transferred to the hacienda. As most flights arrive late in the day, we will not meet as a group this evening, but the leader will be at the hotel to greet you.
Day 2: After breakfast and an orientation meeting, we will enjoy a tour of Old Town Quito, then travel a short distance to visit the Equatorial Monument "Mitad del Mundo" (the Middle of the World), where we stand on the equator. Lunch on the square surrounded by stately colonial architecture. The afternoon is free to continue wandering the Old Town or return to the hacienda.
Day 1: Arrive in Quito, the capital city of Ecuador and a World Heritage site, high in the Andes at 9,200 feet. You will be met upon arrival and transferred to the hacienda. As most flights arrive late in the day, we will not meet as a group this evening, but the leader will be at the hotel to greet you.
Day 2: After breakfast and an orientation meeting, we will enjoy a tour of Old Town Quito, then travel a short distance to visit the Equatorial Monument "Mitad del Mundo" (the Middle of the World), where we stand on the equator. Lunch on the square surrounded by stately colonial architecture. The afternoon is free to continue wandering the Old Town or return to the hacienda.
Days 3-4: We will have an early departure, spending about 1.5 hours traversing the Andes, and then descend in elevation to the Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve Lodge (6,500 feet) for breakfast. These are forests of high biodiversity, with a profusion of birds, wildlife, and plants. Birding, hiking, and photography are options for our two-day stay.
Days 5-12: We are off to the Galápagos Islands! The flight to and from the Galápagos Islands is included in the trip price and will be issued to you at the Quito Airport before we leave for the islands. After our flight from Quito to Isla Baltra, we will meet our certified Galápagos naturalist guide at the airport. We will collect our luggage and continue on to our yacht to settle in for the next week. Our yacht has compact, double-bunk staterooms with private bathrooms. There is a comfortable indoor dining area and lounge, fore and aft seating areas, and top seating for spectacular viewing. Our dedicated staff on board prepares all of our delicious Ecuadorian meals. Trips to the islands will be on Zodiac-style boats with some ‘wet’ landings (wading a short distance to a sandy beach, rocky shore, or temporary docks). A hand will always be available to assist, but you must be able to transfer in and out with relative ease.
We will spend these days cruising and exploring the southern route of the Enchanted Islands: the islands of Baltra, Santa Cruz, Floreana, San Cristobal, Espanola, Santa Fe Island, Plaza Sur Island, North Seymour, Bartholome, Santagio, Rabida, Santa Cruz, and back to Baltra. Depending on the schedule assigned to our boat by the Ecuador National Park Service, we may visit some but not all of these places:
El Chato Tortoise Reserve: El Chato is a reserve in the highlands of Santa Cruz, where giant tortoises can be observed in the wild during the dry season. It is also a good place to spot short-eared owls, Darwin’s finches, yellow warblers, Galapagos rails, and paint-billed crakes.
Gemelos: Los Gemelos, Spanish for "The Twins," are two volcanic depressions on the highest part of Santa Cruz. They are approximately 30 meters deep and located on either side of the road. The holes could've been created because of a volcanic explosion or because of magma chambers inside the earth caused the collapse. It's a good place to see the Galápagos hawk and barn owl. The surrounding forest is full of birds, such as the vermilion flycatcher or the yellow warbler.
Asilo de la Paz: The Asilo de la Paz is a hill 1,350 feet high on Floreana Island. The main attractions are of an historic nature: one is the cave of pirates and the other is the freshwater spring. Near Asilo de la Paz, the National Park Service built a corral where you can see Galápagos tortoises (from various islands).
Bahía del Correo (Mail Bay): Located on northern Floreana Island. It is called this because in 1793, Captain James Colnett installed an empty rum barrel, so that it could serve as a post office for the whale catching crafts that frequented the Galápagos Islands for a long time. Today, visitors carry on this tradition. The bay has a beautiful light-brown colored beach. Behind it is the famous barrel mailbox.
Punta Cormorán: Located on the west side of Floreana. Access to this place is very easy. It has a dark green beach. At and between the rock edges, you can see many sea invertebrates; sea iguanas and sea lions, as well. At a foothill, over the saint stick trees at the seashore, pelicans and frigates fly. There is a small saltwater lake where flamingos and ducks nest. Mangrove and other plants, which just exist in this island, surround the small lake. On the other side of the point, there is a beach called Picona, where manta rays of the pan type live. For this reason, swimming is forbidden. This is also one of the most important beaches for sea turtle reproduction.
Corona del Diablo (Devil Crown): Half a mile from Punta Cormorán. This is a satellite islet of the Floreana Island. Now it is a group of rocks in the shape of a crown, due to the constant erosion caused by the ocean. Inside and outside of the crown there are perfect places to snorkel due to the variety of fishes—as well as the excellent water visibility!
Punta Suarez: The southernmost island, Española, is one of the richest wildlife locations in the Galapagos. Located on the western tip of Española is Punta Suarez. A 1.5-mile hike provides incredible views along the cliffs, through blue-footed booby colonies and a beach with sea lions and marine iguanas. Punta Suárez, is a rocky point that sustains one of the most impressive and varied colonies of sea birds in Galapagos. It is also home to a magnificent blowhole that can shoot water 50 to 60 feet in the air, providing opportunities for spectacular pictures.
Bahía Gardner (Gardner Bay): Located at the eastern coast of Hood/Espanola Island. There is a lovely white-sand beach, said to be the longest in the Galapagos. This island has its own endemic species of animals, such as the Española Mockingbird, the Española Lava Lizard, and the Española Marine Iguana. Here there are also boobies, Swallow-tailed Gulls, and other tropical birds. After a wet landing the extroverted mockingbirds may sit on top of your hat, peck at your feet, and investigate your belongings. The location's rocky shores make this site a great place for snorkeling, including the possibility of spotting the harmless white-tipped reef sharks. Gardner Bay is the breeding site of nearly all of the world's 12,000 pairs of Waved Albatrosses. It has an ample white sandy beach with a myriad of sea lions, perfect for relaxing.
Cerro Brujo: Located on San Cristobal Island. It is a quite eroded antique cone that shows itself as a majestic and monumental sight, with many forms and contrasts. The landing beach is big and has fine white sand. It is an excellent place to go swimming—generally with a calm sea. Behind the beach, there are small lakes surrounded by mangrove plants. This is a good place to see coastal and lake birds.
Leon Dormido: A rock formation located off the coast of San Cristobal island. It is the remains of a lava cone and the home to sea lions, blue-footed boobies, masked boobies, and magnificent frigate birds on the cliffs.
Centro de Interpretation: The Interpretation Center was opened in 1998 as a phase of the project “Interpretation and Environment Education Project.” You will enjoy expositions on natural history, human history, and conservation. The conservation efforts represent the movement to protect the wildlife and natural environment through means of population and tourist control. This will emphasize the importance of the Galapagos ecosystem fragility and its protection.
Santa Fe Island: Located south of the archipelago and between Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal, the island has a beautiful bay that's protected by natural formations against the wave strength by a rocky front. It has two small beaches abundant with sea lions. Snorkeling is good, since white-fin sharks, gold and leopard mantas, sea turtles and different types and sizes of fishes are found here. From the highest part of the island, one can observe the most beautiful views of the bay. You will see a good amount of cactus, the feeding source of the Santa Fé Island exclusive land iguanas. Lava lizards, terrestrial pigeons, a special type of non-poisonous snake, chaffinches, fly-trappers, and hawks are found here, too.
Plaza Sur Island: Plaza Sur Island is located east of Santa Cruz Island, and forms part of two islands known as Islas Plazas. The succulent plant, common in Plaza Sur, is the second-favorite food of land iguanas. About 1,000 sea lions that inhabit this island. Land iguanas on Plaza Sur are smaller than those at other sites. Throughout the island are several hybrid iguanas, a result of crossing a male marine iguana and a female land iguana. These iguanas are unique, recognizable at first glance by their black or gray color, with the crest of a land iguana, but the face and tail of the marine iguana.
Seymore Norte (North Seymour Island): A narrow 1,000-meter canal separates the island from Baltra. Saint sticks and salty scrublands are predominant in Seymour. Frigates nest over these plants. Blue-footed boobies profit from the island conditions, since there are big spaces among their bushes so that they can reproduce. The seagulls have their nest at the seashores, over small well-protected ravines. Marine iguanas have a special feeding behavior. Their diet is not limited to seaweed, like with the other iguana varieties of the island; they feed from the sea batis, a plant that tolerates the high salt concentration and lives at the seashore.
Bartholome Island: Home of the famous Pinnacle Rock, Bartholomew consists of an extinct volcano with a variety of red, orange, black, and even green volcanic formations. A trail of stairs leads to the summit of the volcano, boasting one of the best views of the islands. The beach is perfect for snorkeling and possible sightings of the Galapagos Penguin. It is a very young island.
Bahia Sullivan: Sullivan Bay on Isla San Salvador’s (Santiago) eastern coast is a barren landscape with lava fields left from a 100-year-old volcanic eruption. Here one can see uneroded lava formations such as pahoehoe and schrict, as well as ‘hornitos’ (little ovens) that are created when bubbles escaped from the hot lava. One can also find a number of colonizing plants here, such as Brachycereus cactus and Mollugo carpetweed.
Rabida Island: Located at the center of the archipelago, among Santiago, Santa Cruz and Isabella islands. You will land at the only beach of the island. This beach has an unusual and beautiful red color, with a green coastal vegetation color as a background—which the pelicans nest over during reproduction time. Behind the beach is a lake, which changes its color depending of the microorganisms inhabiting them. Generally, flamingos and other bird lakes are found here. Following the path you will reach 30 meters above sea level, where you will be able to appreciate the general landscape. You will see different finches species and other terrestrial birds along the way. The beach is safe, and it is a sight to swim among the sea wolves, just like swimming underwater with snorkeling equipment and seeing the fish of different sizes and colors. Northwest of here, in the ravines and over the waves, it's possible to observe the furrier wolves—but it requires silence. Hawks, pelicans, boobies, herons, crabs, and others will only be seen from the boat with outboard motor.
Caleta Tortuga Negro: Black Turtle Cove is a red mangrove lagoon on Santa Cruz and a nursery for many sharks and rays. It is also a great location for observing mating sea turtles; after all, the site takes its name from the black sea turtles that mate in these calm waters. There are large groups of resting white-tip reef sharks, schools of golden rays and spotted eagle rays, and a few juvenile scalloped hammerhead sharks and black-tip sharks.
Day 12: This morning we travel back to Baltra and disembark for our flight back to Quito and our lodge for our last night in Ecuador.
Day 13: Our trips ends after breakfast. Transfers back to the airport are included.
Occasionally, changes may occur in the trip—either in advance or during the trip. Please be aware that we will make every attempt to stay within this itinerary. However, if weather, equipment, Galápagos National Park Service or any other condition, circumstance, or situation causes a change, please be flexible and respect the decision of the leader. The safety of the group is our number one concern. While wildlife on the Galápagos Islands is tremendous, we cannot guarantee that you will see all species listed as examples.
Logistics
Getting There
You need to arrive in Quito, Ecuador on or before day one. The international airport is Marisal Sucre International Airport (UIO). Do not purchase your ticket until the trip leader has confirmed that the trip will go! The flight to and from the Galápagos Islands is included in the trip price. Tickets for this flight will be issued to you at the airport when you leave for the islands. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the ending date of this trip. If you don't have a passport, apply for one as soon as possible
Getting There
You need to arrive in Quito, Ecuador on or before day one. The international airport is Marisal Sucre International Airport (UIO). Do not purchase your ticket until the trip leader has confirmed that the trip will go! The flight to and from the Galápagos Islands is included in the trip price. Tickets for this flight will be issued to you at the airport when you leave for the islands. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the ending date of this trip. If you don't have a passport, apply for one as soon as possible.
Accommodations and Food
All meals and lodgings are provided while you are on the tour. Our yacht, which sleeps 16 passengers, will be our home while we are in the Galápagos. Each stateroom has two bunk beds and a private bath. There are also common areas: the dining area, inside lounge, a covered area on the second deck and a second seating area up on top with partial shade. The cabins have a floor space of approximately 3.5 by 6.5 ft, drawers under the lower bunk or a small closet and a small shelf, about 2 by 3 ft. Pack carefully and consider a soft-sided luggage, which can be stowed away. The toilets are the marine type with TP thrown in covered can that the staff empties daily. Fresh water is stored on board so showers are requested to be short and to use the biodegradable soap provided. For laundry, the crew will provide a bucket with fresh water to wash your clothes in, but bring very strong clothes hanger for the top deck laundry line! While the cabins are compact, there is ample room in and about the yacht to be comfortable reading, in conversation or observing the seas. The top deck is a favorite spot to watch Frigatebirds perching on the railings or riding the bow’s updrafts, fighting for lead position, or the spectacular sunrise/sunsets, the night sky, or the islands coming into view.
Wetsuits can be rented on the boat (about $35) are rinsed and hung to dry at the stern, where we will also store our shoes after rinse them after our island visits to avoid introducing foreign seeds or microbes. You may wish to bring soft-soled deck shoes while on board, however most simply go barefoot. Temperatures on board are t-shirt comfortable, with a light sweater /windbreaker for breezy evenings. The yacht has air conditioning throughout.
When we are not on our yacht, we will be in a charming older hacienda close to the airport and about 30 minutes away from Quito. The elevation is at 9,200 ft. so you may feel lightheaded upon arrival and the next day. If you are prone to altitude sickness, consult your physician for medication, avoid alcohol and keep up your fluids, and if you need seasickness medication while on the cruise.
Vegetarians can easily be accommodated, both on the yacht and the mainland of Ecuador. Alcoholic and soft drinks are not included.
Trip Difficulty
If you have health or walking concerns, the following information will assist you in evaluating this trip. The expression “OSHA hasn’t been here” applies. As you know, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulates safety standards in America. There is no OSHA in Ecuador. Even a walk in a progressive, busy city like Quito can be an adventure in itself. The Quito streets are uneven and hilly. You will find sidewalks with unmarked holes, exposed wires, and pipes that often will trip residents as well as visitors. Steep stairs may not have handrails. The islands are mostly untouched, with minimum handrails even at landing sites. We will experience the Islands in the wild, mostly untouched, as Darwin did.
This is a moderate trip and can be undertaken by anyone in good health and physical condition, and with the flexibility and strength be able to climb in and our of a rubber boat (zodiac type or dinghy) that is held to the back of the yacht by a rope, and to climb out onto a sandy beach or rocky lava, mobile dock or slippery steps from the dinghy. Our crew will provide a hand to step from the dinghy onto land and/or beach. Some of the snorkeling is from the dinghy, which is optional, but you climb up into the dinghy from the water. We transfer the short distance from yacht to shore in dinghies (rubber boats) for ‘wet’ landings near the shore on sandy beaches, transfer form dingy onto rocky ledges, or temporary docks. The boat crew are very mindful of our safety and always ready with a hand to assist with secure footing, but you must be reasonably strong and sure-footed enough to negotiate the various transitions and walks this trip relies upon to experience this unique environment.
Some hikes are over lava flows, broken and twisted during their journey to the sea. Lava may be lose, trails rocky and slippery with occasional gaps in the lava. Walks can range from a few miles to four miles on uneven terrain and rocky surfaces. While we will stop often for viewing wildlife, you will need to have a walking pace steady enough to keep up with the group. Good hiking shoes with gripping treads are a must, and hiking sticks to steady the balance over uneven terrain.
Visits to the Charles Darwin Research Station will require walking on dirt trails and boardwalk.
You must have the ability and agility to handle transporting your own luggage to and from buses, airports, and boats. Pack light and remember the cabins are compact with minimum storage.
The berths on the boat are bunk beds with one bunk above the other. All cabins are double occupancy and have a small private bathroom.
The average land temperature will be about 70-low 80 degrees. Quito, at 9,200 feet of elevation, will have cooler temperatures, 65 to mid 70’s and light showers are normal. In the highlands a light sweater may be needed. The seawater temperature remains a fairly constant 70 degrees.
In Quito, the average land temperature will be about 70-80 degrees. At 9,400 feet of elevation, Quito has cooler temperatures, and light showers are normal. Bellavista is located in the cool forests at around 6,500 ft in the cloud forest – it will be cool daytimes and cold at night. Land temps on the islands varies from 74-80 deg F. The seawater temperature around the Galapagos remains a fairly constant 74 degrees.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to ask via email or phone call.
Equipment and Clothing
As this is a moderate trip, with full accommodations provided by the yacht (wet suits and snorkeling gear can be rented right on the boat), there are not any special equipment requirements, but a good pair of binoculars will enhance your appreciation and enjoyment of the landscape, land and sea birds, the animals, and the night sky. We have many opportunities for snorkeling, usually at least once a day. Renting the snorkeling gear and wet suits cost about $20 for snorkel and mask and $35 for a wetsuit (strongly advised to use). Inform the trip leader ahead of departure to make sure they will have your size. To assure the best fit, you are encouraged to bring your own, if possible. Casual clothing for warm-weather hiking and boating will work fine. The islands have large populations of invasive wasps which are highly attracted to anything bright yellow or orange, and especially fluorescent colors of neon yellow, orange or pink while on land or near shore. Chose light- weight pants that can be rolled up for water landings, comfort and fast drying, but can also be rolled down to protect your legs from spiny and cactus plants during inland hikes. Full sun protection for your head and face (hats with a chin strap to avoid it being blown off), long sleeves and sunscreen are essential.
While in Quito and in the Andean highlands at Bellavista layers and a moderate jacket will keep comfortable. You will receive clothing and packing list suggestions from the leader before the trip departs.
The leader will carry a first-aid kit for emergency use. You should provide your own personal first-aid kit for minor needs, including things such as bandages, moleskin, insect repellent, sunscreen, etc. Consult your physician for recommended current immunizations and carry extras of your personal medications.
References
Field guides:
- McMulland and Navarrete, Fieldbook of the Birds of Ecuador, including the Galapagos Islands.
- Fitter, Fitter and Hosking, Wildlife of the Galapagos. This field guide covers the history, geology, plants, birds, and reptiles, with a limited description of the most common visited sites on the islands.
- Swash and Still, Birds, Mammals and Reptiles of the Galapagos Islands, An Identification Guide (2nd edition). This is a compact, easy-to-use identification guide.
Books:
- Moore, Yui DeRoy, Galapagos Islands Lost in Time. Penguin Books.
- Brower, K., Galapagos: The Flow of Wildness. Sierra Club/Ballantine Books.
- Darwin, Charles, The Voyage of the Beagle. Doubleday Books.
- Darwin, Charles, On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection.
- Harris, M., Field Guide to the Birds of Galapagos. Taplinger Books.
- Schichor, Michael, Michael's Guide to Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela. Inbal Travel Ltd.
- Rachowiecki, Rob, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands: A Travel Survival Kit. Lonely Planet Books.
- Jackson, Michael H., Galapagos: A Natural History Guide. This is the best general guide to the history, geology, and plant and animal life of the islands.
- Melville, Herman. The Piazza Tales. Darwin wasn't the only one to find inspiration in the Galápagos. During the whaling era, Herman Melville made landfall here, and he perpetuated the sailor's nickname: Los Encantadas or "the Enchanted Islands." Melville delivers a metaphor-rich, almost hallucinatory account of the archipelago's history, filled with misstatements, speculation, and poetry.
Online resources:
- The Galapagos Conservancy http://www.galapagos.org
- The Galapagos Conservation Trust http://galapagosconservation.org.uk
- WWF Global-Galapagos http://wwf.panda.org/?uProjectID=9L0813
Conservation
Conservation problems exist even though the Galápagos National Park is protected and monitored by the Ecuadorian government. Buccaneers captured tens of thousands of tortoises for fresh meat on their voyages, bringing the population to the edge of extinction. Fur seals were exploited and nearly driven to extinction as well. Fishermen vie for reduced marine harvests and seek short-term profits in the taking of endangered species or overfishing. Currently, a very serious problem is the fishing of sharks for the ever-popular shark-fin soup in Asia.
The Galápagos has an unfortunate legacy of introduced animals and plants that are detrimental to the native creatures. Goats compete with native tortoises and iguanas, making food less available and destroying native vegetation. Predators, such as dogs and cats, have seriously depleted native populations by killing native animals and raiding the nests of the birds, iguanas, and tortoises. Introduced plants have spread, particularly in the moist highlands, and compete with native vegetation. People have hunted large numbers of animals in the past and have cleared great areas of native vegetation for agriculture and ranching purposes. We will visit the Darwin Research Center and observe how the conservation personnel have been actively trying to boost the threatened populations of endangered species. Tortoise nests are protected, and eggs and young are brought to Santa Cruz to be raised in captivity, and then released once they are no longer susceptible to predation.
Evacuation and Travel Insurance
The Sierra Club provides evacuation insurance to all participants on international trips. Since this coverage does not include any trip cancellation or interruption insurance, we suggest you purchase another policy separately to provide coverage for your trip and other travel costs. This policy also does not cover pre-trip and post-trip travel. Please note the evacuation insurance provided does not cover claims resulting from any pre-existing condition that occurs within 60 days of the trip departure. If you have specific questions about this exclusion, please review the insurance brochure. For information on purchasing a separate policy, please see our travel insurance page.
Staff
Important Notes
- Carbon Offsets
- Carpooling
- Electronic Billing and Forms
- Electronic Devices
- Equipment
- Essential Eligibility Criteria
- How to Apply for a Trip
- Leader Gratuities
- Medical Issues
- Non-discrimination Statement
- Participant Agreement
- Seller of Travel Disclosure
- Single Supplements
- Terms and Conditions
- Travel Insurance
- Trip Feedback
- Trip Price
- Wilderness Manners