Ecuador and The Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands

As residents celebrate the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin’s birth, the 150th anniversary of his book and the 50th anniversary of the creation of the Galapagos National Park, a visit to the Galapagos is to experience one of the world’s greatest wildlife locations.

Far out to sea, and reached from Quito by sea or air are the submerged volcanic peaks of the Galapagos Islands. Made famous by Charles Darwin, the Galapagos are a stunning archipelago of islands right on the equator, a sanctuary for unique and exotic wildlife which has developed free from human interference.

Inhabitants include blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, flightless cormorants, the Galapagos waved albatross, sea lions and fur seals, land and marine iguanas and, or course, the giant Galapagos tortoise, lonesome George.

A cruise is the best way to experience the diversity of the islands, but there are also hotels for those who prefer their holiday in the Galapagos Islands to be land based.

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is the second largest and most developed of all the islands in the archipelago. Baltra airport to the north handles most Galápagos flights, so chances are you will probably pass through here during your stay. With a population in excess of 10,000, Puerto Ayora is the island’s main town. There are a small number of hotels here; if you do not wish to sleep on board a boat they make an excellent alternative. Habitat and vegetation are ever changing on Santa Cruz; the lowlands are mainly dry and arid, whereas travel inland and you will find the highland region is green and fertile. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, home to Lonesome George and other Giant Tortoise species. The waters surrounding Santa Cruz are full of marine life.

The Finch Bay Hotel - is located on Santa Cruz island at Punta Estrada, a 5 minute water taxi ride across the bay from the small town of Puerto Ayora. A modern ecologically orientated hotel, it has 21 bedrooms with private facilities. The spectacular scenery and unique wildlife of the area can be enjoyed by taking walks or hikes in the vicinity, or during a range of activities available at the hotel. This comfortable hotel is a good option for those who do not want a yacht based stay in the Galapagos.

San Cristobal

San Cristóbal has a good mix of different vegetation and habitats. Frigatebird Hill near Puerto Baquerizo offers great views of the town and nearby bay. Junco Lagoon is one of the few freshwater lakes in the archipelago. The small rocky outcrop of Isla Lobos is a magnet for sea-lions as well as Lava Lizards and Blue-footed Boobies.

Española

Located to the south, Española is the only island the mighty Waved Albatross nests in. During season over 10,000 of these enormous birds can be seen gliding over the rugged cliffs and shoreline.

Santa Fe

Santa Fé, 15 miles south-west of Puerto Ayora is a small island that has a good mixture of marine and land mammals. Large cacti dot the landscape and there is a beautiful bay which is ideal for swimming and snorkelling.

Santiago

Santiago is a dry and arid island. The beaches are black and there are good snorkelling opportunities around the coral. There are many Land Iguanas as well as sea lions and Sally Lightfoot Crabs. Santiago is also the only island to have Fur Seals.

North Seymour

North Seymour is not a volcanic island; consequently the landscape here is different to the rest of the archipelago. It is home to Magnificent Frigatebirds, sea-lions and Marine Iguanas.

Floreana

Located 30 miles south of Santa Cruz, Floreana is the sixth largest of the islands. A one-time colony, today only a handful of people live here. A relaxing and interesting place to visit, wildlife concentration is not as great as other neighbouring islands.

Plaza Sur

Just off the Eastern coast of Santa Cruz is the small island of Plaza Sur. Only a mile long and a quarter mile wide, Plaza Sur is home to a large colony of sea-lions. Land Iguanas are also found here. Steep cliffs rise from the sea; look out here for a profusion of birdlife.

Isabela

Isabela is the largest island in the archipelago. At over 4500 square kilometres it accounts for over half the Galápagos total land area. Inland much of the terrain is rough and impassable. The island has six volcanoes, several of which are still active. Wolf, the tallest volcano, reaches 1700 metres. Landing points are usually on the western side of the island. Marine life is particularly good on Isabela with Common Dolphins, Galápagos Penguins and whales.

Fernandina

The most westerly island, Fernandina is also the youngest in the archipelago. Inland a variety of different lava formations can be seen. Fernandina has the greatest concentration of Marine Iguanas found anywhere in the island group. Galápagos Penguins are also found here, as are Land Iguanas, Sally Lightfoot Crabs and Flightless Cormorants.

Genovesa

Also known as ‘Bird Island’, remote Genovesa is a real birdwatchers paradise. Here you will find Red-footed and Masked Boobies, Lava Gulls, Swallow-tailed Gulls, Storm Petrels, Short-eared Owls, Red-billed Tropicbirds and Pintail Ducks. Snorkelling is possible in the colourful marine rich waters.

Bartolome

Bartolomé is situated close to the island of Santiago. After landing on Bartolomé follow a well made path to the summit of the island. The views from the top are fantastic. The landscape is arid with few plants and limited wildlife. The water in the bay below is great for snorkelling and Galápagos Penguins are often seen here. Walk to the bay on the opposite side and you may see sharks close to the water’s edge.

Cruising in The Galapagos

Eclipse - The Eclipse is a luxury 48 passenger, 210 foot schooner. There are usually 27 staff on board; departing on Saturdays, the Eclipse offers week long Galapagos expeditions. Cabins are a mixture of deluxe outside doubles and staterooms. There are also four suites. The Eclipse has an observation deck, pool, library and al fresco dining area. This is a high quality luxury mid size vessel.

The Santa Cruz - The 90 passenger Santa Cruz is a comfortable vessel offering week long and shorter stay Galapagos expeditions. If you wish to spend three or four nights in the archipelago the Santa Cruz fits the bill perfectly. The crew of 52 will ensure you have a memorable stay. There are different classes of cabin, ranging from standard twins to master suites. All rooms have private facilities, there are four decks, an outdoor bar, library and Jacuzzi.

Alta - A beautiful 140 foot three masted schooner, the Alta is a graceful 16 passenger vessel. Stylishly finished, the Alta is a romantic vessel, when the wind picks up and the sails are raised she is arguably the finest in the Galapagos. There are usually 9 crew on board.

Isabella II - A first class luxury vessel, the Isabella II offers week long Galápagos expeditions. A mid-size vessel taking a maximum of 40 passengers, the Isabella II retains the feeling of a small vessel and offers a level of intimacy usually only found on the 16 passenger vessels. There are usually 24 crew on board, the vessel has a reading room, bar and Jacuzzi.

Sagitta Yacht - Beautiful and spacious, 16 passenger, 120ft, three-masted yacht. 10 cabins with ensuite shower rooms and air conditioning. Tasteful wood panelled upper deck bar, library, video room, lecture room, large sundeck and shaded al fresco dining area.

Letty Motor Yacht - 20 passenger motor yacht with 10 polished teak outside cabins with generous private bathrooms and air conditioning. Lounge with library, bar, large sundeck.

Legend Motor Yacht - One of the larger vessels operating around The Galapagos for 100 passengers with outdoor pool with adjoining sundeck and bar, observation deck, alfresco dining area, library, a la carte Spa and glass bottom boat. Cabins are spacious and well furnished, ensuite and air conditioned. The Balcony Suites are amongst the largest available cruising the archipelago.

La Pinta - This is the newest and most luxurious yacht with berths for 32 passengers. Ensuite cabins with twin or queen bed, picture windows, closed circuit music with iPod and MP3 connection, air conditioning. Sea kayaks, glass bottom boat, Jacuzzi and WIFI access.

Beluga Galapagos Cruise

The Beluga is a first class, 110 foot, fully air conditioned motor vessel which accommodates 16 passengers in double staterooms, each with a private bathroom and shower. The vessel is spacious and comfortable with plenty of deck space and the experienced crew of 7 take very good care of guests both on board and ashore.

Cruise to North Seymour which contains the largest colony of Magnificent Frigate birds on Galapagos, as well as nesting Blue Footed Boobies and Swallow Tailed Gulls
Espanola - Visit Punta Suarez on the west coast of the Island , offering opportunities to see marine Iguanas, the endemic Long Billed Mocking bird, Finches, both Masked and Blue Footed Boobies, Oystercatchers, Sea Lions and Lava Lizards. Espanola is also the only island where you can see the Waved Albatross, during the breeding season from April to December. Additional stop at Gardner Bay on the north eastern coast which is an excellent swimming and snorkelling site.
Floreana - Disembark at Punto Cormoran to visit a Flamingo Lagoon and snorkel at the Devil’s Crown, a submerged volcanic cone. At Post Office Bay passengers can leave letters in a post box made from a wooden barrel as used by whalers in the 18th century.

Isabela - The largest of the Galapagos Islands, Isabela is hone to Flightless Comorants, Brown Pelicans, Rays, Marine Turtles, Sea Lions and Lava Herons, as well as containing a large area of giant red Mangroves, At Punta Moreno on the West coast the main attractions are Blackish water lagoons, Flamingos and White Cheeked Pintail Ducks.
Fernandina - the largest pristine island in the archipelago (it contains no introduced species) Punta Espinosa on the north coast is considered one of the must see sights of the Galapagos due to the huge number of marine Iguanas found on its volcanic shores. Galapagos penguins and flightless cormorants are also frequently seen, as well as Pelicans, seal lions and Sally Light Foot Crabs.

Santiago - At Puerto Egas Galapagos Fur Seals can be seen lying in pools cut into the lava cliffs. There is also a good chance of spotting the Galapagos Hawk, the Galapagos Dove and Vermillion Flycatchers. Tucked behind Espumilla Beach are salt water lagoons where Flamingos and White Cheeked Pintail Ducks can be found, whilst Bartolome on the east coast has some of the most impressive volcanic scenery in Galapagos
Santa Cruz - Black Turtle Cove on Santa Cruz is a red mangrove lagoon which is a nursery for many white tip reef, black tip and scalloped hammerhead sharks, as well as schools of both golden and spotted eagle rays. As its name suggests it is also a great location to observe Black Sea Turtles mating in the mirror calm waters.

Ecuador

Ecuador is a small country with diverse regions and changes dramatically from its eastern to western borders, from the low-lying rainforests of the Amazon basin to the Andes mountains and on to the beaches and tropical plantations of the lush coastal area.

Quito & Cotopaxi National Park

Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the capital of Ecuador. Steep cobbled stone streets, ornate churches and fine plazas are all to be found in the old district of the town. The modern new town is the business district and is where you will find the best restaurants and shopping. The city sits at the base of the Pichincha Volcano, and lies just south of the Equator - visit the Mitad del Mundo through where the imaginary line passes. The snow capped peak of Cotopaxi and its surrounding national park can easily be seen in a day, the Cotopaxi Volcano is nearly 6000 metres high.

Cuenca

Cuenca is an atmospheric renaissance town with a relaxed feel. The architecture is captivating and the people friendly. There are 16th century churches, grand balconied houses and ornate squares. Similar to Quito but without the hordes of people, Cuenca is without doubt one of South America’s most captivating destinations. The important Inca site of Ingapirca is nearby; it offers a fantastic insight into their culture and way of life. Founded on a hilltop, the construction technique was the same as can be seen in neighbouring Peru.

Guayaquil

Ecuador’s main coastal town, Guayaquil has been somewhat rejuvenated and is a pleasant alternative to Quito if you are departing or returning from a Galápagos cruise. There are interesting museums, grand sculptures and well maintained botanical gardens. Walk along the recently pedestrianised riverside walkway of Malecon and discover the modern heart of the city. Travel further south to Machala the self styled ‘banana capital of the world’ to witness the bizarre annual World Banana Festival. Many of the hotels in Guayaquil are geared up for business travellers, however there are a small number of traditional properties, or you can stay amongst the banana plantations at a rural hacienda.

Otavalo

The Andean market town of Otavalo is the place to visit if you are looking for a set of pan pipes, a Panama hat, or an alpaca poncho. To the north of Quito, Otavalo comes alive every Saturday when the town is transformed into South America’s largest open-air market. Artisans from across the continent pack the streets, and the town has a carnival feel to it. Fresh fruit and vegetables are traded alongside Indian art, hammocks, carvings and musical instruments. During the rest of the week things quieten down, however many shops do stay open and bargains can still be found. The surrounding countryside is beautiful and there are a number of nearby traditional and atmospheric haciendas in which to stay.

The Amazon

As you fly east from Quito the mountain ranges give way to lowland primary rainforest. Viewed from the air, the landscape is a carpet of green with the occasional blue ribbon of water flowing through it. Covering much of Ecuador’s eastern territory, the Amazon Rainforest is the world’s most impressive jungle system. A number of lodges have been established deep in the rainforest allowing you an amazing opportunity to immerse yourself in this tropical wilderness. Jungle activities will usually include guided walks, observation from aerial walkways or towers, canoe safaris and visits to local indigenous tribes.

Mindo Cloud Forest

Two hours north from Quito, the landscape changes from high mountain range to lower level tropical cloud forest. The verdant hillsides of Mindo have an incredible number of brightly coloured birds, butterflies, bromeliads and orchids. Ecuador is renowned as a prime birdwatching destination and Mindo has a large number of species, several of which such as the Choco Toucan are endemic to the region. Mindo can be visited in a day from Quito; but for a more relaxing time spend a few days here. Most of the accommodation tends to be in smaller properties, sitting in a comfy chair on the hotel veranda watching hummingbirds darting in and out is a great way to relax and birdwatch at the same time.

Riobamba and the Devils Nose Train

Riobamba is a traditional Ecuadorian market town. Four hours south of Quito it is the starting point for one of the world's most exciting rail journeys. Today only the 100 km stretch between Riobamba and Sibambe remains. Enjoy a couple of hours chugging through the high Andes followed by a rapid descent toward the Pacific Ocean. In order to facilitate the drop of 800 metres a series of switchbacks were built, these have come to be known as the ‘Devils Nose’. The scenery and the engineering skills required to build the line are quite outstanding. On arrival in Sibambe it is possible to continue on by road to Guayaquil or to the colonial town of Cuenca.

Machalilla National Park

The mainland section of the national park is famed for its birdwatching, whilst off the coast the Isla de la Plata is renowned for its Galapagos like wildlife. Between July and September large migratory Humpback Whales pass along the coast - whale watching vessels can give you a close up of these mighty creatures.

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES

Quito, Otavalo, Cuenca, The Galápagos

Day 1: Depart UK, arrival in Quito for 2-nights
Day 2: Sightseeing of Old and New Quito.
Day 3: Transfer to Otavalo for 2-nights.
Day 4: Guided day around Otavalo.
Day 5: Transfer to Riobamba via Cotopaxi for 1-night.
Day 6: Devils Nose train, transfer to Cuenca for 2-nights.
Day 7: City sightseeing and Ingapirca Ruins.
Day 8: Transfer to Guyaquil for 1-night.
Day 9: Fly to the Galápagos for 4-nights.
Days 10–12: Exploring the Galápagos.
Day 13: Fly to Quito for 1-night.
Day 14: Depart Ecuador.
Day 15: Arrive home

Quito, Cotopaxi, The Amazon, The Galápagos, Guayaquil

Day 1: Depart UK, arrival in Quito for 3-nights.
Day 2: Sightseeing of old and new Quito.
Day 3: Excursion to Cotopaxi National Park.
Day 4: Fly to Coca, transfer to the Amazon Rainforest for 3-nights.
Days 5–6: Explorations into the rainforest.
Day 7: Fly to Quito for 1-night.
Day 8: Fly to the Galápagos Islands for 7-nights.
Days 9–14: Cruising in the Galápagos Islands.
Day 15: Fly to Guayaquil for 1-night.
Day 16: Depart Ecuador.
Day 17: Arrive home.

Quito, The Galápagos, Guayaquil

Day 1: Depart UK, arrival in Quito for 2-nights.
Day 2: Sightseeing of old and new Quito.
Day 3: Fly to the Galápagos for 7-nights.
Days 4–9: Exploring the Galápagos.
Day 10: Fly to Guayaquil for 1-night.
Day 11: Depart Ecuador.
Day 12: Arrive home.

Weather

Average temperatures and rainfall for Equador (Quito)
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Temp (°C)	32	31	32	33	32	31	29	30	30	30	30	32
Rainfall (inches)	3	4	5	6	4	1	1	1	3	5	3	3

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