A GALAPAGOS JOURNEY
aboard the M/Y San Jose
Feb. 14-24, 2010, with optional Ecuador extension Feb. 24-28
Venture to a treasured World Heritage site – Ecuador’s volcanic archipelago, the Galapagos Islands. Galapagos wildlife is truly extraordinary and remarkably tame. Many species are found nowhere else in the world. Don’t be surprised if you have to step carefully over a nesting Blue-footed Booby or wait for a young Galapagos Sea Lion to uncurl from resting on the daypack you left on the beach.
We have arranged travel for a second year aboard one of the most spacious small yachts in the islands, the M/Y San Jose. Aboard this vessel we can ensure you an intimate and flexible voyage designed with birding, snorkeling, natural history and photographic interests in mind. This is far more than a standard tourist cruise. Our experienced guides will help shape the journey to match your interests as they introduce geology, geography, history, botany, evolution and natural history of the archipelago.
Seabirds are abundant and we have a chance to observe and photograph birds courting, nesting, feeding, caring for young and in flight. We should see three species of Boobies (Red, Blue-footed, and Masked), Galapagos Penguins, beautiful and nocturnal Swallow-tailed Gulls, both Magnificent and Great Frigatebirds and Red-billed Tropicbirds. In deep water channels between islands we look for Galapagos Shearwaters and Galapagos Petrels.
Land birds are also plentiful, including the richly patterned Galapagos Doves. Seeing various species of Darwin’s finches provides a challenge but also insight into the process of speciation. We also search for Galapagos Mockingbirds, Galapagos Hawks and the Galapagos form of the Short-eared Owl.
Other colorful creatures captivate and compete for your interest. Almost every day we can snorkel in quiet coves among active and colorful fish, possibly seeing dolphins and sea turtles as well. The intense color of Sally Lightfoot Crabs contrasts dramatically with the dark lava rock. Marine Iguanas are plentiful, their color patterns varying between islands. Land Iguana, on the other hand, are rare and shy. At this time of year, the huge land tortoises that give the islands their name are found in the highlands.
So much is said of Galapagos wildlife that other parts of the experience often go undescribed. You can easily observe the islands’ fascinating volcanic geology -- from the texture of lava and patterns of spatter cones to the stunning moonscapes found on younger islands. Using small boats, we explore the mangrove lagoons. On some islands prickly pear cactus grow tall like trees. The Galapagos provide habitat for more than 500 species of plants, including some 180 endemics. Imagine walking through a giant cactus forest!
The Galapagos Islands have been protected since 1834; in 1986 the pristine marine environment gained added protection. Responsible tourism is a key factor in promising continued protection – our itinerary is carefully designed with that in mind. Learn more about threats to the islands and efforts at conservation on our visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station.
We begin and end in Quito, a city steeped in history and a place we enjoy for its gracious hospitality. Enjoy a first day of exploring Quito and environs with a knowledgeable guide and a welcome dinner. Following the journey, we offer and highly recommend an extension to discover more of this wonderful country.
ITINERARY
Sun., Feb. 14th Arrival in Quito, Ecuador
Arrive in Quito, Ecuador, where you are greeted at the airport for a transfer to the Hotel Sebastian, a delightful hotel with shops and restaurants in easy walking distance. Step out on your balcony to overlook the busy city or to enjoy the view of mountains that rim the city. We have no formal plans for dinner tonight as, due to flight schedules, many will eat on the plane. For those arriving early who wish to gather for dinner at the hotel, plan to meet in the lobby at 6:30 PM.
Accommodations at the Hotel Sebastian, Quito (www.hotelsebastian.com)
Mon., Feb. 15 Historic Quito and a local handicrafts market
Today we enjoy a fascinating day exploring key sites and several museums in Quito. Several of the museums have been under renovation and now are open for viewing. We also visit a local market, enjoy lunch at favorite local restaurant and visit the botanic gardens. Our welcome dinner tonight is at one of our favorite local restaurants.
Accommodations at the Hotel Sebastian, Quito (B,L)
Tues., Feb. 16 Flight to Galapagos / Baltra & Caleta Tortuga Negra
We typically depart early for our two-hour flight to the Galapagos Islands, which sit about 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador. From the air we see the islands rimmed with turquoise reefs in quiet coves. We land on Baltra Island, once a U.S. military installation which is now the main airport for the Galapagos. Of late a reintroduced population of Land Iguanas may be there to greet you as you enter the check-in station. Watch for two or more species of Darwin’s finches that may be picking up crumbs near the airport’s café.
It’s just a short drive to the port where, from small boats, we board our yacht to start the journey. Galapagos Sea Lions bark as we step into the dingies and right in the harbor we see our first frigatebirds and Blue-footed Boobys. Enjoy an afternoon excursion to the rich mangrove habitat off neighboring Santa Cruz Island at Caleta Tortuga Negra.
After dinner, we travel during the night to moor off the island of Rabida (B,L,D)
Wed., Feb. 17 Rabida / James (Santiago): Puerto Egas
Rabida is a small island of the archipelago that shows off powerful forces of its volcanic origins. Rich in red volcanic colors, Rabida holds a small freshwater lagoon where we often spy Black-necked Stilts and other shorebirds. Here we also have an excellent chance to observe Sea Lions in detail.
Recent lava flows decorate the dramatic island of St. James, the fourth largest of the archipelago. Enjoy a swim -- perhaps with Galapagos Sea Lions -- and a walk along the coast to see the rare Galapagos Fur Sea Lions in their grottos. This is a beautiful walk with myriad tide pools where shorebirds such as American Oystercatchers may be feeding. Marine Iguanas are common here; we often see them feeding on algae. We also visit the black sand beach of Puerto Egas which Charles Darwin explored during his historic voyage.
Thurs., Feb. 18 Bartolome / Sullivan Bay
Pinnacle rock on neighboring Bartoleme Island is a famous landmark and perhaps the most photographed site in the Galapagos. A walk to the summit (steep, with steps, but definitely worth it) of a nearby cinder cone offers panoramic views of Pinnacle Rock and Sullivan Bay. It’s also a great place to see geology in action; two types of lava, spatter cones, cinder cones and lava tubes can all be seen on your route to the summit.
Excellent snorkeling can be found in a nearby Sullivan Bay, with myriad colorful fish and four-foot long White-tipped Reef Sharks. Here, both while snorkeling and on dingies in which we cruise around the rocky coast, we have a chance to see Galapagos Penguins, which follow the cold waters of the Humboldt Current this far north. As with other Galapagos wildlife you will marvel at their tame demeanor and with luck capture some memorable images. (B,L,D)
Fri., Feb. 19 Charles Darwin Research Station / Santa Cruz Highlands
Santa Cruz Island is home of the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Galapagos National Park Headquarters. The associated town of Puerto Ayora has a population of over 10,000, quite a surprise for many visiting the Galapagos. We walk to the research station from the public docks with plenty of shops to tempt you on the way. The station, established in 1961, includes a captive breeding facility for several species of Giant Tortoise and exhibits on various projects and conservation. Larger trees and shrubs surround the tortoise pens, attracting several species of Darwin’s finches.
We also visit the highlands today (elevation 2,700-4,500 feet), traveling by bus through distinct changes in vegetation. Enjoy a walk near the Twin Craters, Los Gemalos, where we may find Woodpecker Finches and Vermilion Flycatchers. At this elevation, a seasonal mist called la guara cloaks the forest, producing lush vegetation of the Miconia Zone. At a nearby location we walk trails at a private farm where Giant Tortoises can be seen in the wild, grazing on the lush pastures. Our ship often lingers in the harbor here, leaving you free to enjoy a walk around town, visit an internet café, or just relax on board. (B,L,D)
Sat., Feb. 20 San Cristobal Island: Isla Lobos and Leon Dormido / Cerro Brujo
San Cristobal is one of the four islands actually visited by Charles Darwin in 1835. It is a large island, home to the endemic San Cristobal Mockingbird. This morning we visit Isla Lobos for some great snorkeling and time with Galapagos Sea Lions.
From the boat we cruise around the majestic offshore view of the geological formation, Leon Dormido. This dramatic rock structure resembles a sleeping lion and protrudes out of the sea to rival the scenic beauty of Bartolomé’s Pinnacle Rock.
Off the west side of San Cristóbal we see Cerro Brujo which has a lovely white-sand beach home to Marine Iguanas, Sally Lightfoot Crabs and migrant shorebirds. It’s always fun to explore the tidepools and their fascinating array of life forms.
Tonight, our guide will share images and tales of abundant time in Galapagos and discuss conservation challenges.
Sun., Feb. 21 Hood (Espanola): Bahia Gardiner / Punta Suarez
This southernmost island, close to deep, productive ocean waters, is home to immense colonies of seabirds, including Masked and Blue-footed Boobies and Waved Albatross. Hood is one of the oldest islands and has the endemic Hood Mockingbird, beautiful Galapagos Doves, an endemic Lava Lizard and the large-billed variety of the Cactus Finch. In the morning we visit one of the most beautiful beaches of the islands. You can swim, snorkel or walk the long beach of light-colored sand, taking time to photograph Marine Iguanas which on Hood are quite colorful in contrast to those of other islands. These, as well as Galapagos Sea Lions, are plentiful and a delight to watch. Goats were eradicated from this island in 1978, and the endemic race of Giant Tortoises is being returned to the wild here.
In the afternoon, on a walk at Punta Suarez, we hope to witness large chicks just about to fledge and possibly some adult Waved Albatross, just at the end of their nesting cycle. The island is relatively flat but rises to spectacular cliffs on the back side; our trail leads us to an excellent vantage point from which to watch the albatross and other species soar. The immense cliffs create updrafts that make it possible for the heavy-bodied albatross to take off and land. They share airspace with boobies, tropicbirds and Swallow-tailed Gulls. On our walk we see a dramatic blowhole that jets water one hundred feet and higher. (B,L,D)
Mon., Feb. 22 Floreana: Post Office Bay / Punta Cormorant
From our quiet mooring off Floreana, we often take our coffee out on deck to watch Elliot’s and Dark-rumped Storm Petrels dance in flight around the boat. Green Sea Turtles in good numbers surface near the boat – what a way to start the day! Today’s island visit is more about history than wildlife and our local guides make it fun. The story of Floreana rings like a soap opera tale with all the elements of intrigue. You may want to read the novel Floreana ahead or during the journey to take it in with full detail. There are wonderful opportunities to snorkel after our walk and, for those who do not wish to snorkel. a small boat ride near Devil’s Crown lets you pass by steep guano cliffs decorated with Blue-footed and Nazca Boobies, Brown Noddys, Galapagos Shearwaters and Brown Pelicans.
Our walk at Punta Cormorant circles around an extensive brackish lagoon where we should find numerous Caribbean (Galapagos) Flamingos. We often see them feeding and, after climbing to a viewpoint, see their tracks defined in the muddy bottom of the lagoon. Here we also find Black-necked Stilts, Spotted Sandpipers and Wandering Tattlers. Galapagos Mockingbirds keep up a raucous chorus as we cross an open sand dune and Galapagos Flycatchers often pose for our inspection. On the ocean side of the beach rimming the lagoon we find tide pools and, often basking, Green Sea Turtles. Enjoy some time to relax and take in the beauty. (B,L,D)
Tues., Feb. 23 Playas Las Bachas / Baltra
We reach Baltra late in the morning, have lunch, then catch our flight back to Quito. Settle into your accommodations, take some time to repack (or collect your things left in storage at the hotel) and enjoy a farewell dinner at a favorite local restaurant. (B,L,D)
Wed., Feb 24 Departures from Quito or stay on for tour extension
Exploring Ecuador – a Galapagos Journey extension
Feb. 24-28, 2010
Wed., Feb. 24 Bellavista / Mindo / Sachatamia
This morning, after a nice breakfast at Hotel Sebastian, meet your guide for the drive to Mindo. There is much to explore on the way as you pass through rural and agricultural areas, secondary forests and gardens close to the town of Mindo. At feeders at a lodge where we lunch, we look for Violet-tailed Sylphs, Empress Brilliants, Tawny-bellied Hermits, Green-fronted Lancebills, Purple-throated Woodstars, White-bellied Woodstars, Green-crowned Woodnymphs, Brown and White collared Incas, Western Emeralds and more. We then arrive at Sachatamia, a beautiful lodge located on a private reserve. Once again, legendary birding is right outside your door. Hummingbird feeders surround the dining room, and trails lead out for great viewing of flocks of tanagers and other species. You’re in the mountains and evenings are cool, so you can gather around the fire to do your checklist and then enjoy a delicious dinner.
A hint to be most comfortable here: Bring easy to slip off shoes, as you will go in and out of the lodge in search of birds. (Ecuadorian custom is to remove shoes to protect their beautiful wooden floors!)
Accommodations at Sachatamia Lodge (B,L,D)
www.sachatamia.com/
Thurs., Feb. 25 Mindo and Bella Vista
One can keep busy for days in the Mindo area, searching for birds of the western cordillera of the Andes. Today your expert guide will weave the best plan to see key species of the area. Perhaps you will start at the famous streetlight, close to our lodge, where Blue-crowned Motmots lurk to feed on large insects still there and moving slow in the cool temperature of morning. Within just a few hundred yards of the lodge one can often find mixed flocks of tanagers representing every color of the rainbow.
Return for a delicious breakfast after an early outing and take time to admire the many species of hummingbirds at the feeders. From various viewing areas you can hope to observe hummingbirds such as Fawn-breasted Brilliants; White-whiskered Hermits; Purple-bibbed Whitetips; Velvet-Purple Coronets; Brown Violetears, Empress Brilliants, Hoary Pufflegs and the adorable Booted Racket-tails.
Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve, a private 1,000-acre nature reserve, encompasses a mix of primary and secondary forest. One of the top birding locations in Ecuador, the reserve is known for its diverse hummingbird species – which visit hummingbird feeders allowing close-up views -- as well as a colorful array of toucans and tanagers. At 5,000-7,000 feet we encounter spectacular cloud forest on the steep slopes above us. We have lunch and spend time walking a quiet mountain road in dense cloudforest, looking for Plate-billed Mountain-Toucans, Ocellated Tapaculos and a great variety of birds known to associate in mixed flocks. Walking this road, unaware of time, is one of the great pleasures of Neotropical birding! Dinner will be back at Sachatamia.
Accommodations at Sachatamia Lodge (B,L,D)
Fri., Feb. 26 Silanche / Milpe / Mindo
Today we drive a bit lower in elevation in search of different species at two delightful private reserves run by the Mindo Cloudforest Foundation. This allows us to look for Choco region endemics such as Choco Toucan, Choco Trogon, Long-wattled Umbrellabird and the fascinating Club-winged Manakin. Milpe is recognized as an Important Bird Area in Ecuador. It is a small reserve located at an elevation of 3500 feet. It is perhaps the best place to find three lovely but very local species of tanagers – Moss-backed, Ochre-breasted and Glistening-green.
At Rio Silanche, look for Plumbeous Forest-Falcon, Dusky Pigeon, Rose-faced and Bronzed-winged Parrots, Pale-mandibled Aracari and Choco Woodpecker. This new and very small (200 acres) but important reserve hosts a mix of primary forest and a regenerating plantation. Here you have access to a 50 ft. canopy tower platform where you can relax and let the birds come in to view – it’s hard to rip yourself away! By nightfall, return to your most comfortable accommodations and an excellent dinner at Sachatamia.
Accommodations at Sachatamia Lodge (B,L,D)
Sat., Feb. 27 Giant Antpittas at a local Farm / Return to Quito
This morning we rise VERY early to be out at dawn at the farm of Angel Paz, who has become famous for providing great views of Giant, Yellow-breasted and Moustached Antpittas as well as Andean Cock of the Rocks that display from forest lek sites. Walk into dense forest and then back up to a clearing where we relax over breakfast and the amazing experience here.
Mid-morning we start back to Quito, stopping at several locations en route. One of these is a lovely El Pahuma Orchid Reserve located near a picturesque waterfall. This is another Important Bird Area, and here you can hope to find the endemic White-tailed Hillstar amid a host of blooming orchids. We arrive back in Quito late afternoon and you’ll have time to get organized for the next part of your return trip homeward. Dinner is at your leisure, at the hotel or at a restaurant nearby.
Accommodations at Hotel Sebastian, Quito. (B,L)
Sun., Feb. 28 Return from Quito
We’ll arrange a transfer to the airport for you at a time convenient for your flight. (B)
PLAN AHEAD!
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COST
OF THE JOURNEY
The cost of the main tour is $4270.00, from Quito. This is based on double occupancy and includes: all nights accommodations beginning Feb. 14th (2N hotel in Quito, 7N aboard the San Jose); the flight from Quito to the Galapagos (currently $425.00); all meals (except dinner on your arrival night in Quito); airport transfers; professional guide services of expert Galapagos guides, transportation within Ecuador and Galapagos; pre-departure information and services and miscellaneous program expenses. This cost is based on a minimum of 13 persons; if there are fewer than 13, a small group surcharge (typically $300.00) may apply.
The tour cost does not include items of a personal nature such as: laundry, telephone charges, optional activities or beverages from the bar. It does not include the Galapagos National Park fee (currently $100.00) or your departure tax from Ecuador (currently $25.00). We recommend a gratuity for local guides and the ship crew, which is left to the discretion of each participant. Single supplements on the yacht are on a space-available basis only and are extremely limited -- please inquire. Single supplement for the three nights in Quito is $135.00.
Cost of the Galapagos extension to Mindo and vicinity is $865.00 per person double occupancy, based on a minimum group size of 4 persons. If fewer than four persons sign-on, a small group surcharge may apply but would not exceed $100.00. Cost includes 3N at Sacha Tamia and final night in Quito. Meals are included with the exception of the final dinner in Quito. Single supplement, as available, to be advised.
Travel
Planning
Plan to arrive at a time convenient for you on or before Feb. 14th. A representative of our inbound tour company will meet all flights. We plan a day of sightseeing in and around Quito on Feb. 15th as part of your tour. We feel that it is important to arrive a day early so there is no chance of missing the flight out to the islands and your cruise! As many arrive after dinner the travel day, our welcome dinner and orientation will be on Feb. 20th. We catch a morning flight to Galapagos as a group on the 16th. That ticket (Quito to Baltra, round-trip) is part of your tour cost.
For departures, again you may depart at a time convenient for you and we will arrange airport transfers. You may leave on a very late flight Feb. 23rd (after 11 PM), if you wish to take an overnight flight; most flights are morning departures, which you would schedule for Feb. 24th. Or stay on to join us to see more of Ecuador! Please check back for details on extensions that are available. Or, allow us to build a pre-or-post tour option to best match your interests and available time in Ecuador – a beautiful country you will want to explore!
Naturalist Journeys, LLC is an equal opportunity service provider and committed to the goal of ensuring equal opportunity for all in employment and program delivery.
Photo Credits:
Male Frigatebird, Waved Albatross, Flamingo, Group in boat and boat with
Frigatebird, Bud Ferguson;
all other photos by Peg Abbott; map courtesy of www.gct.org/map.html. |
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