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A Comprehensive and Concise Visitor ´ S Guide to the Galapagos Islands

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A Comprehensive and Concise Visitor ´ S Guide to the Galapagos Islands GALAPAGOS A C O M P R E H E N S I V E A N D C O N C I S E V I S I T O R ´ S G U I D E T O T H E G A L A P A G O S I S L A N D S G A L A P A G O S 0 1 | About the Galapagos Islands 0 9 | Musts in the Galapagos Islands 1 1 | Visitor sites 1 2 | Isabela & Fernandina 1 5 | Santiago Island 1 8 | San Cristobal Island 2 1 | Santa Cruz Island 2 5 | Floreana Island 2 7 | More visitor sites 2 9 | Moving Around 3 2 | Recommended Hotels in the Galapagos 3 5 | Recommended Cruises in Galapagos 3 9 | Diving in Galapagos 4 1 | Galapagos for Everyone 4 2 | For birdwatchers 4 2 | For scubadivers 4 3 | For adventurers 4 3 | For honeymooners 4 3 | For photographers www.visitgalapagos.travel A B O U T T H E G A L A P A G O S I S L A N D S 01 T H E G A L A P A G O S I S L A N D S Three local airlines operate daily flights to the Galapagos Islands: The Galapagos are a one in a lifetime LATAM, Avianca, and TAME. experience, that's for sure! When packing for the Galapagos, But, what is to be expected from such remember that on your domestic an amazing destination? What should flight from mainland Ecuador, you are I know? When should I start planning allowed one checked bag weighing it? up to 50 lbs. 23 kg. and one small carry-on. So many questions come to mind, but once again we are here to help! It is almost always necessary to We understand that getting the trip spend at least one night in Quito or right makes the difference. Guayaquil before flying to the islands since the Galapagos flights depart in The right time to start planning is the morning. Boats need to issue when you decide to visit the islands. tickets since the flights are part of the Of course, you need to know that the cruise itinerary. best hotels and yachts are full even one year or more before departure day. (Especially during the The Galapagos Islands Christmas and New Year holiday are probably the most season). famous wildlife- watching destination in W A Y S T O T R A V E L the world. This volcanic archipelago is located And no wonder - it's in the Pacific Ocean, just 1,000 km almost impossible to off the coast of Ecuador. Its 13 islands form the Archipelago exaggerate the sheer de Colón, one of Ecuador’s spectacle of the place provinces. that provided inspiration There are no direct flights to the for Charles Darwin's Galapagos Islands from other groundbreaking theory countries so you will need to take an international flight to Ecuador and of natural selection. then take a local flight from Ecuador’s main cities: Quito or Guayaquil to - Mark Carwardine Baltra (GPS) or San Cristóbal (SCY). 02 V I S I T O R S I T E S N A T U R A L I S T G U I D E S The balance between populated The Galapagos Islands are unique, areas and protected areas is delicate and it is all about the wildlife and the in the Galapagos Islands, which is flora of this unique environment. why the archipelago is governed by a special law protect and preserve this Exploring the islands with a qualified fragile environment. guide is mandatory and your only option to visit the sites. Only 5% of the islands are inhabited. The other 95% is protected by the A good guide will make your trip Galapagos National Park. great, while a bad guide can be the cause of much disappointment. The Galapagos National Park Directorate (GNPD) is in charge of Keep in mind that if you are on a the coordination of group visits to the budget boat, you will have a lower designated visitor sites. Tourists are level guide. only allowed to visit specific sites when accompanied by a certified It is essential to pick a good boat and naturalist guide. The amount of a good itinerary. Normally a good time that tourists can spend on tour operator will only employ good certain sites is specified by the and reputable guides. GNPD to maintain control of the number of daily visitors. The amount of time of each visit will depend on the difficulty level and the activity offered. The visits can take from one hour to half a day. 03 C R U I S E S V S I S L A N D H O P P I N G Navigations on bigger are Island hopping speedboats are recommended for people more light and small, ensuring a bumpy prone to seasickness. navigation easily leading to seasickness as a consequence of Catamarans and yachts are the instability. prepared for long navigations, carrying onboard the adequate Island hopping speedboats are equipment in case of an prepared for daily excursions emergency. only. Cruise itineraries vary from 4 to Island hopping includes daily 15 days. excursions and departures every day subject to availability. Cruises range from budget to luxury yachts and offer different Some Island Hopping tours are experiences. Visitor sites are the less expensive than some cruises. same and do not depend on the category of service. Navigation by speedboats can take up to three hours each way Cruises offer at least two site taking up most of the day and visits each day in addition to limiting the time for site visits. other activities that include snorkeling, swimming kayaking, You will have more time to enjoy and panga rides. Time is the populated areas and maximized since some navigations experience what life is like on the take place at night. islands. Cruise itineraries are established Some people prefer to sleep in by the national park and are not hotels and not on a yacht. flexible. More remote visitor sites on islands like Fernandina, Genovesa, and Española are only reachable on a cruise. CHECK OUT DIFFERENT CRUISE CHECK OUT DIFFERENT ISLAND OPTIONS HOPPING PACKAGES 04 W H A T T O P A C K Traveling to the Galapagos Islands is a unique adventure, and for that, you will need to be prepared. Make sure to bring the following list of items recommended by our Galapagos experts: Lightweight, breathable waterproof (not water-resistant) rain jacket with hood if possible Lightweight, sturdy shoes with ankle support Water-resistant sports sandals (Tevas, for example) Small, water-resistant daypack (to carry camera gear and other equipment that can be damaged due to contact with water) Sunglasses (with high UV filter and secure strap) Sun hat with a wide brim for protection Sunscreen with a high SPF factor Lightweight long sleeve shirts for protection from the sun Camera equipment Earplugs (useful for blocking out engine and other noises) DEET-free insect repellent Lip balm (at least SPF30) If you are prone to motion sickness, we strongly recommend you come prepared Snorkel, mask & wetsuit are recommended to ensure a better fit (only If you already have them, as this gear is provided on cruises and can be rented for daily tours). Walking sticks can be useful for long walks 05 D O ´ S A N D D O N ´ T S The Galapagos Islands were on the radar since the first pirates arrived in the 1700’s to the islands and brought with them different animals such as goats, rats, pigs, dogs, and donkeys. Pirates were known to attack colonies of iguanas, destroying the delicate endemic vegetation, and for taking tortoises and their eggs to use them as food supplies on board their ships. Remember this list of Do’s and Don’ts to make the best of your visit to the Galapagos Islands: 1) Do follow the designated tails so 3) Don’t touch the animals! you can avoid damaging the delicate Galapagos National Park regulations vegetation. Some plants are found suggest that you keep a distance of 6 only in the islands. feet from animals. If the animals approach you try to back away to 2) Do stay with your guide at all maintain the recommended distance times. If you decide to go on your or wait for them to pass. own, other guides will take a picture of you and the Galapagos National 4) Don’t even consider feeding the Park authorities will fine your guide. animals. They can find food on their Remember the guides are rangers own. that protect the Galapagos territory, so please follow their instructions at 5) Do save your trash until you can all times. find a trash bin to deposit it. 06 D O ´ S A N D D O N ´ T S 6) Don’t bring plants, animals or 9) Don’t write or carve anything on fruit to the islands. They will be rocks or tree trunks. confiscated at the airport. 10) Don’t use the camera flash 7) Don’t smoke in the open areas when taking pictures. This lights hurt as the arid environment of the animals’ eyes and unsettles them. Galapagos makes it easy to start a fire. 11) Do have fun and enjoy being surrounded by endemic creatures 8) Don’t buy souvenirs made from that inhabit this fantastic archipelago! banned items such as lava rocks, sea lion teeth, tortoise shells or coral More information about the National shells.
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