aboard the isabela ii • February 7–17, 2010
With zoologist Carole Baldwin and geologist Richard Fiske
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the galápagos islands
To rt o i s e
WHITE Dear Traveler, Join us in the Galápagos as we follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin, whose observations of wildlife on these pristine islands led to his groundbreaking volume On the Origin of Species. Our seven-night cruise aboard the 36-passenger Isabela II provides an ideal way to explore the Galápagos. Specially equipped with kayaks, Zodiacs, and a glass-bottom excursion boat, our ship enables easy access to, and viewing of, the islands’ many attractions. Enjoy intimate encounters with the rich variety of birds and animals that inspired Darwin’s revolutionary theory on the mutability of species. Swim and snorkel with playful sea lions, hike through surreal landscapes where marine iguanas bask in the equatorial sun, and discuss the latest efforts to protect this fragile ecosystem with the staff at the Charles Darwin Research Station. Home to teeming birdlife, many of them endemic, the Galápagos are also a birdwatcher’s paradise. Adding unique perspective and insight along the way is Smithsonian Study Leader Carole Baldwin, a research zoologist, and Richard Fiske, a volcano expert and former director of the National Museum of Natural History. I hope you’ll join us in discovering the wonders of these magical islands. Sincerely,
J. William Diebenow Executive Vice President High Country Passage P.S. To register, contact your professional travel advisor, call High Country Passage at 800-395-3288, or visit www. hcptravel.com.
co v e r : B l ue-footed b ooby ba c k c o v e r: sally lightfoot crab
o n e s p eci e s o f d a r w i n ’s fa m o u s f i nc h e s
p i n n ac l e r oc k , b a rt o l o mÉ i s l a n d
I tin er a ry
includes six main islands, twelve
mangrove-rimmed, green-tinted
Galápagos Islands. The staff
smaller ones, and forty islets.
beach, pink greater flamingos
of the station will meet you
This itinerary describes
This morning fly from Quito to
abound. In the afternoon,
and discuss their work. Among
highlights of this adventure;
Baltra Island and board the
conditions permitting, enjoy
their joint projects with the
the exact itinerary will be
Isabela II. After lunch, visit
the islands’ best snorkeling at
Galápagos National Park
determined by Galápagos
North Seymour Island, teeming
nearby Turtle Islet.
Service aimed at repopulating
National Park authorities.
with magnificent frigate birds,
(B,L,D)
islands with native species is
blue-footed boobies, sea lions,
SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
a breeding program for land
U. S . / GUAYA QUIL , E C UADOR
and marine iguanas. Back
F r i d ay, Fe b r u a ry 1 2
iguanas and tortoises that is
S unday, F eb ruary 7
on board, enjoy a welcome
Call at Academy Bay to
bringing these endangered
Fly from the U.S. to Quito on
reception and dinner. (B, L,R,D )
visit the Charles Darwin
animals back from the brink
Research Station, an important
of extinction. An afternoon
the suggested flight itinerary, or independently. Upon arrival,
ESPA ÑOLA ISLAND
international facility for
excursion into the highlands
check in to the Hotel Hilton Colón.
We d n e s d ay, Feb r u a ry 1 0
the conservation of the
includes lunch at a Galápagos
Start the day with a beach walk QUITO Monday, Fe brua ry 8
and snorkeling along Española
Originally a capital of the Inca
Island’s Gardner Bay before
Empire, Quito was captured
disembarking at Punta Suarez,
by the Spanish in 1534. Enjoy
a landing beach frequented by
a tour of the city’s colonial
sea lions, brightly colored Sally
section, a UNESCO World
Lightfoot crabs, and colorful
Heritage site, followed by an
marine iguanas. Española
afternoon at leisure and an
Island is also a nesting habitat
evening welcome dinner. (B,D)
for blue-footed and masked
THE GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS
Galápagos doves.
(B,L,D)
GENOVESA
BARTOLOMÉ FERNANDINA
SANTIAGO
T uesday, Fe bruary 9
Formed from the peaks of
Th u r s d ay, F eb r u a ry 1 1
underwater volcanoes, the
Explore Punta Cormorant on
Galápagos archipelago
Floreana Island where, on a
P ac ific O c e an
NORTH SEYMOUR BALTRA SAN CRISTOBAL
ISABELA
ISLANDS (EMB ARK ) FLOREANA ISLAND
AIR
MARCHENA
boobies, oyster catchers, and QUITO / GALÁPAGOS
SHIP
PINTA
SANTA CRUZ
ECUADOR
FLOREANA ESPAÑOLA
QUITO
GUAYAQUIL
marine iguana
farm and a walk through the
tortoises and land iguanas. You
islands’ only rainforest to learn
will also have the opportunity to
about the unique flora, fauna,
swim and snorkel off the beach.
and geology of the region. (B,L,D)
This afternoon, visit Punta Espinoza on Fernandina Island,
GENOVESA ISLAND
a picturesque spot rimmed with
S aturday, F eb ruary 1 3
a green mangrove forest and a
Cruise north across the equator
vast expanse of lava. The wide
to Genovesa Island, noted
variety of wildlife here includes
for its magnificent birdlife.
the flightless cormorant (found
Low-lying bushes surrounding
nowhere else in the world),
the beach support the nests
Galápagos hawks, blue-footed
of frigate birds, short-eared
boobies, lava herons, and the
owls, red-footed boobies, and
largest colony of marine iguanas
swallow-tailed gulls, perhaps the
in the archipelago. The western
most beautiful of the world’s gull
skies tend to be the clearest in
species, while the southeastern
the Galápagos, and so tonight,
cliffs provide habitat for storm
weather permitting, we will be
petrels, Audubon’s shearwaters,
on deck stargazing. (B,L,D)
and red-billed tropic birds. (B,L,D) SANTIAGO & ISA B ELA &
BARTOLOM É ISLANDS
FERNANDINA ISLANDS
M o n d ay, F eb r u a ry 1 5
S unday, F eb ruary 14
Santiago’s terrain combines
As we cruise the Bolivar
stunning lava formations, white
Channel this morning, watch
sand beaches, striated cliffs,
for dolphins and whales often
and tuff cones. Take a morning
found feeding and frolicking in
tide pool walk to a grotto that
the rich waters between Isabela
is home to a thriving colony
and Fernandina Islands. Call
of Galápagos fur seals. Those
at Urbina Bay to walk through
who wish may swim and snorkel among the seals and
an area commonly frequented by the island’s endemic land
brilliantly colored tropical fish, or look for Darwin’s finches and other birdlife along the shoreline. This afternoon, disembark on Bartolomé, one of the archipelago’s “youngest” magnifi c ent frigate bird
r e d - f o o t e d b o ob i e s s e a u rc h i n
islands, for an opportunity to snorkel in an area frequented by Galápagos penguins and sea lions. Later, climb to the summit for a spectacular view of Sullivan Bay, impressive pahoehoe lava fields, and Pinnacle Rock, a Galápagos landmark. Enjoy a gala farewell reception and dinner on board tonight. (B,L,R,D) B ALTRA (DISEMB ARK ) / d i s e mb a r k i n g z o d i ac
GUAYAQUIL T u e s d ay, F e b r u a ry 1 6
Disembark the Isabela II at Baltra this morning and transfer to the airport for the return flight to Guayaquil. Upon arrival, check in to the Hotel Hilton Colón. (B) GUAYAQUIL / U .S. W e d n e s d ay, Fe b r u a ry 1 7
Depart this morning for the U.S. on the recommended flight itinerary, or independently.
(B)
“Snorkeling in the Galápagos was an extraordinary experience, with a sea lion on my left and a penguin on my right.” — K . H u t ch i n s o n N a zc a b o o b i e s
Study leader C a r o l e B a l d w i n developed a love for the ocean and marine science
at an early age, growing up near the seashore in South Carolina. She has worked as a researcher in the Department of Vertebrate Zoology at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History since 1992. While her work has taken her all over the world, the Galápagos has remained a special place to her since she first went there in 1998 to make an IMAX 3-D natural history film. In her own words, “We will see the vast array of species that have evolved in the Galápagos, which led Darwin to the conclusions that forever changed the course of science. Among Galápagos fishes, an estimated 10 percent of the fish species that occur appear to have evolved there!” nazca
boobies
Guest Lecturer Like the Hawaiian Islands, the Galápagos Ielands are a result of a series of volcanoes that grew above sea level to produce the majestic landscapes we see today. Guest lecturer R i c h a r d F i s k e , Smithsonian Geologist Emeritus, former Director of the National Museum of Natural History, and volcano expert, will explain the countless volcanic features that participants will see on this adventure, and will place them in a broad natural history context. Penguin
PRE-TRIP EXTENSION TO QUITO Fe br u a ry 4 – 7 , 2 0 1 0
Enjoy a private cooking class in the colonial city of Quito, then travel to the Andes highlands province of Imbabura for an overnight stay in a hacienda and a visit to the Otavalo Indian market, renowned for its fine handicrafts and textiles. Extension rates: $1,390 per person, double occupancy; $200 single supplement. Itinerary details will be provided in Tour Bulletin 1.
POST-TRIP EXTENSION TO MACHU PICCHU Fe br u a ry 1 8 – 2 4 , 2 0 0 9
Explore the altars, temples, fountains, and terraced gardens of the legendary lost city of the Inca, one of the world’s extraordinary archaeological sites. Extension rates: $4,250 per person, double occupancy; $1,395 single supplement. Itinerary details will be provided in Tour Bulletin 1. Ec uadorian Textiles
m a ch u p icc h u
inclusions & special features
Isabela II The Isabela II is one of the most attractive yachts cruising the Galápagos,
Cruise
7 nights aboard the deluxe Isabela II
offering a comfortable and casual atmosphere for experiencing the full
hotel
2 nights at the Hotel Hilton Colón
adventure of the islands. The Isabela II accommodates 36 passengers
1 night at the Hotel Hilton Colón in Guayaquil
in 21 outside twin cabins, all with private baths. The yacht is fully
7D, 7L, 8B, and 2R
air-conditioned. Its three decks offer a bar-salon, dining room, lounge,
Meals & receptions
library, boutique, sun deck with an observation area for whale and
Custom educational Led by a noted Darwin scholar and an program expert on the Galápagos Islands
dolphin watching, and a Jacuzzi. It is one of the few ships in the Galápagos Islands featuring on-board kayaks for passengers’ use. The library contains a variety of books on the Galápagos and Ecuador, as well as excellent nature and conservation videos.
Rates Cost per person (based on double occupancy): $8,690
special activities & shore excursions
Coordinated by study leaders, local guides, and onboard naturalists
Exclusive amenities
Onboard kayaks and a glass-bottom boat
Professional tour management
Services of an experienced tour manager throughout the tour
services & fees
All tips, gratuities, and entrance fees; group flight transfers and baggage handling; pre-departure materials and travel information
Transportation
Round-trip airfare between mainland Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands
Single rate (limited availability): $13,590
Airfare Round-trip airfare between the U.S. and Ecuador is not included in the program rates. As of April 2009, economy-class airfare between Miami and Quito, with return from Guayaquil, is approximately $514 per person (subject to change). Cost savings may be available through our tour operator, who is happy to assist you with making your air travel arrangements.
Environmentally Sensitive Travel High Country Passage is committed to protecting and preserving the fragile environment of the Galápagos Islands, and to working with tour operators who share our values and goals. The Galápagos National Park authorities have responded to increasing pressures on this natural habitat by instituting new standards for tourism and development that have led to increased costs. We appreciate your understanding as we continue to give important attention to environmental sensitivity. nazc a booby
R e s e r vat io n s & Pay m e n t s A deposit of $1,000 per person (payable to High Country Passage) is required to confirm all reservations. Please mail the check to High Country Passage, 500 Third Street, Suite 455, San Francisco, CA 94107. Final payment deadline is October 10, 2009, 120 days prior to departure. Ca nc e l l at i o n s & Re f u n d s Deposits are fully refundable if a written notice of cancellation is received by High Country Passage within 30 days of receipt of deposit; after that, they are 100% non-refundable. Cancellations after final payment deadline: 100% penalty. All cancellations must be made in writing. I t i n e r a ry, P r o g r a m , & C ost M o d i f icat i o n s The itinerary, as contained in this brochure, is subject to modifications and change by High Country Passage. Every effort will be made to carry out this program as planned, but alterations may still occur after the final itinerary is sent. Costs, although given in good faith and based on information available upon publication of the brochure, are also subject to change and revision. Due to fluctuations in oil prices, a fuel surcharge may be added to your tour fee. Details and costs will be advised prior to your departure. I n s u r a nc e Trip cancellation/ interruption insurance is highly recommended and should be considered for your financial protection. Another important consideration is medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation coverage. A comprehensive package will be made available to you upon receipt of your initial deposit. Early purchase will provide coverage of preexisting medical conditions.
Responsi bility Responsibility High Country Passage (HCP) acts only as an agent for the suppliers and contractors providing transportation and/or all other travel-related services and assume no responsibility howsoever caused for personal injury, or for personal or property loss or damage, in connection with any service. Additionally, responsibility is not accepted for losses or expenses due to sickness, weather, strikes, terrorism, wars, or other such causes. HCP reserves the right to make changes to the published itinerary whenever, in its judgment, conditions warrant, or if they deem it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of the tour. Occasionally, unforeseen changes in transportation schedules or other pressing matters necessitate a change in the land portion of the tour or cause a tour to be extended beyond its scheduled completion; any extra costs incurred in such cases are the responsibility of the passenger. HCP reserves the right at its discretion to alter, change, omit, and/or feature any part of the itinerary or any reservation, conveyance, or routing at any time and without notice and for any reason whatsoever without allowance of refund. HCP also reserves the right to decline or accept any person as a member of the tour, or to require any person to withdraw from the tour at any time, when such action is determined by its representative to be in the best interests of the health, safety, and general welfare of the tour group or the individual participant. HCP reserves the right to withdraw without penalty any tour announced. Personal effects are the sole responsibility of the owners at all times. photo c redits © iStockphoto.com / fotovoyager (tortoise) © Pep Roig / Alamy (finch) • © Laura Tidwell (Bartolomé) • © Donald Carpenter (Marine iguana) • © Marie-Catherine Boisselier (red-footed boobies) • © Kirt Kempter (sea urchin, nazca boobies, nazca booby cutout) • © iStockphoto.com / Edward Davis (nazca boobies) • © iStockphoto.com / John Frink (penguin) • © iStockphoto.com / Warwick Lister-Kaye (textiles) • © Heinz Plenge / PromPerú (Machu Picchu) • © HCarlos Julio Gonzáles / Metropolitan Touring (Isabela II) • © David Bate / Dreamstime.com (penguin) • © Morten Elm / Dreamstime.com (blue-footed booby) •© Michael LaBarbera (sally lightfoot crab)
Reservation form Please send your completed reservation form and deposit to High Country Passage, 500 Third Street, Suite 455, San Francisco, CA 94107; call High Country Passage at 800-395-3288; or contact your professional travel advisor.
_______________________________________________________ name 1 (as it appears on passport)
_______________________________________________________ name 2 (as it appears on passport)
_______________________________________________________ name 1 for badge if different from above
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R at e s D o No t In c l u d e U.S. domestic and international airfare • Surcharges assessed by the government or national park authorities • Passport or visa fees • Immunizations • Transfers to and from airports for individuals not using or meeting group flights • Excess baggage charges • Meals and beverages not specified as included • Optional excursions or deviations from the scheduled tour • Accident/baggage/ cancellation insurance • Medical expenses • Laundry, room service, telephone, email, and fax calls • Other items of a purely personal nature and not stated as included • Airport security fees imposed by the government or airlines
H ealth All participants should be in good health and capable of walking over rough terrain. By forwarding the deposit for passage, the passenger certifies that he/she does not have any physical or other condition or disability that would create a hazard for him/ herself or other passengers.
100% K
Terms & Conditions
_______________________________________________________ name 2 for badge if different from above
_______________________________________________________ address
_______________________________________________________ city state
zip
_______________________________________________________ phone (home)
(work)
_______________________________________________________ fax
❑ Enclosed is a check for $ _________ ($1,000 per person, made payable to High Country Passage) for ____ place(s) on the Galápagos Islands program OR ❑ Please charge my deposit of $ _________ ($1,000 per person) to my: ❑ Visa ❑ MasterCard ❑ American Express
_______________________________________________________ card number exp. date (mm/yy)
_______________________________________________________ authorized cardholder signature date (MM/DD/YY)
_______________________________________________________ name (as it appears on card)
Si n g l e A p p l i c a n t s o n ly: If this is a reservation for one person, please complete the following: ❑ I prefer single accommodations. ❑ I plan to share accommodations with: _______________________ ___ . ❑ I would like to share accommodations. I am a ❑ non-smoker ❑ smoker. If you would like a roommate, High Country Passage will try to find a share for you, and you will be charged the double occupancy rate even if no roommate is found. I/We have read the program information and the Terms and Conditions and agree to the terms as stated therein.
_______________________________________________________ signature date (MM/DD/YY)
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CST 2070901-40 • 100207 GAL HCP B l u e b o ob y f e e t
K S 357)
the galápagos islands aboard the isabela ii • February 7–17, 2010
100% K 500 Third Street, Suite 455 • San Francisco, CA 94107
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Join zoologist Carole Baldwin on this once-in-a-lifetime journey to the Galápagos!