Galapagos Islands
The trip will be led by professors Tom Bratkowski and Gabe Colbeck. It is open to both science and non-science majors. Students receive 3-6 credits for one or two courses, Tropical Biology or Tropical Ecology. The course may be used as a biology elective or to fulfill a general education science requirement. A few slots remain.
The total cost of the trip is $4,695 (covers everything). Examples of activities include:
- Guided sightseeing in Quito, Ecuador, high above the Andean valleys
- Excursion to the actual equator line and the accompanying museum
- Flight to the ecological paradise of the Galapagos Islands
- Visit Charles Darwin Research Station
- Yacht excursions to several islands to view natural ecological wonders
- Visit wild tortoises on Santa Cruz Island
Itinerary:
Day 1 Thursday, January 3, 2013
Flight to Quito
Touch down in Quito, Capital of Ecuador. The smallest country in the Andean Highlands, Ecuador’s unique mix of indigenous culture, colonial architecture and ecological marvels pack in more attractions than many countries twice its size. Arrive late this evening and meet your EF Tour Director after clearing customs.
Overnight in Quito
Day 2 Friday, January 4, 2013
Guided Sightseeing of Quito
Carved into a narrow plateau high above the Andean valleys, Ecuador’s capital is overshadowed by soaring peaks and the looming Pichincha Volcano. On today’s sightseeing tour, explore the well-preserved colonial quarter of Quito, where wrought-iron balconies and majestic stone pillars grace its 300-year-old plazas, churches and palaces. The area was declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations in 1978. Stroll amid the shady palm trees and colorful gardens of Independence Plaza, admire the stunning Government Palace and visit the charming Santo Domingo Church.
Excursion to the Equatorial Line
Today you’ll stand exactly on the equator, the namesake of Ecuador. At the Intinan Museum, a guide will conduct several experiments to demonstrate what happens at the midpoint of the planet. Which way will water rinse down the drain? Can you balance an egg on the head of a nail? If you’ve ever wanted to stand in both hemispheres at the same time, this is your chance.
Overnight in Quito
Day 3 Saturday, January 5, 2013
Flight to the Galapagos Islands
Today, fly from Quito to Isla Baltra, arriving amid the ecological paradise of Darwin’s famed Galápagos Islands. In
1959, the archipelago was declared a national park in order to protect its unique fauna and animals, including giant tortoises (from which the islands took their name), iguanas, penguins, flightless cormorants and Darwin’s 13 species of finches. Please keep in mind that the island’s ecosystems are fragile. Park regulations are designed to protect this earthly treasure for future generations.
Transfer to Santa Cruz Island
Make the short transfer to Santa Cruz Island, the gateway to the Galápagos. Santa Cruz is the second largest island in the Galápagos. The small town of Puerto Ayora is the economic center of the archipelago, with the largest population of the 4 inhabited islands. Santa Cruz highland’s lush scenery is a welcome contrast to the arid scenery of the smaller, lower islands. A point of interest is the famed lava tunnels, a fun and geologically informative visit
Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station
The Charles Darwin Research Station and the Galápagos National Park offices are based on Santa Cruz Island. The conservation of the islands is conducted by scientists, park rangers and park managers—they make huge effort to preserve this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The station is also a tortoise breeding and rearing center where tortoises are prepared to be reintroduced to their natural habitats. After your visit, enjoy free time to explore the area.
Overnight in Galapagos
Days 4-6 Sunday, January 6, 2013- Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Yacht Excursions to Galapagos Islands
For the next three days you will have the opportunity to explore the uniquely different Galapagos Islands listed below. (Please note: the exact combination of islands visited is subject to change).
Visit North Seymour Island
Although flatter than others, North Seymour is also one of the islands uplifted by underground seismic activity. Located North of Baltra, this is one of the best places to see blue-footed boobies nesting on the flat area near the coast of the island. Continuing the trail towards the interior of the island, you may stumble upon the biggest congregation of red pouches in the Galápagos. They, of course, belong to the Male Magnificent Frigatebirds.
Visit Floreana Island
Alternatively, you might make an excursion to Floreana, one of the islands with the most interesting human history and one of the earliest islands to be inhabited. It was the stage in the 1930s of a mystery involving an erratic Baroness and her entourage. Post Office Bay was where a wooden barrel was located in the 18th century by the crew of a whaling ship. It has been used since this time by marines and tourists as a post office. The idea is to carry letters or postcards to their destination by hand.
Visit Isabela Island
Isabela is the largest island in the archipelago made up of six shield volcanoes that have merged into a single land mass. The highest point of the islands is at Wolf Volcano.
Visit Bartolomé Island
Bartolomé is one of the most dramatic moonscape scenes in the archipelago. Here you will find Pinnacle Rock, the most photographed site of the Galápagos. This black lava formation was created when a now-extinct volcano erupted, its magma landing in the sea and causing an explosion that formed Tuff Cone (known more commonly as Pinnacle Rock). Befriend some of the penguins near the Pinnacle’s base; they are the second smallest species of
penguin and the only ones found north of the equator.
Overnights in Galapagos
Day 7 Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Transfer to Baltra
En route back to the airport in Baltra, you will stop in the highlands of Santa Cruz. Observe the unique and diverse vegetation zones of the area and visit the Twin Craters. The area is also excellent for observing the wild tortoises.
Flight to Quito
Board your flight bound for Quito.
Overnight in Quito
Day 8 Thursday, January 10, 2013
Excursion to Cotopaxi National Park
Walk in the shadows of snow-capped Volcán Cotopaxi, the world’s highest active volcano (19,700 feet), on your visit to Cotopaxi National Park. Now recognized as the last refuge of the endangered Andean condor and other rare birds, the park was originally founded in 1975 to protect Ecuador’s declining llama population. You will also visit a flower plantation. Lunch is included on this excursion.
Overnight in Quito
Day 9 Friday, January 11, 2013
Transfer to the airport for your return flight
Your tour director assists with your transfer to the airport, where you’ll check in for your return flight home.
Itinerary is subject to change