Galapagos Islands

I n t i m at e Voyag e a b oa r d t h e E v o l u t i o n

The Massachusetts Audubon Society is proud to present a 10-day Galapagos Voyage A p ri l 2- 11, 2010 www. m as s au du b o n . o rg/ t rav e l • ( 8 0 0 ) 2 89- 9 504

T

he Galapagos Islands live in the spirits and minds of those who love nature like nowhere else on Earth. Tortoises that have grown to dramatic proportions, superb bird life and an astounding undersea world are all set against a sublime landscape of deserts, beaches, lush forests and volcanoes.

For more than 26 years, International Expeditions’ guests and staff have raved about these islands and the incredible diversity of sites and activities they’ve enjoyed. And who can blame them? Our ship (the Evolution), the guides, and a great itinerary make our voyage THE choice for the Galapagos. On this extraordinary journey to Galapagos, you have the perfect way to explore: aboard the 32-guest Evolution. She is the ideal ship, with spacious cabins and public areas — highly comfortable and intimate at the same time. Our highly qualified naturalist guides are authorities on the Galapagos Islands, and they’re also a pleasure to be with. They’ll see that you get the most from your experience.

Destination Highlights • Because of the Galapagos Islands’ isolation in the Pacific Ocean, there is a wealth of animal and plant life found only here. • Stand next to blue-footed boobies doing a courtship display, and swim with sea lions and penguins. • The Galapagos have an otherworldly beauty — from the desert landscapes at sea level to tall volcanoes and lush highland forests. • The islands are a living laboratory of evolution. Charles Darwin visited in 1835, and his examination of the beaks of the Galapagos finches was instrumental in his formulating the theory of evolution. • Visit the world-renowned Charles Darwin Research Station and encounter giant Galapagos tortoises, endemic to the islands.

G enovesa (Tower )

Darwin Bay

a re a enl a rged

Equator

E cuador G uayaquil

Punta Espinosa

Tagus Cove

S a ntiago (J a mes )

Ferna ndina

B a rtolomé

(N a rborough )

N orth S ey mour Black Turtle Cove

S a nta Cruz

m

o / Fr i l To a y a q u Gu

(I ndefatifable ) Kicker Rock

I sabel a

Puerto Ayora

(A lbem a r le )

San Cristóbal

S a n Cr istóba l (C h ath a m )

Punta Suarez

our voyage route

E spa ñol a (H ood )

Days 1-3 • Friday-Sunday

Days 4 & 5 • Monday & Tuesday

Day 6 • Wednesday

U.S. / Guayaquil / San Cristóbal

Santa Cruz

Genovesa

Fly to Guayaquil and spend the night at the Oro Verde before flying to the islands, where we board the Evolution. Sail out to Kicker Rock before visiting Cerro Brujo. (Day 1: Meals Aloft; Day 2: B,L,D)

Begin at the Charles Darwin Research Station, then head into the highlands to spend an afternoon with the giant tortoises in their verdant habitat. (B,L,D)

As one of the privileged operators permitted to visit Genovesa Island, this feels like our private sanctuary. Genovesa harbors one of the most diverse bird populations in the Galapagos, including red-footed boobies, storm petrels, great frigatebirds and short-eared owls. We climb Prince Philip’s Steps before visiting Darwin Bay. Bring along your camera and relax on the beach after our hike, or swim and snorkel. (B,L,D)

Española: Punta Suarez & Gardner Bay

Wade ashore at Punta Suarez, looking for red-colored marine iguanas and the waved albatross colony that inhabits the island part of the year en route to Española’s blowhole. (B,L,D)

Santiago / Bartolomé

Santiago is an excellent place to spot doves, hawks and fur seals. Visit Bartolomé Island, hiking up a dormant volcano for a dramatic panorama of islands and Pinnacle Rock. (B,L,D)

Day 7 • Thursday

Day 8 • Friday

Fernandina: Punta Espinosa /

North Seymour / Black Turtle Cove

San Cristóbal / Guayaquil / U.S.

Isabela: Tagus Cove

North Seymour is a favorite nesting place for frigatebirds and the best place to spot colorful land iguanas. Blue-footed boobies perform their courtship dance in the open areas. Take a panga ride through Black Turtle Cove, drifting silently through the mangroves, home to turtles and whitetipped reef sharks. Enjoy a farewell dinner aboard the Evolution. (B,L,D) 

Return to San Cristóbal and visit the Interpretation Center, with time to stroll through the interactive exhibits. Fly to Guayaquil, where you have time to relax. Sunday we fly to the U.S. and connect with flights home. (Day 9: B,L Aloft; Day 10: B,L Aloft)

Explore the lava fields of Punta Espinosa, where we are apt to spot flightless cormorants and some of the largest marine iguanas. As our ship sails to Isabela, enjoy a power siesta before exploring Tagus Cove. Walk uphill for a view of Darwin’s Lake, or “non-hikers” may enjoy a panga ride along the cliffs. (B,L,D)

Days 9 & 10 • Saturday & Sunday

Join sea lions in their underwater home, take pangas along the coastlines, or simply relax aboard the Evolution and take in the view — it is all part of the adventure of the Galapagos.

Machu Picchu Optional 6-Day Pre-Voyage Extension Double Occupancy: $2,498

Single Occupancy: $3,296

Plus in-country ($325) and international (starting at $410) airfare. All airfare subject to change. Days 1 & 2 • Friday & Saturday    

Day 3 • Sunday

Day 4 • Monday

U.S. / Lima / Cusco / Urubamba Valley

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu

Fly to Lima and transfer to the Costa del Sol Ramada. Fly to Cusco — the oldest continuously inhabited city in the Western Hemisphere and leave for the historic Urubamba Valley. Along the way, we stop at the Chincheros Indian Market to browse and shop for the best of Andean handicrafts. Spend tonight at the Aranwa Hotel.(Day 1: Meals Aloft; Day 2: B,L,D)

Explore Ollantaytambo, where temples and fortresses were built to protect the Sacred Valley. Board the train to Machu Picchu. Spend our afternoon exploring the mysterious ruins with our guide, who points out the significance of the stone structures, temples and plazas. Our home for the next two nights is the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. (B,L,D)

Today is yours to explore or simply relax! You may hike to the Sun Gate or enjoy birding in the gardens surrounding our hotel, home to 16 species of hummingbirds and the Andean cock-of-the-rock. For a more relaxing day, treat yourself to the spa. Tonight, enjoy a lecture on the history and mysticism surrounding the ruins, and discussion of Inca culture. (B,L,D)

Day 5 • Tuesday

Days 6-8 • Wednesday-Friday

Machu Picchu / Sacsayhuamán / Cusco

Cusco

Catch the train back to Ollantaytambo

Stroll the streets of Cusco, exploring

before traveling to the Willoq community,

the Koricancha — also known as Santo

virtually unchanged in its dress,

Domingo, Santa Catalina Convent and

language and social structure from

the Cathedral. The afternoon is free

pre-Inca times. Enjoy a traditional lunch

to explore before a farewell dinner

and continue toward Cusco. We stop

featuring Andean delicacies. (B,L,D)

at Sacsayhuamán — a huge fortress of massive stones which zigzags across the side of the mountain. Arrive in Cusco this evening and spend two nights at the Hotel Libertador. (B,L,D)

Cusco / Lima / Guayaquil

Fly to Lima, with an afternoon at leisure. Spend tonight at the Swissôtel, and fly to Guayaquil. (B,L Daily)

fernando diez

Expert Naturalists So intensely is the Galapagos National Park and Marine Reserve protected that visitors are prohibited from landing on a beach without the guidance of a licensed naturalist. Beyond just “visiting” the islands, we strive for you to reach a deeper understanding. Mass Audubon’s expert naturalist, Sue MacCallum, will join the expedition with 10 or more travelers signed on. In addition, you will travel with guides like Bolivar Sanchez and Alex Cox, who are certified at the highest level (Level 3) by the Galapagos National Park and combine for more than 38 years of guiding experience.

Our Ship — The Evolution While the intimate Evolution may carry just 32 guests, she features a great deal of public space, including a comfortable lounge for briefings by our naturalists, a canopied bar perfect for enjoying a drink, and a sun deck to relax between excursions. Your air-conditioned cabin is the perfect haven, featuring private facilities and ample storage space. And each meal boasts international and traditional Ecuadorian cuisine, fresh fruit and sumptuous desserts.

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Cabins C4-C5 & D1-D4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 4,798 Cabins C1-C3 & C6-C9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 5, 2 9 8 Cabins A2 & A3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ 5 , 6 9 8 Cabin A1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 5,9 98 Cost listed above is per person, double occupancy.

Single Occupancy C4-C5 & D1-D4 . . . . . . . $5,9 98 Plus in-country air: $410, subject to change.

What’s Included • All scheduled transportation in Ecuador by land and ship. • All excursions accompanied by Englishspeaking naturalist guides. • Complete pre-departure information to help you get the most out of your expedition.

8*

• Meals as shown in the itinerary.

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