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Intergenerational Galapagos: Natural and Cultural History

Program Number: 19308RJ
Start and End Dates:
7/7/2013 - 7/17/2013; 7/10/2013 - 7/20/2013;
Duration: 10 nights
Location: Galapagos, Ecuador
Price starting at: $4,393.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Adventure Afloat Study Cruise; Small Ship Cruising; Intergenerational
Intergenerational 		Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 28; 10 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 9 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian; Low Fat    

Program intended for grandchildren from 14 - 17 years of age.

Study unique animal and plant species in one of the world's most extraordinary settings — the Galapagos Islands. Learn about delicate ecosystems, Darwin's observations and the human impact on the Galapagos.




Activity Particulars

The Program is an extremely active program that begins with flying into Quito, a city at 9,600 feet elevation in the Andes Mountains. While exploring the remote Galapagos Islands, daily activities require wet and dry landings, walking on rough volcanic terrain, and optional swimming and snorkeling in strong currents.



This intergenerational program is for participants and grandchildren ages 14-17. Because the ship has double-sized cabins, when 2 adults travel with 1 child, they will be accommodated in 2 cabins (child and one adult will share a cabin and the other adult will have a single cabin). Every effort will be made to room them in adjoining cabins, but it cannot be guaranteed. During the land portion of the program, in Quito and Guayaquil, all three participants will be accommodated in one room.



Itinerary At-a-Glance

Quito (Ecuador), 2 nights; aboard vessel, 7 nights; Guayaquil, 1 night.



Days 1-2:
Arrival Quito (Ecuador):

Explore the city of Quito, visit the colonial center of town and pay a visit to the Middle of the World Monument.
Lodgings: Modern hotel.



Days 3-9:
Embark Vessel:

Observe flamingos and migratory birds at Playa de Las Bachas and visit the highlands of Santa Cruz to observe flora and fauna in its Scalesia forest. Identify Pahoehoe lava and other unique volcanic formations during hikes on Santiago and Bartolome Islands. Accompany your expert naturalist on panga rides to secluded inlets and rocky outcroppings in search of nesting birds and marine species. Learn about current research and conservation projects at the Charles Darwin Research Station and enjoy close-up views of the archipelago's infamous giant tortoises.



Days 10-11:
Disembark / Guayaquil / departure:

Experience your last morning on the islands, then disembark and fly to Guayaquil where you will enjoy an afternoon stroll on the Malecon.
Lodgings: Centrally located hotel.



Tip Top III

The Tip Top III is specially designed and built to accommodate 16 guests in comfortable cabins. With 100 feet of length, 22 feet of beam and a 5 feet Draft, the Tip Top III is a very comfortable, well known yacht in the Galapagos Islands. Public areas are linked by stairs including a large sun deck.


Galapagos

In a delicate balance, man, animal, and plant cohabitate Ecuador’s mountains, rainforests, and shores. Among such a range of wildlife and fauna, Charles Darwin was inspired to spark his revolutionary theory of evolution in 1859 in the country’s Galapagos Islands. Coupled with its natural beauty, Ecuador’s animated culture can be seen in its varied dishes and the excitement of soccer fans rooting for El Nacional.
Accommodations
Comfortable and modern hotels.
Meals and Lodgings
   Hilton Colon Quito Hotel
  Quito, Ecuador 2 nights
   Tip Top III
  Galapagos Islands, Ecuador 7 nights
   Hotel Oro Verde
  Guayaquil, Ecuador 1 night
 Hilton Colon Quito Hotel
Type: Hotel
  Description: The Hilton Colon Quito hotel enjoys spectacular views of the city and surrounding mountains. The historic colonial section of the city (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) can be reached within a 10 minutes' walk. The hotel is well equiped to meet the needs of both the vacation and business traveler, with 15 meeting rooms, an executive lounge, and wireless internet access throughout.
  Contact info: Amazonas N 1914 Y Patria Avenida 1
Quito,   Ecuador
phone: +593-2-2560666
web: www.hilton.com
  Room amenities: Private bathroom, hairdryer, air conditioning, Hilton Serenity Bed, LCD Flat Panel TV, TV-Cable, iron/ironing board, safety deposit box, and coffee maker.
  Facility amenities: Tour desk, automated teller (ATM), baggage storage, barber shop, concierge desk, florist, foreign currency exchange, gift shop, laundry/valet service, lounge, news stand, on-site convenience store, room service, safety deposit box, business center, fitness room, and pool.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Subject to availability. Type of accommodations and rates are subject to hotel availability. Please contact the program provider at 1-800-866-7111 or roadscholarprograms@holbrooktravel.com for assistance in booking additional nights.
  Check in time: 2:00 PM

 Tip Top III
Type: Cruise Ship
  Description: Twin main engines, twin electric generators, twin Radars, Eco-sounders and GPS, Reverse Osmosis Water Maker, coastguard required safety equipment and twelve knot cruising speed.
  Ship Information: The Tip Top III is a First Class Steel-hulled Motor Yacht built in Guayaquil/Ecuador in 2001. Technical Information: *Length: 104 feet *Beam: 22 feet *Draft: 5 feet *Cruising Speed: 11 knots. *Electricity: 110/125 V AC (standard US-style outlets)
  Contact info: 00000000000000
Galapagos Islands,   Ecuador
phone: +00000000000000
web: www.rwittmer.com
  Room amenities: All cabins have private bathrooms, porthole or window, a safety deposit box, and a/c. Biodegradable soap and shampoo/conditioner are provided during the cruise. Smoking is only allowed on the outer decks.
  Facility amenities: The Tip Top III accommodates up to 16 guests in 10 cabins, each with private bathroom. The Upper Deck features four cabins with one double lower berth and one single lower berth. The cabins, bar, dining room and lounge are fully carpeted. A beautiful teak floored sun deck creates a delightful place for resting and relaxing on board. All decks are connected by staircases. Snorkeling equipment (e.g., mask, snorkel, and fins) is provided as part of the cruise. Wetsuits and buoyancy vests are available for rent, but must be reserved prior to the cruise. Please contact the program provider at 1-800-866-7111 or roadscholarprograms@holbrooktravel.com if you would like to reserve a wetsuit for your program. Wetsuit prices range from $35-$70 depending on the length of your cruise and full payment, in cash, is due upon boarding the vessel. Laundry service is not available on the yacht. In an effort to conserve water, the yacht might ask participants to refrain from hand washing clothing during the cruise. Participants will be able to hang bathing suits and wet clothing to dry on clotheslines on the top deck. Purified drinking water is provided free of charge on the yacht. Participants will be given reusable bottles to refill as needed at the water dispenser in the main lounge.
  Smoking allowed: No

 Hotel Oro Verde
Type: Hotel
  Description: Oro Verde Hotel Guayaquil is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World in Ecuador. Strategically located in the downtown commercial and banking heart of the city, only eight minutes from the José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport. Oro Verde offers 230 luxury rooms, three restaurants, bar, delicatessen, room service, a luxurious Club Floor, swimming pool, fitness and business center, casino and shops.
  Contact info: 9 de Octubre Street
Guayaquil,   Ecuador
phone: +593-4-2327999
web: www.oroverdehotels.com/gye
  Room amenities: Equipped with a mini bar, radio, direct dialing telephone, safe for valuables, cable TV, broadband Internet connection, reading light over each bed, a remote control air conditioner, hair dryer.
  Facility amenities: Internet, 24 hour room service, Laundry / dry cleaning, Safety boxes, Three versatile meeting rooms that can accommodate groups of 4 to 20 people.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights after: Subject to availability Please contact your program provider, Holbrook Travel, for additional information. 1-800-451-7111.


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
All-day arrivals at the Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito, Ecuador. Hotel check-in starts at 3 p.m. You will be staying at Hilton Colon Quito Hotel that night.
  End of Program:
Departures from the José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Hotel check-out by 11 a.m. You will be staying at Hotel Oro Verde the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. If traveling with a child under 18, the adult companion/s should carry a notarized authorization letter from the parents or legal guardians showing that they are allowed to travel with the child and make decisions on the child’s behalf in the event of a medical emergency. For more information please contact the Embassy of Ecuador in Washington, D.C. at (202) 234-7166 or visit www.ecuador.org.
  Parking availability:
N/A
Transportation (For Independent Travelers)
To Start of Program
  Location:  Quito
  Nearest city or town:  Quito
  Nearest airport:  International Airport in Quito
  Transportation to site: Taxi transportation is available at the international airport in Quito. If transferring to/from the airport by taxi, please be sure to only use official licensed taxis. This includes checking to make sure that the cab is in good physical condition, and that it has orange license plates as well as an orange placard on the driver's-side doors and windshield with the registration number. Taxis are payable in dollars (Ecuador’s currency is the U.S. dollar).
  From End of Program
  Location:  Guayaquil
  Nearest city or town:  Guayaquil
  Nearest airport:  International Airport in Guayaquil
  Transportation from site: Taxi services are available for the transfer from the hotel to the José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport in Guayaquil. Please ask for assistance at the hotel's front desk.
Elevation Note: Quito is at an elevation of approximately 9,400 feet.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Arrive to Quito.
(Wednesday, July 10)
   
 Arrive To: Arrive at Quito's Mariscal Sucre International Airport.

Proceed through Immigrations, Baggage Claim and Customs before exiting the secured area of the airport. The Road Scholar representative will be waiting outside the exit door with a Road Scholar sign (only applies to Road Scholar group flights).

Transfer to the hotel and check-in.

Please note that this is an international travel day; no meals or program activities are scheduled on this day.
   
Accommodations: Hilton Colon Quito Hotel

Day 2: Quito –
City Excursion & Field Trip to the Equator.
(Thursday, July 11)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: Orientation to the program.

Visit El Panecillo for panoramic views of Quito.

Before the Spanish arrived, the hill known as El Panecillo (small bread roll) was used by the Inca for sun worshiping. In the early 1800s, the Spanish military took advantage of El Panecillo's strategic location and elevation (9,843 ft), and built a fortress to protect and monitor the city. In present times, the hill is the site of a city monument and lookout point where visitors can get 360? views of Quito. On clear days, it is even possible to spot Cotopaxi's snowy peak in the distance.

Enjoy a walking exploration of Quito's colonial center. Visit the Independence Square with an informative explanation of the Presidential and Bishop Palace, as well as the Cathedral. Visit La Compania church, one of the most beautiful churches in Quito, legendary for its gold covered interior. Visit the historic San Francisco church and convent, raised up above a wide stone paved court originally known as Tiangues, a place used by the indigenous inhabitants of Quito to trade products.
 Lunch: Lunch at local restaurant including an introduction to Ecuadorian food products.
 Afternoon: After lunch, we will leave Quito and travel in a northerly direction to visit the Museo Intinan located on the Equator line, near the Middle of the World complex.

The Intinan Museum has a permanent exposition that details the Andean cosmovision of Ecuador's ancestral cultures. Learn about the indigenous calendar and its accuracy. Visit an ancient home to find out about the way of life and traditions of indigenous people more than a century ago. Acquaint yourself with the important rituals of Amazonian tribes as you educate yourself about the cultures of Ecuador's Oriente region.

Lecture: Galapagos: A Natural Laboratory of Evolution and its Threats.
 Dinner: Dinner at hotel.
   
Accommodations: Hilton Colon Quito Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Galapagos -
Flight to Galapagos.
Baltra and Santa Cruz (Bachas Beach)
(Friday, July 12)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: Transfer to airport.
Flight to Baltra Island (Galapagos).
 Lunch: Lunch en-route.
 Afternoon: Arrive to Baltra Island.

Baltra Island hosts one of the two available airports in the Galapagos Islands. The other airport is located on San Cristobal Island.

Transfer to pier to board yacht.
Welcome orientation and light snack.

Field trip to Playa las Bachas on Santa Cruz Island with a site lecture about local flora and fauna. Visit the the flamingo lagoon.

Bachas Beach is an important nesting site for sea turtles and a great place to look for migratory birds, pelagic species and flamingos.

Optional swimming and snorkeling.
Orientation to the next day's activities.
 Dinner: Dinner onboard and welcome cocktail with the crew.
   
Accommodations: Tip Top III
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Galapagos -
Santiago and Bartolomé islands
(Saturday, July 13)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.
 Morning: Field trip: Wet landing on the white sand beach in Sullivan Bay, Santiago Island. Enjoy a walking exploration of the lava flows to observe and learn about the island's fascinating geological features.

A volcanic eruption that took place on Santiago Island in the early 1900’s formed huge lava flows in the area that is now Sullivan Bay. As the lava cooled off, it solidified into a black sheet of interesting shapes and textures that made their way to the sea. The rope-like lava seen on this island is called pahoehoe lava. Other interesting formations include lava bubbles and tree shapes; ghosts of Santiago’s past. Few plant species have been able to root in this harsh environment.

Optional swimming and snorkeling.
 Lunch: Lunch onboard.
 Afternoon: Dry landing on Bartolome for a hiking field trip up a dormant volcano with a site lecture. View volcanic formations such as lava bombs, spatter, and cinder cones. From the summit, we will be able to enjoy post card views of Pinnacle Rock and nearby islands.

Pinnacle Rock, the "Guardian of the Isles" rises sharply from the coast of Bartolome. The lunar-like landscape is home to one of the islands' most endearing residents: the Galapagos Penguin. The penguins make their home here, fishing in the waters nearby.

Optional swimming and snorkeling.
 Dinner: Dinner onboard.
 Evening: Orientation of next day's activities.
   
Accommodations: Tip Top III
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Galapagos -
Genovesa Island (Darwin's Bay & Prince Phillip's Steps)
(Sunday, July 14)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.
 Morning: Excursion to Prince Phillip's Steps, Genovesa Island for bird watching and site lecture.

Prince Phillip's Steps is a trail which leads up a steep rock staircase through squadrons of Frigatebirds and Red-billed Tropicbirds. Red-footed Boobies perch on the branches of Palo Santo trees, and Storm Petrels, which serve as prey for Short Eared Owls, are found in the open lava fields at the end of the trail.

Optional swimming, snorkeling and sea kayaking.
 Lunch: Lunch onboard.
 Afternoon: Wet landing in Darwin's Bay, Genovesa Island.

Genovesa's volcanic sea cliffs and salt bush offer a prime habitat for the birds of the Galapagos. Darwin Bay is the caldera of an extinct volcano which has been partially eroded and offers superb swimming and snorkeling.

Optional swimming, snorkeling and sea kayaking.
 Dinner: Dinner onboard.
 Evening: Orientation of next day's activities.
   
Accommodations: Tip Top III
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Galapagos -
Santiago (Puerto Egas & Buccaneer Cove)
(Monday, July 15)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.
 Morning: Field trip to Puerto Egas, Santiago Island.

Also called San Salvador, this island is the fourth largest in the Galapagos. Puerto Egas, located on James Bay on the western side of the island, has black volcanic formations that provide shelter to a number of creatures. Here you will see marine iguanas sunning themselves on the rocks while sea birds fly overhead in search of food. Brightly colored Sally Lightfoot crabs live in the rock crevices and tide pools; a sharp contrast to the black lava formations they call home. Gal?gos fur seals enjoy the inlets along the western shoreline and have been known to swim with visitors from time to time.

Optional swimming, snorkeling and sea kayaking.
 Lunch: Lunch onboard.
 Afternoon: Afternoon visit to Buccaneer Cove on Santiago's northwestern tip.

Navigate around the island's craggy cliffs searching for seabirds that come here to nest. In the 17th and 18th centuries, pirates and whalers reportedly used the cove as a safe place to rest and load up on supplies such as water and food. During that time, passing ships released goats on the island in the hopes that they would multiply and be a source of food for subsequent voyages. However, without any natural predators to hold their numbers in check, the animals became feral and depleted most of Santiago's vegetation. In the 1970s the national park began an extermination program in an effort to eradicate feral goats, pigs, and cats in the islands.

Optional swimming, snorkeling and sea kayaking.

Later in the afternoon visit the Minas de Sal located northwest of Santiago Island.
 Dinner: Dinner onboard.
 Evening: Orientation of next day’s activities.
   
Accommodations: Tip Top III
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Galapagos -
Isabela & Fernandina Islands
(Tuesday, July 16)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.
 Morning: Panga ride to Punta Vicente Roca on Isabela Island in search of seabirds and marine life.

As cold currents flow around the northwestern tip of Isabela, food-rich waters are brought closer to the surface, attracting all sorts of marine life and birds. Punta Vicente Roca's coves, rich marine life, and well protected bay have made this into a prized diving location in the islands. Flightless Cormorants, Masked Boobies and Blue-footed Boobies can be seen along the cliffs and the water's edge.

Optional swimming and snorkeling.
 Lunch: Lunch onboard.
 Afternoon: Dry landing at Punta Espinoza, Fernandina Island. During this afternoon hike, participants will have a chance to observe the island's unique volcanic formations and search for resident wildlife.

This young island is the third largest in the Galapagos and is also the westernmost; located next to Isabela Island. Fernandina has some of the most dramatic landscapes found in the archipelago. The aa and pahoehoe lava formations create a unique landscape and provide visitors with a great chance to study lava flows and the forces which gave birth to the Galapagos Islands. Although Punta Espinosa is better known for its large colony of marine iguanas, one can also expect to see sea lions, Flightless Cormorants and Galapagos Penguins.
 Dinner: Dinner onboard.
 Evening: Orientation of next day's activities and lecture.
   
Accommodations: Tip Top III
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Galapagos -
Isabela Island (Tagus Cove & Elizabeth Bay)
(Wednesday, July 17)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.
 Morning: Wet landing on Urbina Bay. Search for resident wildlife and observe the remains of a coral reef on land during a walk along the bay.

Urbina Bay is situated approximately two fifths of the way along Isabela's western coast. The flattened area of the bay exhibits signs of a coral reef on land; proof that the flat land we see today in that area was once uplifted from the sea. Cormorants, pelicans, marine iguanas, and Flightless Cormorants frequent this site in addition to marine turtles and rays which are sometimes seen swimming in the bay.

Optional swimming, snorkeling and sea kayaking.

Later this morning, take a panga ride to Tagus Cove for a chance to spot resident seabirds and examine historical graffiti left on cliff walls by early sailors. A walk on the lower slopes of Volcan Darwin provides the perfect opportunity for a site lecture on lava formations.

Some of the most popular sites on Isabela are located on its western coast and take longer to reach (especially on smaller boats), so this island is oftentimes not included on shorter itineraries. Tagus Cove offers visitors the opportunity to see writings (carved and painted) left behind by pirates and whalers who frequented the area in years gone by. A short trail leads to the base of the Darwin Volcano where different lava formations can be studied. The island is home to Flightless Cormorants, Galapagos Penguins, Mangrove Finches, pelicans, marine iguanas and a variety of other birds.

Optional swimming, snorkeling and sea kayaking.
 Lunch: Lunch onboard.
 Afternoon: Panga ride to Elizabeth Bay with site lecture: Marine Species of the Galápagos Islands.

While following the lower western edge of this large island, we will reach a site that is well known for its marine life. Elizabeth Bay is situated in the crook of Isabela’s ‘arm’ as it begins to bulge and form the southern portion of the island. This site is reached by boat and generally does not include land excursions. The bay is home to a large number of sea and shore birds, as well as Marine turtles and rays. A short boat ride to the end of the bay, to the nearby Mariela Islands, is a nice option for those who wish to see Galápagos Penguins.

 Dinner: Dinner onboard.
 Evening: Orientation of next day's activities.
   
Accommodations: Tip Top III
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Galapagos -
Isabela Island (Volcan Chico, Breeding Center & Poza de las Tintoreras)
(Thursday, July 18)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.
 Morning: Dry landing on Isabela Island for a field trip to Las Tintoreras, located 10 minutes south of Puerto Villamil.

Las Tintoreras is an islet on Isabela known for its rich marine life. Tide pools provide visitors the perfect chance to view tropical fish as they are temporarily trapped within a crevice. The calm and crystal clear waters make it easy to view the marine life below.

After exploring Las Tintoreras, take an excursion to Sierra Negra Volcano. Isabela Island, the largest island in the archipelago, is made of a chain of five volcanoes which are periodically active. Volcano Wolf is the highest point on the island, and the archipelago, but Sierra Negra is the largest of the five major volcanoes on Isabela and in the Galapagos. Sierra Negra is a shield volcano, with a large and shallow caldera and relatively flat slopes. In October of 2005, it erupted after a period of seismic activity and lava from the eruption covered up to 14 square kilometers of the caldera floor. Both old and new lava formations can be spotted in the area including cinder cones, tuff cones, and spatter cones. Views from Sierra Negra's caldera are awe-inspiring and also provide visitors with good birding opportunities.

 Lunch: Lunch onboard.
 Afternoon: This afternoon, enjoy a field trip to the Breeding Center Arnaldo Tupiza, where visitors can view tortoises of different ages and sizes and learn about the local captive-breeding project.

On the way back to the yacht, visit the wetlands or Humedales. Study the flora of this unique ecosystem and look for shorebirds and waders. The lagoons attract many migrant birds--making this site one of the best water-bird areas in the islands. Also nearby is the Wall of Tears, a historically important location where prisoners built a wall with lava blocks as punishment.
 Dinner: Dinner onboard.
 Evening: Orientation of next day's activities.
   
Accommodations: Tip Top III
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Galapagos -
Santa Cruz Island (Charles Darwin Research Station & Pit Craters).
Flight to Guayaquil.
(Friday, July 19)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.
 Morning: Field trip to Charles Darwin Research Station with site lecture (The Charles Darwin Research Station: Research and Conservation Efforts), followed by a short visit to the highlands to view the Pit Craters (a.k.a. Los Gemelos).

Santa Cruz is the most important island in the Galapagos in many respects. It is the second largest island, the most populated, and it is the administrative center of the islands. The National Park Service is based here, but perhaps most important is the Charles Darwin Research Station, the headquarters of all research and conservation efforts on the islands. Giant tortoises can be spotted on Santa Cruz at certain times of the year. Several species of Darwin's finches make this island home as well. In addition, a dramatic change in vegetation zones can be seen as one travels higher on the island.

Transfer to the airport on Baltra Island to catch a flight to Guayaquil.
 Lunch: Lunch en-route.
 Afternoon: Arrive to Guayaquil.
Transfer to the hotel.
Walking excursion through the resurrected Malecon (waterfront).

Established along the banks of the Guayas River, Guayaquil is Ecuador’s largest city and most important port. The city underwent a transformation considered short of miraculous centered around a two mile riverfront walkway, or Malecon, with restored historic buildings, gardens, museums, stores, and restaurants.
 Dinner: Farewell dinner.
 Evening: Depending on your airline carrier you will either check-out of the hotel and transfer to airport for late night / early morning flight or you will spend the night at the hotel and depart in the morning.

If you depart the evening of Day 10, you will not miss any activities.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Oro Verde
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Depart from Guayaquil.
Arrive to the USA.
(Saturday, July 20)
   
 Depart From: Transfer to Guayaquil's José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport for flight to the U.S.

Note: Participants with independent travel arrangements and/or scheduled on later flights can keep their hotel rooms until check-out time on this day. Except for breakfast, all other meals are on your own on this day.
 Breakfast: Early morning breakfast at the hotel restaurant (depending on flight times).
   
Meals Included: Breakfast
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Voyage of the Beagle


Author: Charles Darwin


Description: The wide-eyed tale of a young man on a five-year voyage that changed his life -- and our way of thinking about the world. First published in 1839, this book is still essential reading. Darwin's South American chapters are an excellent introduction to the Galapagos, Beagle Channel, Chile, Tierra del Fuego, the Chilean fjords and the Brazilian coast. With maps and appendices.



Galapagos, A Natural History Guide


Author: Michael Jacks


Description: This comprehensive overview of the habitats, plants, birds, and animals of the islands, written with the curious visitor in mind, is practically mandatory reading. It's the single best overview of the archipelago. Jackson also includes a useful bibliography, wildlife checklists and a list of plants by vegetation zone. Illustrated with many charts and maps, we refer to the book often.



The True Adventures of Charley Darwin


Author: Carolyn Meyer


Description: Meyer turns the facts of Darwin's early life in Shrewsbury and his transforma-tion aboard the Beagle into a novel for young adults.



Charles Darwin and the Evolution Revolution


Author: Rebecca Stefoff


Description: This nicely presented account of Darwin for young adults focuses on the social and scientific context of his life and work. It's an excellent short biogra-phy. With 19th-century illustrations, cartoons and photos.



Birds, Mammals and Reptiles of the Galapagos Islands


Author: Andy Swash, Robert Stills


Description: This strikingly compact, comprehensive field guide features 500 color photo-graphs, distribution maps and information on status, habitat and behavior.



Charles Darwin Slept Here


Author: John Woram


Description: John Woram recounts with verve and humor the human history of the archipelago, featuring a colorful cast of buccaneers, scientists and adventurers. With ar-chival drawings, maps and extensive notes.



Flowering Plants of the Galapagos


Author: Conley McMullen, Ghillean Prance


Description: Indispensable for the botanically minded, this excellent guide features color photographs of 436 species, an overview of ecology and habitats, and a plant checklist for each visitor site.



Galapagos Islands Explorer Map


Author: Ocean Explorer Maps


Description: A detailed map of the Galapagos archipelago for the traveler at a scale of 1:400,000, including illustrated biographies of famous visitors, a brief wildlife guide with color photographs, a map of Darwin's route.



Galapagos Wildlife


Author: Pocket Naturalist


Description: This fold-up, laminated card includes color drawings and short descriptions.



Galapagos Wildlife, A Visitor's Guide


Author: Bradt Travel Guides


Description: FIELD GUIDE: A compact guide to the birds, reptiles, insects, plants and marine life of the archipelago featuring a very good selection of large color photographs. Separate chapters cover visitor sites, history, conservation and habitats. The authors present key information on the flora, fauna and places in Galapagos for the traveler.



Galapagos, A Novel


Author: Kurt Vonnegut


Description: In this madcap novel, a classic, Vonnegut looks back from the future (alas, the human race has been wiped out except for a small group stranded in the Ga-lapagos) on the Nature Cruise of the Century.



Galapagos, Preserving Darwin's Legacy


Author: Tui De Roy


Description: Tui de Roy corralled researchers and friends for this stunning survey of the natural history, ecology and conservation of the Galapagos. With 450 breath-taking color photographs and chapters by Jack Grove (fishes), Peter and Rose-mary Grant (finches), Dennis Geist (geology) and many other scientists.



Galapagos, The Islands That Changed the World


Author: Paul D. Stewart


Description: This stunning three-part BBC documentary captures the rugged beauty, allure, wildlife and history of the archipelago like never before



Galapagos, World's End


Author: William Beebe


Description: A wry, wonderfully evocative account of a 1924 scientific expedition, including an excellent chapter on the human history of the Galapagos by Ruth Rose. A contemporary reviewer wrote, "Galapagos is a glorious book. It is high romance, exact science and wild adventure." Originally published in 1924, it includes several color plates and maps.



Insight Pocket Guide Ecuador and Galapagos


Author: Peter Frost


Description: Written and photographed by South America expert Peter Frost, this handy pocket guide features a pullout map of Ecuador, hundreds of color photographs and suggested itineraries.



Reef Identification, Galapagos


Author: Paul Humann


Description: Sturdy enough to take along on a boat, this comprehensive photographic guide includes a map, checklist and brief overview of the archipelago.



The Beak of the Finch


Author: Jonathan Weiner


Description: This Pulitzer Prize-winning work is an accessible look at the modern debate on the mode and rhythm of evolution, using the story of Peter and Rosemary Grant and their field work on Daphne Major as an example.



The Boy on the Back of the Turtle


Author: Paul Quarrington


Description: Humorist, novelist and family man on a quest, Quarrington offers an entertain-ing account of a Galapagos voyage in the company of his seven-year-old daugh-ter and seventy-year-old father.





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