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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
   Galaven
  Galápagos 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

 Galaven
Type: Other
  Description: The Galaven is an 88 ft. expedition yacht equiped to carry up to 20 passengers in 11 air conditioned cabins.
  Ship Information: Year built:2000 Length: 88 ft Beam: 22 ft Draft: 6 ft Gross tonage: 171 tons Capacity: 20 passengers Crew: Captain, 2 bilingual naturalist guides, and 8 other crew members Safety & navigation: GPS, sonar, naval radars, fire detection and prevention systems, and life vests.
  Contact info: 265 Foch Street and 6 de Diciembre. 3rd floor. Sonelsa Tower.
Quito,   Ecuador
phone: +593-2-2524438
web: www.galavengalapagos.com
  Room amenities: All cabins are air conditioned and have private bathrooms and ocean views. Biodegradable shampoo and soap is provided in each cabin.
  Facility amenities: Spacious outdoor seating areas, dining room, and library with audiovisual equipment for onboard presentations. Snorkeling equipment (e.g., mask, snorkel, and fins) is provided as part of the cruise. Wetsuits can be rented for the duration of the cruise and payment is due in full (cash) upon boarding the yacht. Prices range from $35-$70 depending on the length of your cruise. The yacht has a limited selection of suits and these are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please contact the program provider at 1-800-866-7111 or roadscholarprograms@holbrooktravel.com if you require a petite or XL size n order to verify if the yacht carries your size. The yacht only accepts cash for additional expenses (e.g., alcoholic beverages, wetsuits, etc.) during the cruise.
  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: +59342327999
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.
  Parking availability:
N/A
Transportation (For Independent Travelers)
  Train or bus availability: N/A
To Start of Program
  Location:  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
  Transportation from site: Taxi services are available for the transfer from the hotel to the airport. Please ask the hotel's front desk for assistance.
Elevation Note: Quito 9,223 ft - 9,883 ft
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: Arrivals in Quito, Ecuador.
(Sunday, July 7)
   
 Arrive To: Arrive at the Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito, Ecuador.

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, followed by time at leisure.

Please note that this is an international travel day; no meals or program activities are scheduled on this day. Hotel check-in usually begins at 3PM.
   
Accommodations: Hilton Colon Quito Hotel

Day 2: Quito -
City Excursion and Field Trip to the Equator.
(Monday, July 8)
   
 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 Compañía 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 and typical Ecuadorian cuisine.
 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 IntinanMuseum 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 Islands -
Flight to San Cristobal Island/Board Yacht/Puerto Chino or Galapaguera.
(Tuesday, July 9)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Transfer to the airport for flight to the Galápagos Islands.
Depart for the Galápagos Islands.

NOTE: There is a 44 lb weight limit for checked luggage on the flights to the islands. Please pack accordingly.
 Lunch: Light snack on the flight.
 Afternoon: Arrive to San Cristobal Island.
Upon arrival you will be met by your naturalist guide and transferred to the yacht.

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

Board the vessel and enjoy an orientation and a light snack.

Our first activity in the Galapagos will be a visit to the San Cristobal Interpretation Center.

The Interpretation Center located just outside Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, houses informative exhibits about the Galapagos Islands and their unique wildlife. The center was inaugurated in 1998 in an effort to educate visitors and locals about the islands' natural environments and to promote their conservation.

Return to the yacht.

*Please note: Actual cruise itinerary and islands visited are always subject to change by the Galapagos National Park. Itineraries are not guaranteed.

 Dinner: Dinner onboard.
 Evening: Orientation to the next day’s activities.
   
Accommodations: Galaven
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Galapagos Islands -
Santa Fe Island and South Plaza Island.
(Wednesday, July 10)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.
 Morning: Dry landing on Santa Fe Island.

Santa Fe is located southeast of Santa Cruz and has some of the tallest stands of opuntia cacti in the Galapagos. Some have been reported to grow as high as 33 feet! A trail into the highlands of Santa Fe Island leads visitors to the only place in the archipelago where the illusive Santa Fe land iguana can be found.

Return to the yacht.

 Lunch: Lunch onboard.
 Afternoon: Dry landing at South Plaza Island.

South Plaza is the larger of two islands located off the east coast of Santa Cruz. A dry landing on a jetty will lead us to a cactus forest where we will take a close look at land iguanas and their habitat before contiuing our hike in search of local sea lion colonies. This small island is known as a great place to watch seabirds in flight. A walk along the cliff top provides perfect views of Red-billed Tropicbirds, Frigatebirds, pelicans, Swallow-tailed gulls, and others.

Return to the yacht.

 Dinner: Dinner onboard.
 Evening: Orientation to the next day's activities.
   
Accommodations: Galaven
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Galapagos Islands -
Santa Cruz Island (Charles Darwin Research Station and Los Gemelos).
(Thursday, July 11)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.
 Morning: Dry Landing on Santa Cruz Island for a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station followed by a brief field trip to Los Gemelos ("The Twins") craters in the highlands of Santa Cruz.

Disembark early for a visit to the famous Charles Darwin Research Station (CDRS), a biological research station operated by the Charles Darwin Foundation. The objective of the CDRS is to conduct scientific research and environmental education for conservation. The Station has a team of over a hundred scientists, educators, volunteers, research students and support staff from all over the world. At the CDRS you will be able to observe giant tortoises at all stages of growth, from a few days to close to one hundred years old!

Return to the yacht.

 Lunch: Lunch onboard.
 Afternoon: After lunch, enjoy a field trip into the highlands of Santa Cruz Island to view Los Gemelos ("The Twins") craters.

The twin craters found in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island are actually large sinkholes--not volcanic formations. They were created as a result of the collapse, or the sinking, of surface materials into cracks. The surrounding Scalesia forest is a great place to view vegetation that is unique to this island and search for land birds.

Return to the yacht.

 Dinner: Dinner onboard.
 Evening: Orientation of the next day's activities.
   
Accommodations: Galaven
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Galapagos Islands -
Isabela Island (Wetlands, Wall of Tears, Tortoise Breeding Center "Arnalldo Tupiza," and Sierra Negra Volcano).
(Friday, July 12)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.
 Morning: Dry landing on Isabela Island.

In the morning, explore the wetlands, a complex of trails that consist of numerous sites that form spectacular scenery. The trails travel through lava rock paths, tombs, a mangrove forest, volcanoes, and beaches and also offer great opportunities to observe local flora and fauna.

From the wetlands' trails, continue your visit with a stop at the infamous Muro de las Lagrimas ("Wall of Tears"). This wall was erected by convicts back in the days when the island housed a penal colony. Numerous prisioners died in the course of building the stone wall, leading many locals to give it the now famous name. According to local lore, it is possible to hear the convicts' cries emanating from the area from time to time.

Later in the morning, visit the Tortoise Breeding Center.

The Tortoise Breeding Center of Isabela contains 330 juvenile and adult tortoises that populate south Isabela. It houses many breeds in danger of extinction. The center also has beautiful gardens consisting of native plants.

Return to the yacht.
 Lunch: Lunch onboard.
 Afternoon: Dry landing on Isabela. Afternoon excursion to the Sierra Negra Volcano.

Take a bus ride to the Paradero Sierra Negra to enjoy the spectacular scenery. From there continue to the summit of the Sierra Negra Volcano, one of the oldest volcanoes on Isabela. The sulfur, iron and volcanic rock formations make up a colorful landscape. Follow the trail to Volcan Chico on the northeastern side of Sierra Negra. Volcan Chico is the fissure of some parasitic cones, composed of slag and lava, with an elevation of approximately 2,820 ft.

The Sierra Negra volcano is believed to be the oldest volcano on Isabela. According to some geologists, the wider and shallower a caldera, the more ancient. This conclusion is based on research that indicates that the ongoing volcanic processes in calderas tend to file and break down their edges over thousands and millions of years.

Return to the yacht.

 Dinner: Dinner onboard.
 Evening: Orientation to the next day's activities.
   
Accommodations: Galaven
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Galapagos Islands -
Isabela Island (Moreno Point and Urbina Bay).
(Saturday, July 13)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.
 Morning: Dry landing at Moreno Bay on Isabela Island. A hike to tide pools and a dinghy ride along the island's rocky shores will highlight some of the island's diverse marine and bird life.

Optional swimming and snorkeling activities.

Return to the yacht.

 Lunch: Lunch onboard.
 Afternoon: Wet landing at Urbina Bay on Isabela Island and walking field trip.

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 and snorkeling.

Return to the yacht.

 Dinner: Dinner onboard.
 Evening: Orientation to the next day's activities.
   
Accommodations: Galaven
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Galapagos Islands -
Fernandina Island (Punta Espinoza) and Isabela Island (Punta Vicente Roca).
(Sunday, July 14)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.
 Morning: Dry landing at Punta Espinoza on Fernandina Island.

Field trip to Punta Espinoza to see the biggest marine iguanas mingling with Sally lightfoot crabs, Galapagos penguins, Galapagos hawks, sea lions and nesting sites of flightless cormorants. Among the flora and volcanic formations spot brachycereus cactus, pa-hoe-hoe lava and AA lava formations.

Return to the yacht.

 Lunch: Lunch onboard.
 Afternoon: Navigate to the coves at Punta Vicente Roca, Isabela Island.

Take a dinghy ride to the marine site of Punta Vicente Roca to observe sea lions, marine iguanas, blue-footed and masked boobies, and flightless cormorants.

Optional swimming and snorkeling.

Return to the yacht.

 Dinner: Dinner onboard.
 Evening: Orientation to the next day's activities.
   
Accommodations: Galaven
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Galapagos Islands -
Santiago Island (Playa Espumilla) and Bartolome Island.
(Monday, July 15)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.
 Morning: Wet landing on Espumilla Beach.

Playa Espumilla is located on the northwestern coast of Santiago Island in James Bay. During the last presence of the El Nino phenomenon, one of the two lagoons at this site underwent a process of sedimentation, which led to the disappearance of a resident colony of flamingos. The main attractions here are a palo santo forest, beach and the landscape. The beach is an important site for nesting marine turtles (Chelonia midas agassizi).

Optional swimming and snorkeling activities.

Return to the yacht.

 Lunch: Lunch onboard.
 Afternoon: Dry or wet landing on Bartolome Island for a hiking field trip up a dormant volcano.

Bartolome Island is home to Pinnacle Rock, the "Guardian of the Isles" which rises sharply from the coast. The lunar-like landscape is home to one of the islands' most endearing residents: the Galapagos Penguin.

On Bartolome Island we will be able to view volcanic formations such as lava bombs, spatter, and cinder cones. Hike to the summit (375 wooden steps) to enjoy a great view of the surrounding islands, including Pinnacle Rock's eroded tuff cone. On the way to the summit, watch for colonies of marine iguanas, lava lizards, tiquilla and various cacti.

Optional swimming and snorkeling activities.

Return to the yacht.

 Dinner: Dinner onboard.
 Evening: Orientation to the next day's activities.
   
Accommodations: Galaven
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Guayaquil -
Daphne Island and Baltra Island/Flight to Guayaquil/Walk Along the Malecon.
(Tuesday, July 16)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast onboard.
 Morning: Wet or dry landing (dependent on the tide) on Daphne Island, located off the coast of Santa Cruz.

The Daphne Islands can be found north of Santa Cruz Island and west of Seymour and Baltra. The larger of the two, Daphne Major, has retained its distinctive volcanic shape (tuff cone). It has a visitor landing site and a steep trail that leads to the top of the cone where Blue-footed Boobies and Masked Boobies like to nest. Red-billed Tropicbirds can be seen nesting in the rocky island walls.

Return to the yacht for a farewell snack.

Sail to Baltra Island and transfer to the airport for flight to Guayaquil.
 Lunch: Light snack on the flight.
 Afternoon: Arrive in Guayaquil and transfer to the hotel.

Late afternoon excursion to the Malecon (river walk).

A revitalization project in the 1990s reshaped Guayaquil, turning it into a beautiful and vibrant city with many tourist attractions. The two mile river walk along the Guayas River, known as the Malecon, has become a favorite spot for locals and tourists to take a stroll and visit restaurants, art galleries, stores, and museums.

Return to the hotel.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.
   
Accommodations: Hotel Oro Verde
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Depart from Guayaquil/Flights to the U.S.
Arrive to the U.S.
(Wednesday, July 17)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel (dependent on flight time).
 Morning: Transfer to the 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.
   
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


South American Birds: A Photographic Aid to Identification


Author: John Stewart Dunning


Description: This comprehensive South American bird guide has over 1400 color photos and more than 2700 species described with habitat and identification information. A very helpful range map is included for each bird.



Lonely Planet Phrasebooks: Latin American Spanish


Author: Roberto Esposto


Description: This portable phrasebook provides a useful mix of everyday phrases, words and expressions used in different Spanish speaking countries in Latin America. Learn the nuances of the Spanish language as it is spoken in Puerto Rico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Bolivia, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Ecuador, Peru, and Chile.



Voyage of the Beagle


Author: Charles Darwin


Description: FAVORITE 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: HARD TO FIND 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.



Ecuador Map


Author: Berndtson & Berndtson


Description: A detailed laminated map of Ecuador at a scale of 1:1,000,000, with detailed insets of Quito, Guayaquil, Galapagos and the Ecuadorian Amazon on the reverse.



Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, Travellers' Wildlife Guides


Author: David Pearson, Les Beletsky


Description: An excellent guide to Ecuador's wildlife, featuring concise descriptions and color illustrations of 500 frequently encountered reptiles and amphibians, birds, mammals and insects. The Galapagos Islands get a separate chapter and section of illustrations.



Ecuador in Focus, A Guide to the People, Politics, and Culture


Author: Wilma Roos, Omer van Renterghem


Description: This slim guide provides a lively overview of Ecuador’s history, cultural heritage and political, environmental and economic challenges.



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, 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.



Infinite Ecuador


Author: Sebastian Crespo


Description: The Andes, Amazon, Pacific, Galapagos, historic cities, remote villages and farms are all on display in this collection of photographs.



The Incas, People of the Sun


Author: Carmen Bernard, Paul Bahn (translator)


Description: Featuring hundreds of drawings and photographs, a chronology and long excerpts from the journals of early explorers, this is a colorful pocket encyclopedia of Inca history and archaeology.



The Last Days of the Incas


Author: Kim Macquarrie


Description: MacQuarrie tackles the personality, aspirations and greed of Francisco Pizarro in this vivid account of the conquest of a continent.





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