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International Expeditions was thrilled to welcome World Wide Will from MedjetAssist on a recent Galapagos cruise aboard the Evolution. Now Will shares his adventure!
This adventure started with an extra day in Ecuador’s massive port city of Guayaquil. We were met at the airport by the lovely Isla, one of International Expeditions’ (IE) organizers on the ground in Ecuador. Her energetic spirit jolted us out of our jet lag haze and reminded us of the wonderful congeniality that is so typical among South Americans. We arrived in the middle of the night so we were taken directly to the hotel where we poured ourselves into the bed and crashed into a deep sleep.
When we woke up we began exploring the city of Guayaquil. Even though it was early, the city was already bustling with businessmen, shoppers and street vendors. We walked down the main street, Avenue 9 de Octobre, towards the massive Rio Guaya. As we meandered through the city we shopped and ate empanadas from little food vendors that have literally set up shop in little holes in the walls of the city’s buildings.
About halfway through our journey we detoured to the right and checked out Park De Iguanas. This considerable patch of green in the middle of the city has for years been home to scores of feral land iguanas. These large and docile lizards stroll around the park eating and interacting with the locals. Their beautiful colors seem to blend perfectly with the colorful facades of the surrounding buildings. On one side of the park an imposing cathedral rises into the air as if it is keeping watch. Bronze statues dot the green park and offer resting perches for the pigeons who, by the way, seem to have no problem pecking around the iguanas in search of a bite to eat. I think the true magic of this park is that somehow all of these unrelated items seem to find a beautiful synergy and harmony that ultimately makes the park what it is.
READ MORE about Will’s Galapagos adventure
Big adventure; big fun; big value — it’s all part of our small-ship journey to the Galapagos Islands! Register for our free presentation, and discover why our privileged access to Genovesa (Tower) Island and intimate ship, the 32-guest Evolution, are just two of many highlights on this 10-day voyage to Darwin’s “Enchanted Isles.”
Join Expedition Leader Boli Sanchez to experience first-hand the wonders of Galapagos. You’ll learn why IE’s’ Galapagos Voyage visits nine islands and includes activities and extras not included on other itineraries — making our voyage the best value for your travel dollar. Be sure to join IE for this fun and FREE look at our Galapagos tour.
REGISTER NOW
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
8 p.m. Eastern
The Galapagos Islands are a unique destination year-round, but March has some special highlights…especially for those that love the water! Our knowledgeable staff put together some great reasons to consider a March getaway to Galapagos.
- Best underwater visibility – ideal for our frequent snorkeling excursions!
- Average water temperatures are a comfortable 77 degrees
- Sea turtles, marine iguanas and land iguanas are nesting
- Tortoises (in the wild) are laying eggs
- Great frigatebirds are mating and nesting on Geonovesa…and IE is one of the few companies visiting this outlying island
And don’t forget, International Expeditions is offering NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT – a $1,200 savings – on the March 5 Galapagos Island vacation. Space on the 32-guest Evolution is limited, so be sure to call 800-633-4734 today to reserve space on a March Galapagos adventure cruise.
Read a daily account of an IE staff member’s journey to Galapagos.
IE Art Director Charlie Boyd has just returned from our unforgettable 10-day Galapagos Islands tour. Be sure to check in often over the next week as Charlie shares his thoughts and stories from this Galapagos vacation aboard the Evolution.
Lonesome George and the highlands
of Santa Cruz
We awoke Monday morning back in “civilization” for the day. The Evolution was anchored in the Puerto Ayora harbor, on the island of Santa Cruz. After a great breakfast, we disembarked for our day on the island. The first stop was the Charles Darwin Research Center — just a short walk from the dock. Along the way we noticed the giant cacti that are unique to the island. They have evolved to be taller here than on other islands, as a way to protect themselves from being eaten by the giant tortoises and land iguanas of the island. Soon we were inside the Research Center and learning all about the programs for breeding and raising giant tortoises, with the ultimate goal of re-introducing them to their native islands. A highlight of the morning was getting to see the famous Lonesome George — the last of his species from Pinta Island. George was out-and-about with his “girlfriend” this morning, making for a great photo opportunity. Alex explained the efforts that are underway to breed George, and we should know soon if this second attempt is successful. (See earlier post.)
After seeing the other tortoises in the Research Center, we had a nice stroll back through Puerto Ayora to meet the bus taking us to the highlands in search of giant tortoises in the wild. Along the way, we stopped at a souvenir shop for blackberry popsicles, t-shirts and postcards. Our bus took us out of the city and into the highlands. The 30-minute drive was a great opportunity to see the countryside, and even spot a few tortoises along the way.
When we arrived at our destination, we enjoyed a nice walk through a field full of tortoises. It was very exciting to be able to get so close to these giant creatures and watch them in their natural habitat. Many birds were around too — finches and grackles. I kept a sharp eye out for vermillion flycatchers, but didn’t see one.
After our walk we were surprised by the chef and a waiter from the Evolution who had prepared a delicious barbecue lunch complete with wine and desserts. After coffee and a few games of ping-pong between the Evolution crew and guests, we were back on the bus for a short ride to the lava tubes — huge tunnels formed by lava flows. Another short bus ride took us even further higher into the cloud forest. This area was a special treat for the birdwatchers in the group. We took a nice walk around Los Gemelos — two huge sinkholes, in search of birds. We saw several finch species including the “woodpecker” finch. The scenery here was absolutely beautiful. The trees were covered with mosses and bromeliads, and the ground covered with lots of unique ferns.
As we made our way back to Puerto Ayora, we made a stop for an afternoon snack of chocolate bread… what a special treat. We had some free time when we arrived back in town before boarding the pangas and heading back to the Evolution.
Tonight Pam and I had a special treat. Boli, one of IE’s expedition leaders was leading a group of students from London. He invited us to have dinner with them at the local high school. The school has a culinary program, and they had prepared a special dinner for us, complete with music and dancing. The students (the IE student group and the Galapagos high school students) both had a great time, and the food was excellent. We caught the “Evolution Taxi” back to the ship and made our way straight to bed. It had been another unforgettable day in the Galapagos.
Next: Santiago and Bartolomé Islands
IE Art Director Charlie Boyd has just returned from our unforgettable 10-day Galapagos Islands tour. Be sure to check in often over the next week as Charlie shares his thoughts and stories from this Galapagos vacation aboard the Evolution.
The Albatrosses of Española Island
We awoke early on Sunday, ready for our first full day in the Galapagos. Today we would be visiting Española Island — the oldest island in the archipelago, and home to many unique species including the Española (Hood) mockingbird and “Christmas” marine iguanas with green and red markings. Española is also home to the nesting grounds of the waved albatrosses. Our small group disembarked the Evolution and had a short panga ride to the shore where we were greeted by three Galapagos Hawks, and dozens of blue-footed boobies. A leisurely walk over the rocky terrain led to a large area where thousands of albatrosses nest. This time of year was late in the season, so we didn’t see the numbers of birds that can be seen at other times, but we were here at a perfect time to get very close views of several chicks in their nests.
Soon we arrived at Punta Suarez, and the rocky cliffs that overlook a beautiful coastline. This is the “launching point” for the albatrosses. They are large birds with a wingspan of 7 feet. Their large wings and slender bodies are perfect for the long hours they spent flying, but not so good for taking off. They waddle to the egde of these cliffs and jump, extending their wings and soaring above the ocean. We arrived at the famous Española blowhole and took a break from our walk. The view was simply spectacular from here. I could of stayed all day watching the many albatrosses, red-billed tropicbirds, swallow-tailed gulls and nazca and blue-footed boobies sail past us.
Continuing our walk, we had almost made it back to the pangas for our ride back to the Evolution when we came across a pair of blue-footed boobies sitting on a rock. There was another rock just behind them, and everyone took turns sitting and having their picture made with the birds. A professional set designer couldn’t of prepared the scene any better.
Once aboard the Evolution we changed into our wetsuits for our first snorkeling adventure. The cool water was rich with undersea life. We had a brief view of a sea lion and saw many fish.
The Evolution set sail to the white sand beaches and sea lion colonies of Gardner Bay while our group enjoyed lunch and a needed siesta. Late in the afternoon we again boarded the pangas and went ashore. Hundreds of sea lions covered the beach, and we had plenty of time to watch their antics and take pictures as we strolled along the beach. There were many curious sea lion pups, each one seeming cuter than the previous. It was the perfect way to spend the afternoon and the end of another perfect day.
Next: Lonesome George and the highlands of Santa Cruz
IE Art Director Charlie Boyd has just returned from our unforgettable 10-day Galapagos Islands tour. Be sure to check in often over the next week as Charlie shares his thoughts and stories from this Galapagos vacation aboard the Evolution.
Arrival in the Galapagos
After arriving in Ecuador and spending a night in the Oro Verde Hotel in Guyaquil, we boarded our charter flight to the Galapagos. Everyone was excited as our plane flew within sight of the islands. Kicker Rock and turquoise waters were easily seen through the window (I think I even saw a sea lion!).
We were met at the small airport by our naturalist guides, Alex and Christina. Our small group soon boarded a bus and made the 10 minute transfer to the harbor, where pangas (excursion boats) were waiting to take us to the Evolution. Once aboard the Evolution, we were greeted with fresh juice and a snack. After a safety briefing, we were shown to our cabins where we found our luggage waiting for us. Our home for the week would be cabin C4.
We noticed the ship was beginning to move… our Galapagos adventure cruise had officially begun. Many people were out on deck during the short voyage — trying on wetsuits, flippers and masks. We were going to have the chance to snorkel that afternoon at Cerro Brujo. We soon arrived at Cerro Brujo and boarded the pangas to go ashore.
Once ashore we soon spotted the first of many sea lions that we would see throughout the week. After taking several pictures of the sea lion, I had an experience that let me know right away that the Galapagos was a special place. I saw a yellow warbler about 10 feet from me. Wow, I thought, the animals really do get close… much closer than the warblers at home that usually keep to the tree-tops. I squatted down on one knee and began taking some photos. The tiny bird kept hopping closer, and closer, and closer, until he went right below me — passing just inches from my foot!
After finishing our walk and a quick swim in the cool water, we headed back to the Evolution. The sun was starting to go down and the ship soon set sail again. Everyone gathered on the top deck for an evening cocktail and a spectacular view of Kicker Rock, the remains of a lava cone, now split in two. The timing could not of been better. The large rocks glowed brilliant orange and yellow with the rays of the setting sun.
A delicious dinner followed, as did bedtime soon after. What at day! It seemed we had already seen so much, and this was only the beginning.
Next: The Albatrosses of Española Island
IE Art Director Charlie Boyd has spent the last four days on our Galapagos Islands tour aboard the Evolution, and has cell service as he heads toward Santiago and Bartolomé. Charlie has checked in with a list of what his Galapagos travel group has spotted while exploring San Cristóbal, Española and Santa Cruz.
“We are having a great time! The food on the Evolution is amazing. We’ve seen so much wildlife. A special treat yesterday was seeing albatross chicks and a bobolink (see right) – the guides had only seen a bobolink once before!
“Lonesome George was out and about at the Darwin Research Station…we got a great view. Plus, there were lots of finches in the Highlands today.”
Tuesday 5:45 p.m.: “We just went snorkeling and got to see sea lions in the water! Hiked Bartolomé with (guide) Alex. He seems to know everything!”
One of the true perks of working for International Expeditions is the opportunity to join our guests in some of Earth’s greatest wildlife destinations! IE Art Director Charlie Boyd and his wife are leaving this week on our Galapagos Island vacation. As he prepares for his Galapagos tour on the Evolution, Charlie shared some thoughts.
“In just a few days, Pam and I leave for the Galapagos. To say we are both very excited would be an understatement. Over the weekend we began the process of getting our things together, but last night we really started packing everything and checking items off our list.
“For me, the first step was getting my camera equipment in order — charging batteries, clearing memory cards, clearing my camera bag out and cleaning my lenses. Watch for my photos is our upcoming e-newsletters and Small-Ship Voyages brochure.
“After a while spent packing we took a break and thought about our trip. Will we see more red-footed or blue-footed boobies?
“What are we the most excited about seeing and doing? For Pam it is seeing and snorkeling with sea lions. But she can’t wait to see giant tortoises. And boobies. And albatrosses. And penguins! For me, it’s the same — snorkeling with sea lions and penguins, seeing Lonesome George and the giant tortoises in the highlands, taking pictures up-close of all sorts of birdlife — oystercatchers, vermillion flycatchers, owls, hawks, albatrosses, frigatebirds, tropicbirds… everything!
“There might also be the opportunity to see whales. This is a good time of year for them, and we are hoping to spot one or two during our Galapagos Islands vacation. “
Most parents want to get their children outside more, and there’s no better way to promote family bonding than on a family tour to one of the world’s wild places. Parents, grandparents and (yes) even the kids who have been on our Amazon River tour or Galapagos Islands cruise rave about the fun they had together.
North Carolina residents Sherry and Maggie (pictured right) shared this about their mother-daughter retreat in the Galapagos:
“There are few opportunities that a mother and a teenage daughter have that allow them to spend quality time together. Our trip to the Galapagos was one of these. I saw things in my daughter that I have never noticed or even expected. The interaction with Boli Sanchez, the Expedition Leader for this trip, was remarkable. He brought out Maggie’s adventurous side. She snorkeled among the sea lions, penguins and fish as if she had done it her entire life. She hiked to the top of a volcano, over lava fields, and in a lava tube. She was even adventurous in her eating – the food on the Evolution was so good it even whet her appetite! Alex, the naturalist guide got her interested in stargazing and identifying the constellations. She looked forward to his lectures about the islands and the wildlife. Not a day went by without her mentioning how much fun she was having. This tour of Galapagos exceeded my expectations in every way and opened my daughter’s eyes to unbelievable wildlife, conservation efforts and culture. The Galapagos Islands are truly a natural wonder.”
While bonding in the islands is great, families can still take advantage of the great outdoors to build their children’s interest in nature and wildlife. The National Wildlife Federation also has tips and online tools to help parents increase their kids’ outdoor time. Learn More Here
A favorite for any guest who has traveled on the Galapagos Island tour aboard the Evolution, chef Wellington Montero shares his ceviche recipe. For an added Ecuadorian flavor, don’t forget to add popcorn!
SHRIMP CEVICHE
Serving for four persons:
Sliced onions - 4 ¼ ounces
Thin cut green peppers - 3 ½ ounces
Lime or lemon juice - 1 ounce
Orange juice - 2 ounces
Ketchup - 2 soup spoon full
Olive oil - ½ a soup spoon
Salt - ½ a coffee spoon
White pepper - ¼ a coffee spoon
Sliced tomatoes - 1 thinly sliced tomato
Shrimps or prawns - 1 pound
1. Cook shrimp for 30 seconds in 2 ½ cups of boiling water, with half a spoon of salt, ¼ spoon white pepper and a little onion and celery.
2. Let shrimp cool.
3. Mix onions, peppers, lime juice, oil, salt and pepper.
4. Let rest for 3 minutes and add orange juice, ketchup, 1/2 water from boiling shrimp and shrimp.
5. Chill for 1 hour and serve.
Have a nice bottle of dry white wine or a cold beer with it and enjoy!
Tips for making ceviche with other seafood:
For lobster: Cook lobster in boiling water for 20 minutes and then proceed the same way.
For fish: Salt fish first, and out of refrigerator, soak in lemon juice for 3 hours with onions, salt and pepper. After 3 hours, throw away lime and onions and do the same mixture as on original recipe.
For any other shell fish and crab: Prepare mixture and add fresh sea ingredient last on mixture and let rest for 3 to 5 minutes before chilling.
