2003 GALAPAGOS FIELD SEINAR
TRAVEL INFORMATION
A Stanford Alumni Association Travel/Study Program
September 12 to 24
It
is our sincere wish that you have an enjoyable and exciting journey in the Galápagos
Islands. The information in these
pages is designed to help you prepare for your Seminar. Please take a few moments to read through these pages thoroughly.
Should you have any questions, please call Program Coordinator Leslie
Kim at (650) 723-7861 or send e-mail to leslie.kim@stanford.edu.
To
travel to Ecuador you need a valid passport.
Please check the expiration date to be sure that your passport is valid
for at least six months after the date of completion of our trip.
If the expiration date is before March 24, 2004 please renew your
passport right away. In some cases, passports can be renewed by mail.
If
you do not have a passport, you can obtain one from U.S. State Department Passport
Agencies, many federal and state courts and some Class I Post Offices. The Blue
Pages of your telephone book will indicate the location nearest you.
Please note that it can take up to six weeks to receive your passport.
In emergency cases, the passport application process can be expedited
for an additional fee. You can
get most questions answered by calling the Federal Information Center at (800)
688-9889, open from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday.
The State Department Bureau of Consular Affairs has an on-line home page
where you can obtain basic renewal information and download the necessary forms
at http://travel.state.gov.
Visas
U.S.
citizens do not need a visa to travel to Ecuador. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please call Leslie Kim at (650)
723-7861, so that she can help you determine what documen-tation, if any, will
be necessary for your trip.
AIR
ARRANGEMENTS
Round-trip
airfare from the U.S. to Quito, Ecuador is not included in the program
cost. The recommended group flights
are as follows:
Outbound:
Monday, September 15, 2003
Depart: San Francisco on Continental Airlines flight #406 at 9:00 a.m.
Arrive:
Houston, TX at 2:43 p.m.
Depart:
Houston, TX on Continental Airlines flight #818 at 5:20 p.m.
Arrive: Quito, Ecuador at 10:28 p.m.
Return:
Tuesday, September
23, 2003
Depart: Quito, Ecuador on Continental Airlines flight #818 at 11:05 p.m.
Arrive: Houston, TX at 5:25 a.m. on Wednesday, September 24.
Depart:
Houston, TX on Continental Airlines flight #1022 at 9:15 a.m.
Arrive:
San Francisco at 11:27 a.m.
Please
note that these group arrangements are subject to change depending on airline
flight schedules and seat availability.
Transfers to and from the airports in San Francisco (from Stanford campus)
and Quito are included for those on the group flights listed above.
If you would like assistance in making your air arrangements, we recommend
you call Gail Cortesia at Cardoza-Bungey Travel at (800) 654-4746 or send e-mail
to gail@cardoza.com.
Gail can also assist you if you require a flight from your hometown to
the Bay Area for the weekend seminar preceding the trip.
The flights between Quito and the Galápagos Islands are included in the
program, and these reservations will be made by Stanford Travel/Study for the
whole group.
If you would like to remain in Ecuador at the end of the trip or have flight arrange-ments
that require you to overnight in Quito on September 23, we can help reserve
a room at the group hotel for you. A
double room at the Hotel Hilton Colón is approximately $99 USD including breakfast.
If you would like assistance
with your post-trip plans, please call Leslie Kim at (650) 723-7861.
Can I lock my checked luggage?
• There will be thorough searches of all airports and airplanes
before passengers are allowed to enter and board aircraft.
e your shoes or to have your bags searched several times at security
checkpoints.
• You may notice additional uniformed law enforcement officers and FAA canine teams patrolling the airport.
On
the Continental Airlines flights from the U.S. to Quito, each passenger may
check two pieces of luggage (maximum weight per piece: 70 lbs.).
You may also carry one piece of hand luggage (in addition to a purse
or handbag), and it must fit under your seat or in the overhead luggage compartment.
However, baggage restrictions on the flights between Quito and the Galápagos
Islands limit your luggage to one suitcase, which should not weigh more than
44 lbs. and whose combined dimensions should not exceed 62” (height + width
+ length).
In
addition, please note that Ecuador has a regulation that allows travelers to
enter the country with only two pieces of checked luggage per person (hand-luggage
excluded). Each additional piece
will result in a fine of $200 per bag.
Passengers are responsible for their own overweight luggage charges so
please be aware of your limits and how much luggage you are checking.
Therefore,
we suggest that you pack light
and start out with no more than one
medium-size suitcase weighing less than 44 lbs.
Be sure to bring luggage you can lock. You may also take one carry-on
bag (it must fit in the plane's overhead compartment or under your seat).
If you do bring two checked bags, one can be left in the hotel in Quito
while we are in the Galápagos.
For
a list of important items to bring with you, please see the Clothing & Packing Suggestions section on pages 6 to 8.
HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS
This
is a moderately strenuous program that requires you to be in good health, fit
and able to enjoy comfortably paced walks over uneven terrain and on paths and
trails which can be rocky or slippery.
Walks generally last 2-3 hours, and one snorkeling opportunity is usually
included each afternoon. During
the day we spend as much time as we can on the islands, often in warm conditions
(dry with temperatures in the 70°s to 80°s F during the day, cooler during the
evenings and in the highlands).
A
resident physician is available on board the Isabela II for passengers’
minor medical needs. However,
you are responsible for bringing your own prescription medications.
We are sure you will be pleased with this exciting educational program,
but we want you to be aware of the pace.
Immunizations
There
are currently no immunizations required to travel in Ecuador. However, we recommend that your basic inoculations are up-to-date,
especially typhoid and tetanus.
We also recommend getting vaccinated against diphtheria, polio
and hepatitis A. The current
vaccines for hepatitis A, HAVRIX® or VAQTA®, are available through your local
travel medicine clinic. You may
wish to consult with your personal physician if you need further assistance.
For more information about immunizations visit: www.cdc.gov/travel/vaccinat.htm.
If
you are susceptible to motion sickness you should plan to bring a supply of
motion sickness preventative such as Dramamine® or Bonine®.
Some people find the use of elasticized bands worn on each wrist can
control motion sickness by putting “acu-pressure” on a certain point.
These are available at many pharmacies, nautical or dive shops, and through
various mail-order catalogues for travel or health care products.
There
have been a few cases of cholera reported in Ecuador over the past several years—almost
exclusively confined to the coastal area where sanitation is poor.
We will not be visiting these areas, and our group meals in Quito will
be eaten in our deluxe hotel. Nevertheless,
it is prudent to take basic precautions when not dining with the group.
Eat only food that is served piping hot, and avoid peeled or cut fruit
sold from a market or street vendor. Drink
only bottled water. Sealed bottles
are provided in your hotel room in Quito, and we suggest you use this water
for drinking and brushing your teeth.
Do not drink the tap water.
Carbonated beverages add an extra level of security due to the antibacterial
effect of carbonation. Aboard the
Isabela II, all the food is safe to eat, and the water is purified.
Mineral or bottled water is also available for purchase aboard our ship.
Because
traveler’s diarrhea is the most common health-related travel concern, it is
prudent to travel with a self-treatment course of antibiotics (usually ciprofloxacin)
and anti-diarrheal medication (Pepto Bismol® or Immodium AD®). Early
treatment will get you back on your feet to enjoy the rest of the itinerary!
September
falls in the dry season in the Galápagos,
and the temperature can be quite warm.
Staying hydrated while on the trail is important.
Always carry drinking water with you during excursions; we encourage
you to carry your own refillable container, which can be filled in the dining
room during onboard meals, and bottled water is also available for purchase.
Please note that certain medications, such as anti-histamines, can inhibit
sweating and increase the risk of heat illness.
If in doubt, discuss your medications with your travel health provider
or personal physician.
The
Equatorial sun is very strong.
Take precautions to avoid overexposure to the sun during the program,
even in Quito, which is at a high altitude.
Bring a sun hat with a wide brim, a scarf to protect your neck and sunglasses
that block 100% of UVB rays. A
quality waterproof, long-lasting, ultraviolet A- and B-blocking sunscreen (at
least SPF 30) is strongly recommended!
Quito
is at an altitude of approximately 9,000 feet, so travelers who are sensitive
may want to bring Diamox®, a medication to help with the adjustment to altitude,
which your doctor can prescribe for you.
You
should bring an adequate supply of your personal medications and a list of their
generic names in case it is necessary to replace them.
It is a good idea to carry the telephone number of your physician and
an up-to-date record of known allergies or chronic medical problems so that
emergency treatment, if necessary, can be carried out with less risk to your
health. Be sure to carry all your
prescription drugs in your carry-on luggage.
If you wear prescription glasses or contact lenses, you may want to bring
an extra pair.
Check
with your health insurance provider to see if they have a set of documents and
forms for you to carry when you travel; many companies do.
(Please note that Medicare does not cover medical services outside the
United States). If you purchase
medical coverage specifically for this program, be sure to take the certificate
with you on the trip, because you will be asked to show it should you require
medical attention.
Additional
Health Information
In
addition to your personal physician, other resources for obtaining information
and immunizations include your state or county public health department, and
travelers' clinics usually associated with university medical centers.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta offer excellent, up-to-date,
pre-recorded information on health precautions for travelers; call (888) 394-8747
(FYI-TRIP). You may also receive the CDC’s information by fax by calling (888)
232-3299 and following the recorded instructions, or visit their Web site at
www.cdc.gov.
CLIMATE
Quito,
nestled in a valley at an altitude of 9,000 feet and surrounded by snow-capped
volcanoes, is located 15 miles south of the equator.
Expect temperate days (highs around 70° F), cool, crisp nights (lows
in the 40°s F), and occasional rain.
Located
on the Equator, the Galápagos Islands
have a surprisingly cool, sub-tropical climate.
The larger islands with volcanic peaks have a variety of climatic zones.
The coastal areas are arid and covered with plants adapted to desert
conditions. The highland areas receive moisture almost all year round,
supporting lush vegetation. During
our Seminar, temperatures will range between 65° and 85° F, with average sea temperatures around 68° F.
Although it is the dry season, we will often experience a dense morning
mist, called garua in Spanish, that burns off by mid-day.
CLOTHING
& PACKING SUGGESTIONS
We
recommend a comfortable wardrobe that you can layer. In general, light-weight, fast-drying materials are preferable.
The style of this Field Seminar is comfortable and practical; you will
not need dressy attire for this program.
You may, however, want to bring one slightly nicer outfit for our welcome
and farewell dinners. Shorts and
sleeveless tops, especially on women, are generally not considered appropriate
in the city, but are fine to wear on our excursions on the islands.
Be aware, however, that long pants and sleeves provide better protection
against sunburn than shorts and tank tops.
Evenings can be surprisingly chilly, so bring a warm sweater or jacket.
Pack a collapsible umbrella and lightweight rain gear for possible inclement
weather.
The most essential item in your travel wardrobe is a well-worn, comfortable
pair of walking shoes. If
you prefer more ankle support, you may choose a lightweight pair of hiking boots
to wear while walking along the rocky trails and slippery tidal areas. There
are a number of boots available in the “high-top” style with rugged soles that
provide ankle support and stability but are made of nylon and cotton canvas
fabrics (as opposed to leather), making them lightweight and also quick-drying.
Many of our excursions require wet landings, often in knee-deep water,
to reach the beach from the Zodiac. Many travelers like using Teva™-type sandals
or Aqua Socks™ for wet landings.
During
our excursions, a daypack will keep your hands free and prove invaluable
for carrying camera gear and film, a small towel, water bottle, sunscreen and
other personal items. The sun is
strong at the equator, so it is very important to bring sunglasses and unscented
sunscreen with a high SPF. Don't
forget a light, tie-on hat with a wide brim for sun protection on the face and
neck. Visors don't protect the
top of your head, and caps and loose hats may blow off and get lost.
A bandana or scarf for the back of the neck may come in handy.
If you wish to swim, snorkel or use the ship’s hot tub, we suggest packing
two bathing suits (one suit does not dry between outings).
Snorkeling
equipment is available on board the Isabela II free of charge.
If you already have a face mask and snorkel, you may prefer to bring
them so you'll be assured of a good fit.
Some travelers bring a “shorty” wetsuit (3 mm) or Lycra suit (often worn
underneath wetsuits), but it is not absolutely necessary.
The
following packing list should help you prepare for the Field Seminar.
These items are only recommendations; you will want to make your own
variations.
q
Underwear and
socks
q
Long pants
– at least two pairs for hikes and a couple more for evenings (convertible pants
are an excellent option as they double as shorts)
q
Shorts – two
pairs (quick-drying Lycra or nylon are best for snorkel outings)
q
Short-sleeved
t-shirts, shirts or blouses
q
Long-sleeved
shirts or blouses
q
Swimsuit (2)
q
Wetsuit or
Lycra suit
q
A light poncho
(or other light raingear) in case of rain
q
Sweater, sweatshirt
q
Light jacket
or windbreaker
q
Wide-brimmed
sun hat
q
Scarf or bandanna
q
Comfortable
walking shoes or hiking boots for excursions
q
Sneakers or
casual shoes for deckwear or while in Quito
q
Tevas™ (or
any equivalent shoe) for wet landings
q
Passport –
make a photocopy of the picture page of your passport and keep it with you in
a separate place from your passport (in case of loss or theft)
q
Airline tickets
q
Sunglasses
q
Sunscreen and
lip protection
q
Insect repellant
and bite-relief product
q
Toiletries
q
Alarm Clock
q
Money belt
q
Umbrella
q
Plastic bags
/ Zip-lock bags (for keeping gear clean, dry and sorted)
q
For eyeglass
wearers: eyeglass straps, spare eyeglasses
q
Binoculars
q
Water bottle
(can be refilled at group meals)
q
Reading material
and travel journal
q
Camera and
film (one roll of film per day is recommended)
q
Motion sickness
medication
q
Alcohol wipes
q
Tissue packs
q
Antibiotic
ointment
q
Band-Aids
q
Aspirin/Tylenol,
etc.
q
Cold remedies
q
Anti-diarrheals
(Immodium AD® or Pepto Bismol®)
q
Prescription
medications
q
Ear plugs for
light sleepers
ELECTRICITY
Electricity
in Ecuador and aboard the Isabela II
is 110-volt, 60 Hz cycles, the same standard used in the U.S.
American appliances, including electric shavers, hairdryers and battery
chargers can be used at the hotel in Quito and in your cabin aboard ship.
Ecuador
has adopted the U.S. dollar as its monetary unit, so you will not need to exchange
any money during our trip. Our
program is nearly all-inclusive, so you will only need to bring enough money
for your breakfasts and accommodations at Stanford, beverages or snacks not
part of group meals and items of a purely personal nature such as telephone
calls and souvenirs.
Depending
on how much shopping you intend to do, we recommend that you bring approximately
U.S. $200 to $300 per person to Ecuador, in small denominations ($1’s, $5’s
and $10’s). You may wish to carry
some money in the form of traveler’s checks for safety. VISA, MasterCard and American Express are accepted in addition
to cash and traveler’s checks on the Isabela II for payment of your shipboard
expenses.
Tipping
for all group services (naturalist guides, ship’s crew, drivers, porters and
waiters at group meals) is included in the cost of the Field Seminar.
However, it is customary to tip the bartender approximately 10% to 15%
of your bar tab, and these tips are not included in your Seminar cost.
Taxi drivers generally do not receive a tip.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Of
the animals he observed in the Galápagos, Charles Darwin wrote in 1839,
“It would appear that the birds of the archipelago, not having learnt
that man is a more dangerous animal than the tortoise... disregard him, in the
same manner as in England shy birds, such as magpies, disregard the cows and
horses grazing in our fields.” The
remarkable tameness of these exotic species is still evident in the Galápagos
today, making it possible to get extremely close to a marine iguana basking
in the sun, or two blue-footed boobies immersed in their mating dance, for some
terrific wildlife photography. Any
kind of camera is worth bringing along, but if you are especially interested
in wildlife photography, telephoto, zoom (250 mm), or macro lenses are highly
recommended accessories. A wide-angle
lens is useful for landscape photography.
Store
your film and equipment in zip-lock bags to keep them dry.
In addition, you may want to consider purchasing a disposable, waterproof
camera for use during snorkel excursions.
Photographs
taken from airplanes or of military installations, bridges and other strategic
spots may be limited. (Airports
and train stations are considered military installations).
Exercise prudence when photographing people.
You should always ask permission first.
We
understand the increasing popularity of video photography, and we urge you to
exercise great courtesy when covering group events by video.
Please consider using a telephoto lens so that you will not have to stand
in front of the group at all times. Also
bear in mind that your narrative may create just enough background noise to
prevent others from hearing what the guides are saying.
The
schedule will include some long days, with early wake-ups, activities scheduled
throughout the day and lectures presentations in the evening. Remember that you will be traveling in a developing country
where minor inefficiencies and schedule changes are not uncommon.
Experience has shown that a measure of flexibility, a spirit of adventure
and a sense of humor will enhance your enjoyment of the tour.
SMOKING
POLICY
While
on board the Isabela II, smoking is permitted only on the outside decks.
National Park regulations, however,
absolutely prohibit smoking while on shore in the Galápagos Islands.
When in Quito, smokers are asked to refrain from smoking on tour vehicles,
during meals and other times when we are in close proximity to one another.
Please exercise prudence when disposing of cigarette ends.
TIME
DIFFERENCE
Mainland
Ecuador is 2 hours ahead of Pacific Daylight Time (PDT).
The Galápagos Islands are 1 hour ahead of PDT. When
it is 12:00 noon in San Francisco, it is 2:00 p.m. in Quito and 1:00 p.m. in
the Galápagos Islands.
GETTING
WORD FROM HOME
Among
the final pre-departure documents you receive in August, you will find several
copies of the addresses, phone and fax numbers for our hotel in Quito and our
local operator. Once aboard the
Isabela II, you can be contacted through our Ecuadorian operator in Quito,
who will in turn contact the ship by radio.
SECURITY
The
best policy when it comes to valuables is to leave them at home.
While in Quito, take the precautions you would in any major city in the
U.S. or Europe. It pays to be alert
when it comes to your documents and valuable possessions; always be wary of
pickpockets. Carry only what you
need with you. Leave your passport,
airline tickets, traveler’s checks and credit cards locked inside your cabin
or suitcase whenever possible. Safe
deposit boxes are available on board the Isabela II free of charge.
Men should keep wallets in breast pockets or a front-pant pocket, not
in a back-pant pocket. If you are carrying a shoulder bag, wear it bandoleer-style,
instead of hung over one shoulder. A
good recommendation is to use a fanny pack or money belt you can tuck just inside
your pants.
Before
you leave home, make two photocopies of the “picture” pages of your passport.
Put one copy in a safe place in your luggage.
The receipts for your traveler’s checks should go in the same place.
Should you lose your passport, these items will help you obtain a new
one more easily. Keep the other
copy with you to use when exchanging traveler’s checks.
If you have travel insurance, bring the certificate with you as well.
U.S.
CUSTOMS
Ecuador
is a beneficiary country in the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), a trade
program used by many developed countries to help developing nations improve
their financial or economic condition through exports.
The GSP provides for the duty-free importation of a wide range of products
that would otherwise be subject to customs duty if imported into the U.S. from
non-GSP countries. Such products
include jewelry, books and wood carvings.
For more information on the GSP, visit the U.S. Customs website at http://www.customs.ustreas.gov/xp/cgov/travel.
Please
think twice before buying products of animal origin, and make sure you are not
purchasing an item made from animals on the endangered species list.
Feathers, coral, several species of reptile skins, tortoise shell, furs
from spotted cats and ivory are among items banned from import into the U.S.
Approximately
three weeks before departure, we will send you a Red Journal containing final
pre-departure documents, including a daily schedule, luggage tags, nametag and
other informative materials. If
you have sent us your payment in full and have not received these final documents
by August 25, 2003, please notify us immediately.
If you made your air reservations with Gail Cortesia, your airline tickets
will be sent under separate cover.
If you do not plan to be at your current address three
weeks before departure, please advise us where these important documents should
be sent.
ABOARD
THE ISABELA II
Completely
refurbished in March 2000 and registered in Ecuador, the Isabela II is
an intimate, elegant yacht with all the amenities of a larger vessel.
20 spacious, outside cabins all feature private bathrooms.
On-board facilities include a large lounge, outdoor bar, hot tub, library,
boutique and a Sun Deck. The ship’s
crew of 27 includes two English-speaking guides who lead our nature walks on
the islands. A fleet of tenders
includes inflatable, rubber Zodiacs and a glass-bottomed boat, each with a capacity
of 20 passengers, allowing us to land in a variety of conditions on the islands.
The
ship is air-conditioned throughout. Individual
temperature controls are provided inside each cabin to meet your personal requirements.
Wine
and spirits are available in the ship’s lounge bar.
Chilean wines are served in the dining room. All alcoholic beverages will be charged to your shipboard account.
Water, tea and coffee are complimentary.
The
Isabela II is equipped with a satellite link-up system that provides
world-wide telex communication. Prior
to departure, you will receive a list of phone and fax numbers for Metropolitan
Touring, our local operator in Quito, who can relay a message to you while you
are on board the ship.
The
daily schedule listing the next day’s excursions, times of landings and hours
of meal service will be posted in the ship’s entryway each evening. Please remember that scheduled events may have to be altered
due to sea and weather conditions or to take advantage of unexpected opportunities.
The
Isabela II’s spacious dining room seats all passengers in a single, unassigned
seating. The chef serves a delicious
combination of Ecuadorian and continental cuisine.
Special dietary requirements can be accommodated if advance notice is
given to Stanford Travel/Study.
Electricity
on the ship is 110 volts, 60 Hz, the same as in the U.S. Your electrical appliances, such as a shaver, hairdryer or
battery charger, can be plugged directly into the outlets in your cabin.
Hairdryers are not provided on board the ship.
There
is no laundry service aboard the ship, but a clothes dryer is available for
drying wet swimsuits, clothing and other items.
A
qualified physician is on board the ship at all times.
At no point in the cruise itinerary are we more than ten hours from the
nearest hospital. If you require
prescription medications, please remember to bring an adequate supply for our
trip.
The
U.S. dollar is the standard currency in Ecuador and on board the Isabela
II. Your bar bill and any extra
services you purchase on the ship will be kept on a shipboard account for settlement
at the end of the cruise. U.S.
dollars, traveler’s checks or major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard and American
Express) are accepted forms of payment.
Smoking
Smoking
is not permitted in any public areas on the ship except on the outside decks.
Snorkeling Equipment
The
Isabela II provides snorkel equipment (masks, snorkels and fins) for
passenger use on excursions. There
are no SCUBA diving facilities on this cruise.
Specifications
Country
of Registry: Ecuador
Year
of Construction: 1979
Refurbishment:
Panama, March 2000
Category:
Deluxe
Gross
Tonnage:
1,025 tons
Type
of Vessel:
Motor Yacht
Capacity:
40 passengers in 20 cabins
Crew:
24 crew members, 3 naturalist guides
Length:
166 feet (53.72 meters)
Beam:
38 feet (11.58 meters)
Maximum
Speed:
10 knots
Electricity:
110 volts, 60 Hz
Engines:
2 GM Detroit Diesel, 900 BHP each
Navigation Equipment:
Gyrocompass, Automatic Pilot, radar and GPS
Fire Detector:
Automatic with control from the bridge
Life Jackets:
Provided in each cabin
Lifeboats:
2 units, semi-enclosed
Ship-to-Shore:
3 Zodiacs and one Boston Whaler
Owner:
ETICA (Guayaquil)
Resident Physician:
Permanently on board