Galapagos Adventure with the Texas Ski Council
and ACTIVE SOUTH AMERICA
Hi everyone, Paul here from Active HQ. I thought it's about time to give you all a 'virtual' update on the Galapagos Islands trip for the Texas Ski Council! With around ten weeks until the first departure everyone has now booked flights and (hopefully) made all their necessary travel arrangements, so at least that part is out of the way! We've also received full payment from everyone and I've more or less stopped nagging you all for travel details, so now really all that's left to do is check you have the right gear and later, pack your bags!
We've had a small number of people pull out and one or two people join this trip, so right now we have a total of 89 TSC participants (including all trip leaders and the summer expedition coordinator, Christine Augustine). Despite the short lead time now, it IS still possible to join this trip (subject to availability of flights and accommodation), so if anyone is interested please contact myself or Christine.
I have recently posted a package of travel documents to each club leader, so you will all have a hard copy of the Galapagos trip itinerary, gear list, FAQs and any other relevant pre or post-trip docs.
A huge thankyou to everyone for your cooperation - let the fun times begin!
- Paul.
You can visit the main Texas Ski Council website (texas-ski.org) by clicking here
Here are the departure dates for the main trip:
Departure 1: August 1st -10th 2012
Departure 2: August 8th- 17th 2012
Departure 3: August 15th-24th 2012
Pre and post trip option dates
The dates for confirmed pre-trip options (Ecuador Amazon) are:
Departure 1 - July 28th - August 1st 2012
Departure 2 – August 4th - 8th 2012
The dates for the confirmed Peru (4-day and 6-day) post trip options are:
Departure 1, (4 day option): August 11th – 14th 2012
Departure 1, (6 day option): August 11th – 17th 2012
Peru dates are a day later than the Ecuador dates to allow for air travel to Cuzco.
Galapagos Adventure
Day 1 Arrive Quito
Your trip begins in Ecuador’s capital city, Quito. If you’re flying in on day one of the trip, your ACTIVE SOUTH AMERICA trip leader and Texas Ski Council representatives will meet you at the airport and take you to your accommodation. You’ll have the rest of the afternoon to explore this amazing city with its beautiful town squares, quaint cafés and colonial architecture. Quito sits in a beautiful valley surrounded by towering volcanoes just 14 miles from the Equator, giving it a mild, spring-like climate year round. In the evening you’ll meet your trip leader and the rest of your group for a full briefing before our first dinner together.
ACCOMMODATION: Quito Hotel, Quito (D)
Day 2 Cycle San Cristobal highlands
This morning we’ll take a short flight to San Cristobal, the easternmost island of the Galapagos Islands chain and home of the provincial capital, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. After lunch we’ll head to the town of La Soledad and bike down through the lush highland cloud forest that blankets the top of the island. With stunning views of the coast, we’ll ride all the way to Mann Beach – one of the most beautiful beaches in the Galapagos. We’ll also check out La Lobería – a nearby beach that is home to a large sea lion colony and nursery. You’re not likely to see this many sea lions in one place anywhere else in the world! This evening, we’ll dine on local produce and fresh fish for our first evening meal in the Galapagos Islands.
ACCOMMODATION: San Cristobal Hotel, San Cristobal (B,L,D)
Day 3 Snorkel or dive with seals and turtles at Kicker Rock
Today we’ll take our boat off the coast of San Cristobal, where we’ll don wetsuits, snorkels and masks (and tanks for the divers – diving option add US$160) and explore the underwater world for a close up view of the amazing diversity Galapagos has to offer! Our first stop, Isla Lobos is one of the main sea lion and blue-footed booby colonies in the area. After a swim with the sea lions, we’ll get back on our boat and head for Kicker Rock where we’ll either snorkel or dive around the remains of an underwater volcano with a rock face rising 500 feet above the surface of the water (dives one and two). Your trip leader will give you a full briefing and then we’ll take to the water to explore the walls of the volcano. There will be chances to see Green Sea Turtles and Sharks (friendly!) as they skirt the edges of Kicker Rock. After lunch in a picturesque bay, it’s back to town and a visit to the Interpretation centre to learn a little about the history and biology of the islands. Afterwards, there will be an optional hike to Frigate Hill Lookout to see the acrobatics of the local frigate birds as they dart around the cliff tops stealing the catch from other birds.
ACCOMMODATION: San Cristobal Hotel, San Cristobal (B,L,D)
Day 4 Snorkel Floreana Island, visit pink flamingos
After an early breakfast, our boat will take us away from San Cristobal Island westward towards the magnificent Floreana Island and surrounding Islets. Floreana is the sixth biggest island in the Galapagos chain and one of the least inhabited (by humans at least!). With a population of only around 120 inhabitants and no cell phone coverage, as you can imagine this place has a pretty relaxed atmosphere. On the way here we’re often visited by friendly dolphins or the rare Waved Albatross so keep an eye out! Here we’ll be doing some more incredible snorkelling in one of the many great snorkelling spots this island has to offer. After stopping off in port for lunch, we’ll have a chance for a short siesta or an exploration of the surrounding coastline, then it’s back on board for our trip to Isabela Island. After the hotel check-in we’ll have time to take an evening stroll to try and spot some of the local pink flamingos before relaxing at our accommodation or enjoying a cooling drink on the beach.
ACCOMMODATION: Isabela Island Hotel, Isabela Island (B,L,D)
Day 5 Hike Sierra Negra volcano
Our hike today will take us to the summit of Sierra Negra volcano, rising nearly a mile above the ocean. See the dry lowland vegetation change before your eyes as we ascend into a lunar landscape on our way to the top. It’s quite a hike to the top of the volcano, but the views across the seven mile wide crater and surrounding coastline are worth the climb! This is one of the world’s largest and most active volcanic calderas, so it’s an incredible sight. As we hike, we might be lucky enough to see Galapagos hawks, short-eared owls, finches and fly-catchers that inhabit this region. When we get back from our hike, we’ll head to Beto’s beachside bar to toast the setting sun over the Pacific.
ACCOMMODATION: Isabela Island Hotel, Isabela Island (B,L,D)
Phil says: “Beto’s bar on the beach at Puerto Villamil is one of the best places in the world to chill out! Relax in a hammock and watch water lapping on the beach as the sun goes down.”
Day 6 Giant tortoise breeding centre, coastal hike, visit Tintoreras
This morning we’ll head to a Galapagos giant tortoise breeding centre where we can meet these majestic prehistoric creatures. Then we’ll hike a section of Isabela’s pristine coastline to the ‘Wall of Tears’ – a fascinating remnant of the Galapagos Islands’ convict past. This afternoon, we’ll have the chance to see some of the Islands’ most amazing wildlife up close. At the “Tintoreras” marine iguanas bask in the sun at our feet, blue-footed boobies sit in pairs on the rock tops, and Sally Lightfoot crabs scurry out of our way along the beach. In local boats we check out these crystal-clear waters, inhabited by Galapagos penguins, reef sharks and rays. Hopefully we’ll be able to slip into the water with our snorkels and wetsuits to swim with marine turtles if they’re around. We’re often befriended by curious sea lions too!
ACCOMMODATION: Isabela Island Hotel, Isabela Island (B,L)
Day 7 Kayak Isabella, visit Charles Darwin Research Centre
Our adventures continue in Isabela’s calm bay as we explore the surrounding coastline by kayak. We’ll paddle past rocky outcrops and mangroves, home to sea lions, Galapagos penguins and stingrays that dart along the sand that flanks the rocks and shoreline. Keep an eye out for white tip reef sharks too – there’s usually quite a few around here and they’re awesome to watch as they sometimes swim around your kayak!
Later today we depart Isabela for Santa Cruz Island, On arrival, we’ll take a short walk to the Charles Darwin Research Station. Founded in 1959, this fascinating centre is dedicated to the conservation of the Galapagos and its ecosystems. The station has a team of more than two hundred scientists, research students and support staff from all over the world. We’ll learn about the full life cycle of the giant tortoise from our expert guides, walk through their enclosures, and meet the Galapagos giants face to face!
ACCOMMODATION: Santa Cruz Hotel, Santa Cruz Island (B,L,D)
Day 8 Highlands Santa Cruz, Tortuga Bay
Today we’ll visit the amazing cloud forest highlands. On the way to “Cerro Crocker” we’ll have a chance to see giant tortoises in their natural environment, along with intriguing birdlife like the vermillion flycatcher. We’ll take a look inside the lava tunnels scattered throughout the highlands. These tunnels were formed by petrified lava flowing underneath the Earth’s surface, carving out large cylindrical caves. Some are almost a mile long!
For our last afternoon in the Islands we’ll hike to Tortuga Bay, one of the most stunning beaches in the Galapagos, where we’ll have the option of trying our hand at body boarding, or just lounging around on incredibly fine sand. Tortuga Bay is accessible only by foot and is home to hundreds of prehistoric-looking marine iguanas as well as blue-footed boobies and pelicans.
ACCOMMODATION: Santa Cruz Hotel, Santa Cruz Island (B,L,D)
Day 9 Optional hike, return to Quito
Today we travel to the northern part of Santa Cruz Island, then across to Baltra Island for our short flight back to Quito on the mainland where we’ll share our final banquet dinner and farewell party together this evening. If you’re continuing on one of the post trip options, the ACTIVE SOUTH AMERICA representative in Quito will meet you later today to run through your meeting time and place for tomorrow.
ACCOMMODATION: Quito Hotel, Quito (B,L,D)
Day 10 Quito, depart for Texas
If you have a flight today, we’ll be sure to get you back to the airport on time – whether it is an onward flight to Peru to join another ACTIVE custom trip or a flight home. Either way, you’ll leave Quito relaxed and refreshed from all the great activities, fine food and friendly people you will have met while travelling with us. (B)
Amazon pre-trip option
Day 1 Arrive Quito, head to Amazon rainforest
Your trip begins in Ecuador’s capital city, Quito. We’ll head out with our ACTIVE SOUTH AMERICA GUIDE to explore this amazing colonial city with its neatly preserved squares, 16th century cathedrals and bustling markets. After lunch, we’ll make our way South East, through the mountains and down through the high cloud forest and finally down to the Amazon rain forest, where we’ll spend the next couple of days. Our home will be an amazing rain forest lodge.
ACCOMMODATION: Casa del Suizo, Amazon rain forest (L,D)
Day 2 The Misicocha Amazon rain forest hike
This morning we'll explore some of the many miles of jungle trails that criss-cross the dense rainforest. We’ll hike through virgin forest to experience the wealth of native flora and fauna under the Amazon rainforest canopy, and learn how the indigenous people thrive in this challenging environment. The Amazon is the most biodiverse place on Earth and you'll have the chance to find out more about the amazing flora and fauna here, as well as learning about the incredible medicinal plants that are found in this region. For those who are keen, we’ll have the opportunity to swing on a genuine jungle vine – Tarzan style! After lunch in the rain forest, we’ll make our way back to La Casa del Suizo where you’ll have the rest of the afternoon free to hang out at the lodge with a book or continue exploring the surrounding area on your own.
ACCOMMODATION: La Casa Del Suizo, Amazon Rain forest (B,L,D)
Day 3 Visit a local community & gold panning or Cosano Reserve & river tubing
We’ll get straight into the action this morning with a visit to a community of indigenous people living in the rainforest. This is a real highlight for many people who take our regular trip here – you’ll learn how these small indigenous communities maintain their traditional ways of life and get some sense of the important role the rainforest plays in their lives. Later, we’ll take a short dugout canoe ride up the Rio Napo to an area rich in gold reserves to try our hand at traditional gold panning.
OR
For those who are keen to get wet today, we’ll take a dugout canoe ride to the Reserva Cosano – home to one of the most pristine areas of rain forest in Ecuador. After a dip in a secluded swimming hole, we’ll head to the Upper Rio Napo for river tubing. This involves floating down the river on inflated rubber tubes – all you have to do is kick back and enjoy the ride! Using your arms and feet as paddles, we’ll float eight miles downriver to the take-out point before heading back to the lodge.
ACCOMMODATION: La Casa Del Suizo, Amazon Rain forest (B,L,D)
Day 4 Head to the Ecuadorian Cloud Forest, soak in the hot springs
This morning we’ll head straight to Termas Papallacta – a small village renowned for its magnificent hot springs. Here we’ll spend the afternoon taking in the cloud forest and mountain views whilst we soak in glorious hot springs that sit right outside our rooms – paradise! There is also plenty of time for anyone that wishes to treat themselves to a massage, mud body wrap or reflexology treatment.
ACCOMMODATION: Termas Papallacta, Ecuadorian Cloud Forest (B,L,D
Wednesday Hike in the Cayambe-Coca National Park & welcome reception for Galapagos trip
Today you can either stay and relax in the hot springs or take an optional hike in the Cayambe-Coca National Park. The park is largely composed of moorlands, primary forests, rivers and lagoons and is one of the best examples of Ecuador’s diverse plant and animal species. There are plenty of hiking trails available so we can either take the hikers out for a short stroll or a longer exploration. Later in the afternoon we’ll head back to Quito and meet with other Texas Ski Council members who are arriving for the main Galapagos Islands trip. Tonight we’ll all get together for a full Galapagos trip briefing, welcome reception, and drinks.
ACCOMMODATION: Quito Hotel, Quito (B,D)
Peru 4 day post-trip option (pre-trip for Mary and Ann)
Day 1 Arrive Cuzco, hike Sacsayhuamán Fortress
Our trip starts in Cuzco, the heart of the Inca empire. Your trip leader will greet you with a cup of hot coca tea – the local specialty to help you adjust to the altitude. After lunch, we’ll set off for a walk around this amazing ancient city and up to Sacsayhuamán fortress overlooking the main Plaza and Cuzco Valley. The fortress is a magnificent archaeological site representing a set of jaguar’s teeth with massive, perfectly fitted stones weighing up to 130 tonnes each and was the place where the Incas made their final stand against the Spanish conquistadores. No one really knows what the Incas used Sacsayhuamán for – some say it was a sanctuary and temple of the Sun, others say it was a granary, and yet another theory is that it was the place where the old Inca king would play football using the heads of his enemies! No matter who is right, you’ll have a lot of fun hearing all the stories this amazing area inspires. Later, we’ll take a walk through the colourful Cuzco street markets. If you prefer, you can take some time to soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Cuzco’s lively town square and meet up again later for an evening meal.
ACCOMMODATION: Cuzco Hotel, Cuzco (L,D)
Day 2 Explore Pisac Market & Ollantaytambo, Train journey to Aguas Calientes
This morning we’ll drive a short distance into the Sacred valley of the Incas to the market town of Pisac. This peaceful little village is home to one of Latin Americas most vibrant and colourful markets, and on market day, this place comes alive with local farmers and traders who travel from all over the Sacred Valley to sell their produce. We’ll then head to the village of Ollantaytambo, where we’ll have time to explore the ancient Inca town with its cobbled streets and thatched houses – you’ll feel like you’ve gone back in time! Later we’ll take an unforgettable afternoon train ride down to the sub-tropical village of Aguas Calientes, where we’ll have a chance to explore this colourful little town or soak in a hot spring before dinner. The perfect way to relax after a full day’s hiking!
ACCOMMODATION: InkaTerra Hotel, Aguas Calientes (B,L,D)
Day 3 Visit Machu Picchu, climb Huayna Picchu Mountain
After a very early breakfast, we head up to enjoy the sunrise over the ancient city of Machu Picchu and explore the ruins.Today you can walk for about two hours, or much longer if you like. We have all day to explore the many passageways and stone structures of this mysterious place. If you’re keen and there’s time, we’ll climb Huayna Picchu, the mountain overlooking Machu Picchu, for spectacular views of the site and the valley below. It’s a steep 90-minute climb, but the views are worth the effort. After plenty of time to explore Machu Picchu, we’ll head down to Aguas Calientes for a soak in the hot springs before taking a scenic train ride back to Cuzco.
ACCOMMODATION: Cuzco Hotel, Cuzco (B,L,D)
Day 4 Return to Lima, depart for Texas
This the last day of your trip in the Galapagos Islands and Peru. We have a short drive to the airport before jumping on a plane to Lima. If you have time to spare after the trip, we’re happy to make suggestions on how to make the most of it. On the other hand, if you’re on your way home to Texas today, we’ll send you back refreshed and invigorated from the great food, exercise, rest and adventures you’ll have had with us in Peru and the Galapagos Islands! (B)
Peru 6 day post-trip option for Young Jackson, Allan Logan and potentially others
Day 1 Arrive Cuzco, hike Sacsayhuamán Fortress
As per 4 day itinerary, our trip starts in Cuzco, the heart of the Inca empire. Your trip leader will greet you with a cup of hot coca tea – the local specialty to help you adjust to the altitude. After lunch, we’ll set off for a walk around this amazing ancient city and up to Sacsayhuamán fortress overlooking the main Plaza and Cuzco Valley. The fortress is a magnificent archaeological site representing a set of jaguar’s teeth with massive, perfectly fitted stones weighing up to 130 tonnes each and was the place where the Incas made their final stand against the Spanish conquistadores. No one really knows what the Incas used Sacsayhuamán for – some say it was a sanctuary and temple of the Sun, others say it was a granary, and yet another theory is that it was the place where the old Inca king would play football using the heads of his enemies! No matter who is right, you’ll have a lot of fun hearing all the stories this amazing area inspires. Later, we’ll take a walk through the colourful Cuzco street markets. If you prefer, you can take some time to soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Cuzco’s lively town square and meet up again later for an evening meal.
ACCOMMODATION: Cuzco Hotel, Cuzco (L,D)
Day 2 Start your Inca Trail options
It’s an early start this morning as we start our trek to Machu Picchu! When you book, you can choose between two 4-day/3-night options – the Lares Inca Trail or the Classic Inca Trail. The next four days will take you on a journey through the Andean wilderness and give you an unbeatable insight into the indigenous cultures that have shaped the Peruvian highlands. If you’re not keen to hike the Inca Trail, no worries – just let us know and we’ll work out an alternative option!
CLASSIC INCA TRAIL OPTION - Both are doing Inca Trail.
Day 2 (continued) Hike through the Sacred Valley of the Incas
We’ll leave Cuzco and make our way through the Sacred Valley of the Incas to the small village of Ollantaytambo before starting our hike at Piscacucho, or Kilometre 82 as it is known by the locals. From here we’ll spend the day hiking alongside the Rio Cusichaca, surrounded by massive Andean peaks, Inca ruins and semi-arid forest. We’ll visit a couple of small villages along the way, then have lunch and rest awhile on the way to our first camp, Pisonay (altitude 9,500ft). When you arrive at camp, you’ll be greeted with tea by our porters and find your tent already set up for you.
ACCOMMODATION: Luxury camping in the Peruvian Andes! (B,L,D)
Day 3 Hike Inca Trail to Pacaymayo
Today is an unforgettable day. You’ll be woken with a cup of coca tea brought to your tent door. After a hearty breakfast, we’ll begin our hike on what will be our most challenging day. Today we climb 3,000 feet up to Warmiwañusqa, or ‘Dead Woman’s Pass’ (altitude 13,800 feet). The trail winds its way up through a beautiful mountain pass with stunning panoramic views of the alpine wonderland. It’s a challenging hike to the pass, but the 360º views make every step worthwhile. After celebrating our ascent, we’ll walk down cobbled steps paved by the Incas over 500 years ago to Pacaymayo Valley, our camp for the evening. Again, we’ll already have tents set up so all you need to do is relax and enjoy the evening.
ACCOMMODATION: Luxury camping (B,L,D)
Day 4 Hike Inca Trail to Wiñay Wayna
The scenery gets even better today! We’ll explore several fascinating Inca fortresses as we descend, with the cloud forest becoming more and more lush as the air becomes warmer and denser. The ancient ruins and increasingly verdant surroundings lend an eerie mood to the day as we make our way down to our next camp – Wiñay Wayna. This is our final night on the trail, with breathtaking views and another hearty dinner!
ACCOMMODATION: Luxury camping (B,L,D)
Day 5 Hike to Machu Picchu
After a very early breakfast, we hike about an hour in the dawn light to Inti Punku, the Sun Gate. We’ll wait here for the cloud to lift and the sun to rise over the ancient city of Machu Picchu, then after capturing the moment with our cameras, we'll make our way down to explore the city.
- OR -
LARES INCA TRAIL OPTION
The Lares Trail is not one specific, signposted path. Rather it is an exploration of the wilderness, farmland, lakes and passes around the Lares Valley with experienced local guides. Weather, track conditions and time of year can affect our route, and the hike you do may vary slightly in order to maximise your enjoyment and safety.
Day 2 (continued) Hike Lares Inca Trail to Cuncani
From Cuzco we’ll drive to the town of Calca for breakfast, then begin our hike at Quiswarani, walking for a couple of hours along raging Andean rivers and among towering snow-capped peaks with curious grazing llamas. After a lunch stop, we’ll continue to Hualcajasa Pass and have a relaxed hike down the other side to our first camp in the tiny Andean community of Cuncani. This remote outpost is the first of many small communities we’ll visit that are populated by direct descendants of the Incas. On this trek there’s a genuine opportunity to experience the local customs and way of life of a unique culture that’s barely changed for 500 years. When you arrive at camp, you’ll be greeted with tea by your porters and find your tent already set up.
ACCOMMODATION: Luxury camping in the Peruvian Andes! (B,L,D)
Day 3 Hike Lares Inca Trail to Ipsaycocha Lake
Today is an unforgettable day. You’ll be woken with a cup of coca tea, brought to your tent door. After a hearty breakfast we'll begin our second day of hiking down into the Chancachaca Valley with incredible views of the Lares Valley and the old stone houses that are scattered along the valley floor. Then we’ll continue on to the small village of Huacawasi for lunch, before following the trail as it winds its way up Ipsay Qasa Pass, giving us stunning panoramic views of the surrounding alpine terrain. At the top of the pass we’ll get our first glimpse of Mount Mantanay standing at 5600 metres (18,400 feet). From here it’s a short hike to Ipsaycocha Lake and our second campsite. If you catch a trout here, it’s on the menu for dinner!
ACCOMMODATION: Luxury camping (B,L,D)
Day 4 Hike Lares Inca Trail to Ollantaytambo
Today we’ll descend into a beautiful valley to Patacancha, where we’ll see children dressed in their traditional red ponchos, white short pants and colourful hats herding llamas and alpacas. Then we’ll carry on towards the village of Ollantaytambo, passing local farmers tending their famous terraced crops, perched on the steep mountain walls above us. We’ll have lunch at Pallata or Ollantaytambo and have time to explore the ancient Inca town with its cobbled streets and thatched houses – you’ll feel like you’ve gone back in time! Later we’ll take an unforgettable afternoon train ride down to the sub-tropical village of Aguas Calientes, where we’ll have a chance to explore this colourful little town or soak in a hot spring before dinner. The perfect way to relax after a full day’s hiking!
ACCOMMODATION: Character Local hotel, Aguas Calientes (B,L,D)
Day 5 Visit Machu Picchu
After a very early breakfast, we head up to enjoy the sunrise over the ancient city of Machu Picchu, where we’ll rejoin the rest of our group and explore the ruins.
Day 5 (continued) Explore Machu Picchu, climb Huayna Picchu Mountain
Today you can walk for about two hours, or much longer if you like. We have all day to explore the many passageways and stone structures of this mysterious place. If you’re keen and there’s time, we’ll climb Huayna Picchu, the mountain overlooking Machu Picchu, for spectacular views of the site and the valley below. It’s a steep 90-minute climb, but the views are worth the effort. After plenty of time to explore Machu Picchu, we’ll head down to Aguas Calientes for a soak in the hot springs before taking a scenic train ride back to Cuzco.
ACCOMMODATION: Cuzco Hotel, Cuzco (B,L,D)
Phil says “Lots of people ask me which is the best trail to Machu Picchu – the Lares Inca Trail or the Classic Inca Trail. I’ve tried to decide which one is my favourite and I can’t. You’ll meet great people, see amazing scenery, hike hard, and learn about Peru and its people on both trails, making them equally memorable.”
Day 6 Return to Lima, depart for Texas
This the last day of your trip in the Galapagos Islands and Peru. We have a short drive to the airport before jumping on a plane to Lima. If you have time to spare after the trip, we’re happy to make suggestions on how to make the most of it. On the other hand, if you’re on your way home to Texas today, we’ll send you back refreshed and invigorated from the great food, exercise, rest and adventures you’ll have had with us in Peru and the Galapagos Islands! (B)
