IntImate Voyage aboard the EvolutionGalapaGos Islands
mote marine Laboratory is proud to
present a 10-day galapagos Voyage.
march 27 and July 31, 2009
The Galapagos Islands live in the spirits and minds of those who love nature like nowhere else on Earth. Tortoises that have grown to dramatic proportions, superb bird life and an astounding undersea world are all
set against a sublime landscape of deserts, beaches, lush forests and volcanoes.
For more than 26 years, International Expeditions’ guests and staff have raved about these islands and the incredible diversity of sites and activities they’ve enjoyed. And who can blame them? Our ship (the Evolution), the guides, and a great itinerary make our voyage THE choice for the Galapagos.
On this extraordinary journey to Galapagos, you have the perfect way to explore: aboard the 32-guest Evolution. She is the ideal ship, with spacious cabins and public areas — highly comfortable and intimate at the same time. Our highly qualified naturalist guides are authorities on the Galapagos Islands, and they’re also a pleasure to be with. They’ll see that you get the most from your experience.
destination highlights
Because of the Galapagos Islands’ isolation •in the Pacific Ocean, there is a wealth of animal and plant life found only here.
Stand next to blue-footed boobies doing •a courtship display, and swim with sea lions and penguins.
The Galapagos have an otherworldly •beauty — from the desert landscapes at sea level to tall volcanoes and lush highland forests.
The islands are a living laboratory of •evolution. Charles Darwin visited in 1835, and his examination of the beaks of the Galapagos finches was instrumental in his formulating the theory of evolution.
Visit the world-renowned Charles Darwin •Research Station and encounter giant Galapagos tortoises, endemic to the islands.
yoUr mote hoSt
tim oldread, Public Programs Coordinator at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium in Sarasota, Florida, certainly knows how to coordinate! He currently designs, implements, and evaluates educational programs for a variety of students, ages two through adult. He is currently working on his MBA degree at the University of South Florida and has earned a graduate certificate in informal science.
A native of Plainville (yes, Plainville), Massachusetts, Tim received his undergraduate degree in Wildlife and Fisheries
Science from Penn State. This led him into an internship at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge and full-time employment with SeaWorld Orlando’s Education Department. He has traveled throughout New England; “birded” up and down the Rio Grande Valley of Texas; co-lead a ten-day excursion to Costa Rica; studied in Mexico; and taught throughout the Everglades and Florida Keys.
Kicker Rock
Darwin Bay
Santa Cruz(IndefatIfable)
SantIago(JameS)
ISabela(albemarle)
fernandIna(narborough) north Seymour
genoveSa(tower)
our voyage route
San CrIStóbal (Chatham)
eSpañola (hood)
Equator
Tagus Cove
Days 1-3 • Friday-Sunday
U.S. / Guayaquil / San Cristóbal Fly to Guayaquil and spend the night at the Oro Verde before flying to the islands, where we board the Evolution. Sail out to Kicker Rock before visiting Cerro Brujo. (Day 1: Meals Aloft; Day 2: B,L,D)
Española: Punta Suarez & Gardner Bay
Wade ashore at Punta Suarez, looking for red-colored marine iguanas and the waved albatross colony that inhabits the island part of the year en route to Española’s blowhole. (B,L,D)
Days 4 & 5 • Monday & Tuesday
Santa Cruz Begin at the Charles Darwin Research Station, then head into the highlands to spend an afternoon with the giant tortoises in their verdant habitat. (B,L,D)
Santiago / Bartolomé
Santiago is an excellent place to spot doves, hawks and fur seals. Visit Bartolomé Island, hiking up a dormant volcano for a dramatic panorama of islands and Pinnacle Rock. (B,L,D)
Day 6 • Wednesday
Genovesa
As one of the privileged operators permitted to visit Genovesa Island, this feels like our private sanctuary. Genovesa harbors one of the most diverse bird populations in the Galapagos, including red-footed boobies, storm petrels, great frigatebirds and short-eared owls. We climb Prince Philip’s Steps before visiting Darwin Bay. Bring along your camera and relax on the beach after our hike, or swim and snorkel. (B,L,D)
Day 7 • Thursday
Fernandina: Punta Espinosa /
Isabela: Tagus Cove Explore the lava fields of Punta Espinosa, where we are apt to spot flightless cormorants and some of the largest marine iguanas. As our ship sails to Isabela, enjoy a power siesta before exploring Tagus Cove. Walk uphill for a view of Darwin’s Lake, or “non-hikers” may enjoy a panga ride along the cliffs. (B,L,D)
Day 8 • Friday
North Seymour / Black Turtle Cove
North Seymour is a favorite nesting place for frigatebirds and the best place to spot colorful land iguanas. Blue-footed boobies perform their courtship dance in the open areas. Take a panga ride through Black Turtle Cove, drifting silently through the mangroves, home to turtles and white-tipped reef sharks. Enjoy a farewell dinner aboard the Evolution. (B,L,D)
Days 9 & 10 • Saturday & Sunday
San Cristóbal / Guayaquil / U.S.
Return to San Cristóbal and visit the Interpretation Center, with time to stroll through the interactive exhibits. Fly to Guayaquil, where you have time to relax. Sunday we fly to the U.S. and connect with flights home. (Day 9: B,L Aloft; Day 10: B,L Aloft)
area enlarged
eCuadorguayaquIl
to / from
guayaquIl
Puerto AyoraSan Cristóbal
Punta Suarez
Black Turtle Cove
Punta Espinosabartolomé
Join sea lions in their underwater home,
take pangas along the coastlines, or simply
relax aboard the Evolution and take in the
view — it is all part of the adventure of the
Galapagos.
to / from
guayaquIl
Machu Picchuoptional 6-day Pre-Voyage extension $2,798
Cost above is per person, double occupancy. Plus flights within South America starting at $600, subject to change.
Days 1 & 2 • Saturday & Sunday
Lima / Cusco / Urubamba Valley
Fly to Lima and transfer to the Swissôtel. The next morning, we fly to Cusco. We drive to the Urubamba Valley, dotted with picturesque churches, Andean markets and impressive Inca ruins. We stay at the Acqua Hotel in the valley. (Day 1: B,L; Day 2: B,L,D)
Day 3 • Monday
Machu Picchu
Explore Ollantaytambo, where ancient temples and fortresses were built to protect the Sacred Valley before boarding the train to Machu Picchu. Spend our afternoon exploring the mysterious ruins with our guide. Spend tonight at the Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel, where you spend two nights being lulled to sleep by the sounds of the Urubamba River. (B,L,D)
Day 4 • Tuesday
Machu Picchu
Today you may return to the ruins, with private time to stroll around the ancient citadel, seeing the rocky hulls of homes and temples; or stay at our hotel to enjoy cooking demonstrations and relax with a treatment at the Aqlla spa. (B,L,D)
Day 5 • Wednesday
Cusco / Sacsayhuamán
Leave Machu Picchu by train, then
head into the mountains surrounding
Cusco, where the Incas built the massive
fortress of Sacsayhuamán, which zigzags
along the side of a mountain. We tour
picturesque Cusco before a farewell
dinner. Spend the night at the Hotel
Libertador. (B,L,D)
Days 6 & 7 • Thursday & Friday
Cusco / Lima
Spend a morning in Koricancha, the sacred Inca sun temple. Return to Lima and visit the Archaeological Museum, which houses one of the largest collections of pre-Hispanic artifacts in the world. The rest of the day is free to explore independently. (B)
Lima / Guayaquil Transfer to the airport for our flight to Guayaquil. (B)
expert naturalistsSo intensely is the Galapagos National Park and Marine Reserve protected that visitors are pro-hibited from landing on a beach without the guidance of a licensed naturalist. But beyond just “visiting” the islands, we strive for you to reach a deeper understanding. That’s why we’ve selected guides like Bolivar Sanchez and Alex Cox, who are certified at the highest level (Level 3) by the Galapagos National Park and combine for more than 37 years of guiding experience. More than just lecturers, these natives will ensure you understand life on the islands — pointing out favorite places to play as you pass Alex’s boyhood home in San Cristóbal, or strolling the streets of Puerto Ayora past Boli’s childhood haunts.
What’s IncludedAll scheduled transportation in Ecuador •by land and ship.
All excursions accompanied by English-•speaking naturalist guides.
Complete pre-departure information to help •you get the most out of your expedition.
Meals as shown in the itinerary. •
All transfers (when taking group flights), •porterage and service charges.
In summary, everything except international •and in-country airfare; ticketing fee; U.S. domestic and international departure taxes; air or ship fuel surcharges; tips to naturalist guides and Evolution crew; passport fees; and items of a personal nature, such as laundry, alcoholic beverages, etc.
Cancellations: Because the Mote departures are being operated as private charters, all payments are non-refundable.
travel Insurance: Travel insurance including “Cancel for Any Reason” benefits and medical evacuation from the Galapagos Islands is available and recommended.
Rates and Fares: All rates and fares are accurate and available at the time of publication.
our Ship — the EvolutionWhile the intimate Evolution may carry just 32 guests, she features a great deal of public space, including a comfortable lounge for briefings by our naturalists, a canopied bar perfect for enjoying a drink, and a sun deck to relax between excursions. Your air-conditioned cabin is the perfect haven, featuring private facilities and ample storage space. And each meal boasts international and tradi-tional Ecuadorian cuisine, fresh fruit and sumptuous desserts.
Cabin Sizes:
A1: 263 sq. ft.
A2 & A3: approx. 198 sq. ft.
C1-C3 & C6-C9: approx. 183 sq. ft.
C4-C5 & D1-D4: approx. 166 sq. ft.
Ship’s Registry: Ecuador
Crew: 16
Naturalist Guides: 2 (1 as Expedition Leader)
Ship Length: 204 ft.
Ship Width: 29 ft.
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RECEPTION AREA
DINING ROOM LOUNGE
AL FRESCO DINING AREA
CREW
CREW
GALLEY
CREW
CREW
INFIRMARY
C9
C1 C2 C3
C8
C4 C5 C6
C7
D1
D2 D3
D4
CR
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ENGINE ROOM
BR
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A3
A2
A1
BA
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ROOF DECK
BO
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March 27 and July 31, 2009 SPECIAL MOTE PRICE
Cabins C4-C5 & D1-D4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$4,448
Cabins C1-C3 & C6-C9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$4,748
Cabins A2 & A3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$5,148
Cabin A1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$5,448
Cost listed above is per person, double occupancy.
Plus in-country air: $410, subject to change.
INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE BETWEEN YOUR HOME CITY and gUayaQUIL IS addItIonaL. aSK aboUt oUr SPECIAL GROUP FARE FROM TAMPA.
10-DAy VOyAGE
IntImate Voyage aboard the EvolutionGalapaGos Islands
For more information, or to make a reservation contact:
CrUISe & toUr
(800) 383-3131