with zoologist Carole Baldwin and geologist riChard fiske

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the galápagos islandsaBoard the isabela ii • feBruary 7–17, 2010

Dear Traveler,

Join us in the Galápagos as we follow in the footsteps

of Charles Darwin, whose observations of wildlife on these

pristine islands led to his groundbreaking volume On the

Origin of Species.

Our seven-night cruise aboard the 36-passenger Isabela II

provides an ideal way to explore the Galápagos. Specially

equipped with kayaks, Zodiacs, and a glass-bottom excursion

boat, our ship enables easy access to, and viewing of, the

islands’ many attractions. Enjoy intimate encounters with

the rich variety of birds and animals that inspired Darwin’s

revolutionary theory on the mutability of species.

Swim and snorkel with playful sea lions, hike through

surreal landscapes where marine iguanas bask in the equatorial

sun, and discuss the latest efforts to protect this fragile ecosystem

with the staff at the Charles Darwin Research Station. Home to

teeming birdlife, many of them endemic, the Galápagos are

also a birdwatcher’s paradise.

Adding unique perspective and insight along the way is

Smithsonian Study Leader Carole Baldwin, a research zoologist,

and Richard Fiske, a volcano expert and former director of the

National Museum of Natural History. I hope you’ll join us in

discovering the wonders of these magical islands.

Sincerely,

J. William Diebenow

Executive Vice President

High Country Passage

P.S. To register, contact your professional travel advisor,

call High Country Passage at 800-395-3288, or visit www.

hcptravel.com.

Cover: Blue-footed BooBy

BaCk Cover: sally l ightfoot CraB

one speCies of darwin’s famous finChes

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tortoise

MARCHENA

SANTIAGO

BARTOLOMÉ

SANCRISTOBAL

FLOREANA

FERNANDINA

ISABELA

GENOVESA

SANTACRUZ

ESPAÑOLA

NORTH SEYMOUR

PINTA

GUAYAQUIL

P ac ific Oc ean

ECUADOR QUITO

BALTRA

SHIP

AIR

THE

GALÁPAGOS

ISLANDS

PLEASE DON’T DELETE PART OF ISLAND OUTSIDE OF WATER-MAY NEED ENTIRE ISLAND IN THE FUTURE. HOLLY 12.12.05

THIS ROUTE IS PARTICULARLY CHAOTIC. IN SOME CASES THE OPS MANAGER MAY TELL YOU TO LEAVE THE ROUTE OFF ALL TOGETHER, LEAVING ONLY THE TYPE. THIS WAS DONE IN THE AMNH CATALOG. HOLLY 04.06.06

ITInerary

This itinerary describes highlights of this adventure; the exact itinerary will be determined by Galápagos National Park authorities.

u.s. / guayaQuil, eCuador

sunday, feBruary 7

Fly from the U.S. to Quito on the suggested flight itinerary, or independently. Upon arrival, check in to the Hotel Hilton Colón.

Quito monday, feBruary 8

Originally a capital of the Inca Empire, Quito was captured by the Spanish in 1534. Enjoy a tour of the city’s colonial section, a UNESCO World Heritage site, followed by an afternoon at leisure and an evening welcome dinner. (B,d)

Quito / galápagos

islands (emBark) tuesday, feBruary 9

Formed from the peaks of underwater volcanoes, the Galápagos archipelago

includes six main islands, twelve smaller ones, and forty islets. This morning fly from Quito to Baltra Island and board the Isabela II. After lunch, visit North Seymour Island, teeming with magnificent frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, and marine iguanas. Back on board, enjoy a welcome reception and dinner. (B,l ,r,d)

espaÑola island

wednesday, feBruary 10

Start the day with a beach walk and snorkeling along Española Island’s Gardner Bay before disembarking at Punta Suarez, a landing beach frequented by sea lions, brightly colored Sally Lightfoot crabs, and colorful marine iguanas. Española Island is also a nesting habitat for blue-footed and masked boobies, oyster catchers, and Galápagos doves. (B,l,d)

floreana island

thursday, feBruary 11

Explore Punta Cormorant on Floreana Island where, on a

mangrove-rimmed, green-tinted beach, pink greater flamingos abound. In the afternoon, conditions permitting, enjoy the islands’ best snorkeling at nearby Turtle Islet. (B,l,d)

santa Cruz island

friday, feBruary 12

Call at Academy Bay to visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, an important international facility for the conservation of the

Galápagos Islands. The staff of the station will meet you and discuss their work. Among their joint projects with the Galápagos National Park Service aimed at repopulating islands with native species is a breeding program for land iguanas and tortoises that is bringing these endangered animals back from the brink of extinction. An afternoon excursion into the highlands includes lunch at a Galápagos

pinnaCle roCk, BartolomÉ island

farm and a walk through the islands’ only rainforest to learn about the unique flora, fauna, and geology of the region. (B,l,d)

genovesa island

saturday, feBruary 13

Cruise north across the equator to Genovesa Island, noted for its magnificent birdlife. Low-lying bushes surrounding the beach support the nests of frigate birds, short-eared owls, red-footed boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls, perhaps the most beautiful of the world’s gull species, while the southeastern cliffs provide habitat for storm petrels, Audubon’s shearwaters, and red-billed tropic birds. (B,l,d)

isaBela &

fernandina islands sunday, feBruary 14

As we cruise the Bolivar Channel this morning, watch for dolphins and whales often found feeding and frolicking in the rich waters between Isabela and Fernandina Islands. Call at Urbina Bay to walk through

an area commonly frequented by the

island’s endemic land

tortoises and land iguanas. You will also have the opportunity to swim and snorkel off the beach. This afternoon, visit Punta Espinoza on Fernandina Island, a picturesque spot rimmed with a green mangrove forest and a vast expanse of lava. The wide variety of wildlife here includes the flightless cormorant (found nowhere else in the world), Galápagos hawks, blue-footed boobies, lava herons, and the largest colony of marine iguanas in the archipelago. The western skies tend to be the clearest in the Galápagos, and so tonight, weather permitting, we will be on deck stargazing. (B,l,d)

santiago &

BartolomÉ islands monday, feBruary 15

Santiago’s terrain combines stunning lava formations, white sand beaches, striated cliffs, and tuff cones. Take a morning tide pool walk to a grotto that is home to a thriving colony of Galápagos fur seals. Those who wish may swim and snorkel among the seals and brilliantly colored tropical fish, or look for Darwin’s finches and other birdlife along the shoreline. This afternoon, disembark on Bartolomé, one of the archipelago’s “youngest”

islands, for an opportunity to snorkel in an area frequented by Galápagos penguins and sea lions. Later, climb to the summit for a spectacular view of Sullivan Bay, impressive pahoehoe lava fields, and Pinnacle Rock, a Galápagos landmark. Enjoy a gala farewell reception and dinner on board tonight. (B,l,r,d)

Baltra (disemBark) /

guayaQuil

tuesday, feBruary 16

Disembark the Isabela II at Baltra this morning and transfer to the airport for the return flight to Guayaquil. Upon arrival, check in to the Hotel Hilton Colón. (B)

guayaQuil / u.s.

wednesday, feBruary 17

Depart this morning for the U.S. on the recommended flight itinerary, or independently. (B)

marine iguana

red-footed BooBies

disemBarking zodiaC

magnifiCent frigate Bird

sea urChin

STuDy leaDerCarole Baldwin developed a love for the ocean and marine science

at an early age, growing up near the seashore in South Carolina. She

has worked as a researcher in the Department of Vertebrate Zoology

at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History since 1992.

While her work has taken her all over the world, the Galápagos has

remained a special place to her since she first went there in 1998 to

make an IMAX 3-D natural history film. In her own words, “We will

see the vast array of species that have evolved in the Galápagos,

which led Darwin to the conclusions that forever changed the course of

science. Among Galápagos fishes, an estimated 10 percent of the fish species that occur appear to

have evolved there!”

GueST lecTurerLike the Hawaiian Islands, the Galápagos Ielands are a result of a series of volcanoes that grew

above sea level to produce the majestic landscapes we see today. Guest lecturer riChard fiske,

Smithsonian Geologist Emeritus, former Director of the National Museum of Natural History,

and volcano expert, will explain the countless volcanic features that participants will see on this

adventure, and will place them in a broad natural history context.

nazCa BooBies

Pre-TrIP eXTenSIOn TO QuITO feBruary 4–7, 2010

Enjoy a private cooking class in the colonial city of Quito, then travel to the Andes highlands province of Imbabura for an overnight stay in a hacienda and a visit to the Otavalo Indian market, renowned for its fine handicrafts and textiles. Extension rates: $1,390 per person, double occupancy; $200 single supplement. Itinerary details will be provided in Tour Bulletin 1.

POST-TrIP eXTenSIOn TO MacHu PIccHufeBruary 18–24, 2009

Explore the altars, temples, fountains, and terraced gardens of the legendary lost city of the Inca, one of the world’s extraordinary archaeological sites. Extension rates: $4,250 per person, double occupancy; $1,395 single supplement. Itinerary details will be provided in Tour Bulletin 1.

maChu piCChueCuadorian textiles

“SnOrkelInG In THe GaláPaGOS waS an eXTraOrDInary eXPerIence, wITH a Sea lIOn On My lefT anD a PenGuIn On My rIGHT.” —K. HutcHinson

nazCa BooBies

penguin

Isabela IIThe Isabela II is one of the most attractive yachts cruising the Galápagos,

offering a comfortable and casual atmosphere for experiencing the full

adventure of the islands. The Isabela II accommodates 36 passengers

in 21 outside twin cabins, all with private baths. The yacht is fully

air-conditioned. Its three decks offer a bar-salon, dining room, lounge,

library, boutique, sun deck with an observation area for whale and

dolphin watching, and a Jacuzzi. It is one of the few ships in the

Galápagos Islands featuring on-board kayaks for passengers’ use. The

library contains a variety of books on the Galápagos and Ecuador, as

well as excellent nature and conservation videos.

raTeSCost per person (based on double occupancy): $8,690

Single rate (limited availability): $13,590

envIrOnMenTally SenSITIve TravelHigh Country Passage is committed to protecting and preserving the fragile environment of the

Galápagos Islands, and to working with tour operators who share our values and goals. The

Galápagos National Park authorities have responded to increasing pressures on this natural habitat

by instituting new standards for tourism and development that have led to increased costs. We

appreciate your understanding as we continue to give important attention to environmental sensitivity.

nazCa BooBymaChu piCChu

airfare Round-trip airfare between the U.S. and Ecuador is not included in the program rates. As of April 2009, economy-class airfare between Miami and Quito, with return from Guayaquil, is approximately $514 per person (subject to change). Cost savings may be available through our tour operator, who is happy to assist you with making your air travel arrangements.

IncluSIOnS & SPecIal feaTureSCruise 7 nights aboard the deluxe Isabela IIhotel 2 nights at the Hotel Hilton Colón

1 night at the Hotel Hilton Colón in Guayaquil

meals & reCeptions 7D, 7L, 8B, and 2RCustom eduCational program

Led by a noted Darwin scholar and an expert on the Galápagos Islands

speCial aCtivities & shore exCursions

Coordinated by study leaders, local guides, and onboard naturalists

exClusive amenities Onboard kayaks and a glass-bottom boat

professional tour management

Services of an experienced tour manager throughout the tour

serviCes & fees All tips, gratuities, and entrance fees; group flight transfers and baggage handling; pre-departure materials and travel information

transportation Round-trip airfare between mainland Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands

TerMS & cOnDITIOnS

rates do not inClude U.S. domestic and international airfare • Surcharges assessed by the government or national park authorities • Passport or visa fees • Immunizations • Transfers to and from airports for individuals not using or meeting group flights • Excess baggage charges • Meals and beverages not specified as included • Optional excursions or deviations from the scheduled tour • Accident/baggage/cancellation insurance • Medical expenses • Laundry, room service, telephone, email, and fax calls • Other items of a purely personal nature and not stated as included • Airport security fees imposed by the government or airlines

reservations & payments A deposit of $1,000 per person (payable to High Country Passage) is required to confirm all reservations. Please mail the check to High Country Passage, 500 Third Street, Suite 455, San Francisco, CA 94107. Final payment deadline is October 10, 2009, 120 days prior to departure.

CanCellations & refunds Deposits are fully refundable if a written notice of cancellation is received by High Country Passage within 30 days of receipt of deposit; after that, they are 100% non-refundable. Cancellations after final payment deadline: 100% penalty. All cancellations must be made in writing.

it inerary, program, & Cost modifiCations The itinerary, as contained in this brochure, is subject to modifications and change by High Country Passage. Every effort will be made to carry out this program as planned, but alterations may still occur after the final itinerary is sent. Costs, although given in good faith and based on information available upon publication of the brochure, are also subject to change and revision. due to fluctuations in oil prices, a fuel surcharge may be added to your tour fee. Details and costs will be advised prior to your departure.

insuranCe Trip cancellation/interruption insurance is highly recommended and should be considered for your financial protection. Another important consideration is medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation coverage. A comprehensive package will be made available to you upon receipt of your initial deposit. Early purchase will provide coverage of pre-existing medical conditions.

health All participants should be in good health and capable of walking over rough terrain. By forwarding the deposit for passage, the passenger certifies that he/she does not have any physical or other condition or disability that would create a hazard for him/herself or other passengers.

responsiBil ity Responsibility High Country Passage (HCP) acts only as an agent for the suppliers and contractors providing transportation and/or all other travel-related services and assume no responsibility howsoever caused for personal injury, or for personal or property loss or damage, in connection with any service. Additionally, responsibility is not accepted for losses or expenses due to sickness, weather, strikes, terrorism, wars, or other such causes. HCP reserves the right to make changes to the published itinerary whenever, in its judgment, conditions warrant, or if they deem it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of the tour. Occasionally, unforeseen changes in transportation schedules or other pressing matters necessitate a change in the land portion of the tour or cause a tour to be extended beyond its scheduled completion; any extra costs incurred in such cases are the responsibility of the passenger. HCP reserves the right at its discretion to alter, change, omit, and/or feature any part of the itinerary or any reservation, conveyance, or routing at any time and without notice and for any reason whatsoever without allowance of refund. HCP also reserves the right to decline or accept any person as a member of the tour, or to require any person to withdraw from the tour at any time, when such action is determined by its representative to be in the best interests of the health, safety, and general welfare of the tour group or the individual participant. HCP reserves the right to withdraw without penalty any tour announced. Personal effects are the sole responsibility of the owners at all times.

photo Credits © iStockphoto.com / fotovoyager (tortoise) © Pep Roig / Alamy (finch) • © Laura Tidwell (Bartolomé) • © Donald Carpenter (Marine iguana) • © Marie-Catherine Boisselier (red-footed boobies) • © Kirt Kempter (sea urchin, nazca boobies, nazca booby cutout) • © iStockphoto.com / Edward Davis (nazca boobies) • © iStockphoto.com / John Frink (penguin) • © iStockphoto.com / Warwick Lister-Kaye (textiles) • © Heinz Plenge / PromPerú (Machu Picchu) • © HCarlos Julio Gonzáles / Metropolitan Touring (Isabela II ) • © David Bate / Dreamstime.com (penguin) • © Morten Elm / Dreamstime.com (blue-footed booby) •© Michael LaBarbera (sally lightfoot crab)

CST 2070901-40 • 100207 GAL HCP

reServaTIOn fOrM

Please send your completed reservation form and deposit to High Country Passage, 500 Third Street, Suite 455, San Francisco, CA 94107; call High Country Passage at 800-395-3288; or contact your professional travel advisor.

_______________________________________________________ NAME 1 (AS IT APPEARS ON PASSPORT)

_______________________________________________________NAME 2 (AS IT APPEARS ON PASSPORT)

_______________________________________________________NAME 1 FOR BADGE IF DIFFERENT FROM ABOVE

_______________________________________________________NAME 2 FOR BADGE IF DIFFERENT FROM ABOVE

_______________________________________________________ADDRESS

_______________________________________________________CITY STATE ZIP

_______________________________________________________PHONE (HOME) (WORK)

_______________________________________________________FAX EMAIL

❑ Enclosed is a check for $ _________ ($1,000 per person, made payable to High Country Passage) for ____ place(s) on the Galápagos Islands program OR ❑ Please charge my deposit of $ _________ ($1,000 per person) to my: ❑ Visa ❑ MasterCard ❑ American Express

_______________________________________________________CARD NUMBER EXP. DATE (MM/YY)

_______________________________________________________AUTHORIZED CARDHOLDER SIGNATURE DATE (MM/DD/YY)

_______________________________________________________NAME (AS IT APPEARS ON CARD)

single appliCants only: If this is a reservation for one person, please complete the following:❑ I prefer single accommodations.❑ I plan to share accommodations with: __________________________ .❑ I would like to share accommodations. I am a ❑ non-smoker ❑ smoker. If you would like a roommate, High Country Passage will try to find a share for you, and you will be charged the double occupancy rate even if no roommate is found.

I/We have read the program information and the Terms and Conditions and agree to the terms as stated therein.

_______________________________________________________SIGNATURE DATE (MM/DD/YY)

_______________________________________________________SIGNATURE DATE (MM/DD/YY)

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Blue BooBy feet

Join zoologist Carole Baldwinon this onCe-in-a-lifetime Journey to the galápagos!

the galápagos islands aBoard the isabela ii • feBruary 7–17, 2010

500 Third Street, Suite 455 • San Francisco, CA 94107

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