Krahenbuhl - Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands -Travel Adventures

Peter Krahenbuhl

Hunter Publishing, Inc.

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ISBN1-58843-346-3

2008 HunterPublishing, Inc.

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This guide focuses on recreational activities.As all such activities contain elements of risk, the publisher,author, affiliated individuals and companies disclaimresponsibility for any injury, harm, or illness that may occur toanyone through, or by use of, the information in this book. Everyeffort was made to insure the accuracy of information in this book,but the publisher and author do not assume, and hereby disclaim,liability for any loss or damage caused by errors, omissions,misleading information or potential travel problems caused by thisguide, even if such errors or omissions result from negligence,accident or any other cause.

1. Preface
2. About the Author
3. The Galpagos Islands
   1. Geography & Geology
   2. Climate
   3. History
      1. Darwin & Natural History
      2. Human History
   4. Flora & Fauna
   5. Getting Here & Getting Around
   6. Visitor Information
      1. Puerto Ayora
      2. Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
   7. Island Excursions
   8. Island-by-Island
      1. Baltra Island
      2. North Seymour Island
      3. Santa Cruz Island
      4. Espaola Island
      5. Isabela Island
      6. Fernandina Island
      7. Genovesa (Tower) Island
      8. Marchena & Pinta Islands
      9. Plazas Islands
      10. San Cristbal Island
      11. Santa F Island
      12. Santa Mara (Floreana) Island
      13. Santiago Island
      14. Rbida Island
   9. Adventures
      1. On Wheels
      2. On Horseback
      3. On Foot
      4. Wildlife Viewing & Photography
      5. On & In Water
   10. Where to Stay
       1. Santa Cruz Island
       2. San Cristbal Island
       3. Isabella Island
       4. Floreana Island
       5. Camping
   11. Where to Eat
       1. Santa Cruz Island
       2. San Cristbal Island
   12. Shopping & Nightlife
       1. Shopping
       2. Nightlife
4. Appendix
   1. Additional Resources
      1. Learning the Language
         1. DAYS OF THE WEEK
         2. MONTHS OF THE YEAR
         3. NUMBERS
         4. CONVERSATION
         5. TELLING TIME
         6. DIRECTIONS
         7. ACCOMMODATIONS
      2. Tourist Information
      3. Online Sources of Information
      4. Recommended International Tour Companies
   2. Ecotourism in Ecuador

Preface

If there is one bit of advice to carry on yourjourney it is to use this guide only as a reference, to help youexplore and to expand your comfort zone. All too often travelguides and tours tend to "package" experiences, but then you misshalf the fun. If it weren't for the mistakes I made and resultingexperiences, this guide wouldn't have been written (at least not byme). Make it your own journey, wander and make travelers' mistakes,finding yourself in new and unexpected places, meeting new andunexpected people. Remember that adventure travel is experiencinglife through new discoveries.

I want to thank first and foremost the busdriver who knew I had asked him to drop me off along thePan-American Highway in Otavalo, but just kept on going. Otherwise,I never would have made it to the beautiful town of Ibarra anddiscovered the unanticipated beauty of a newfound place. I alsowant to thank the South American Explorers and thefar-too-many-to-name organizations, tour operators, hotels, friendsand acquaintances along the way who assisted and enriched mytravels and my life. Finally, to my family and my love, Judith,thank you.

Aboutthe Author

Peter spent most of his childhood on thebeaches of Oxnard, California. Favorite memories include surfing,baseball and family camping wherever Dad found big fly-fishingrivers. After chasing nature and being chased by "development,"Peter completed his BA in Economics and Environmental Studies atthe University of California, Santa Barbara. A global interest,particularly in deforestation and development, led him to pursue aMaster of Public Affairs from Indiana University, concentrating inInternational Affairs and Environmental Policy. During this time,his Latin American travels and conservation projects began inEcuador. As a result, he developed an Ecotourism company and joinedThe World Outdoors in 1997 as an adventure travel guide. He hasguided in Ecuador, Cuba, Western North America and elsewhere. Whileresearching and guiding in Ecuador, he met his beautiful wife,Judith, who has been integral to development of this guidebook.Peter now works in development at The World Outdoors and isCo-Director of Sustainable Travel International, a not-for-profitorganization working to promote a more responsible travel industry.His dog, Shady, hates it when he travels, but she understands.

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TheGalpagos Islands

There is no other place like these islands onearth! This unmatched archipelago is a world away from themainland, yet it also helps define the identity of Ecuador. TheGalpagos Islands captured the imagination of Charles Darwin andprovided the catalyst for developing his theory of evolution,forever altering the written history of life on earth. Ever sincethe old pirate days, when the islands were referred to as the Enchanted Islands , the Galpagos havelured the inquisitive traveler with an unearthly beauty uniquelyits own.