galapagos
darwin’s enchanted isles
aboard the 32-guest m/v evolution
october 16-25, 2015
An Intimate Nature Experience
There’s no more intimate an experience with nature than International Expeditions’ Galapagos Voyage
aboard the Evolution — a singular opportunity to commune with curious wildlife and explore inspiring
landscapes. Our private yacht, the 32-guest Evolution, offers the ideal retreat with spacious cabins, superb
cuisine and a host of amenities. Join IE in Galapagos and step into a living laboratory of evolution.
Discover the birdlife that inspired
Darwin, including this common
cactus finch.
Knowledgeable naturalist guides
ensure you learn about the wildlife,
plants, geology and history of the
Galapagos.
Step into a Living Laboratory
of Evolution
Slip Under the Waves to a
Rich Undersea World
Moon-like volcanic landscapes,
secluded beaches, crystal-clear
coves and unusual creatures
seemingly frozen in time await
you in the Galapagos Islands. This
isolated archipelago, having never
been part of a continental land mass,
has become a living laboratory for
studying evolution. You’ll find other
manifestations of nature’s power in
the form of a just-hatched newborn
chick, an ancient lava flow or a
brilliant sunrise.
Life below the cool Pacific waves is
unimaginably rich, with more than
3,000 species of marine plants and
animals calling these waters home.
Beneath the sea, golden rays and
white-tipped reef sharks swim
just feet away. Playful sea lions
encourage you to dive and roll with
them during a snorkeling excursion.
The cool Humboldt and Cromwell
currents carry oxygen and nutrients,
even making it possible for the
Galapagos penguin to live quite
happily on the Equator.
Experts, Educators and Friends
So intensely protected is the
Galapagos National Park and Marine
Reserve that visitors are prohibited
from visiting 97% of the islands
without the guidance of a licensed
naturalist. Beyond just “visiting” the
islands, IE wants you to reach a
deeper understanding. That’s why
we’ve selected guides like Bolivar
Sanchez and Alex Cox, who are
natives of the islands, licensed at
the highest level (Level 3) by the
park, and have decades of combined
experience.
“Galapagos was an amazing place — I’m glad
I went with IE instead of other companies I
looked at! There were so many advantages to
cruising on a smaller ship. On the Evolution, I
never felt rushed and the guides pointed out so
many things I wouldn’t have seen otherwise.”
— Ann Keown of Chattanooga, Tennessee
Equator
Guayaquil
3
Santiago
1
Bartolomé
Fernandina
Baltra
from guayaquil
Santa
Cruz
Isabela
San Cristóbal
to guayaquil
10-Day Expedition Itinerary
Day 1 • Friday U.S. / Guayaquil Fly
independently to Guayaquil, Ecuador,
and transfer to the Hotel Oro Verde.
(Meals Aloft)
Day 2 • Saturday Guayaquil / Baltra /
2
1 View From Bartolomé
2
Climb Bartolomé for
a famous photo of
Pinnacle Rock, a
formation made of
hardened volcanic ash.
3
An Old Favorite
Española is not only
the chain’s oldest island,
it is our guide Boli’s
favorite stop!
Española
Penguins in paradise
Punta Espinosa is the
perfect place to spot
Galapagos penguins
along with flightless
cormorants and marine
iguanas.
Santa Cruz: Whaler Bay & Eden Islet Fly to Galapagos and board the
Evolution. After a safety briefing, stop
for a hike along Whaler Bay, site of
one of the islands’ oldest whaling
camps. Just off the coast, discover tiny
Eden Islet, where we may spot Nazca
boobies, blue-footed boobies, marine
iguanas and large schools of mustard
rays while on a peaceful Zodiac ride.
(B,L,D)
Day 3 • Sunday Isabela Island /
Fernandina Island Zodiacs take
you into a sunken volcano at Punta
Vicente Roca, where we snorkel among
sea turtles. Explore the lava fields of
Punta Espinosa, spotting flightless
cormorants and marine iguanas. Whale
watch from the Evolution’s open-air
decks. (B,L,D)
Day 4 • Monday Isabela Island Hike along the uplifted section of sea
floor in Urvina Bay. Our naturalists
point out the tortoises, colorful land
iguanas and other wildlife that feed
on the vegetation. Board our Zodiacs
for an excursion to Tagus Cove, where
we look for penguins, flightless
cormorants, pelicans along the cliffs
before a chance to snorkel and swim.
(B,L,D)
colonizing the landscapes. Stroll along
the coralline beach spotting black and
white oystercatchers. (B,L,D)
Day 5 • Tuesday Bartolomé /
Walk along the white sands of Bachas
Beach looking for Sally Lightfoot
crabs, black necked stilts and
whimbrels. Snorkel in the calm
waters, where sea turtles nest.
Named for the area’s large land
iguanas, Dragon Hill is an important
nesting site for iguanas reintroduced
by the Charles Darwin Research Center.
Day 6 • Wednesday Santa Cruz
Island: Bachas Beach & Dragon Hill
Santiago Island: Sullivan Bay
Visit Bartolomé Island, hiking to the top
of a dormant volcano for a dramatic
panorama, including famed Pinnacle
Rock. Snorkel with sea lions and maybe
even penguins. This afternoon, hike
across the panoehoe lava of Sullivan
Bay, seeing some of the hearty flora
Walk to a lagoon where we often find
flamingos, common stilts and pintail
ducks. (B,L,D)
Day 7 • Thursday Santa Cruz Island
Begin at the Charles Darwin Research
Station, learning about vital work
being done to study and preserve
Galapagos wildlife. Head into the
forested highlands, with ample
opportunity to see and photograph
giant tortoises in the wild. (B,L,D)
Day 8 • Friday Española Island
Enjoy a Zodiac ride before wading
ashore to Punta Suarez through a
sea lion colony. Walk along the cliffs
looking for waved albatrosses,
Galapagos hawks, Hood mockingbirds
and the red-colored race of marine
iguana en route to Española’s blowhole,
where waves spout 90 feet into the
air. Swim, snorkel and kayak in the
waters off Gardner Bay. (B,L,D)
Day 9 • Saturday San Cristóbal
Day 10 • Sunday Guayaquil / U.S.
Island / Guayaquil Return to San
Board independent flights home.
(Meals Aloft)
Cristóbal and visit the Interpretation
Center. Fly to Guayaquil, where we
have time to relax and spend tonight
at the Oro Verde. (B,L)
Urubamba Market and spend tonight
at the Aranwa Hotel. (B,L,D)
Days 11 & 12 • Monday & Tuesday Machu Picchu Board the train to
Machu Picchu, where we spend the
afternoon exploring the ruins. Spend
the next two nights at the Inkaterra
Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. (B,L,D)
Optional Machu Picchu & Cusco
Extension
Day 9 • Saturday Galapagos /
Guayaquil / Lima Disembark and fly
to Guayaquil to connect with flights
to Lima. Overnight at the Costa del
Sol. (B,L Aloft)
Day 10 • Sunday Cusco /
Urubamba Valley Fly to Cusco —
the heart of the Inca Empire. Drive
into the historic Urubamba Valley,
stopping in Chinchero to browse
Andean handicrafts. Visit the
Day 13 • Wednesday Ollantaytambo /
Sacsayhuamán / Cusco Catch
the morning train back to the Sacred
Valley. Explore the mighty archaeological wonder of Ollantaytambo,
where ancient temples and fortresses
were built to protect the Sacred
Valley. After a Paso Fino horse show
at Wayra Ranch, continue to Cusco.
We stop at Sacsayhuamán — a huge
fortress of massive stones which
zigzags across the side of the
mountain. Spend tonight at the
Aranwa Hotel. (B,L,D)
All itineraries are subject to approval by
the Galapagos National Park and may vary
according to changes in park regulations.
Day 14 • Thursday Cusco Stroll the
streets of Cusco, exploring the
Koricancha — also known as Santo
Domingo, Santa Catalina Convent
and the Cathedral. The afternoon is
free to explore on your own before
a farewell dinner featuring Andean
fare. Return to the Aranwa Hotel for
the night. (B,L,D)
Day 15 • Friday Cusco / Lima / En
Route Fly back across the Andes
to Lima. Enjoy a superb lunch of
local delicacies before an afternoon
at leisure.Dayrooms are available
at the Swissôtel. Transfer to the
airport this evening for flights
home. (B,L)
Day 16 • Saturday Arrive Arrive and connect with your
flight home. (Meals Aloft)
Experience Evolution
Unpretentious Comfort and Unrivaled Service
— the 32-Guest M/V Evolution.
Your Private Retreat Onboard
The ship’s newly renovated interior is fully airconditioned, and cabins on all three decks offer
ample storage space, a writing desk, bedside tables
and private facilities. The Evolution’s spacious cabins
— ranging from approximately 143 to 263 square
feet — are the largest cabins on average in the
Galapagos and the perfect haven for an afternoon
siesta between our frequent excursions.
Friendly Ambiance and
Spacious Public Areas
While the Evolution may carry just 32 guests, she is
generous in size with a host of amenities. From
relaxing on the sun deck to reading in the lounge,
you’re sure to relish the friendly ambiance. Enjoy
briefings by our naturalists in our comfortable
lounge. Or spend time with a snack and your fellow
passengers at the canopied bar, a superb place
for watching the sun set over the Pacific. After
excursions, relax in the hot tub or find a cushy deck
chair while enjoying more outside space than any
other yacht of this class.
Whether in the dining room or al fresco
dining area, each meal is something to rave
about. Meals feature both international and
traditional Ecuadorian cuisine, from fresh
fruit juices and savory snacks to lobster and
sumptuous soups.
o c t o b e r 1 6 -2 5 , 2 0 1 5
cabins C4-C5 & D1-D4
Double Occupancy�� $5,698
Single Occupancy��$7,198
cabins C1-C3 & C6-C9
Double Occupancy�� $6,098
cabins A2 & A3
Double Occupancy�� $6,598
cabin A1
Double Occupancy�� $6,998
Plus In-Country Airfare
(Guayaquil / Galapagos / Guayaquil) ��$575
Park Fee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $110
In-country airfare is subject to change and must be purchased
through International Expeditions.
Triple Occupancy Discount: 3rd person saves $1,000.
Select Cabins Only.
Limited cabins available for solo travelers, some
with no single supplement fee — a savings of
$1,400. Call for availability.
$500 discount for kids 7-18
The roof deck is a popular place to relax and discuss the
day’s events or dance with local musicians.
A1
CREW
A3
A2
A1
A2
BRIDGEBRIDGE
A1
CREW
A3
CREW
PANTRY
BOARDING
PLATFORM
AL FRESCO
DINING AREA
CREW
RECEPTION
AREA
LOUNGE
RECEPTION
AREA
LOUNGE
DINING ROOM
C7
GALLEY
PANTRY
RECEPTION
AREA
CREW
C6
C7
C5
C6
C5
RECEPTION
AREA
C4
GALLEY
C4
C8
CREW
C7
C6
C5
GALLEY
CREW
A full-time
INFIRMARYdoctor is always
C9 available,
and joins your excursions.
LOUNGE
C8
CREW
C9
CREW
INFIRMARY
C2
C1
C3
C8
CREW
CREW
C9
C2
C1
C3
C4
C5
ENGINE ROOM
CREW
C6
CREW
ENGINE ROOM
C3
CREW
ENGINE ROOM
C4
C8
C3
CREW CREW
ENGINE ROOM
D4
C2
CREW
D1C1
C9
CREW
D4
D1
CREW
C2
D3
D4
D3
D2C1
D1
D2
D4
D3
D1
D2
D3
D2
On All Departures
Park Fee�� $185
In-Country Airfare ��$386
What’s Included
INFIRMARY
CREW
Double Occupancy��$3,198
Single Occupancy �� $4,096
Park fees and in-country airfare are subject to change.
In-country airfare must be purchased through IE.
JACUZZI
CREW
INFIRMARY
SUN DECK
BOARDING
PLATFORM
Delicious meals using local ingredients (when
GALLEY
AL FRESCO
possible)DINING
are prepared
each
C7 day onboard.
AREA
DINING ROOM
CREW
CREW
LOUNGE
JACUZZI
A2
DINING ROOM
CREW
JACUZZIJACUZZI
PANTRY
SUN DECK
DINING ROOM
BRIDGE
BAR
BOARDING
BOARDING
PLATFORM
PLATFORM
AL FRESCO
DINING AREA
A2 A3
SUN DECK
SUN DECK
A1
Lots of outdoor space allows
you to “soak up” the sights and
sounds of the Galapagos.
BRIDGE
BAR
Our boarding
platform
makes it easy to embark Zodiacs for
ROOF
DECK
shore excursions or to follow a pod of whales.
PANTRY
AL FRESCO
ROOF
DINING
AREADECK
Join the Captain on the Bridge
for lessons in navigation or to
practice your Spanish.
A3
BAR
ROOF DECK
BAR
ROOF DECK
Machu Picchu & Cusco Extension
Accommodations and
meals as shown
Snorkeling gear and
wet suits
All excursions
accompanied by English
speaking naturalist
guides.
Full educational
program with lectures
and field interpretation
Complete predeparture information to
help you get the most
out of your expedition.
All scheduled
transportation by land
and ship.
All transfers, porterage
and service charges.
In summary, everything except international and in-country
airfare; ticketing fee; U.S. domestic and international
departure taxes; Galapagos National Park tax & transit
fees; 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.
Deposits & Payments: $600 deposit due at time of
application. Final payment due 90 days prior to departure.
Ship’s Registry: Ecuador
Staff & Crew: 16
Ship Length: 204 ft.
Ship Width: 29 ft.
Cabin Sizes
A1: 263 sq. ft.
A2 & A3: approx. 198 sq. ft.
C1-C3: approx. 183 sq. ft.
C4-C5: approx. 143 sq. ft.
C6-C9: approx. 183 sq. ft.
D1-D4: approx. 178 sq. ft.
Cancellations: $300 from time of booking until 90 days
prior to departure. 50% from 89-61 days prior to departure.
100% penalty 60-0 days prior to departure.
Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute
approval by the State of California. CST:2045230-20
Explore
galapagos
darwin’s enchanted isles
aboard the 32-guest m/v evolution
For more information contact:
Dr. Patrick M. Burchfield, Ed.D. M.S.
Director-Gladys Porter Zoo
500 Ringgold Street
Brownsville TX, 78520
[email protected]
(956) 546-7187