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... - help us to fulfill our mission!</p>]]></content:encoded>
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<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" > <channel> <title>RSS Ecuador Travel</title> <link>http://ecuador-travel-guide.com/</link> <description>Ecuador Travel</description> <lastBuildDate>Mon, 13 Sep 2021 02:17:41 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en</language> <sy:updatePeriod>daily</sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency> <item> <title>Ecuador Travel agency</title> <description>Browse this site to learn about the huge variety of programs and travel options that are on offer in Ecuador and email us with any questions, or with your ideas so we can help you to create your perfect travel itinerary ...</description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="/img/shopping_shopping_center_puerto_rico.jpg" alt="Ecuador Travel Agency" align="left" /><p>Browse this site to learn about the huge variety of programs and travel options that are on offer in Ecuador and email us with any questions, or with your ideas so we can help you to create your perfect travel itinerary! Educational travel implies visiting a country like Ecuador with the aim of actively learning about it - its history, its environment, its culture, society, politics, or any particular theme of interest as an inquisitive traveler. It is tourism with an educational slant, giving a different meaning to the journey that one undertakes. At True Ecuador Travel we have years of experience and contact with indigenous groups, cultures, grass-roots organizations, and other tour providers and agencies, so that we can work with you to design and organize a rewarding educational tour or package. Ethical travel implies that the traveler has a sense of the impact of their journey on the environment and their presence on the places that they visit. It is also called responsible travel, and issues such as the imbalances and interconnections between developed and developing countries, the impact on the environment, issues of human rights and social development all affect the decision of where to travel. Ecuador offers a wide range of experiences and insights to the ethical traveler and True Ecuador Travel will be delighted to help you create a fulfilling program. Profits from our operations are invested in the ongoing projects of our foundation - Yanapuma Foundation - working with indigenous and marginalized communities to promote sustainable development. Our projects have included education, health and nutrition, reforestation, cultural preservation and language rescue, sustainable economies, sanitation, vegetable gardens and improved cacao production. Traveling with True Ecuador Travel offers a way to travel ethically and responsibly. Ecuador is a microcosm, encompassing a huge variety of geographical environments in very close proximity in addition to a wealth of disctinct cultures who have formed unique relationships with these environments. From the Amazon jungle in the East, to the spine of the Andes Mountains down the center, to the Pacific coast on the West and the Galapagos Islands archepelago in the Pacific ocean, there is so much to see, and one can travel from snow-capped volcanos to cloud forest or jungle in a matter of hours. And with over 17 distinct indigenous groups with 14 unique languages, there is a wealth of culture to explore and learn about. True Ecuador Travel is a full-service travel agency and tour operator in Ecuador that is the travel arm of Yanapuma Foundation, a non-profit NGO formed in 2006 with the mission to promote sustainable development in indigenous and marginalized communities around Ecuador. We operate on a "social enterprise" model, generating income from our own operations to fund our own project work. Yanapuma also runs a Spanish school with two branches - one in Quito and the other in Cuenca - along with a volunteer department that receives international volunteers and groups to carry out development projects around the country. These initiatives also make a valuable contribution to our work both financially and through direct work on projects. The lodges, programs, tours, and projects that we offer on these web pages are all chosen for their high standards - ethically and environmentally, as well as for the general standard of service that they offer the visitor. We recommend them based on customer feedback and their well-earned reputation for excellence. Throughout the year in Ecuador there are events and changes of season to take into consideration when planning your trip. Events Climate Through our non-profit NGO, Fundación Yanapuma, we carry out reforestation projects each year, planting between 8, 000 to 16, 000 trees. Travel Ecuador with True Ecuador Travel and be carbon neutral - help us to fulfill our mission!</p>]]></content:encoded> <category><![CDATA[Ecuador Travel]]></category> <link>http://ecuador-travel-guide.com/EcuadorTravel/ecuador-travel-agency</link> <guid isPermaLink="true">http://ecuador-travel-guide.com/EcuadorTravel/ecuador-travel-agency</guid> <pubDate>Mon, 13 Sep 2021 02:17:00 +0000</pubDate> </item> <item> <title>Airport Galapagos</title> <description>The Galapagos Islands, a group of 19 islands some 620 miles west of the South American continent, are a remote and isolated region. Although there are three airports in the island group capable of General Aviation (GA) ...</description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="/img/baltra_airport_galapagos_islands_tarmac_red.jpg" alt="Baltra-airport-galapagos" align="left" /><p>The Galapagos Islands, a group of 19 islands some 620 miles west of the South American continent, are a remote and isolated region. Although there are three airports in the island group capable of General Aviation (GA) operations, each has its own restrictions with limited operating hours, aircraft parking, and service options. It’s also important to be mindful of unique Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) clearance procedures/requirements when planning a trip to the islands. The following is an overview of what you need to know: 1. The Galapagos has no airports of entry The Galapagos have three primary airports – Seymour (SEGS), General Villamil (SEII), and San Cristobal (SEST) – but none is an Airport of Entry (AOE). No overtime is possible at any of these locations, and no night-time operations are permitted. All aircraft operating to the Galapagos must first land at an AOE on the Ecuadorian mainland – – to clear CIQ inbound and return to an AOE on the mainland to clear outbound CIQ. Ecuador Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) will not approve international flights to/from the Galapagos under any circumstances. You’ll also need to set up airport formalities and ground handling arrangements in advance for your stop(s) in the Galapagos. 2. Operating restrictions Charter (non-scheduled commercial) flights are not permitted to operate to the Galapagos. Private non-revenue flights with more than 20 passengers are also prohibited from operations to the islands. Prior permission required is not needed for Galapagos operations, and the only airport requiring slots on the island chain is SEGS. There are no noise restrictions, at this time, to consider for any of the Galapagos Islands airports. There is no maintenance available at any of these airports, so it’s recommended that operators carry spare primary tires, as well as an enhanced spares kit, in the event there are issues after landing. 3. Local infrastructure It’s important to be mindful that hotel and local transport options are very limited on the islands. Arrangements should be made several weeks in advance, particularly during high season. 4. Seymour (SEGS) airport information SEGS is located on the island of Santa Cruz, and this airfield is only available for daylight instrument flight rules operations. GA aircraft are restricted to operations 0800-0900 and 1300-1345 local. Note that fuel and lav services are not available and cannot be arranged for this location. Due to limited ramp space and ramp construction activities, no overnight parking is currently possible at SEGS. Aircraft may, however, drop off passengers and reposition to SEST, SEGU, or SEMT for the duration of their stays. GA passengers must arrive/depart via the VIP lounge at SEGS, and there’s a fee for using this facility. Be advised that a flight dispatcher must accompany the aircraft from SEGS to the chosen reposition airport. If your aircraft is not able to accommodate a flight dispatcher, it’s the operator’s responsibility to pay the cost of having a dispatcher repositioned to the airport you’re relocating to. Airport slots, with validities of +/- 15 min, are required for all operations to SEGS, and slots can be arranged by your ground handler. Note that runway 32/14 is 7, 876 feet long by 115 feet wide and has precision approach path indicator lights. The Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower frequency is 122.2. Aircraft security services are not necessary for SEGS; however, additional aircraft security can be arranged with advance notification. 5. General Villamil (SEII) airport information SEII is available to GA 0600-1800 local. There’s no ATC tower at this location, no fire department, no runway lighting, and no fuel available. All flights to SEII should be operated during Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) on arrival/departure. Airport slots are not required for SEII. Only one air navigation system is available, and this operates at 246 kHz. It’s recommended that a ground handling agent be onboard to help supervise correct landing/takeoff procedures. Aircraft parking should always be confirmed before making hotel reservations. Be aware that hotel availability on all the islands is very limited. Runway 35/17 is 4, 921 feet long by 98 feet wide, with an asphalt surface, high-intensity runway lights, and both centerline and touchdown lights. 6. San Cristobal (SEST) airport information SEST is located on San Cristobal Island and has GA hours of operations 0700-0945, 1200-sunset local, seven days a week. No overtime is possible outside of normal airport hours. There’s scheduled commercial activity at this airport, and priority is given to these operations. Peak operating hours at SEST should be considered, and your 3rd-party provider will have the latest peak hour updates. Runway 35/17 is 6, 036 feet long and asphalt-surfaced but somewhat rough and narrow – at 98 feet wide – with no lights. This runway has turnaround areas at each end although these are not depicted on airport charts. Note that lav services are not available at this location, and no overnight parking is possible. Three GA parking spaces are available, but you’ll only be able to park at SEST to drop off/pick up of passengers. Conclusion Always consider operating restrictions and aircraft service limitations, when traveling to the Galapagos. It’s recommended to carry spare primary tires, as well as an enhanced spares kit. If you have issues with the runways or maintenance, you’ll need as much backup as possible.</p>]]></content:encoded> <category><![CDATA[Highest And Tallest Mountain]]></category> <link>http://ecuador-travel-guide.com/HighestAndTallestMountain/airport-galapagos</link> <guid isPermaLink="true">http://ecuador-travel-guide.com/HighestAndTallestMountain/airport-galapagos</guid> <pubDate>Tue, 07 Sep 2021 01:55:00 +0000</pubDate> </item> <item> <title>Isla de Galapagos</title> <description>Rugged Isla de la Plata is perfect for hikers, and boobies. A 40-tonne, barnacle-speckled humpback whale glided underneath our small craft like an enormous shadow. I clung on to a slippery rail while the boat bucked and hopped on ...</description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="/img/ecuador_y_las_islas_galapagos_buceo.jpg" alt="Islas Galapagos" align="left" /><p>Rugged Isla de la Plata is perfect for hikers, and boobies. A 40-tonne, barnacle-speckled humpback whale glided underneath our small craft like an enormous shadow. I clung on to a slippery rail while the boat bucked and hopped on the steel-blue Pacific waves. "Don't worry, " said our captain, "they just like to scratch their backs against the hull." From June to September, whale sightings – if not always as close as ours – are virtually guaranteed off the coast of Ecuador's Manabí province. I'd set sail just half an hour earlier from the dusty port town of Puerto López, the base for trips around Machalilla national park, the country's largest protected coastal area. It was another bumpy hour to Isla de la Plata, or Silver Island. Some say the uninhabited island derives its name from the centuries-old buried treasure of Sir Francis Drake. Others that "silver" refers to the large deposits of guano that stain its dark cliffs. It's also been christened the poor-person's Galapagos by the likes of Lonely Planet and Frommer's for its abundance of marine birdlife. After negotiating the steep path to the island's central plateau, I could understand why. Seemingly fearless blue-footed boobies padded inquisitively alongside us in their striking footwear. We crept past pairs of nesting waved albatrosses, while frigate birds perched in the trees like strange fruit, the males' vivid red throats inflated to attract a mate. Hugo from the Netherlands – on his first trip to Ecuador since he was a naturalist guide in the Galapagos almost 30 years before – was entranced. As we watched a blue-footed booby trying to placate its hungry chick, I asked him how it measured up. "If you'd brought me here blindfolded I would say we were definitely on the islands. Definitely." A blue-footed booby on Isla de la Plata, Ecuador. Back in Puerto López, fishermen dragged ashore their nets under siege from frigate birds. Primary-coloured taxi motos plied their trade along the malecón and shrimps were sold from ramshackle wooden stalls. It was tempting to linger over a delicious ceviche, washed down with beer but I, too, was making a return journey – to the pioneering eco lodge, Alandaluz, a 15-minute drive along the coast. It was 15 years since I'd first first visited Alandaluz. Then it was a backpackers' word-of-mouth find, built from bamboo and palm thatch – the kind of place you went for a couple of days and stayed for a couple of weeks. I slept alfresco in a hammock, lulled by the roar of the ocean. But in 1997, a malevolent El Niño flattened the lodge. Everything had to be rebuilt, this time using a sturdier combination of local stone and plaster as well as bamboo. Now there's a swimming pool, a small shop selling local crafts and the chance to ride bikes and horses and go diving and kayaking.</p>]]></content:encoded> <category><![CDATA[Islands Ecuador]]></category> <link>http://ecuador-travel-guide.com/IslandsEcuador/isla-de-galapagos</link> <guid isPermaLink="true">http://ecuador-travel-guide.com/IslandsEcuador/isla-de-galapagos</guid> <pubDate>Wed, 01 Sep 2021 01:19:00 +0000</pubDate> </item> <item> <title>Galapagos Islands Blue footed Booby</title> <description>PAST PROJECT: Blue-footed Booby Population Analysis PARTNER: Dr. David Anderson, Wake Forest University STATUS: Blue-footed boobies ( Sula nebouxii ) are iconic elements of the biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands, but concerns ...</description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="/img/ecuador_galapagos_islands_blue_footed_booby.jpg" alt="Ecuador, Galapagos Islands" align="left" /><p>PAST PROJECT: Blue-footed Booby Population Analysis PARTNER: Dr. David Anderson, Wake Forest University STATUS: Blue-footed boobies ( Sula nebouxii ) are iconic elements of the biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands, but concerns that the booby population was declining on an island-wide scale prompted the need for a comprehensive study to assess the current population size and understand the cause of the decline. The latest research paper on this project in the online journal Avian Conservation and Ecology confirms the decline in population, and suggests that it may be closely tied to a decline in clupeid fish, especially sardines (Sardinops sagax), in the boobies’ diet. The results of this project, which was completed in April 2014, suggest that the Blue-footed Booby population is having trouble breeding, resulting in a slowly declining population that is experiencing typical adult mortality but little replenishment from new young adults. Project data suggest that the decline may be long-term; however, data collection on an annual basis is needed to provide sufficient evidence to conclude that this is a permanent condition and not just a normal fluctuation that may last several years. Project Overview In May 2011, seabird biologists Dave Anderson of Wake Forest University, Kate Huyvaert of Colorado State University, and Ecuadorian Master’s degree student David Anchundia began the first comprehensive survey of Blue-footed Booby distribution and population dynamics in the archipelago with support from Galapagos Conservancy, Galapagos Conservation Trust, and Swiss Friends of Galapagos. This effort came in response to concerns of several long-time Galapagos observers that this iconic species seems to be declining in numbers. Traditional breeding sites seem to be largely unattended and without successful nesting; indeed, the large colony of hundreds of nests at Anderson’s research site on Española Island has been essentially unused since 1997. The project began with a survey of the entire coastline of Galapagos, excluding the northern-most islands (Genovesa, Marchena, Pinta, Darwin, and Wolf), where Blue-footed Boobies almost never venture. That effort revealed a critical clue: only two birds in juvenile plumage were seen in the entire survey area . Blue-footed Boobies show the distinctive juvenile plumage from the moment that they become independent from their parents until around two years old. This was a change from the 1980s and 1990s, when birds in juvenile plumage were common throughout the archipelago, except in the northern tier of islands. The absence of these young birds at the beginning of the study was an immediate indication of something noteworthy in the Galapagos population of Blue-footed Boobies. the research team completed four rounds of intensive searches of major breeding colonies in the archipelago at four-month intervals. During the first round of searches, large aggregations of birds were observed at most colonies, and the team successfully banded more than 700 birds. Since then, few of the banded birds have been sighted because attendance at breeding colonies has been very low. With few or no fledglings that can eventually recruit into the population, balancing natural losses of adults to old age and the other hazards of life will be impossible. The virtual absence of juveniles in May 2011 probably indicates that little successful breeding occurred during the previous two years (at least). a coastal survey of Blue-footed Boobies was conducted around the entire archipelago except the few northern islands mentioned above. This effort required ten people in 5 different boats, and occurred over 3 consecutive days. This method minimized double-counting and misses due to movements of birds among sites. Few juvenile birds were observed (500 individual prey items were sardines. This is much less than their diet of essentially 100% sardines found during good times, suggesting that the birds find this diet sufficient to live but insufficient to breed. Other factors may be involved, but there is no evidence yet of effects of introduced predators, disease, and/or persecution by humans. Monitoring of the population at four-month intervals continued through January 2013 to provide as clear a picture as possible of the population status of this trademark Galapagos species. However, further monitoring will be necessary to better determine the long-term status of the Blue-footed Booby population. Recommendations In April of 2014, Dr. Anderson and his team published a peer-reviewed research paper in the online journal Avian Conservation and Ecology titled which supports his case that the reduction in the Blue-footed Booby population may be closely tied to a decline in clupeid fish, especially sardines (Sardinops sagax).</p>]]></content:encoded> <category><![CDATA[Galapagos Islands Ecuador]]></category> <link>http://ecuador-travel-guide.com/GalapagosIslandsEcuador/galapagos-islands-blue-footed-booby</link> <guid isPermaLink="true">http://ecuador-travel-guide.com/GalapagosIslandsEcuador/galapagos-islands-blue-footed-booby</guid> <pubDate>Thu, 26 Aug 2021 01:14:00 +0000</pubDate> </item> <item> <title>Activities in Ecuador</title> <description>Banos Travel Guide, up-to-date information on activities and Things to do, tour operators, travel agencies, hotels, hostels, maps, tourist information, weather forecast, food, attractions, nightlife, restaurants, travel tips and ...</description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="/img/activities_in_ecuador_the_galapagos_original.jpg" alt="Activities in Ecuador & The" align="left" /><p>Banos Travel Guide, up-to-date information on activities and Things to do, tour operators, travel agencies, hotels, hostels, maps, tourist information, weather forecast, food, attractions, nightlife, restaurants, travel tips and much more. Free and reliable information about Baños de Agua Santa Ecuador. Situated in a valley of waterfalls and hotsprings, Baños has become a popular destination for travellers seeking year-round temperate weather, a small town atmosphere, and a base for exploring the great Ecuadorian outdoors. Located four hours by bus from Quito, Baños has a lot to offer. The following activities are in the top list : Rafting, Kayaking, Canyoning, Rock Climbing, Paragliding, Mountain Biking, Trekking, Bridge Jumping, Zip Lining, Horse Riding and much more. Also from Banos you will get very easy access to Riobamba, the starting point of the exhilarating train journey down the Devil’s Nose to the coast and to Puyo, one of the gateways to the Amazon. Baños also serves as a popular site for studying Spanish — a mellower and cheaper alternative to Quito. The name Baños (pronounced by some people Banios or Banos) came from the hot springs found all around the city. The baths, “baños”, are located just a few blocks away from the city center. Baños water is sometimes yellow colored by the high mineral content, and the temperature varies by the amount of cold water mixed into the bath. I suggest you go and enjoy at least once the thermal springs in town. Preferably, La Virgen hot springs – this is one of the hot spots for locals and tourists alike . Also there are springs located in Santa Clara that feature a sauna and a gym as well. El Salado hot springs are 5 minutes away if you take a local bus or a taxi. Some other hot springs such as, Santa Ana, and Eduardo’s baths are near town. Just ask a friendly local who will assist you with directions once you are in the city. Midweek, Baños is a sanctuary of peace and tranquility. The big events are the occasional performance of a traditional Andean band, the nightly English language movie at the Hood Cinema, or beers with friends at one of the local bars. However, on the weekends and during holidays, Baños explodes with carnival-like festivities. Children straggle behind their parents with neon balloons and sticky sweets; photographers position themselves on street corners offering instant snapshots; a cartoonish caterpillar train on wheels toots through town; and women in pastel painted stalls sell everything from hand-woven sweaters to imitation barbie dolls. Tables spilling out of cafes onto sidewalks provide the ideal location to watch the lively scene of Baños go by while enjoying a papaya or sugar cane juice.</p>]]></content:encoded> <category><![CDATA[Islands Ecuador]]></category> <link>http://ecuador-travel-guide.com/IslandsEcuador/activities-in-ecuador</link> <guid isPermaLink="true">http://ecuador-travel-guide.com/IslandsEcuador/activities-in-ecuador</guid> <pubDate>Fri, 20 Aug 2021 00:45:00 +0000</pubDate> </item> <item> <title>Things to do in the Galapagos</title> <description>From sea lions to tortoises, to blue-footed boobies and rare iguanas, you’ll quickly lose yourself in the many wonders of these incredible islands. For most of us it’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, so you want to make sure ...</description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="/img/things_to_do_in_the_galapagos.jpg" alt="The Galapagos is a study in" align="left" /><p>From sea lions to tortoises, to blue-footed boobies and rare iguanas, you’ll quickly lose yourself in the many wonders of these incredible islands. For most of us it’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, so you want to make sure you cover off all the highlights and then some. Here, travel bloggers and possibly the most adventurous couple we know, The Planet D, nominate their must-see experiences on a tour of the Galapagos… “Straddling the Equator 1000 km off the coast of Ecuador is a magical archipelago of volcanic islands known as the Galapagos. It is here you will find one of the world’s most unique ecosystems, housing species endemic only this South American Environment. The islands became famous after Charles Darwin returned from his 5-year voyage on the Beagle in 1836. It was his study of the geology and wildlife that sparked the ideas for his theory of evolution. The Galapagos Islands have a long and turbulent history where species of turtles and birds were hunted to extinction, whaling ships nearly bled the waters dry and invasive species wiped out the ecosystem. But thanks to conservation efforts, the Galapagos Islands are thriving and adventurous travellers sail their pristine waters and sunbathe on deserted beaches while in search of blue-footed boobies and the giant Galapagos tortoise. There is a lot to do in the Galapagos, so we’ve narrowed down our favourite experiences we had there while taking part in an Active Galapagos tour with Intrepid Travel. Here are our top 6 things that you’ll love in the Galapagos Islands: 1. Swim with sea lions Snorkelling in the Galapagos Islands is like nowhere else on earth. It’s one thing to see fish swim by as you float above a coral reef, it’s a completely other experience to interact with wild sea lions. They are curious creatures and within a few minutes of entering the water, you may find yourself surrounded by a group of playful pups spinning and jumping right beside you. The more you play with them, the more excited they’ll become and they will come in for a closer look. So much so that they may even try to snatch your camera out of your hands! 2. Snorkel with sharks The Galapagos sharks are well fed, due to the rich ecosystem, so you don’t have to worry about becoming their next meal when you hop in the waters with them. Head over to ‘Sleeping Lion Rock’ and be swept along with the swift current that takes you through the crack of two massive formations. The real excitement begins once your drift is over though as you’ll come out on the other side, where the sharks hang out. Don’t be afraid though, they’re simply curious creatures that circle around and dive back down. If you’re lucky, you may spot several at once! 3. Hike the Sierra Negra On the island of San Isabella, you will find a grand active volcano called the Sierra Negra. It is the world’s second largest caldera (the first can be found in Yellowstone National Park in the US) with the last eruption happening as recent as 2005. You’ll be mesmerised as you walk through lava fields and giant cones left over from lava flowing to the ocean below. Bring plenty of water though, because it’s a full day hike and it gets hot on the unforgiving rock. 4. Visit the Galapagos tortoise A trip to the Galapagos wouldn’t be complete without seeing the gigantic Galapagos tortoise, after all the Galapagos Islands are named after this land dwelling reptile. Galapago is Spanish for ‘saddle’ and early settlers decided that the tortoises’ shell resembled a saddle. Thus the name Galapagos was born. The Galapagos tortoise can reach a weight of 500 pounds and live to the age of 150 years. There are sanctuaries on the island of Santa Cruz where you can learn all about conservation efforts and see the tortoise in its natural habitat. 5. Mountain bike Most people think that you cannot stay on the islands of the Galapagos. We thought that before we took our Intrepid tour. As it turns out, there is an entire community of 25, 000 permanent residents in the Galapagos and staying on the islands is the best part of the experience. Sipping coffee on the island of San Cristobal while watching sea lions laze on park benches is a beautiful experience. But you can’t relax all day long, this is the Galapagos after all, so take a mountain bike tour from the top of the island and cycle through wild forests and local villages. A nature walk follows the mountain bike tour to the beach where you’ll see frigate birds, boobies, sea lions and marine iguanas sunning themselves on the rocks and sand. 6. Take a history lesson The Galapagos Islands have a rich history and it is worth exploring while visiting. You can check out Pirates Cave on San Isabella. Pirates used to hide out in the Galapagos and traces of their existence can be found throughout the islands. The Galapagos was once a penal colony for prisoners from the mainland. Its distance from anywhere makes escape nearly impossible. It was a brutal environment and you can visit the Wall of Tears to witness just how harsh the conditions were for the prisoners. The Galapagos was also a strategic base for the US Navy during World War II. As you can see, there is so much to do in the Galapagos Islands especially when you stay on land. Yes, everyone comes for the snorkeling and diving and a sail through the islands is spectacular, but remember, there is a lot more to the Galapagos than meets the eye. Try surfing at the local hang out or sea kayaking with penguins. Eat at the local restaurants and hike through the many nature trails. With a little exploring, you’ll see beyond the usual tourist route and experience the trip of a lifetime.”</p>]]></content:encoded> <category><![CDATA[Galapagos Cruise]]></category> <link>http://ecuador-travel-guide.com/GalapagosCruise/things-to-do-in-the-galapagos</link> <guid isPermaLink="true">http://ecuador-travel-guide.com/GalapagosCruise/things-to-do-in-the-galapagos</guid> <pubDate>Sat, 14 Aug 2021 00:45:00 +0000</pubDate> </item> <item> <title>Galapagos Islands Diving</title> <description>What are the best Galapagos dive sites? Live Aboard: Darwin and Wolf Islands. Here, you´ll have the best chance to see whale sharks and massive schools of hammerheads. Land-based: Gordon Rocks for hammerheads, North Seymour for ...</description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="/img/galapagos_diving.jpg" alt="Galapagos Islands Photo" align="left" /><p>What are the best Galapagos dive sites? Live Aboard: Darwin and Wolf Islands. Here, you´ll have the best chance to see whale sharks and massive schools of hammerheads. Land-based: Gordon Rocks for hammerheads, North Seymour for white tips. When is best time to go diving? June-December, with September-November offering up bigger stuff, but colder water temps. It is cold water diving all year-round, but even COLDER at this time of year, with thermoclines too. 7mm wetsuits (or two!) will be needed, as well as hood and gloves during this time. What´s the weather like in Galapagos? There are two seasons in the Galapagos Islands: June to December, the islands experience their cooler, dryer “garua” season. January to May is the warmer season. How do I get to the Galapagos Islands? There are several daily flights to the Galapagos Islands (Baltra/ Santa Cruz Island, or San Cristobal Island) from Guayaquil and Quito cities on the mainland of Ecuador. Many dive packages will include the flights. How much experience is required? Galapagos dive sites can be challenging due to currents and surges. Only experienced divers should be going on live aboards (Minimum Advanced Open Water, 30 logged dives, and experience in cold water and currents) What are the diving conditions like? Galapagos diving conditions can be challenging. Currents are moderate to strong and may require you to grab hold of the rocks below the surface so you don´t drift away. Surge can offer up difficulties during your safety stops. The average visibility is 10 – 21m (30 – 70ft), but can often be even less. Divers must follow their Dive Master rules and the Galapagos Marine Reserve rules at all times. Divers must stick with the group and Dive Master constantly, remain with their buddies, and ascend in pairs. Safety Stops are obligatory for all Galapagos dives. What are the Safety Standards? All live aboards use top of the line navigational equipment, safety aides, and safety equipment, including: VHF and HI-SUB radios, GMDSS, Furuno GPS, Depthsounder with alarm, EPIRB, defibrillator, Oxygen system and first aid kit. All of the required safety equipment and drills are carried out. What Should I Bring? Besides an underwater camera or video camera to capture all the magic, we recommend bringing necessary items for the land visits, such as a good sun hat, sunscreen and eye protection. The sun here is extremely strong. Be sure to bring your diving license and insurance information as well. What Equipment Should I Pack? Divers are encouraged to bring their own equipment to the Galapagos Islands. Your dive watch and other diving gadgets are key, as well as a valve adapter for DIN valves. Some equipment can be rented, but be sure to book ahead to get the right sizing. You will not need to bring weights and weight belts, unless you prefer a weight-integrated belt. Do I Need Insurance? Yes. Diving insurance is mandatory for the Galapagos Islands. Do not confuse regular medical insurance with diving specific insurance, like DAN (Divers Alert Network. There is a Hyperbaric Chamber in Puerto Ayora, and all live-aboards charge an extra $35 fee to help keep this important service and its staff operational in the islands. Is there a Minimum or Maximum Age Restriction? Under certain circumstances, depending on your dive application, health certifications may be required. Children 10 and older are allowed only if they are certified divers. If non divers, children must be 16 years of age or older. Arrival / Departure Arrivals and departures in Galapagos can take place in one of two airports: San Cristobal Island, or on Baltra Island (the airport used for Santa Cruz Island). Upon leaving Quito or Guayaquil, all passengers are charged a $10 US Transit Control Card, and upon arrival to the Galapagos Islands, a $100 (Subject to change) US National Park Entrance Fee is charged to all international passengers. What About the Meals? All of the meals are included on live-aboards. The Galapagos Sky and the Aggressor Fleet include National Brand alcoholic beverages, while other live aboards do not include alcohol. Each ship offers up a range of national and international cuisine to satisfy the weary diver! For day-trip diving, snacks, water and soda or juice, as well as a meal are included throughout the day.</p>]]></content:encoded> <category><![CDATA[Galapagos Islands Ecuador]]></category> <link>http://ecuador-travel-guide.com/GalapagosIslandsEcuador/galapagos-islands-diving</link> <guid isPermaLink="true">http://ecuador-travel-guide.com/GalapagosIslandsEcuador/galapagos-islands-diving</guid> <pubDate>Fri, 10 Apr 2015 07:55:00 +0000</pubDate> </item> <item> <title>CDC Travel Ecuador</title> <description>Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor (ideally, 4-6 weeks) before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. All travelers You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any ...</description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="/img/bernardo_marcondes_china.jpg" alt="E sim por necessidade de" align="left" /><p>Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor (ideally, 4-6 weeks) before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. All travelers You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot. Most travelers Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting. CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Ecuador, regardless of where you are eating or staying. You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Ecuador. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater. Some travelers Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US. You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures. When traveling in Ecuador, you should avoid mosquito bites to prevent malaria. You may need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria, depending on your travel plans, such as where you are going, when you are traveling, and if you are spending a lot of time outdoors or sleeping outside. Talk to your doctor about how you can prevent malaria while traveling. For more information on malaria in Ecuador, see malaria in Ecuador.</p>]]></content:encoded> <category><![CDATA[Ecuador Travel]]></category> <link>http://ecuador-travel-guide.com/EcuadorTravel/cdc-travel-ecuador</link> <guid isPermaLink="true">http://ecuador-travel-guide.com/EcuadorTravel/cdc-travel-ecuador</guid> <pubDate>Thu, 30 May 2019 13:09:00 +0000</pubDate> </item> <item> <title>Honeymoon Galapagos Islands</title> <description>Upon Arrival to Isabela Island pick up and transfer from the airport or main dock to Iguana Crossing Boutique Hotel. Free afternoon to enjoy the beach and local food. Dinner, and overnight at the hotel. DAY 2: "SIERRA NEGRA ...</description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="/img/top_20_luxury_honeymoon_destinations_travelsort.jpg" alt="Top 20 Luxury Honeymoon" align="left" /><p>Upon Arrival to Isabela Island pick up and transfer from the airport or main dock to Iguana Crossing Boutique Hotel. Free afternoon to enjoy the beach and local food. Dinner, and overnight at the hotel. DAY 2: "SIERRA NEGRA" VOLCANO TOUR (5-6 Hours) This morning, we drive up to the highlands until the road ends. Here, we do our daypacks and hike into a world of recent geological history. On the hike up, admire the incredible views of the surrounding volcanoes and sea. This is the second largest active caldera on the planet. You will walk along the rim of this enormous 30 square mile crater. Breakfast, dinner and overnight at the hotel. Box lunch during the excursion. DAY 3: "LAS TINTORERAS" TOUR (2-3 Hours) We explore Tintoreras, a set of small islets filled with hidden coves and beaches. Here, we will find the endemic Galapagos penguin as well as white tip sharks, sea turtles, and sea lions. This is the largest island in the Galapagos and is still being formed by 6 shield volcanoes. Hence, Isabela is one of the most volcanically active spots on the planet. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and overnight at the hotel. DAY 4: Free Day Free day to relax on beach or the hotel pool and terrace. DAY 5: Back to Mainland Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the main deck or Isabela´s airport. *This itinerary is subject to change due to climate conditions or the Galapagos National Park restrictions. Details Rates includes: A bottle of champagne in the room All Meals mentioned on the program (first night: romantic dinner) Excursions with an English speaking Naturalist guide Equipment for snorkeling (masks and fins), and Biking Beach towels Transfer In & Out, to/from Hotel Tintoreras snorkel is a shared basis tour Local Taxes Rates do not include: Air ticket to /from Galapagos (Inquire with us about flight schedules and prices) Air ticket to/from Baltra Island or Public boat Ticket to and from Isabela Entrance fee to the Galapagos National Park ($100 International visitors) Isabela´s Island entrance fee ($5-$15, per person) Control Visitor Card ($10) Personal expenses Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages Meals not described</p>]]></content:encoded> <category><![CDATA[Galapagos Tours]]></category> <link>http://ecuador-travel-guide.com/GalapagosTours/honeymoon-galapagos-islands</link> <guid isPermaLink="true">http://ecuador-travel-guide.com/GalapagosTours/honeymoon-galapagos-islands</guid> <pubDate>Tue, 06 Aug 2019 06:58:00 +0000</pubDate> </item> <item> <title>Locations of Ecuador in South America</title> <description>Information about Ecuador Surf Ecuador - Quick Facts LOCATION: South America, West Coast POPULATION: 15250000 NATIONALITY: Ecuadorian LANGUAGE: Spanish / Quechua CURRENCY: US Dollar The Republic of Ecuador is a wonderful country ...</description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<img src="/img/presentation_by_xxxxxxx_locationage_rock_cycle.jpg" alt="Click for Tectonic Location" align="left" /><p>Information about Ecuador Surf Ecuador - Quick Facts LOCATION: South America, West Coast POPULATION: 15250000 NATIONALITY: Ecuadorian LANGUAGE: Spanish / Quechua CURRENCY: US Dollar The Republic of Ecuador is a wonderful country. Fly into it's capital city, Quito, and head for the coast. Although it's one of the smaller countries in South America, it has a 2, 337 km of coastline. Ecuador is bordered by Columbia to the north, and Peru to the east and south. Ecuador Surfing Info and Details Ecuador Surf Spots Map Browse the Ecuador surf map above. Please add any spots you've visited (no secrets!). Ecuador is a fantastic country and worth a visit whether surfing or not, but if you are looking at this site then it is the surfing that you'll be interested in. As with most countries in South America, there are many good quality waves just waiting to be surfed. Ecuador receives plenty of small swells during it's two main surf seasons and has the added bonus of warmer water due to the Panama Current. Ecuador really lights up in a big swell - but unfortunately this does not happen very often, and many of the northern surf spots only really start to get good once they are double overhead. During the months over Christmas, Ecuador gets the tail of the Hawaiian swells which makes the points north of the town of Salinas work, so if you want sizeable surf then look to head out at this time of year. Being exposed to both north and south swells ensures that there is plenty of surf to be had, and with surf regularly in the 2 - 6ft+ region during the offshore November to March surf season, makes Ecuador an ideal surf vacation location. The fact that it is incredibly cheap also makes the trip more viable. Top Ecuador waves to look out for are Shark Bay, El Pelado and Ecuador's longest wave, La Posada. Punta Carnero has some of the best surfing in South America. A 2, 800 meter beach that is pristine with fantastic waves and National Geographic natural beauty! Punta Carnero is five stars for surfing! Surfing Ecuador - The Good Calm Winds Uncrowded Surf Easy To Find Very Very Cheap Surf Ecuador - The Bad and the Ugly Lack Of Heavy Waves Rainy Winter Season Ecuador Surfing Conditions Ecuador Swell Size and Ecuador Water Temperature If you have information on surfing in Ecuador we would like to know. Keep in mind, the Galapagos has it's own page. Post your Ecuador surf camp experiences, surf spots and photos.</p>]]></content:encoded> <category><![CDATA[Highest And Tallest Mountain]]></category> <link>http://ecuador-travel-guide.com/HighestAndTallestMountain/locations-of-ecuador-in-south-america</link> <guid isPermaLink="true">http://ecuador-travel-guide.com/HighestAndTallestMountain/locations-of-ecuador-in-south-america</guid> <pubDate>Sun, 23 Jun 2019 13:21:00 +0000</pubDate> </item> </channel></rss>If you would like to create a banner that links to this page (i.e. this validation result), do the following:
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