Exodus Travels

Grange Mills, Weir Road, London SW12 0NE

Sales & Reservations: 0845 863 9626 E-mail: sales@exodus.co.uk

GALAPAGOS AND AMAZON

HIGHLIGHTS

• Stay in the Napo Wildlife Centre, a 100% community-

owned lodge with 82 square miles of private reserve

within the UNESCO Biosphere of Yasuni National Park,

mainland Ecuador's largest

• Visit parrot clay licks, explore waterways and lake by

dugout canoe, walk through primary rainforest and

meet the local inhabitants

• 7 nights cruising on a first-class Galapagos schooner

with great service and experienced naturalist guides

• Optional snorkelling with a great variety of fish, sea

lions, dolphins and marine iguanas

• Fantastic on-board service with experienced and

engaging naturalist guides

SUMMARY

This itinerary gives the opportunity to compare two very different

environments and wildlife habitats. For the first part of the trip we visit

the Napo Wildlife Centre, one of the best eco-lodges in the Ecuadorian

Amazon basin in terms of facilities and viewing opportunities.

Located deep within Yasuni N.P. it is only accessible by dugout canoe

and is a spectacular place in tropical rainforest, nestled along the

side of a private lake. The proceeds of the lodge go directly to the

conservation of the 82 square miles of pristine lowland forest and to

the local Anangu community, who own and manage the property. The

project is a great example of how private tourist companies can work

together with an indigenous group, sharing benefits whilst respecting

the land and traditions of the people. Most of the staff of the lodge

are from this community and the lodge has picked up numerous

awards and accolades.

The tribe stopped hunting more than 20 years ago and as a result

there is plenty of wildlife in the area, with over 500 species of bird as

well as several species of monkeys, tamarins, tapirs, sloths, jaguars

(rarely seen), caimans and lizards. The insect life is also fascinating

and best seen at night. Giant otter have recently been seen returning

to the lodge's lake and access creek, a great vindication of their

conservation efforts.

Trip Code: WAJ (AAJ)

Country: Ecuador

Amended: Sept 2013

Edition No: VB 1 2014

Valid from: 01 Jan 2014 - 31 Dec 2014

TRIP NOTES

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The Galapagos Islands lie approximately 1000km off the coast of

Ecuador, famed as the location where Charles Darwin researched

his seminal work, 'The Origin of Species'. They are one of the few

places on Earth where the word 'unique' is no overstatement. Largely

overlooked by humans for centuries, due to a lack of drinking water

or natural resources, the islands have evolved a fascinating array of

endemic creatures, including Giant tortoises, marine iguanas and

frigatebirds.

But there is more here than just the wildlife. The Islands rich human

history comes from their coveted status, where people from all walks

of life would come. From English pirates and buccaneers to Spanish

Bishops, many have dropped anchor here since the discovery in 1535.

The 'Enchanted Isles,' as they were then heralded, are now one of the

world's most celebrated ecotourism destinations.

The importance of the Galapagos in Darwin's theories is well known,

and stems from the fact that the islands are extremely isolated, with

few external predators. The species inhabiting them have developed

not only separately from their mainland sources of life, but even

from the influences of those on the other Galapagos islands; similar

species have undergone different development and show different

characteristics from their cousins on other islands.

Most people who visit the Galapagos go for a few days in one of the

large cruise ships. The most satisfying and environmentally friendly

way to see the islands, however, is to go in a small group on one

of the local motor yachts, travelling more slowly, taking more time,

and having plenty of opportunities to explore each of the individual

islands and their wildlife sites. As a matter of policy, Exodus uses only

small boats 16 berths, as we believe this is the most satisfying and

environmentally friendly way to see the Galapagos. We do not use the

large boats preferred by some of our competitors.

We alternate our cruising itineraries each week between an exploration

of the eastern and the western Islands. The eastern islands are older

and thus have a greater variety of land animals and birds and it is

only possible to see Waved Albatross nesting here (during season).

The western islands are much more newly formed, with more striking

volcanic scenery, the largest land iguanas and the richest seas, with

a greater chance of seeing whales and dolphins. Each individual

departure's cruising itinerary is marked in the Dates and Prices panel

as either Itinerary A (eastern islands) or Itinerary B (western islands).

THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

Bartolomé: Galapagos penguins breed here and Green sea turtles

nest on the northern beaches. As a result, it's one of the most

photographed of all the islands.

Española: As the oldest and southernmost island, Española has

developed its own endemic flora. Marine iguanas change colour

to attract mates, and the only breeding colony in the world for the

critically endangered Waved albatross exists here.

Fernandina: Known for volcanic eruptions and steaming craters,

Fernandina is also one of the richest marine sites due to its

westernmost location. Galapagos penguins thrive in the cold waters

and Flightless cormorants exist only here and are extremely adapted

to swimming.

Floreana: One of the first islands to be inhabited, Post Office Bay

is located here - partake in the centuries old Galapagos tradition of

hand-delivering someone else's mail!

Genovesa: Renowned for the sheer number of birds living on its

volcanic cliffs, there are large populations of Red-footed boobies,

Storm petrels, frigatebirds, tropic birds and nocturnal Swallow-tailed

gulls.

Isabela: One of the youngest and most volcanically active islands with

stark lava fields blackening the landscape, Isabela is larger in size

than all of the other islands put together. Five distinct subspecies of

Galapagos tortoise are found in the cloud forest, but most wildlife

relies on the sea; a great place to see dolphins and whales.

North Seymour: A tiny island with a big colony of sea lions and

frigatebirds - it's one of the best places to see males displaying their

bright red pouches during mating season. You may also get to see an

aerial performance as they steal food from boobies or gulls.

Rábida: The striking russet sand differentiates Rabida from other

islands; rich in iron, this is one of the most colourful islands in the

Galapagos. Nesting pelicans can be seen amongst the red cliffs, whilst

pink flamingos are found feeding in the island's saltwater lagoon.

San Cristóbal: The first landing point for Charles Darwin in 1835.

Huge numbers of sea lions are present here. Nearby Isla Lobos,

reachable by boat, is also a big nesting site for Blue-footed boobies.

Santa Cruz: The second largest island in the archipalego, Santa Cruz

is home to Puerto Ayora where most Galapagos ships are docked

for embarkation. Wild Giant tortoises live in the highlands and the

Charles Darwin Research Station is found here.

Santa Fe: The dense vegetation of Santa Fe is made up of some of

the largest species of cactus, including a forest of Prickly Pear. Large

numbers of the endemic Santa Fe land iguana reside here, one of the

largest land iguanas found on the islands.

Santiago: Home of Galapagos fur seal, which likes the rocky

shoreline and shady spots of Santiago. The island is a good place

to see Galapagos hawks and Darwin finches, and there's a popular

snorkelling site called Chinese Hat where penguins, rays, turtles and

playful sea lion pups reside.

South Plaza: A tiny island formed of lava and carpeted with cacti

and plants which give it a luxurious red surface. There is abundant

birdlife on South Plaza including tropic birds and Swallow-tailed gulls.

IS THIS TRIP FOR YOU?

The trip is great for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers and for those

with an interest in history or geology, but you should note that due to

the volcanic nature of the islands there will be some walking on rough

ground and sharp volcanic rocks.

Due to local regulations in the Galapagos we have specific time slots

for making our landings and site visits. There is usually very little

disruption to the schedule, but this can mean little room for deviation

in the event of poor weather or other circumstances.

Landings on the islands are divided into two types: wet and dry.

For dry landings, Cachalote's panga (motorised dinghy) will take

you right up to a landing stage or rocky outcrop, where you can

disembark without getting wet. However in some places where there

is no landing stage the panga will stop close to a beach and you will

be expected to walk through shallow water (generally not much more

than ankle-deep) to the shore.

We offer these cruises in conjunction with our Ecuadorian partners,

and Exodus participants will often join an international group, not all

of whom have booked through Exodus. Occasionally some of these

may be younger than Exodus' minimum age for this trip.

Although there is electricity 24 hours a day in the Amazon, you are

requested to conserve it wherever possible. Hot showers exist in all

en-suite bathrooms in the lodge.

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LAND ONLY ITINERARY

The entries in bold at the end of each day indicate the meals included

(B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner).

Day 1 Those on group flights arrive in Quito this evening.

Day 2 Quito

Free time today to relax, recover from the flights and explore this

fascinating city. Quito is the second highest capital in the world,

standing at 2,850m on the western cordillera of the Andes, and one

of the smaller and more attractive of the colonial capitals of South

America. Because of the altitude, visitors to Quito are advised to take

it easy at first. (B)

Day 3 To Napo Wildlife Centre

We transfer to the airport this morning for a 40-minute flight from

Quito to Coca. A short drive takes us to the dock where we board

a large motorized canoe for a two-hour ride down-stream. At the

entrance to the Napo Wildlife Centre reserve area, we transfer to

smaller, paddled dugout canoes, so as not to disturb the wildlife.

This paddle can take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours depending on

what is sighted enroute (a chance of spotting Giant otters, monkeys

and countless bird species including toucans, parrots and macaws).

Finally, we cross the spectacular Anangu Lake and arrive at the lodge

to receive a welcome drink and briefing. (B,L,D)

Days 4/5 Napo Wildlife Centre

Two days at NWC. Choice and flexibility are the key at the lodge.

Rather than fixed programmes, the guide will design the most suitable

programme to match the groups physical condition and personal

interests. The following information gives you an idea of what to

expect at Napo Wildlife Centre. Very early starts are necessary to get

the best wildlife viewing. The lodge has the most easily accessed and

one of the best parrot clay licks in Ecuador. Being just an hour away,

we can arrive at the lick before the parrot activity kicks off fully at

around 7-8am. The lodge also has a 36m-canopy tower, which offers a

fantastic insight into the various vertical layers of the jungle, and their

inhabitants. The panoramic view from the top is magnificent, as is the

bird viewing. Spider monkeys frequent the higher canopy searching

for fruit. Numerous trails from the lodge offer hikes amongst the

primary rainforest and we will head out during the day to learn about

the trees and the forest and the night in search of caiman and other

nocturnal creatures. Naturally, exploring the lake and creeks by

dugout canoe is a highlight and one of the best ways to see larger

animals. (B,L,D)

Day 6 Return to Quito

We return to Quito the same way we came - paddled canoe down the

creek, motorised canoe back up the river to Coca and then a quick

drive to the airport for the flight to Quito. (B)

Day 7 Quito City Tour

We include a day in Quito to allow time for any delays coming back

from the rainforest. An optional excursion to the cloud forest can be

organised for this day at the start of the tour. (B)

Day 8 Galapagos Cruise Day 1

We return to Quito airport for the flight to the Galapagos and the

island of Baltra, which usually flies via Guayaquil. Our luggage will be

taken to the boat, whilst we will take a short ferry crossing to Santa

Cruz Island where we drive to the highlands to look for wild tortoises.

We follow this with a visit to the Charles Darwin Centre, where we

can learn about the ecology of the islands and visit the centre's

turtle hatchery. After this visit, we board the boat at Puerto Ayora,

the island's main town. As we won't see our luggage after landing

on Baltra until this evening, please make sure that you bring your

camera, sun cream and appropriate clothing: comfortable footwear

for some short walks (possibly amongst grass), light clothes, a hat/

cap and a light waterproof in case of a shower or mist. (B,L,D)

Day 9 Galapagos Cruise Day 2

Our Galapagos Cruise alternates between two itineraries and so for

the next seven days, your specific itinerary in the Galapagos depends

on the departure date of the trip (please ask your sales consultant if

unsure).

Itinerary A: Walk on the tiny Plazas Islands to see a cactus forest,

land iguanas and seabirds, then cruise to the white sand beaches of

Santa Fe.

Itinerary B: A short walk on the tiny island of Chinese Hat before

snorkelling with sea lions (and penguins if lucky!); on to the dark red

beach of Isla Rabida to walk amongst spatter cones, pelicans, Blue-

footed and Nazca boobies. (B,L,D)

Day 10 Galapagos Cruise Day 3

Itinerary A: A day at San Cristobal Island: the white sand beach,

Blue-footed boobies and old cone of Cerro Brujo, Giant tortoise at

Galapaguera and crystal clear waters around the striking spear of

Kicker Rock.

Itinerary B: We start three days exploring the largest island of Isabela

with an exploration of the mangroves at Los Tintoreras and walk

to the huge 5-mile wide caldera on Sierra Negra volcano. In the

afternoon it's possible to visit the Giant tortoise breeding centre on

Isabela island. (B,L,D)

Day 11 Galapagos Cruise Day 4

Itinerary A: Swim with sea lions and marine iguanas at Gardener Bay

on Espanola (Hood) Island. In the afternoon, walk amongst Nazca and

Blue-footed boobies and nesting Waved Albatross (in season) next to

pounding surf at Punta Suarez.

Itinerary B: Cruising round Isabela's west side, we hope to see whales

and dolphins. We land at Punta Moreno's swirling fresh lava flows

and also explore the islets of Elizabeth Bay with the largest colony of

penguins in the Galapagos. (B,L,D)

Day 12 Galapagos Cruise Day 5

Itinerary A: At Floreana Island snorkel in the spectacular sunken

crater of Devil's Crown amongst thousands of fish. We wil then visit

the lagoon at Punta Cormorant (often with flamingos) and Post Office

Bay, the mailbox used by 18th Century whalers.

Itinerary B: In 1954 Urbina Bay was uplifted 4 metres and we walk

here amongst exposed coral heads, wandering Giant tortoises and

huge land iguanas. We'll then make an afternoon visit to Tagus

Cove and Darwin Lake, directly opposite recently active Fernandina

Volcano. (B,L,D)

Day 13 Galapagos Cruise Day 6

Itinerary A: To Dragon Hill, a nesting site for land iguanas with a large

lagoon; dramatic Sullivan Bay with a walk on a huge lava flow only

100 years old before swimming from the white-sand beach in crystal

clear waters.

Itinerary B: Land at Punta Espinosa on Fernandina in the midst of

a huge colony of marine iguanas; the sea life is very rich here and

supports a large sea lion and fur seal colony. We then cross the

straights and explore the cliffs of Punta Vicente Roca on Isabela.

(B,L,D)

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Day 14 Galapagos Cruise Day 7

Itinerary A: Less-visited Genovesa (also called Tower) Island is home

to an abundance of Red-footed boobies, fur seals, storm petrels and

Short-eared Owls. Here, we look for tropicbirds at Prince Philip Steps

before snorkelling, whilst at Darwin Bay, Galapagos mockingbirds

also await.

Itinerary B: Excellent birding on Santiago (James) Island at Puerto

Egas followed by an afternoon snorkel and a walk amongst incredible

volcanic scenery up little Bartolome Island - cones, lava tubes and

Pinnacle Rock. (B,L,D)

Day 15 Galapagos Cruise Day 8

Itinerary A: We explore the mangroves of Turtle Cove at dawn

watching marine turtles rising for air; rays and herons fishing from

the trees.

Itinerary B: An early morning walk on North Seymour amidst Palo

Santo trees and colonies of Blue-footed boobies.

Both itineraries: After a late breakfast we disembark for the journey

back to Baltra to transfer to the airport and the flight back to the

mainland. A short stop at Guayaquil is followed by what is often an

exciting flight over the volcanoes of the Andes to Quito. (B)

Day 16 Depart Quito.

The trip ends today after breakfast. Those on group flights will

transfer to the airport for their return flight to the UK. (B)

For those on group flights, these depart in the afternoon and will

arrive in the UK the following day.

DIVING IN THE GALAPAGOS

It is possible for experienced and qualified divers to take two dives in

the Galapagos Islands. The owners of Cachalote have an arrangement

with a dive centre on Santa Cruz island in order to offer this service.

Dive sites will not be confirmed until you arrive in the islands, since

they may vary according to weather conditions and current park

restrictions. Should you wish to dive, this should be requested at

the time of booking. The cost of the dives is approx US$220 for two

dives, payable in advance and confirmed at time of booking.

ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD

At the Napo Wildlife Centre, we stay in individual wooden and concrete

cabins. Each cabin has two beds (one is a double bed) a desk, plenty

of space, fan and en-suite facilities with a hot shower. The cabins are

raised off the ground and windows are sealed with a thin mesh to

reduce the chance of insects entering. Outside each cabin is a small

seating area with two chairs and a table. The Centre is small with only

12 cabins, a large central dining area and a small library and bar with

cold drinks.

Cachalote I

Offering quality service, our Galapagos boat Cachalote I is a charming

96-foot schooner. Features include panoramic windows in the saloon

and dining areas, air-conditioning in every cabin and three spacious

wooden decks. She is equipped with eight double occupancy cabins

with en-suite WC and showers, seven cabins with lower and upper

bunks and one matrimonial cabin. Bunks are reasonably spacious but

cabin space is limited (average cabin size is 2m x 2m) and because

of this there is minimal storage - we recommend that you pack lightly

for this trip. Please note that a lot of the travelling between islands

is done overnight, so some cabin noise and movement should be

expected.

On board the Cachalote, meals are all served in a buffet style and

there is a wide choice of food available, including vegetarian options.

Drinks are available on board Cachalote I (at time of print; US$2 per

beer, US$5 per glass of wine and US$5 for selected cocktails) and

they ask that you do not bring your own alcohol with you.

Please advise us of any special dietary requirements prior to travel.

Drinking water is free onboard the Cachalote as well as unlimited

tea/coffee.

Breakfast at Napo is a large buffet of cereals, fresh fruit and breads

with cheese, eggs and jams. Lunch and dinner are usually three

courses waiter served. All meals are included and the lodge has a

well stocked bar.

Single Accommodation:

All cabins on Cachalote are twin-share, and therefore we can only

offer single rooms in the Quito hotel and at the Napo Wildlife Centre.

Please ask your Sales consultant for details.

Extra Accommodation:

Pre- or post-tour accommodation can usually be arranged in Quito -

please contact your Sales consultant for information.

TRANSPORT

In Quito, transport is in private air-conditioned minibuses, and we

use internal flights to reach the Amazon and Galapagos. At Napo

Wildlife Centre motorised canoes are used to navigate the main river

and paddled dugout canoes on the smaller tributaries and streams.

In the Galapagos we use the Cachalote I for our main navigation

and small semi-inflatable pangas (motorised boats or Zodiacs) for

landings. There are extensive walks in the Galapagos Islands, as well

as a variety of long and short hikes at the NWC (all longer walks can

be avoided if required).

WEATHER AND SEASONALITY

In Quito and the highlands it should be warm by day and generally

dry. Maximum daytime temperatures are almost constant throughout

the year at 20ºC, nights 8ºC. Some rain can be expected in February

to May and October to November but storms, though heavy, are

generally short, and Quito is considered to have quite a pleasant

climate.

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In the jungle regions it will be hot with high humidity throughout the

year with the occasional chance exceptions. Temperatures tend to

average around 26ºC all year, with humidity up at around 80%. There

is always a possibility of rain at any time, but not to the extent of

spoiling your enjoyment. The driest time in the jungle (in terms of

rainfall levels, not number of rainy days!) is July to December and it is

likely that more exploration is carried out on foot at that time rather

than by canoe.

It is possible to visit the Galapagos at any time of year, though the

weather patterns are complicated and cannot be reduced to easy

formulas. The weather is controlled by the two main ocean currents

of the region, the Humboldt, bringing cold water from the Antarctic,

and El Nino, which brings tropical water from the Gulf of Panama.

How close to Galapagos they converge (which varies from year to

year) is the key to the weather.

'Dry season'

Generally speaking, late May to early December is the cooler 'dry'

season. In this period it is not necessarily dry, as there is a persistent

light mist (garua) and often light drizzle, and the higher mountain

slopes are covered in cloud and fog or rain. At this time the winds

are in the southeast and are higher than at other times, so seas can

sometimes be choppy during this period, and anyone worried about

seasickness might be better advised to avoid it. Daytime maximum

temperatures lie between 27ºC and 31ºC, the cooler months being

July to November. In July and August the fairly strong winds introduce

a chill factor, and it can feel quite cold at nights, though throughout

the year the official night temperatures vary between 19ºC and 24ºC.

'Wet season'

Depending on how close the convergence of the two currents

comes to Galapagos, there may or may not be a wet season from

January to April or May. Approximately every seven years the El Nino

current actually hits the islands and there will be heavy rains in these

months. In other years there will be more or less rain, usually falling

sporadically from otherwise clear skies. The ocean temperatures are

higher, with generally calm seas and strong sunshine: pleasant, but

potentially very hot. Apart from an El Nino year, the weather is usually

better from December/January to April/May than at other times even

if there is some rain, and most people would regard these months as

the best time to go.

WHEN TO GO

In the Galapagos, close wildlife encounters happen in abundance

throughout the year and there is no ‘best’ time to visit. However,

seasonal variations do affect what you see and where, and there

are climatic changes to be aware of. Here are some of the wildlife

highlights throughout the year:

January: Nesting land birds; Green sea turtles arrive to lay eggs on the

islands beaches; land iguana’s start breeding on Isabela.

February: Nesting marine iguanas on Santa Cruz; Greater flamingos

start nesting on Floreana.

March: The bright red throat pouches of frigatebirds are inflated

during mating season on Genovesa and San Cristobal.

April: Huge numbers of Waved albatross on Española displaying

courtship rituals; eggs of Green sea turtles begin to hatch; land

iguana eggs hatch on Isabela.

May: Courtship of Blue-footed boobies begins on North Seymour;

Waved albatross on Española start laying eggs.

June: Giant tortoises migrate to the lowlands and start nesting;

migrating birds stop in the Galapagos to rest; migrating Humpback

whales can often by seen around the western islands.

July: Dolphins and whales are more likely to be seen around the

western islands; Blue-footed boobies on Española start breeding.

August: Nazca boobies nest on Genovesa Island; Sea lions start giving

birth to pups.

September: Penguins seen in the water when snorkelling around

Bartoleme.

October: Galapagos fur seals start mating; Blue-footed boobies start

raising chicks.

November: Curious sea lion pups found in the water amongst

snorkelers.

December: Mating Green sea turtles; Waved albatross chicks fledge.

JOINING THE TRIP IN THE UK

17 days, normally depart London Wed, return Fri

Itinerary Start

The group flight from London is a daytime flight departing on Day 1

of the itinerary.

Flights from London

We normally use the scheduled services of American Airlines or Iberia

(depending on availability). As flight timings and schedules change

regularly we recommend you call one of our specialist sales staff or

your agent to confirm up-to-date timings. Please note timings may

change at a later date and cannot be confirmed until approximately

two weeks before departure.

Flights from London with Iberia may stop in Guayaquil to and from

Quito.

UK Regional Flights

The Flight Inclusive price is based on a London departure, but we

are happy to tailor this to your local or regional airport. Please visit

www.exodus.co.uk/regionaldepartures for a useful overview of the

options available, and contact our sales team for expert advice.

If booking regional flights other than with Exodus, you must allow a

minimum connecting time (in addition to the international check in

time) of 1 hour at Gatwick, and 1½ hours at Heathrow; this is longer

than the official minimum, but baggage handling is known to be

subject to delays.

Free Transfers

Exodus offers free airport arrival and departure transfers on any flight

for this trip: please see the Free Transfers section below for more

details.

JOINING THE TRIP IN QUITO

16 days, normally start Quito Wed, end Quito Thu

Itinerary Start

Your trip normally starts at our hotel in Quito in the evening of Day 1

of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point are provided in

the Final Joining Instructions - sent approximately two weeks before

departure. Hotel check-in times are normally from around 4pm.

Free Transfers

Exodus offers FREE airport arrival and departure transfers on any

flight for this trip, so no matter which flight you choose to arrive

on you will be met and transferred to your hotel. All those taking

advantage of the free airport transfers must provide full flight details

for both arrival and departure in advance; unless specified otherwise,

the transfer will be to the Exodus start (or pre-tour) hotel; transfers

to other hotels in the same city may attract an extra charge; transfers

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may be shared with other Exodus customers on the same flight, or on

a flight with similar arrival times.

The cost of a taxi is likely to be about 8-12 (US$12 - 19) should you

decide to make your way independently.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be

sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not

receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier

please contact our office or your travel agent.

FLYING VIA THE USA

The US is known to have lengthy immigration queues which must

be navigated by all passengers, including those in transit. We only

book flights that meet the minimum valid connection time and

wherever possible we will ensure there is at least a 2 hour window

between connecting flights. If your flight to the US is delayed and

the connection becomes particularly tight, we advise you to make

your way as quickly as you can from the plane to immigration where

you should make yourself known to an official in an attempt to move

closer to the front of the queue.

RESPONSIBLE TOURISM

Tourism can be a real help to local communities, providing income,

positive cultural exchanges and a financial incentive to protect their

natural environment. Ours is a 'total approach' to responsible tourism,

covering everything from the way we plan and operate our trips to the

practices of Exodus as a company.

Napo Wildife Centre is wholy owned and run by the local Anangu

community. Set up and managed by the tribe's chief who himself was

formerly a guide at a neighbouring commercial lodge, all profits go

back into supporting the village and preserving the 82 square miles

of rainforest within Yasuni National Park that they own. The lodge is

powered by solar energy and uses natural filters to clean all waste

water.

Both the lodge and the Cachalote provide free and safe drinking

water, so purchasing plastic bottles of water is not necessary when

staying on board or in the rainforest.

For full details of our Responsible Tourism Policy please visit:

www.exodus.co.uk/responsible-travel

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Passports and Visas

All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid for 6

months beyond the intended length of stay. It is your responsibility

to have the correct personal documents and to obtain your own visa,

if one is necessary, in accordance with the regulations of the country

you are to visit. The information below is primarily for UK passport

holders, and other nationalities should check with their travel agent

or the relevant embassies. We are not responsible for the actions of

local immigration and customs officials, whether at points of entry or

otherwise, and any subsequent effects.

British passport holders do not need a visa for Ecuador. Very few

other nationalities need a visa for Ecuador, but if you are in any doubt

you should contact the nearest Ecuadorian Embassy.

Please note that if flying via the US (even as a transit passenger) you

must clear US immigration. Most UK citizens are eligible for visa-

free travel, but you must register on the Electronic System for Travel

Authorization (ESTA), which costs US$14 and is valid for two years.

Please go to http://www.exodus.co.uk/USvisa for more information.

Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the current

regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is required.

Vaccinations and Health

Travel health can often be something people forget about before

going away, but a little preparation and knowledge can go a long way

to help you stay fit and healthy while abroad.

Vaccination against Yellow Fever is necessary for this trip, and you

must bring a valid certificate of vaccination.

Recommended vaccinations for this trip are: Tetanus, Typhoid,

Hepatitis A.

The risk of malaria on this trip is slight, but you may wish to consult

your GP or travel health clinic for further advice.

Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited on this trip. It is a

tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There

is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, and

therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We

recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

A recent law requires all visitors to the Ecuadorian Amazon to present

their Yellow Fever vaccination certificate upon their arrival in this

area. However, at the time of writing this is not being enforced.

Malaria is present in this region of the Amazon Rainforest and you

should seek appropriate medical advice on which prophylaxis to use

(no risk in the Galapagos).

The above information can change at short notice; as we are not

qualified to answer all your questions about travel health we strongly

recommend you contact your Medical Professional or a Travel Health

Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up-to-date information.

Altitude Warning

This trip goes to high altitudes where there is a risk of being affected

by Acute Mountain Sickness. Our itineraries are designed to enable

everyone to acclimatise to these altitudes, but you should be

aware that it is still possible for you to be affected. Although rare,

a number of medical conditions can also reduce your body's ability

to acclimatise, and thus will affect your performance at altitude and

make you more susceptible to AMS. If you are worried about any pre-

existing condition (e.g. heart problems), or unsure of your physical

ability, we recommend that you seek medical advice prior to booking.

Advice varies, but the consensus on how to combat altitude sickness

seems to be to drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluid (at least 4 litres per

day) and rest for the first few hours when you reach altitude. When

hiking, do not hurry - take your time, enjoy the scenery and give your

body a chance to catch up. If you are breathing hard, you are probably

ascending too quickly.

If you are not taking out Exodus Travel Insurance, make sure that

your policy covers you up to the maximum altitude on this trip, and

includes helicopter evacuation. Please take proof of this with you on

the trip, as you will need to show it to the leader.

Insurance - are you adequately covered?

You must have adequate travel insurance, and if you are joining a trip

which goes to high altitude, you must check that you are covered up

to the maximum altitude of the trip. If you are resident in the UK we

strongly recommend Exodus travel insurance, which is specifically

designed to cover all activities on your trip.

If you are a UK citizen and travelling in Europe you should obtain the

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from your Post Office. This

gives free medical care in many European countries, but should not

be considered a substitute for adequate insurance.

7

Local Time

GMT -5 hours in Quito and -6 hours in the Galapagos.

Group, Staff and Support

The group will generally be between 4 and 16 people. There will be a

local leader and drivers and local guides where needed.

The cruise is led by an English-speaking guide registered with the

Galapagos National Park service. In Quito there will be a local, English-

speaking guide.

The minimum age of clients on this trip is 16 years. Please note

that anyone aged under 18 must be accompanied by (and share

accommodation with) a parent or legal guardian.

SAFETY IN QUITO

Quito is a city of almost 2 million inhabitants and as such there is a

reasonably high crime rate - incidences of mugging and general pick

pocketing are not uncommon. Most accommodation is located in La

Mariscal district, a tourist area where there are a number of bars and

restaurants. As in other big cities, this area can be a target for crime.

Your trip leader will give you advice about the best practices to avoid

becoming a victim, but we strongly recommend being careful by acting

in the following way:

1. After dinner always take a taxi to your hotel, even if the restaurant

is close to your hotel. Ask the restaurant to reserve a taxi and take a

business card of your hotel to indicate the address to the driver.

2. Take only the yellow taxis that have a TAXI sign on top of the roof

3. Take only what you need for the day or evening you are out of the

hotel. We recommend taking a copy of your passport (not the original)

and just the money you need for that day or evening. Do not wear

expensive jewellery or take valuables with you.

4. Travel in groups wherever possible.

5. Keep your belongings such as camera, money and passport in the

safe of the hotel wherever possible.

6. In case people want your belongings, do not resist - just give them

what they ask for..

MONEY MATTERS

Currency Information

The national currency of Ecuador is the US Dollar (USD), with an

exchange rate of 1.56 to the UK£.

Exchange rates are correct at the time of publication.

You should carry your money in US Dollars cash, since sterling can be

difficult to change and may incur a poor exchange rate. Please note

that obtaining change for larger denomination banknotes (US$100

and US$50) can be difficult, and in some cases they may not be

accepted due to recent increases in the circulation of forged high

value banknotes. You should carry a number of small notes (US$1 or

US$5) for small transactions, as many small businesses and taxis do

not carry large amounts of change.

Although we no longer collect local payments on the majority of our

trips, there is a compulsory locally payable Galapagos Tax of US$100,

which is collected by the National Park Service on arrival at Baltra.

In addition, all visitors to the Galapagos are required to obtain an

immigration control card in mainland Ecuador - this costs US$10 per

person and is also payable locally. Please note that Galapagos taxes

are subject to increase without notice, and any such increase will be

collected in Quito or Baltra.

ATM availability/Credit Card Acceptance/Travellers cheques

ATMs accepting major credit and debit cards are readily available in

Quito: please contact your bank before travel to ensure compatibility.

Travellers Cheques can be difficult to change in Quito and we don't

recommend relying upon these.

Extra Expenses and Spending Money

All food is provided in the Galapagos and Napo, but for the days in

Quito we provide breakfast only and you should budget around US$80

for all meals in Quito. Drinks and incidentals are quite expensive in

the Galapagos, as everything is imported from the mainland.

Snorkelling equipment (mask, snorkel and fins) is available free of

charge on the Cachalote, but wetsuits are charged at US$5.50 per

day. Additional fees apply if the equipment is damaged. Alternatively,

you can bring your own equipment to ensure a good fit.

It is not possible to pay by credit card or travellers cheques for

incidentals or other costs incurred whilst on board.

In February 2013 a new international airport opened in Quito and

in April 2013 a new airport opened on the island of Baltra in the

Galapagos. Airport tax (normally included within the cost of your

ticket) has been subject to an increase as a result of this. Depending

on the date that your flight ticket was issued, supplements may

apply. At the time of writing, these were US$8.17 for domestic flights

and US$15.86 for international flights through Quito, and US$30 for

flights through Baltra.

We have been updated that in April 2013 the port of Isabella has

started charging a disembarkation fee of US$20 which can only be

paid locally. If you're travelling to Isabella Island on the B itinerary,

this fee will apply and be collected on arrival.

Optional Excursions (approximate costs, depending on group

sizes)

The following optional excursions are available from Quito but need

a minimum of 2 clients to operate - arrangements can be organised

on arrival subject to availability and payment can be made in Quito.

Otavalo Day Tour (Saturday only) US$86 per person

Cotopaxi National Park Day Tour (Thursday only) US$106 per person

Mindo Cloud Forest Day Tour US$192 per person (minimum of 2

people required)

Equatorial Monument Tour (3 hours) US$35 per person (minimum of

2 people required)

Bellavista Cloud Forest Day Tour US$130 (1 client), US$ 110 per

person (2 clients), US$100 per person (3 clients)

Tipping (leader and local staff)

Tipping is an optional but very much customary practice in Ecuador

and forms part of the service culture. Due to the dominance of US

visitors in the destination, tips are reasonably high and this is likely

to add up during your stay. Please remember that you are never under

any obligation to give a tip and you should only do so when you are

happy with a service you have received. To show appreciation to local

guides on the mainland, a tip of around US$3-5 per day from each

group member is sufficient. Drivers and other local staff may be given

closer to US$1-2 in tips per day. You may want to form and manage

a 'tip kitty' with the other members of the group to facilitate tips. By

definition, gratuities are not something we can include in the tour

cost.

It is also usual for groups to tip the boat crew in addition to the guide.

It would be reasonable for each group member to contribute about

US$10-15 a day collectively for the crew and staff in the Galapagos.

You may also wish to tip the naturalist guides directly and this is at

your discretion, but $5 per person per day would be a good gratuity.

At the Napo Wildlife Centre, you will have two leaders - one is a

wildlife guide or biologist who will speak English and the other will

be from the local tribe and may not speak English but is highly skilled

at spotting and identifying wildlife. The two working together should

8

provide an excellent service and if you think both do a good job, then

a tip of about $20 per person to each leader for your stay would be

well received. You may also wish to leave a tip for the other lodge staff

and a central box is left for this (like the boat, US$10-15 per person

per day is a good tip).

WHAT TO TAKE

Essential Equipment and Clothing

Sunglasses; sunhat; sunscreen; strong-soled shoes for walking on the

islands; insect repellent (high DEET percentage recommended); torch;

long sleeved shirt and light trousers for the jungle. The lodge provides

Wellington boots for your stay, but has very limited choices for those

over UK size 10. If your feet are larger you are recommended to take

your own (or good waterproof hiking boots).

Due to the limited storage facilities available on the boat, hard

suitcases will be difficult to store so we recommend that you take a

soft holdall or rucksack for this trip.

Optional items:

Canvas shoes or waterproof sandals for wading ashore if you don't

like wet landings; swimming gear; waterproofs; camera with telephoto

lens, spare memory cards (this is one of the most photogenic places in

the world!); a spare camera battery (batteries can be charged through

the onboard power on the Cachaltote and in all rooms in the jungle

lodge); binoculars.

Baggage and Baggage Allowance

At time of writing the standard weight limit for hold baggage on

the recommended international carrier for this trip is 20kg. We

recommend packing only one piece of checked baggage.

Internal flights in the destination country are subject to a weight limit

of 20kg.

As advice about luggage allowances for both hand and hold luggage

is subject to change, we suggest you check www.baa.com and/or the

airline's website for the latest information prior to your departure.

Reading List:

Lonesome George: The Life and Loves of a Conservation Icon by

Henry Nicholls

Three Men in a Raft: an Improbable Journey down the Amazon

Ben Kozel

Galapagos: The Islands That Changed the World

Paul D. Stewart & Richard Dawkins

If you are interested in any of these books then you can order them

from our own Exodus shop, 'Exodus Travel Essentials',

JOIN THE EXODUS ONLINE COMMUNITY

Don't forget to visit the Community area on our website. You can

view the range of Exodus videos and podcasts, read trip write-ups

which have featured in the national media and take advantage of some

special deals on travel gear and equipment.

In the Compass Café forum you'll find the Departure Lounge where you

can discuss your trip with fellow travellers before you depart. When

you get back from your holiday remember to upload your images to

the relevant trip page on our website. This helps other people see

what our holidays are really like and you'll be entered automatically

into our monthly photo competition.

To make full use of the Compass Café you'll need to join My Exodus.

It's free, registration is simple and easy, so what are you waiting for?

http://www.exodus.co.uk/community

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL CLIENTS

Exodus operates a 24 hour duty office for emergencies, which can be

contacted on 0044 (0) 1582 644 100.

Every time that you travel abroad you should take the time to read

the warnings in the essential information in the brochure or at www.

exodus.co.uk/about-exodus/essential-information?

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers, and

details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately

2 to 3 weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least

a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our

office or your travel agent.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where

differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure,

the Trip Notes supersede the brochure. All holidays can be subject to

unexpected changes; in order to enjoy them you should be prepared

to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, as stated in our brochure,

it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may

be for a variety of reasons - climatic, political, physical or other.

In these circumstances we will make the best possible alternative

arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

As fuel prices, airport taxes and exchange rates fluctuate, and airlines

manage their rates to match demand, it is proving harder than ever

to guarantee our Flight Inclusive prices. Although we endeavour to

keep our website as accurate as possible, daily fluctuations mean that

our Flight Inclusive price may be out of date. For accurate prices we

recommend that you contact one of our Travel Experts, or your Travel

Agent.

Prices and exchange rates were correct at the time of publication. The

most up-to-date prices can be found on the Exodus website.

© Exodus Travels Ltd. ATOL 2582/FTO

9

HOW TO BOOK YOUR TRIP

1. Check availability

Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.

2. Secure your place

You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for

between three and seven days.

3. Complete your booking and payment

When you’re ready to book, go to www.exodus.co.uk for online

booking, book over the phone or you can complete a booking

form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all

major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.

Book with confidence: Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as

a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL)

number 2582 issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority

(CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport

Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour

Operators (FTO) and ABTA - The Travel Association. This means

you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all monies

paid to us for your trip are fully protected.