Ultimate Galápagos Photo Tour
Transcription
Ultimate Galápagos Photo Tour
Ultimate Galápagos Photo Tour W IT H P HO TO G RAP HE RS THOM HOGAN AND ANTHONY MEDICI 17-DAY TRIP / 15-DAY CRUISE ABOARD THE MARY ANNE TRIP DATES I N S TR U C TOR S : THOM HOGAN AND TONY MEDICI November 24-December 10, 2017 bythom.com ITINERARY & MAP 3 ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHY 9 TRIP COST, PAYMENT & INSURANCE 10 EXTEND YOUR ADVENTURE 11 HOTEL & YACHT ACCOMMODATIONS14 TRIP LEADERS 16 ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE 17 TRIP DETAILS 18 Ultimate Galápagos Photo Tour WITH P H OTO GR A P H E R S TH OM H OG A N A N D A N TH ON Y MED IC I There’s so much to see and do on these amazing islands and in the glorious underwater universe surrounding them, that I’m offering the “ultimate” Galápagos photo adventure: an active 15-day cruise exploring all of the major sites—and fascinating wildlife—of the archipelago! Our epic adventure aboard the Mary Anne brings you to dramatic lava flows, white-sand beaches, and up– close encounters with the exotic creatures that inspired Charles Darwin. You’ll walk by magnificent frigatebirds, many in full courtship display, swim with Galápagos penguins, and snorkel right alongside sea turtles. It’s a wildlife experience like no other on the planet and because of that, the photography opportunities will feel unlimited. I hope you decide to join us! — Thom Hogan Bookings should be made with: Wilderness Travel 1102 Ninth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710 800-368-2794 • 510-558-2488 www.wildernesstravel.com • info@wildernesstravel.com Itinerary DAY 1 GUAYAQUIL Arrive in Guayaquil, where a Wilderness Travel transfer agent takes you on a short 15-minute ride to our group hotel, the Hilton Colon Guayaquil...Meals on your own. Those who arrive before 3:00 pm will meet with the photography instructors for a brief orientation and photo instruction at the hotel. DAY 2 GALÁPAGOS CRUISE / BALTRA / BLACK TURTLE COVE In the morning, shuttle back to the airport for the two-hour flight to the Galápagos, 600 miles off Ecuador’s coast. On arrival at Baltra Island at around 11 am, board the Mary Anne in time for lunch on deck. After lunch, we will navigate a short distance to Black Turtle Cove, a large mangrove lagoon on the north coast of Santa Cruz Island. Pelicans and herons roost on the branches, while marine dwellers such as green sea turtles or golden rays may cruise right next to our Zodiac as it makes its way through the mangroves. Overnight aboard the Mary Anne...BLD The afternoon is spent on the Zodiac doing photography, so you need a way to protect your gear from water. Polarizing filters are useful. We’ll most likely be using longer lenses to shoot birds and whatever pokes its head out of the water, but sometimes you can see rays, sharks, or fish just under the surface if you have a polarizer. DAY 3 DARWIN BAY, TOWER ISLAND / PRINCE PHILLIP STEPS We travel to Tower (Genovesa) Island, landing at magnificent Darwin Bay, a flooded caldera. Here we enjoy a walk through a huge colony of photogenic red-footed boobies perched in palo santo trees, in red mangroves, and on prickly pear cactus. Red-footed boobies are the only members of the booby family to nest in trees. Great frigatebirds are also seen here on Tower, while elegant swallow-tailed gulls rest under the salt bushes. We may also see Darwin’s famous finches, including sharp-beaked finches and large cactus finches, along with Galápagos doves and swallow-tailed gulls. After lunch, we arrive at Prince Philip Steps, so named for the prince’s visit here in 1964, for a climb up to a clifftop where frigatebirds and Nazca boobies nest alongside redfooted boobies. We will also be looking for the impressive red-billed tropicbird amid the Galápagos storm petrels. Overnight aboard yacht...BLD TRIP DETAILS AT-A-GLANCE Length: 17 days Arrive: Guayaquil, Ecuador Depart: Guayaquil, Ecuador Lodging: 15 days/14 nights aboard Mary Anne, 2 hotel nights in Guayaquil Meals: All meals included except 2 lunches and 2 dinners Activity: Wildlife & Natural History, Small Boat & Yacht Cruising, Snorkeling Trip Level: Daily hikes, snorkeling, optional sea kayaking, daily photography, image reviews HIGHLIGHTS • The most comprehensive adventure in the islands, with daily photography sessions • Cruise in comfort aboard a 16-passenger sailing yacht with 2 superb naturalist guides • Active journey, with daily hiking, snorkeling, and sea kayaking Photographically, today is bird heaven. We generally can get close to nesting birds, but we also will have many opportunities to shoot birds in flight. You mostly want a longer telephoto lens on a fast focusing camera, but it’s surprising how much you can do with shorter lenses, too. DAY 4 BARTOLOMÉ ISLAND / SULLIVAN BAY, SANTIAGO ISLAND A hike to the top of Bartolomé offers us breathtaking views of photogenic Pinnacle Rock, the Galápagos’ most famous icon, and neighboring Santiago Island. After lunch, we head across to Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island to walk a recent lava flow with very fresh pahoehoe lava formations, lava bubbles, and 800-368-2794 | 510-558-2488 | info@wildernesstravel.com 3 Itinerary (cont’d) pioneering plants. Along the shoreline, we may find Galápagos penguins and herons hunting for small fish. Overnight aboard yacht...BLD We move photographically from animals to scenics today, so your wider angle lenses will come into play. It’s even possible someone might want to tackle a panorama or two. “A great photographic trip, with excellent teaching and advice.” Bill H., Carmel, IN Galápagos Photo Workshop, 2015 4 DAY 5 RÁBIDA ISLAND / CERRO DRAGÓN, SANTA CRUZ ISLAND Rábida, the red island, is a landscape of colorful eroded hills. We explore its fascinating maroon-tinted interior and saltwater lagoon to find Darwin’s finches, Galápagos mockingbirds, and yellow warblers. At certain times of the year, brown pelicans nest on salt bushes that fringe the beach. After lunch, we head across to Cerro Dragón on Santa Cruz Island’s northwest shore to visit a saltwater lagoon, home to greater flamingos, black-necked stilts, and whitecheeked pintails. Further inland, we find a fantastic land iguana nesting site. Overnight aboard yacht...BLD We’ll be back to looking for animals today, and that will often be with longer telephoto lenses. That said, both sites today have scenic aspects, so this is one of those days you want to be prepared to go both directions with your photos. DAY 6 EL CHATO TORTOISE RESERVE / CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH STATION We head to El Chato Tortoise Reserve in the highlands of Santa Cruz to search for these giant creatures in the wild, then explore the Charles Darwin Research Station’s tortoise-breeding facility. The Research Station is the Galápagosbased branch of the international, non-profit Charles Darwin Foundation. Established in 1959, the station works closely with the Galápagos National Park Service to protect the islands and surrounding marine reserve. The Darwin Station conducts research, assists other researchers within the park, and provides environmental education to communities and schools within the islands. Overnight aboard yacht...BLD WILDERNESS TRAVEL | www.wildernesstravel.com With the tortoises in the highlands, we typically don’t need a long lens, but the way Darwin Station is now configured, the animals are often far from the boardwalk we must remain on. So a mid-range to telephoto is what you’ll need most of the day. DAY 7 SOUTH PLAZA ISLAND / SANTA FE ISLAND Landing on one of the oldest docks in the archipelago, we head ashore on South Plaza. This island captivates visitors with its vibrant colors, from green prickly pear cactus to the copper-colored land iguanas. Huge seagoing marine iguanas roam the shores, and swallow-tailed gulls and red-billed tropicbirds are often found here. The impressive seaward cliffs here are excellent for a variety of coastal birds. This is also a great place to observe adult and pup sea lions swimming along the shores. Later we land on a white beach on Santa Fe Island, where sea lions are usually resting, to look for the island’s endemic species of land iguana, larger and yellower than land iguanas on other islands. The largest prickly pear cacti in the Galápagos are also found here. Overnight aboard yacht...BLD Two great locations in one day. The seaward cliffs offer some of the best birds in flight opportunities, and the other sections have great approachable animals, particularly the iguanas on Plaza. Photo instruction is always available in every group activity, but if you’re struggling with anything, today is a day you want to seek out individual help in the morning. That’s because today and tomorrow are some of the most classic Galápagos photography areas. DAY 8 PUNTA SUAREZ, ESPANOLA ISLAND / GARDNER BAY We spend the day on fantastic Española, southernmost island in the archipelago, with its long white beaches. This island has a high degree of species differentiation due to its remoteness. A spectacular walk at Española’s Punta Suárez offers nesting sites of blue-footed and Nazca boobies. One of the island’s most spectacular birds is the huge waved albatross, with its seven-foot wingspan. The birds nest here from April through December. Waved albatross are considered endemic not only to the Galápagos but also to this island, where they exist in colonies of about 12,000 pairs. Later we walk up to an amazing viewpoint of the island’s famous blowhole, which shoots water as high as 90 feet in the air. Along the way, we’ll be passing marine iguanas just starting to get their mating colors as well as lazing Galápagos sea lions. After lunch, we explore the other side of Española at Gardner Bay, which has an outstanding beach with sea lions, marine iguanas, and the endemic Española mockingbird. Overnight aboard yacht...BLD If you liked yesterday photographically, you’ll enjoy today, too. We get a slightly different set of birds, particularly the albatross, but much of what we did yesterday will repeat today with the difference being the landscape and the species involved. These two days are a great back-to-back contrast. 800-368-2794 | 510-558-2488 | info@wildernesstravel.com 5 Itinerary (cont’d) DAY 9 SANTA CRUZ HIGHLANDS / PUERTO AYORA We return to the town of Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island and head once again to the lush highlands, this time to see the the huge twin craters called Los Gemelos and explore the lava tunnels. After lunch at a highland ranch, we enjoy free time in the charming small town of Puerto Ayora, with its shops and openair cafes. Overnight aboard yacht...BLD This walk requires opposites. In the lava tube and at the viewpoint, you’ll need a wide lens. I might even bring a tripod. But one of the things we’ll see is lots of interesting small birds, so you also need your longest lens, too. DAY 10 PUNTA CORMORANT, FLOREANA ISLAND / DEVIL’S CROWN / POST OFFICE BAY We spend the day on Floreana, legendary homestead of infamous Baroness Eloise Von Wagner de Bousquet. Landing on the olivine beaches of Punta Cormorant, we look for greater flamingos at a saltwater lagoon, then walk farther to a beach known as “Flour Beach” for its fine white sand where sea turtles nest. We end the outing with a Zodiac ride to Devil’s Crown, the remnant of a volcanic crater whose pinnacles rise up from the sandy bottom. Here we can see profuse coral development, a variety of tropical fish, and sometimes rays and sea turtles. After lunch, we visit the historic Post Office Barrel, where in the 18th century, sailors left letters to be posted by passing ships. Overnight aboard yacht...BLD We’re back on the hunt for animals today. This island has many, but they’re a little more elusive than we just experienced, so telephoto lenses are going to come into play. “Being aboard the yacht was a thrill, and eating on deck with the beauty of the islands in view was beyond spectacular.” Kay M., Morrison, CO DAY 11 BLACK BEACH AND HIGHLANDS / SAIL FOR ISABELA In the morning, we visit Floreana’s Black Beach, where we learn about the intriguing human history of the island and its first inhabitants. Floreana was the first of the islands to be settled, since it has one of the few sources for fresh water. We head into the highlands to visit the “Asilo de la Paz,” the freshwater spring, as well as the caves that served as hideouts for pirates and where the first settlers established their camps. Floreana is also well known for the mysterious disappearances of some of the later settlers in the 1930s, including the Baroness Von Wagner de Bousquet. After our visit, we return to the yacht and sail across the sea to Isabela Island, with opportunities along the way to watch for whales and dolphins that inhabit these waters. We’ll enjoy a sunset dinner with extraordinary views. Overnight aboard yacht...BLD This day is more about taking pictures of the place, so a wide-angle and mid-range lens is probably all that’s needed. DAY 12 PUNTA MORENO, ISABELA ISLAND / ELIZABETH BAY We arrive at Isabela, the largest island in the Galápagos. After breakfast, we step ashore at Punta Moreno for a walk on a superb pahoehoe lava flow surrounded by giant shield volcanoes, some still active. From here we hike to a lagoon where flamingos are usually present. After lunch, we explore by Zodiac in and around 6 WILDERNESS TRAVEL | www.wildernesstravel.com Elizabeth Bay, a saltwater lagoon surrounded by the largest red mangroves in the Galápagos. Here it is usual to see sea turtles swim near our Zodiac to greet us. Flightless cormorants and Galápagos penguins are also more abundant in this part of the archipelago. Overnight aboard yacht...BLD Today is similar to other days where we’ve split the day with a hike and a Zodiac ride, but again in a different locale that provides different backgrounds. DAY 13 URBINA BAY, ISABELA ISLAND / PUNTA ESPINOSA, FERNANDINA ISLAND We land at Urbina Bay on a black sand beach that is a nesting site for green sea turtles. We take a brief hike inland in search of land iguanas as well as giant tortoises (here at certain seasons when they migrate to and from the highlands). At the beach, we can admire the remains of a geological uplift exposing coral heads and marine fossils. If the sea conditions are good and there is time, we can snorkel in these waters. Setting sail at lunchtime, we cross Bolivar Channel to Fernandina Island, one of the world’s most unspoiled places, landing at Punta Espinosa for a stroll along the shoreline, on the lookout for flightless cormorants, Galápagos sea lions, Galápagos penguins, Galápagos hawks, sootycolored marine iguanas, and bright red-orange Sally Lightfoot crabs. Overnight aboard yacht...BLD “We were catered to every moment of the trip. The time on the ship was very well planned and organized—plenty of activities and yet time to relax. Every encounter was friendly and professional.” Cheryle W., Waukegan, IL We’re back in yet a different locale looking for iguana and tortoise. Generally they can be very close. The afternoon is lizard city, where marine iguanas should all be hanging out digesting their mid-day dives for food. You’ll want the telephoto for some things, especially those cormorants, but you’ll be surprised at what you can do with a midrange zoom. DAY 14 TAGUS COVE, FERNANDINA / DARWIN LAKE / PUNTA VICENTE ROCA We land at Tagus Cove, a historic pirate hideaway named after a British warship that anchored here in 1814. From here we hike through beautiful Galápagos landscapes to Darwin Lake, a saltwater crater lagoon surrounded by tufa stone. After lunch, we land at Punta Vicente Roca for a Zodiac ride around the beautiful coast before jumping into the water to enjoy one of the best snorkeling sites in the Galápagos. The underwater cliffs here are filled with enough color and life to amaze anyone. Overnight aboard yacht...BLD A scenic morning walk followed by an afternoon Zodiac ride along cliffs, so we go from wide angle in the morning to telephoto in the afternoon. DAY 15 ESPUMILLA, SANTIAGO ISLAND / PUERTO EGAS We head to Santiago Island to land at Espumilla, a beach of golden sand and a nesting site for green sea turtles. A forest trail brings us through some of the largest specimens of palo santo on the islands and we can observe yellow warblers, the unbelievably tame Galápagos flycatcher, and the ever-intriguing Darwin’s finches. This afternoon’s landing is at Puerto Egas, where we land on a beach of dark volcanic sand and where there is an interesting history of human 800-368-2794 | 510-558-2488 | info@wildernesstravel.com 7 Itinerary (cont’d) settlement. Sleepy Galápagos fur seals lounge under arches of lava carved by the ocean here, occasionally dipping into the crystalline grotto pools. We walk along the shore to observe the abundant marine life. Overnight aboard yacht... BLD Small birds mean lots of lens and the techniques you’ve been learning throughout the trip. DAY 16 NORTH SEYMOUR ISLAND / BALTRA ISLAND / DISEMBARK / GUAYAQUIL We disembark on North Seymour, a small uplifted island, where we can walk right up to nesting colonies of the two species of frigatebirds as well as blue-footed boobies and swallow-tailed gulls. Depending on the season, the courtship displays can be spectacular. From Baltra, we fly back to Guayaquil, with lunch on board the aircraft, and transfer to the hotel upon arrival. Overnight at the Hilton Colon Guayaquil...B Our last shore visit should be a good one, with birds extremely accessible in the trees and on the ground, as well as land iguanas. If you’ve started your packing, you can probably get down to a camera with a moderate zoom on it and do just fine. DAY 17 DEPART Morning transfer to the airport for departure on homeward flights or extend your stay with one of our optional extensions...B Photograpically, we have a wide mix of scenic, tourism (Puerto Ayora), wildlife, and on-board cruise photography available to us. If you’d like to see what that looks like, please check out the blog from Thom and Tony’s previous Galápagos trip at: http:// www.bythom.com/photographic-travel/south-america/Galápagos/Galápagosworkshop-2014/. Warning! There’s a lot to digest there. Also note that the itinerary for that trip was a bit different than this one, though there is some significant overlap. 8 WILDERNESS TRAVEL | www.wildernesstravel.com About Photography This is a photography-oriented trip. Thus, we’re out early in the morning and stay as late as we can in the day. We have a maximum 8:1 student to instructor ratio on this trip, so instruction is always available. Be proactive about asking questions if you have them, as even with such a low ratio it can be difficult to apportion teaching time equally. During the trip, we have an introductory photography instruction session for two hours on the first day at the hotel in Guayaquil, then we punctuate that with shorter, near daily sessions on the boat during mid-day or the evening where we’ll tackle techniques appropriate to the Galápagos and do review of images from members of the group. This is a learning trip. Because we have power available at all times, this is a trip where you should bring your computer and your photography software so that you can work on images during the trip (at least downloading them and doing some personal review of what’s working or not working for you). Our instructors are Lightroom and Photoshop experts as well as photographers, so they can help with work in those programs, as well, and often demonstrate techniques they use during the daily sessions. You can find photo workshops on smaller boats that last only a week for the cruise portion for prices that aren’t that much lower than this trip’s. We are confident we’re giving you full value for your money. One final thought: we try to disclose every cost you’ll encounter. So make sure you compare total costs to total costs when selecting a Galápagos trip or photo workshop. Our photography instructors will be sending out emails periodically to those enrolled in this trip to suggest equipment you might want to bring and provide additional tips about what to expect and how to maximize your experience. They usually do one large email six months prior to departure, and another shorter one 90 days prior to departure. You can also email our photo instructors directly with questions once you sign up for the trip. PHOTOGRAPHY EQUIPMENT This trip is mostly about wildlife, a little bit scenery. At a minimum you should consider bringing the following: • • Two camera bodies A long telephoto zoom (70-300mm, 80-400mm); it doesn’t have to have a fast aperture • • • • • A monopod Wide angle and normal zooms for scenic and boat shooting An underwater camera or a housing for one of your bodies A waterproof bag to carry equipment in on the Zodiac Lenses should probably have image stabilization, as we often shoot from moving platforms The photo instructors will be supplying a longer description of what’s useful with their emails. In general, we can only be onshore between sunrise and sunset, so light is usually plentiful. You don’t need fast lenses except for perhaps isolation of animals from backgrounds. However, you can also get isolation from long focal lengths, so a 400mm f/5.6 is more useful than 70-200mm f/2.8 on this trip. Reach is useful both for birds, but also because sometimes the things you want to photograph are simply off the trail and you can’t walk over to them. A monopod for your camera can be handy as both a walking stick and casual support. Tripods aren’t something we use a lot in the Galápagos, but the instructors will have more to say about this in their emails. The Galápagos are a great birding spot, so some of you will want to bring equipment for that, including long lenses. That’s fine, but just remember we’re usually hand-holding or using a monopod, and we have to carry that equipment with us as we move around on the islands. You could bring a 500mm or 600mm exotic lens, but you’ll be hard pressed to keep it safe from the elements, stable when you use it, and you’ll be lugging it over lava trails and worse. At other times, you may find yourself struggling with close focus, as it’s also quite common to have birds and animals literally in your face. So lenses that aren’t limited in close focus, perhaps even macro lenses, are useful. Even when you try to stay the park-mandated 6 feet away, you may find some animals simply walk up to you. Remember your equipment will be going from boat to shore and back, sometimes with you wading ashore, at least twice a day. Plus you’ll be carrying it over sometimesawkward terrain (lava). You want to avoid big bulky lenses or things you can’t protect well, and it’s important to keep your equipment protected between boat and shore. 800-368-2794 | 510-558-2488 | info@wildernesstravel.com 9 Trip Cost, Payment & Insurance TRIP COST Prices are for 2017 $11995 (13-14 members) $12495 (11-12 members) Single supplement (at Hotel Hilton Guayaquil): $225 Internal airfare: $540 (subject to change) Galápagos park fee and transit card: $120 per person Quito transfer fee: $120 No single supplement charge aboard the Mary Anne for single cabins only, call for details TRIP COST DOES NOT INCLUDE International airfare, internal flights, Galápagos park fee, any meals not specified after each itinerary day, airport departure taxes, optional gratuities (tipping your naturalist guides and yacht crew is customary, but at your discretion; the photo instructors do not accept tips), additional hotel nights (due to airline schedule changes or other factors), pre-trip expenses such as medical immunizations (if any), travel insurance, passports and visas, or other expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages, laundry, and so on). To offer the lowest possible cost, our trips are priced according to the number of participants on the trip. All costs are per person, based on double occupancy. If you wish to have a single room, you must pay the single supplement fee. If you are willing to share accommodations, we will match you with a roommate if one is available. PAYMENT SCHEDULE At time of reservation 150 days prior to departure 90 days prior to departure RESERVATIONS Early reservations are recommended as the group size is limited. Immediate confirmation can be arranged by calling 800-368-2794 and charging the deposit to a credit card. Each participant must complete the Trip Application and sign the Release of Liability and Assumption of Risks Agreement prior to departure. These will be sent to you in the Welcome Packet. CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE Because the prices published for our program are set so far in advance of the trip dates, we are occasionally faced with exceptional cost increases and/or currency fluctuations that affect the actual cost of running the trip. In most years, no price changes are necessary. However, we do reserve the right to raise or lower the trip price if there is a significant change in costs or exchange rates. If this is the case, your final invoice will reflect the difference in trip cost. CANCELLATION AND TRANSFER FEE SCHEDULE Minimum fee: $600 61-120 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost 60 days or less: 100% of trip cost TRAVEL INSURANCE We recommend that all travelers purchase coverage for medical expenses, baggage loss, and trip cancellation. Trip cancellation insurance reimburses you for nonrefundable payments should you need to cancel your trip due to a covered sickness or injury to yourself, a traveling companion, or family member, or for certain other unforeseen circumstances. You can take advantage of a Travel Protection Plan designed for Wilderness Travel by Travelex Insurance, or purchase other insurance on your own. A Description of Coverage Brochure and Enrollment Form are included with your confirmation materials, and also available on our website at www.wildernesstravel.com/ toucan/travel-insurance. Travel insurance must be paid for before final payment for the trip. TRIP COST INCLUDES • Expert leadership of two naturalist guides onboard the Mary Anne, local guides, photography instruction • Accommodations at the hotel in Guayaquil and aboard the yacht • All meals included except 2 lunches and 2 dinners • Airport transfers as indicated 10 $600 50% Balance WILDERNESS TRAVEL | www.wildernesstravel.com Cusco & Machu Picchu Extension arrival and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the evening on your own...BL DAY 5 CUSCO Free day for independent exploration of Cusco. One can spend a delightful day here just exploring on foot to see the blend of Inca and colonial architecture. The city also boasts an abundance of artisan and craft boutiques and a wide variety of wonderful restaurants and street cafes, all with a welcoming atmosphere. Overnight at hotel...B DAY 1 LIMA / CUSCO Arrive in Lima, Peru, in the early morning and connect with a flight to Cusco (11,200’). Spend the balance of the morning resting and acclimatizing to the altitude. After lunch, enjoy an afternoon city tour to explore this ancient capital of the Inca Empire. Overnight at hotel (Classic Accommodation: Hotel Casa Andina Private Collection, Optional Upgrade: Hotel Monasterio)...meals on your own DAY 2 URUBAMBA VALLEY / OLLANTAYTAMBO Private morning tour of the spectacular Inca ruins on the hills overlooking Cusco. Afterwards, drive through the Urubamba Valley to Ollantaytambo, a living Inca village, virtually unchanged from ancient times. Overnight at hotel (Classic Accommodation: Hotel Pakaritampu, Optional Upgrade: Rio Sagrado)...BLD DAY 3 MACHU PICCHU Board the morning train with your guide for a short ride through the Urubamba Valley to Machu Picchu. At the Machu Picchu station, head up to the ruins by bus and explore the sanctuary on an afternoon tour, visiting the reconstructed ruins of staircases, altars, temples, and fountains and enjoying the incredible setting. Overnight at hotel (Classic Accommodation: The Hotel Sumaq, Optional Upgrade: Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge)...BLD DAY 4 MACHU PICCHU / CUSCO Explore the wonders of Machu Picchu on your own, with the option to climb Huayna Picchu. In the afternoon, transfer to your train bound for Cusco. You will be met on DAY 6 LIMA / DEPART Early morning flight to Lima and connect with onward flights...B 2017 EXTENSION COSTS $2895 per person, based on double occupancy $3695 for solo traveler Single supplement: $775 Internal airfare: $580 (subject to change) Seasonal or Holiday surcharges: call for details Upgrade options available in each location. Please call our office for pricing. If you prefer to stay at a different property please let us know and we can check availability. Upgrade costs for one night at Sanctuary Lodge at Machu Picchu: From $350 per person EXTENSION COST INCLUDES Accommodations, meals as indicated, bilingual guide Days 1-3, entry to Machu Picchu on Days 3 and 4, Huayna Picchu entry on Day 4, airport transfers, all tours as indicated, all entrance fees for sites and museums. EXTENSION COST DOES NOT INCLUDE Airfare, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, items of personal nature such as laundry, telephone, internet etc, optional gratuities to hotel and lodge staff, transfer agents, drivers, and guides. Internal Airfare: Your Lima/Cusco air tickets are issued and distributed by our office in Lima. The price above reflects the cost at the time of printing of a non-refundable ticket. 800-368-2794 | 510-558-2488 | info@wildernesstravel.com 11 Otavalo & Hacienda Zuleta Extension HACIENDA ZULETA A stunning boutique hotel and working farm, Hacienda Zuleta is owned by the Galo Plaza-Lasso family, who have provided two of Ecuador’s presidents. The hacienda is in an exquisite setting at 9,000 feet in the Ecuadorian Andes. The 19-room estate has 11 private rooms available to guests, each with hand-embroidered linens and beautiful garden views. Zuleta has a wonderfully remote ambiance, famous hospitality, and its beautiful rural surroundings are a delight. It offers an authentic experience of the Ecuadorian highlands. Today the working farm produces a wide range of products including milk, cheese, quinoa, potatoes, and organic vegetables. Of special interest to many guests are the hand-embroidery workshop (optional tour at extra cost), condor rehabilitation project, trout farm, and cheese factory. Virtually everything gracing the table at Zuleta comes fresh from Zuleta’s rich earth and is carefully prepared by hand. Outside magazine named Zuleta one of the world’s “Top Ten Finds.” DAY 1 HACIENDA ZULETA Morning pickup from your Quito hotel and drive north along the Pan-American Highway into the green and beautiful Ecuadorian highlands. Arrive in time for lunch and optional afternoon activities...LD DAY 2 HACIENDA ZULETA You may wish to walk some of the beautiful trails at the hacienda. Other activities, such as mountain biking and horseback riding, are available at an additional cost...BLD DAY 3 OTAVALO VISIT / RETURN TO QUITO In the morning, visit the village of Otavalo, with its famed market offering the best selection of Ecuadorian woven tapestries, alpaca clothing, and pottery. Otavalo’s market is held daily, but the biggest market, held Saturdays, includes a livestock market in the early morning. After your market visit, enjoy a fine lunch at a local hacienda. If time permits, you can make one more shopping stop at the town of Cotacachi, a town famous for its leather products, or visit Peguche, whose residents are known for their weaving skills and musical traditions, before returning to Quito in the late afternoon. Overnight at hotel...BL 12 2017 EXTENSION COSTS $1125 per person, double occupancy Single supplement: $275 (for a group of 2 or more guests) Solo traveler: $1600 Additional night: $350 per person EXTENSION COST INCLUDES Accommodations, all meals as indicated, transfers with an English-speaking guide to and from Quito and Otavalo Market, as well as at Hacienda Zuleta, and access to the many hiking trails on the property. EXTENSION COST DOES NOT INCLUDE Soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, items of personal nature such as laundry, internet, telephone, etc, optional gratuities to hacienda staff and guides, and optional activities that can be arranged upon arrival at the hacienda. Note: This extension orignates in Quito. We suggest booking international flights into Quito and out of Guayaquil to accommodate a pre-trip extension, or into Guayqauil and out of Quito to accommodate a post-trip extension. We can book hotel nights in, and internal flight tickets from, either Quito or Guayaquil. Please contact us to discuss your extension options. WILDERNESS TRAVEL | www.wildernesstravel.com Amazon Rainforest Extension: Napo Wildlife Center Enjoy an unforgettable adventure at Napo Wildlife Center for the best experience of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Explore by dugout canoe on blackwater lakes, hike trails through the emerald forest, visit the nearby clay lick where hundreds of parrots and macaws gather, get a birds-eye view from the canopy tower (207 steps!), with its unobstructed 360-degree view of undisturbed forest. NWC is owned by the native Yasuni people, who have lived in this area for centuries. They have a profound respect for maintaining the natural integrity of the ecosystem and are knowledgable and passionate guides who enhance your experience. Guest cabins are very comfortable and the buffet-style meals in the dining room provide tasty, fresh, and plentiful meals with a good variety to choose from. Our extension has three nights at Napo Wildlife Center, but you have the option to add additional nights. Please note: No Amazon flights operate on Sundays. This extension can be arranged before or after your Galápagos cruise and originates in Quito. We suggest booking international flights into Quito and out of Guayaquil to accommodate a pre-trip extension, or into Guayqauil and out of Quito to accommodate a post-trip extension. We can book your internal flights to Galápagos to and from either city. Please contact us to discuss your extension options. PRE-TRIP EXTENSION DAY 1, ARRIVE QUITO Arrive in Quito and transfer to your Quito hotel, the Rincon de Puembo...Meals on your own DAYS 2-4, COCA / NAPO WILDLIFE CENTER Transfer to the airport for a 30-minute flight to Coca, where you are met and transported by boat to the Napo Wildlife Center. Enjoy nature walks and exploration at the Napo Wildlife Center, a community-based ecotourism project in a vast private reserve inside Yasuní National Park, where more than 550 species of birds have been identified along with 11 species of monkey. One of the lodge’s features is a clay lick (the most accessible parrot and macaw clay lick in Ecuador) where on a sunny day, hundreds of parrots and macaws gather. Napo also has a canopy tower, a great way to experience the life above the forest floor. As you ascend the 12-story tower, you pass through different levels of the forest (there is also a smaller canopy tower near the dining hall with great views of the lake)...BLD each day DAY 5, COCA / QUITO A morning transfer by boat brings you back to Coca for your flight to Quito (this is Day 1 of your Galápagos itinerary). Overnight at hotel...B DAY 6, QUITO / GUAYAQUIL / BALTRA, GALÁPAGOS Transfer to the Quito airport for your flight to the Galápagos Islands (Day 2 of your Galápagos itinerary)...B POST-TRIP EXTENSION DAY 1, QUITO Enjoy a free day in Quito (last day of your scheduled Galápagos itinerary). Overnight at Quito hotel...B DAYS 2-4, COCA / NAPO WILDLIFE CENTER Same as pre-trip extension. DAY 5, COCA / QUITO Return to Quito. Overnight at Rincon de Puembo...BL DAY 6, DEPART Transfer to the airport for departure. 2017 EXTENSION COSTS Pre-Trip $1695 per person, double occupancy Solo Traveler: $2595 Additional day (double occupancy): $275 Additional day (single occupancy): $375 Child Discount (12 and under): Call for details Post-Trip $1895 per person, double occupancy Solo Traveler: $2795 Additional night (double occupancy): $275 Additional night (single occupancy): $375 Child Discount (12 and under): Call for details EXTENSION COST INCLUDES Airfare, accommodations, transfers, meals as indicated, and naturalist guide for excursions. EXTENSION COST DOES NOT INCLUDE Soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, items of personal nature such as laundry, telephone, internet etc, optional gratuities to hotel and lodge staff, transfer agents, drivers, and guides. 800-368-2794 | 510-558-2488 | info@wildernesstravel.com 13 Lodging HILTON COLON GUAYAQUIL Guayaquil, Ecuador Day 1 (1 night), Day 9 (1 night) With a convenient location just 15 minutes from Guayquil's international airport, the Hilton Colon Guayquil offers spacious and comfortable rooms, a buffet breakfast, several restaurants, and a swimming pool. MARY ANNE In legendary square-rigger tradition, the Mary Anne offers the truly romantic ambiance of a tall sailing ship combined with the comforts of a modern motor yacht. With her elegant design, she is one of the most beautiful yachts in the islands. The Mary Anne features deck space for relaxing outdoors and enjoying the incredible island views. She hosts just 16 guests, so you’ll have a wonderfully personal experience of the Galápagos. The inviting wood-paneled lounge features a bar, a library stocked with great books on the history and wildlife of the islands, and an entertainment center. Dining is either in the salon or al fresco on deck—a delightful experience, and also a great place to enjoy a glass of wine while watching the sunset or looking at the stars. The top-notch crew—most of whom are from these islands—provides great service (a 2:1 passenger-to-crew ratio). Air-Conditioned Cabins: The comfortable cabins all have individual climate control, porthole windows, and a variety of upper and lower berth configurations. The cabins include private bathrooms with hot showers, and there is daily cleaning service. Single cabins can be booked at no extra charge (call for availability and details). Cuisine: Renowned for her excellent chefs, the Mary Anne’s on-board cuisine is fresh and beautifully prepared, offering wonderful variety. Many of our ingredients are locally sourced: our bread comes from a women’s cooperative bakery on the islands, vegetables are grown on an organic farm on Santa Cruz Island, juices are from locally grown fruits, and even the ice cream comes from the Galápagos Cooking School! The delightful menus include local specialties, from fresh ceviche to crispy, golden llapingachos, a special dish of Ecuador. These are our signature accommodations for this trip. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary. To see more photos and descriptions, please visit our Ultimate Galápagos webpage and click on the “Lodging” tab. 14 Exploring the Galápagos from aboard the Mary Anne: From the Mary Anne’s open deck space, we have the possibility of sighting whales or dolphins off the bow and magnificent frigatebirds soaring in the sky. Our “go-anywhere” Zodiacs take us to shore for our nature walks, and we also use them to explore hidden lagoons. Sea kayaks (comfortable sit-on-top types) are another treat—they are easy to paddle and tremendous fun. Snorkeling gear and shorty wetsuits are available on board for your complimentary use. You are welcome to help with raising the sails, take a turn at the wheel, or join the Captain on the bridge to observe navigation—cruising the islands on the beautiful Mary Anne is an active and unforgettable experience. Safety, Comfort, and Environmental Certification: The design of the Mary Anne makes a big difference in your comfort. Her steel hull and deep keel make her extremely safe and stable in the water. Her environmentally friendly design is certified by Smart Voyager, recognizing that all operations meet a strict set of conservation standards. WILDERNESS TRAVEL | www.wildernesstravel.com “Life on board the boat was wonderful and relaxing, from exploring the islands to seeing the night sky. This is the trip of a lifetime.” Kathleen Heintz, Washington DC Ship Specifications: Length 216'; Beam 25.9'; Draft 16.7' Crew: Captain, First Mate, Engineers, Two Sailors, Chef, Chef ’s Assistant, and Naturalist Guide. Safety Equipment: Two 25-passenger Crew and two 20-passenger life rafts with safety regulation equipment, Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB), Search and Rescue Transponder (SART), central alarm with smoke and fire detectors, life jackets, fire extinguishers. Dining Room Bar Crew Crew Crew Galley Galley Crew 800-368-2794 | 510-558-2488 | info@wildernesstravel.com 15 Trip Leaders THOM HOGAN, PHOTO INSTRUCTOR Thom Hogan has been teaching photography since leaving Backpacker magazine in 2000, where he was the editor. Formally trained as a filmmaker, Thom taught film and television courses at Indiana University, and has developed coursework in many of the visual arts. While primarily known as a writer and instructor, Thom’s imagery has appeared in a number of magazines, including Backpacker, Outdoor Photography, Digital Foto, and Photographer’s I. “Galápagos is a treasure that every outdoor photographer should visit. It’s not what you expect it to be. It’s far, far better.” This will be Thom’s eighth trip to the Galápagos. Thom currently lives in Emmaus, Pennsylvania. ANTHONY MEDICI, PHOTO INSTRUCTOR Anthony Medici started as Thom’s assistant instructor, and now is an avid and experienced wildlife photographer on his own who specializes in birds. You’ll get plenty of wildlife shooting advice on this trip from Tony, including things to watch out for while shooting, and help getting focus on animals that are moving fast and often peeking through bushes. This will be Tony’s third trip to the Galápagos. Tony currently lives in the greater Orlando, Florida, area, where he also does studio photography with his brother. CAROLINA LARREA ANGERMEYER, NATURALIST GUIDE As a member of the pioneering Angermeyer family, Carolina has a long heritage in the world of conservation in the Galápagos. With a degree in biology, Carolina has been a guide in the Galápagos since 2008, earning her guiding license from the Galápagos National Park. Among the work she’s done in the area—including scuba diving training courses and environmental education programs—she was the scientific advisor for one of the episodes in the BBC documentary South Pacific. She currently resides in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island and speaks Spanish and English, as well as some French and German. CECIBEL GUERRERO, NATURALIST GUIDE When you grow up in one of the most diverse and extraordinary places on earth, it seems only right to invest your time and energy in keeping that place special, and Cecibel “Ceci” Guerrero is no exception. Originally from Ecuador, Ceci has been a guide in the Galápagos since 2001, having obtained her license as a Level III Naturalist Guide by the Galápagos National Park Service and the Charles Darwin Research Station. After taking a short break from guiding to start a family, she returned to the Galápagos in 2008 to continue her work in the place she loves the most. An avid snorkeler and scuba diver, Ceci has a real enthusiasm for sharing this special, unique, and magical place with our guests. “I feel blessed and honored to work in one of the most pristine places on earth,” she says. 16 WILDERNESS TRAVEL | www.wildernesstravel.com Arrival & Departure A list of required documents (passport, visas, etc.) will be sent you in the welcome packet, which is sent to you directly upon confirming your reservation for the trip. Please feel free to call if you would like this information before booking air arrangements. INTERNAL FLIGHTS GUAYAQUIL/GALÁPAGOS Please note that your internal Guayaquil/Galápagos roundtrip flights will be issued and distributed by our local agent in Ecuador (the airfare will appear on your final Wilderness Travel invoice). ARRIVAL Hilton Colon Guayaquil Guayaquil, Ecuador INTERNATIONAL AIR TRAVEL Trip members are responsible for making their own international air arrangements to and from Latin America. The following carriers typically have the most convenient schedules for this tour: Date: Day 1 Suggested arrival time: anytime before 3:00 pm if possible *Hotel check-in is at 2:00 pm. Suggested Arrival Airport: Guayaquil, Ecuador (airport code: GYE) Flights from the U.S. typically arrive in the late evening. Upon arrival, you will be met by a hotel representative (as you exit Customs) and be transferred to the hotel by complimentary airport shuttle. DEPARTURE Hilton Colon Guayaquil Guayaquil, Ecuador Date: Day 17 Suggested departure time: anytime Suggested Airport for Departure Guayaquil, Ecuador (airport code: GYE)* *Hotel check-out is by 12:00 pm. Most flights depart for the U.S. in the early morning, but if your departing flight is in the evening we can request a late check-out and/or day room. This will come at an extra charge, but makes for a more relaxing last day. American Airlines Lan Airlines 800-433-7300 866-435-9526 www.aa.com www.lan.com United Airlines 800-864-8331 www.united.com The name on your airline ticket must match the name on your passport exactly, and your passport must be valid for at least six months after your date of return to the U.S. Please do not purchase your tickets until you are confirmed on the trip. Once your tickets have been purchased, please send us a copy of your airline schedule so we can reserve your airport transfers. It is your responsibility to ensure your flight times coordinate with the arrival and departure logistics for the trip. EXTENSIONS Please note that if you are adding a post-trip extension in Ecuador, you will fly home from Quito (airport code: UIO) and will need a flight from Galápagos through to Quito (rather than Guayaquil). 800-368-2794 | 510-558-2488 | info@wildernesstravel.com 17 Trip Details WHAT THE TRIP IS LIKE The trip is rated Level 1+. Trips that are rated 1 are noncamping trips with optional walks and little elevation gain or loss. The + indicates that this trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of this level. We feel this trip is appropriate for anyone in good health who is physically active and enjoys regular moderate walks and hikes, but we ask you to consider the following factors before choosing this trip: Shore Excursions To get ashore each day you will be transfer from the Mary Anne onto our Zodiac (the small boat that brings you ashore) and stepping out of the Zodiac to go ashore. Passengers are required to wear life jackets when traveling in the Zodiac. Getting on the Zodiac involves walking down a gang-plank set of stairs and stepping onto the Zodiac while both the yacht and Zodiac are moving with the roll of the seas. A crew member on the Zodiac will reach for your hand to help steady you during this maneuver, but it nonetheless can often feel tricky depending on the amount of ocean swell. Shore landings are either “dry” (where there are rocks or wooden piers to step onto when you disembark from the Zodiac) or “wet” (which involves stepping out of the Zodiac into a foot or so of surf and wading to shore). Getting out of the Zodiac for a dry landing is occasionally tricky even though a crew member will be there to assist, especially on days when the seas are active and the rocks you step onto may be slippery. For a wet landing, you may be stepping into shallow surf, possibly up to your knees or higher if you disembark just as a wave comes in, so it is important that you have the agility for this. Of course, our boat staff will be on hand to assist with landings. Hikes/walks on the Galápagos Islands are not long (up to 3 miles), but they often involve uneven ground, either on dry lava, which can be quite sharp if you fall, on rocky trails with uneven boulders, or on sandy beaches. Swimming/Snorkeling Trip members on any Galápagos trip should be able to swim and ideally have previous snorkeling experience. The itinerary includes snorkeling excursions on most days and they are a major attraction for any visit to the islands. Please consult both our office and your Trip Leader aboard the boat if you have any concerns about swimming and snorkeling. 18 Most of our snorkeling is in water that is between 10 to 40 feet deep, but if conditions allow, we may offer open-ocean snorkeling near a remote off-shore reef. These open-ocean snorkels are not suitable for first-time snorkelers or weak swimmers. Your Trip Leader accompanies the group on all snorkeling excursions and the Zodiac will attempt to stay close, should anyone wish to get out of the water. We do not, however, have staff members available to individually assist snorkelers and it is incumbent on each swimmer to keep track of his or her own whereabouts. Currents in Galápagos can be strong at some sites. You should only choose to swim and snorkel in those spots where you are completely comfortable. If you are not a strong swimmer or have little experience snorkeling, you might prefer to bring your own personal flotation device (PFD) rather than rely on the cumbersome on-board life jackets. To get in the water, you will slide off the side of the Zodiac and into the water. Getting back in the Zodiac will require climbing up a small metal ladder attached to the side of the Zodiac. The seaman in charge of the Zodiac will help, but it is impossible for him to just pull you out of the water— you have to be prepared to do most of the work under your own power. While normally a good variety of snorkeling equipment is available on the Mary Anne, if you are a particularly serious snorkeler, we highly recommend bringing your own snorkel, mask, and possibly even fins to assure a proper fit. A proper fit of your mask is critical for keeping water out and allowing you good vision underwater. There is no scuba diving available on our Galápagos trips. Our boats are not set up for scuba diving but there are places in Puerto Ayora where diving is available if you would like to extend your trip. Depending on your personal tolerance for cold, you may not need a wetsuit. However, everyone’s tolerance level is different and most prefer to use a wetsuit. Complimentary shorty wetsuits are available on board for your use. If you easily get cold, you may prefer a full-length wetsuit (you will need to bring your own from home). Many people wear a t-shirt while snorkeling to protect their arms and backs from sunburn. The backs of the legs are also prone to sunburn, so some people might want to swim in lightweight tights or leggings, or purchase “skins” (lycra bodysuits sold at dive shops). WILDERNESS TRAVEL | www.wildernesstravel.com LIFE ON BOARD You should understand that this is not a “luxury cruise,” but once you have adjusted to boat living, you will find this to be one of the most pleasant journeys imaginable. The naturalist guides are superbly trained. Food served on board is delicious and varied, often supplemented by fresh fish. Cold beer, liquor, and soft drinks are available for purchase (you can run a tab and settle up at the end of the cruise). The yacht has a small selection of liquor, so if you want more than a small amount or a special brand, you can bring your own or make a stop at the duty-free store before leaving the US. Linens, blankets, and towels are supplied. The day usually starts with a delicious breakfast of fresh fruit, cereal, breads, eggs, fresh juice, and coffee or tea. This is often the time when your Trip Leader gives you a briefing on the day’s schedule so you can plan your clothing and equipment for the morning hike. On return to the boat, there may be a chance to snorkel or swim before a multicourse lunch is served. After lunch, the yacht sometimes transits to a new area, and in the later afternoon, you’ll make a second landing, taking the Zodiac ashore for more exploration and hikes. Visitors must depart the islands by 6 pm. After a cocktail on deck and a relaxing dinner, evenings are for photo discussions by the Trip Leader. BEVERAGES ABOARD THE MARY ANNE Filtered water and fruit juices are complimentary on board the Mary Anne. Bottled water, mineral water, soda, beer, wine, and cocktails are available for purchase. Prices range from $2 for bottled water and sodas and $4 for a bottle of beer to a selection of wine (Chilean whites and reds) by the glass from $7 or by the bottle from $47 to $70. Cocktails are priced from $10. All items and prices are subject to change and availability and include tax. PROTECTING THE GALÁPAGOS Wilderness Travel is proud to be a founding member of the International Galápagos Tour Operators Association (IGTOA), which is dedicated to the conservation of these extraordinary islands. IGTOA encourages Ecuadorian government action for lasting protection of the islands and advocates responsible, low impact travel and high professional standards for tour operators in the islands. We also support the Galápagos Conservancy, which supports and funds the important conservation and educational work of the Charles Darwin Foundation and the Galápagos National Park Service. GALÁPAGOS CLIMATE Because Ecuador is on the equator, there are 12 hours of daylight year-round. The Galápagos climate is influenced by two oceanic currents: the cold Humboldt Current and the warm tropical current from the Gulf of Panama. Consequently, there are two seasons as the currents alternate in strength: January to May/June, the warmer months, and May/June to December, the cooler months. During January to May/June, the climate is typically tropical, warm and pleasant with occasional short rain showers. The ocean is the warmest for snorkeling and the seas are calmer. February usually has the highest sea temperatures, while March often has the highest air temperatures. During the cooler months, May/June to December, there are overcast skies due to a high fog called the “garua.” The air and sea temperatures are cooler. “Shorty” wetsuits are especially recommended for this season, but are always appropriate if you want to be in the water for extended periods. A SEASONAL CALENDAR OF THE GALÁPAGOS There is always something amazing to see and do, no matter what month you visit. Courtship displays, nesting, and rearing of juveniles of various species overlap a period of several months. For example, mating season for Galápagos sea lions lasts from May to January (and snorkeling with playful sea lions is a delight all year). Below is a general outline of things you may see during your trip in November/December: November: The seas are calm, with water temperatures gradually getting warmer, allowing better visibility for snorkelers. Sea lion pups, now about three or four months old, can be very active in the waters in November and are very curious. They love to investigate visiting snorkelers. December: As the waters warm up, green sea turtles begin their mating rituals and the eggs of the giant tortoises start to hatch. On Española, the juvenile waved albatrosses begin to leave their nests. Migratory birds and some whales will be visiting the Galápagos on their way south for the winter at this time of year. 800-368-2794 | 510-558-2488 | info@wildernesstravel.com 19 WILDERNESS TRAVEL HAS BEEN AWARDED: World’s Best Awards: Travel + Leisure, 5-time winner 50 Tours of a Lifetime: National Geographic Traveler, 8 years in a row Trip of the Year • Outside Magazine • 5-time winner Best Outfitters on Earth • National Geographic Adventure • 3-time winner Magellan Gold Medals • Travel Weekly • for website and catalog This trip is organized and run by bythom.com in conjunction with Wilderness Travel, which handles the non-photo workshop aspects of the trip’s itinerary, and manages your reservations and payments. Please be advised that California has established a Travel Consumer Restitution Fund under the California Seller of Travel Law that took effect January 1, 1996. This fund is designed to protect consumers from unscrupulous practices by discount airfare ticket sellers or air charter operators. Unfortunately, this law does not cover non-California residents and, even in the case of California residents, it does not cover any foreign travel where the foreign “providers of transportation or travel services” are not in compliance with the Sellers of Travel Law (compliance being defined as registered as a Seller of Travel in California and a participant in the Travel Consumer Restitution Fund). Thus none of Wilderness Travel’s tours qualify and we are required by law to advise each client that they are not covered by the California Travel Consumer Restitution Fund. California law requires sellers of travel to maintain a trust account or bond. This business has a trust account. California Seller of Travel #100769640 While as accurate as possible at the time of printing, this itinerary should be considered an approximate indication of the schedule and scope of activities and trip routing, rather than an inflexible schedule of events; it is subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control. This trip is subject to the Limitation of Liability and all the terms and conditions as detailed in the General Information section of the Wilderness Travel Catalog. June 14, 2016 2:40 PM