The Galápagos Islands - Adventure Guide to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands - page 396

or flee does not mean that it is not stressed. Studies actually
show the opposite, revealing the animal has an accelerated
heart rate and experiences a loss of vital energy reserves.
Wildlife near the trails is much more used to human ap-
proach and therefore less bothered.
Keep in mind that Galápagos soils and vegetation are part
of a fragile ecosystem. The accumulated effect of thousands
of footsteps can cause much more damage than one lone
drifter can begin to imagine. Remember, the problem is not
with the 99% who are conscientious travelers, but with the
1% who are irresponsible. Environmental awareness and
respect are the key to resolving these issues.

Getting Here &
Getting Around

TAME offers daily flights from mainland Ecuador to the
Galápagos (Baltra Island) that depart early in the morn-
ing, as well as weekly flights to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
on San Cristóbal (although only a few tours begin here).
From Quito or Guayaquil, the plane ride is typically purchased in
conjunction with an island package tour. From Quito, the price is
close to US$400 round-trip during peak season (student discount
available) and a bit less during the off-season. Flights from Quito
pass through Guayaquil and tickets from there are a bit less expen-
sive. Make sure your flight is heading to the correct island. The
TAME office in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz is located at Av. Charles
Darwin near 12 de Febrero, 5-526-165. The TAME telephone num-

ber in Quito is 2-2430-555.

Upon arrival at Baltra Island, you must pay the $100 park entrance
fee in cash. There will be shuttle buses waiting. If you are not meeting
a representative of your tour operator here, take the bus to the ferry
on the south side of the island and then catch the ferry across the
channel (Canal de Itabaca) to the north shore of Santa Cruz Island.
From here, a bus will carry you across the island to Puerto Ayora,
where most tours begin. The total bus ride and ferry should only cost
around $2.

Emetebe Avionetes flies daily between Baltra and Puerto
Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristóbal Island (except Sundays), costing