Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Ministerio de Turismo is on Av. Charles Darwin near the
southern end of Pelican Bay,
5-526-174, cptg@pa.ga.pro.ec. For in-
formation and updates on conservation, as well as responsible travel
within the Galápagos, contact the International Galápagos Tour
Operators Association (IGTOA) , in the US at
607-273-4321,
igtoa@voyagers.com, www.igtoa.org. For special visits to the
Galápagos Islands,
including scientific
research,
contact
the
Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora,
5-526-146,
www.darwinfoundation.org, cdrs@fcdarwin.org.ec. You can reach the
National Park Service , also in Puerto Ayora, for useful informa-
tion,
5-526-189.
There is a small population center on Isabella Island in Puerto
Villamil , though it doesn't cater to tourism, other than to the truly
independent traveler.
Island Excursions
M
ost people visit the Galápagos with an organized
tour, usually on a five- or eight-day cruise. Still, it is
possible to blitz the islands on day-trips or stay for three
weeks or longer. I find that an eight-day tour is just about
right for the general traveler, as the first and last days involve arriv-
ing and departing.
Trips can be arranged and organized in Quito,
Guayaquil, and Baños on the mainland. If you
are coming to Ecuador and plan on visiting the
Galápagos, you can book your trip at a lower
cost in these cities than you can through travel
agents abroad.
There are literally dozens of cruise vessels represented by dozens of
travel agents in Quito. Booking ahead during peak season, however,
is advisable.
Tour Classes & Prices
Pre-arranged tours generally fall into three class categories, with the
quality of the vessel roughly paralleling the quality of the guide and
crew services. These prices do not include the US$100 in cash re-
 
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