Nature and Birding in the Ecuadorian Cloud Forest and Galápagos Islands
About this trip
Explore the beauty of mainland Ecuador and the magic of the Galápagos Islands on this 12-day journey with Hawks Aloft. Begin your experience in the cloud forests of the Ecuadorian Andes; here, much of the avifauna you’ll encounter is endemic to the Chocó region, while other species are more easily found here than any place else. Then, transition to the Galápagos Islands, where you'll cruise aboard the Tip Top IV, encountering the iconic wildlife and unusual volcanic landscapes that make this archipelago so special.
Highlights
- Visit the Alambi Cloud Forest Reserve, where 250 avian species—including 32 varieties of hummingbirds—have been recorded.
- Venture to Milpe Bird Sanctuary, a 250-acre subtropical rainforest reserve and ecoregion and biodiversity hotspot that supports 62 restricted-range species, the largest of any Endemic Bird Area in the Americas.
- See North Seymour Island and observe Blue-footed Boobies, marine iguanas, pelicans, frigatebirds, shore birds, sea lions, and endemic Palo Santo trees.
- Land at Punta Espinosa to observe a large colony of sea lions, marine iguanas, Flightless Cormorants, and clumps of lava cactus.
- Witness the native forests and Los Gemelos, a pair of sinkholes created by the collapse of surface material in underground fissures and chambers, among Santa Cruz Island.
About Hawks Aloft
Hawks Aloft, Inc, a 501-C-3 nonprofit organization based in Albuquerque, New Mexico was founded in 1994 by 12 like-minded individuals with expertise in a wide variety of professional fields. Our vision focuses on protecting indigenous wild birds and their habitats. Our goal was then, and continues to be to act with transparency and collaborate with others to build a network that conducts research on all species of birds and fosters future leaders by providing school-year long education programs free of charge to low income schools. In 2013, we incorporated raptor rescue into our mission in response to overwhelming requests for help with injured birds. Today, we run the New Mexico Raptor Rescue Hotline, a free statewide resource for people who have found an injured bird or have other concerns.
We are proud to partner with Holbrook Travel to be able to offer our members and others the opportunity to travel, see native wildlife in other lands, experience differing cultures, and learn from local conservationists about efforts in their countries. https://hawksaloft.org
About your leader
Gail Garber
Gail Garber, Executive Director, discovered her passion for birds over 30 years ago. She has dedicated her life to avian studies, education, and other aspects of Hawks Aloft, and has traveled much of the U.S. as well as Canada, Venezuela, Honduras, United Arab Emirates, Kenya, Tanzania, Italy, France, and Switzerland. She has led birding tours to New Zealand, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Peru, and Guatemala. Garber is a popular speaker for adult programs at birding festivals in New Mexico and Colorado where she regularly leads raptor tours, sharing her love of birding and conservation. As an artist, writer, and executive director of Hawks Aloft, Gail has written three books and published numerous articles in many fields. In her other life, she is a professional quilt maker (Gail Garber Designs) and often travels to teach and lecture on methods that she has developed. Much of her leisure time is spent outdoors, often in the company of her two beloved dogs, Martial and Harpy.
$7,495
Per person
About this price
Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.
What makes us different
Scopes
Rich content
Wildlife up-close
Service anytime
Local cuisine
Top birding guides
Daily Itinerary
Print ItineraryQuito
Sachatamia Reserve
Puembo
Baltra/North Seymour Island
Darwin Bay/Prince Phillip's Steps
James Bay
Punta Vicente Roca/Punta Espinoza
Tagus Cove/Elizabeth Bay
Urbina Bay/Punta Moreno
Point Cormorant/Champion Islet
Guayaquil
Departure
Pricing
Print Pricing$7,495
Per person
About this price
Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.
What's Included
- Activities and meals as mentioned in itinerary
- Arrival and departure transfers based on individual flight schedules
- Water refill station during transfers
- Carbon Offset
- Donation
- Full time guide per region for the duration of your program
- Galapagos National Park fees
- INGALA card
- Internal flights relevant to itinerary
- Non alcoholic beverage with meals
- Snorkel gear
What's Not Included
- International airfare
- Items of personal nature
- Tips
- Travel Insurance
Pricing Details
A $1000 per person deposit and enrollment form is due to hold your space on this trip. This deposit is refundable 180 days prior to departure excluding a $500 cancellation fee. Cancellations after this date are non refundable.
Please note: Your participation as a traveler indicates acceptance of Holbrook Travel’s Covid-19 protocols in place at time of travel.
Holbrook Travel strongly recommends the purchase of travel insurance for medical emergencies while traveling and to protect your investment. Please note the purchase of Cancel for Any Reason Coverage or to exclude pre-existing conditions with Trip Cancellation coverage may require policy purchase within 10-14 days of your initial deposit, depending upon the provider.
Final payment due date: March 15, 2024
Travel Info
Print Travel InfoEntry & Exit Requirements
U.S. citizens must have a valid passport to enter Ecuador. Passports must be valid for at least six months after the date of departure.
For visits fewer than 90 days, visas will be issued upon arrival in Ecuador. Tourists may be required to provide evidence of return or onwards travel.
If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Embassy of Ecuador for the requirements based on your nationality.
Health Information
IMMUNIZATIONS
The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.
There are no vaccinations required for entry into Ecuador (unless you are traveling from Brazil, Democratic Republic of the Congo, or Uganda, in which case proof of yellow fever vaccine is required).
Though not required, the CDC recommends inoculation against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid for most unvaccinated travelers to Ecuador.
Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.
MALARIA
Malaria is not known to be present in Guayaquil, Quito, or the Galápagos Islands, and is rare at elevations above 5,000 feet. According to the CDC, the estimated relative risk of malaria for U.S. travelers in Ecuador is low. If you are concerned about malaria prevention, please consult your physician.
Dengue Fever & other insect-borne illnesses
The CDC warns that dengue fever is a potential risk in Ecuador. In addition, locally transmitted cases of Zika virus, chikungunya, and other insect-borne illnesses have previously been reported. The CDC recommends that travelers to Ecuador protect themselves against insect bites: cover exposed skin with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, consider treating clothes with permethrin, and use an insect repellent containing an active ingredient like DEET or picaridin. Apply sunscreen first, followed by the repellent (preferably 20 minutes later). As a precaution, the CDC advises women who are pregnant to consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.
SEA SICKNESS
If you’re prone to feeling queasy, we suggest you consult your physician for advice on the best ways to prevent motion sickness. We recommend that you avoid showering when the boat is in motion and remain cautious of activities while passing through rocky waters.
ALTITUDE SICKNESS
Upon arrival at locations of high elevation, shortness of breath and a pounding heart are normal responses to the lack of oxygen in the air. However, for some visitors, these symptoms can deteriorate into altitude sickness. Headache, extreme tiredness, dizziness, nausea, and loss of appetite are standard symptoms. Staying hydrated and well rested is important to adjust to the altitude. Avoiding heavy, fatty foods and alcohol in the days before arriving to altitude can help. Over-the-counter medications are also available to help prevent or alleviate symptoms. It’s advisable to avoid sleep medications, as they can slow breathing and respiration, which aid in getting the blood oxygenated while sleeping. Participants who take blood pressure medications should discuss this with their doctor as the medication can drop pressure too low at times.
SUN EXPOSURE
The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.
PHYSICAL FITNESS REQUIREMENTS
Visitors to the Galápagos Islands should be in good health and capable of walking over rocky, uneven, and potentially slippery terrain. Regardless of your physical stamina, bringing a walking stick will help maintain your balance.
Respiratory Illness Protocols
Please review our Respiratory Illness Protocols page, which explains our policy and procedures if you or another traveler should develop symptoms of a respiratory illness during your trip. Your participation in a Holbrook Travel program indicates that you are in agreement with these protocols.
Respiratory Illness Protocols
Please review our Respiratory Illness Protocols page, which explains our policy and procedures if you or another traveler should develop symptoms of a respiratory illness during your trip. Your participation in a Holbrook Travel program indicates that you are in agreement with these protocols.
Resources
Print ResourcesVessel
Video: Galápagos Fitness Information
Video: Snorkeling in the Galapagos
Packing Recommendations
Everyone has personal preferences when it comes to packing; for this reason, the information below is offered as a general guide and not a definitive list. You know yourself best: Use your discretion and pack what you think will serve you, based on your personal preferences and specific itinerary.
You may find many of these items in our Gear Store.
CLOTHING
Casual, comfortable clothing is suitable for most activities. You may wish to bring a slightly nicer outfit or two (eg sundress, polo shirt) if your itinerary includes dinners out or more formal activities.
Bring enough clothing suitable for the length of your program. If you prefer to pack light, note that many hotels offer laundry services at additional cost. If you plan to hand-wash items, remember that humidity may delay drying time. In an effort to preserve onboard water supplies, travelers are usually asked to refrain from hand-washing clothes onboard the Tip Top IV. Participants will be able to hang bathing suits and clothing to dry on clotheslines on the top deck.
Pack clothing that can be worn in layers to adapt to different elevations and weather changes throughout the day. Clothing that wicks away moisture and dries quickly is recommended. At higher elevations, warm clothing is strongly recommended. Temperatures can get quite chilly, especially at night and early in the morning, and hotel rooms don’t always have heat. It can also be windy at times. Consider packing a warm underlayer, as well as a warm, protective outer layer.
- A combination of light- and medium-weight, short-sleeved and long-sleeved shirts
- Shorts
- Lightweight, quick-drying long pants for sun and mosquito protection; jeans and medium-weight pants tend to be uncomfortable in hot and humid conditions, but are fine in the cooler highlands.
- Undergarments
- Sleepwear
- Light- to medium-weight jacket or sweater/sweatshirt
- 1-2 bathing suit(s)
- Socks – Bring extra pairs. If your itinerary indicates muddy hikes with rubber boots provided on-site, pack a few pairs of knee socks to prevent blisters.
- Shoes – You’ll likely want at least one pair of comfortable, closed-toe walking or hiking shoes or boots suitable for forest hikes and walking over cobblestones or other uneven terrain. In addition, many participants opt for a pair of sturdy sport-strap sandals (e.g. Keens, Tevas, or similar) and/or casual flip-flops or sandals. In the Galápagos, a pair of aqua socks, reef walkers, or water shoes is recommended. Note the M/Y Tip Top IV does not allow the same shoes used during island excursions to be worn onboard. Travelers can either wear socks or have a separate pair of flip flops, tennis shoes, or boat shoes to wear while on the yacht.
- Lightweight rain jacket, hooded poncho, and/or windbreaker
- Visor or wide-brimmed sun hat; wool hat or beanie for higher elevations
- Bandana, scarf, or neck gaiter
- Wetsuit (shorty wetsuits are available to rent, but you may prefer your own)
Personal toiletries
Pack toiletries based on your personal preferences and habits. Below are just a few recommendations to keep in mind.
- Shampoo, conditioner, lotion, deodorant/antiperspirant, etc. – Note: In the Galápagos, biodegradable shampoo and soap are provided onboard the boat; if you wish to bring your own, please make sure they are biodegradable to comply with conservation policies. If possible, avoid strong fragrances if you are sensitive to insect bites.
- Soap and washcloth or a small, quick-drying microfiber towel – Washcloths are not standard in all hotels. If you normally use a washcloth, you may wish to bring one from home.
- Hairbrush, comb, hair ties, shower cap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Razor
- Ear plugs, especially if you are a light sleeper
- Personal hygiene products
- Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin
- Reef-safe sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
- Aloe vera gel
- A travel pack of tissues – also useful as napkins or toilet paper if needed
In addition to your personal toiletries, it is useful to pack a small medical kit, which you can easily prepare. Helpful items might include: bandages, antihistamine, a pain reliever, motion sickness and/or altitude sickness medication (if you are prone to either), anti-diarrhea medicine, individually wrapped pre-moistened towelettes and/or hand sanitizer, antibiotic ointment, anti-fungal cream, moleskin for blisters, eye drops, tweezers, a mini sewing kit, and an extra pair of disposable contact lenses or eyeglasses if you wear them.
MISCELLANEOUS
Remember to pack valuables such as your passport, cash/credit cards, and medications in your carry-on luggage.
- Passport and photocopies of all travel documentation
- Personal insurance card and travel insurance information
- Money – ATM/credit card, traveler's checks, and/or cash; small bills in good condition are recommended
- Prescription medicines (if applicable), with a copy of the prescription
- Yellow fever certificate (if required; only if arriving from a country where yellow fever transmission is a risk)
- Sunglasses with strap
- Small day pack for hikes and excursions
- Flashlight and/or head lamp
- Travel alarm clock or inexpensive waterproof wristwatch with alarm – Not all hotels provide alarm clocks.
- Binoculars with lens cleaner
- Camera and related equipment, such as charger, lenses, and extra memory cards
- Reusable water bottle
- Non-perishable snacks
- Pocket knife or multipurpose tool - Pack in your checked luggage
- Zip-top style bags – useful for packing toiletries, sorting clothing, storing damp or muddy shoes, or as a dry bag for protecting electronics
- Notepad or travel journal and pen
- Music or reading material for down time, long bus drives, or on the airplane, and a portable bright light to read by
- Walking stick with rubber tip (folding or collapsible, for walking on rough and uneven terrain)
- Swim mask/fins (snorkeling equipment is available to rent and often included for most groups)
- Money belt
- Voltage converter, plug adapter, and chargers for electronics
NOTE: There is a weight limit of 50 lbs. of checked luggage and one carry-on per person for your flight to the Galápagos Islands. Your luggage and/or carry-on may be subject to inspection by the Ecuadorian government in an effort to prevent the introduction of foreign plants and animals to the Galápagos Islands.
Questions?
Contact Sandy Schmidt at 877-907-5360 or email Sandy.
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