Galapagos Islands
Hummingbirds of Ecuador’s Andes Mountains - The Trip of
a Lifetime!
March 2-16, 2009
“The
natural history of these islands is eminently curious, and well
deserves attention. Hence, both in space and time, we seem to
be brought somewhat near to that great fact – that mystery
of mysteries – the first appearance of new beings on this
earth.”
Charles Darwin
The Galapagos Islands are surely one of the
most exotic and remarkable wildlife and natural history destinations
on the planet. Dramatically beautiful and bountiful, you will
be enchanted from arrival to departure! Seven nights aboard the
catamaran Nemo II.
The
Galapagos Islands are a unique world heritage site and a landscape
of unearthly beauty and wildlife spectacle. You will be astounded
by the tameness of the animals. You will witness every natural
history phase of a bird's life and stand surrounded in colonies
of hundreds of individuals. And you will be awed by the variety
of life in the seas. Many of these species are found nowhere else
on earth.
It is truly a magical destination, an experience
you will always remember.
Ecuador’s Andes Mountains
“Too
beautiful to believe”, a phrase often heard viewing the
incredible show of dazzling hummingbirds of Ecuador’s Andes
Mountains. Cabanas San Isidro & Guango Lodge is a premier
destination for anyone who appreciates the spectacular colors
of the bird world.
Trip
Cost:
Galapagos Islands and Hummingbirds of Ecuador’s Andes,
March 2-16, $4995
Galapagos Islands,
March 7-16, $3595
Hummingbirds of Ecuador’s
Andes, March 2-8, $1495
Included: All lodging and meals, services of Ceiba
Nature Tours staff, Galapagos Naturalist Guide, tipping except
for Galapagos guide and crew, in-country transportation, domestic
airfare to the islands.
Not Included: International airfare, Ecuador airport
departure tax (est. $26), tips to Nemo II crew, Galapagos National
Park entrance fee ($100), personal expenses including alcoholic
drinks.
Accepting
10 reservations, due by Nov. 1
Arrival and Departure from Quito:
The trip begins and ends with an overnight in Quito, Ecuador.
The Galapagos Islands belong to Ecuador and are located on the
equator in the Pacific Ocean 600 miles west of the mainland. Cabanas
San Isidro and Guango Lodge are several hours south of Quito.
Our Quito hotel is located near the downtown business area and
close to handicraft shops, museums and restaurants.
Life
Aboard the Nemo II:
Our seven night trip is a private tour on our own chartered first-class
yacht. Each day there are morning and afternoon site visits with
mid-day for relaxation. Swimming and snorkeling are daily activities.
The chef prepares three full delicious meals using fresh foods
available. Drinks are served at all times. Your cabin, (two double-bed
cabins and 5 cabins having an upper and lower single bed) with
private bath, is air conditioned. There are forward and rear decks
for sea life watching. (Early registrants select cabin type)
Your Staff
Ceiba Nature Tours will accompany and guide the group at all
times. A licensed Galapagos National Park Naturalist-guide accompanies
the Galapagos tour onboard the Nemo II. This is a park requirement.
Our Ecuadorian tour operator is Carmen Bustamante, BirdEcuador.
Visiting
the Islands: All land and water sites have an astonishing
variety of wildlife. It is always a good time to visit the Galapagos
Islands - the animals are always there, and something is always
happening! March may have occasional
rain and temperatures in the upper 20’s C. However, there
can be variation in weather conditions depending on our location
as we travel from island to island. You will be surprised by the
changes in habitat and ecology among the different islands.
Preparing for Your Visit:
A comprehensive guide book is A Traveler’s Guide to
the Galapagos Islands by Barry Boyce. An excellent natural
history guide is Galapagos: A Natural History by Michael
H. Jackson. A pre-trip meeting will provide detailed information
and an opportunity to meet fellow travelers. A packing list is
included with your confirmation.
Health and Medical Concerns:
Consult your family physician or travel immunization center regarding
health concerns for travel. You should be able to negotiate steps,
walk on rocky trails, and climb in and out of the zodiacs with
assistance from the crew. Medical services or facilities may not
be available during all or part of your trip. The purchase of
trip cancellation and medical insurance is strongly advised and
a plan is included for your consideration.
Hummingbirds
of Ecuador’s Andes Mountains
Itinerary
March 2–8, 2009
This
tour, devoted almost entirely to the birding riches of the East
Andes, puts you right in the middle of some of the most biodiverse
habitats that the Andes range has to offer. As you travel through
the Andes – rising and falling in elevation – you
will be amazed with how the landscape and the assemblage of birds
change from one stop to the next; from the dry central valley
scrub and the treeless high paramo, to the lush cloud-forests
of the temperate and subtropical life-zones. Hummingbird feeders
that swarm with an array of dazzling species, colorful tanagers
and even a couple of antpittas - all are the strengths of this
east-slope sampler.
Mar 2
International arrival. Escorted transfer to Hotel Sebastian in
Quito. Welcome group meeting and briefing in hotel. Early arrivals
may gather for dinner. Overnight Hotel Sebastian.
Mar 3
Today
we rise early, 7:00am departure, and get on our way as we have
a variety of habitats to explore. Our drive to Guango Lodge will
initially lead us through the drier central valley where we pass
through a mix of agricultural zones, then chaparral forest rising
up steeply to the high and often windswept paramo. Among the many
bird possibilities, we will be particularly on the lookout for
Andean Condor (a challenge), Carunculated Caracara, Andean Gull,
Black-tailed Trainbearer, Scrub & Blue-and-yellow Tanagers
and Southern Yellow-Grosbeak. If there were a day to have your
camera ready, this would be it – on clear days the scenery
is spectacular,
with superb views of the snow-capped Volcán Antisana, and
endless high Andean mountain scenes harboring a backdrop of landscapes
that make for an unforgettable birding setting. This area, known
as the Papallacta Pass, is rich in paramo birdlife. With good
weather, you can expect to see any of the following: Rufous-bellied
Seedsnipe, Ecuadorian Hillstar, Tawny Antpitta, Many-striped Canastero,
White-chinned Thistletail, Red-rumped Bush-Tyrant, Black-billed
Shrike-Tyrant, Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant, some interesting seedeaters,
and with a bit of luck Giant Conebill. Papallacta Pass is on the
continental divide. After the paramo birding
we work our way down the east-slope, now in the Amazonian watershed,
towards Guango Lodge. On the way we pass through beautiful high-elevation
temperate forests, a very birdy zone, where some possibilities
are Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, Viridian Metaltail, and Buff-breasted
Mountain-Tanager. We intend to arrive at Guango Lodge in the late
afternoon/early evening for a first crack at the hummingbird feeders
that will be dripping with species such as Tourmaline Sunangel,
Sword-billed Hummingbird and White-bellied Woodstar. Our box lunch
in the field will allow us to remain flexible with respect to
how we plan our birding for the day. Overnight Guango Lodge.
Mar 4
This
morning is devoted to birding the trails and spectacular hummingbird
feeders at Guango Lodge. On the lodge grounds we may encounter
some of the best temperate forest flocks on any tour in Ecuador!
It isn’t uncommon to see White-banded Tyrannulet, Black-capped
and Black-eared Hemispingus, Slaty and Pale-naped Brush-Finch,
Gray-hooded Bush-Tanager and even Plushcap. We’ll enjoy
lunch, only feet away from the hummingbird feeders, and soon after,
transfer to Cabañas San Isidro, making birding stops along
the way should time permit. Assuming the weather cooperates, we
will try a short night walk – right between the cabins and
the dining room - in search of the “mystery owl”.
This is a gorgeous owl that may one day prove to be a new species
to science. Overnight Cabañas San Isidro.
Mar. 5
We
plan to start the morning birding around the lodge. Some of the
regulars include Montane and Olive-backed Woodcreepers, Golden-crowned
Flycatcher, Black-billed Peppershrike, Inca Jay and Subtropical
Cacique. After about an hour, we visit the Antpitta feeders, where
you will likely see White-bellied and Chestnut-crowned Antpittas
only feet away! The rest of the morning is spent birding the ample
trail system and forested roadside at Cabañas San Isidro.
After a hot sit-down lunch at the lodge (and possibly an afternoon
break), we bird more of the forest trails and visit the Biology
Station on the way back. Overnight at Cabañas San Isidro.
Mar. 6
We
depart early for either Loreto Road or Coca Falls where we will
spend the day birding this very scenic zone. In these eastern
foothill areas the birding possibilities really explode, with
all new tanagers, antbirds, and others. Considering that this
is one of the most biologically diverse spots on the planet we
will want to spend a full day exploring these rich forested hills.
The list of potential species is long, especially with cooperative
weather conditions, including Coppery-chested Jacamar, Golden-eared
and Orange-eared Tanagers, and Golden-collared Honeycreeper. Overnight Cabanas San Isidro.
Mar. 7
Morning
birding the beautiful Guacamayos Ridge trail where some of the
bird possibilities include Rufous Wren, Turquoise Jay, Grass-green
Tanager, a few species of skulking tapaculos and Northern Mountain-Cacique.
Depending on the guide’s plan for the day, we may enjoy
one last meal at Cabañas San Isidro or choose to bring
along a box lunch for our birding drive back to Quito that will
give us a chance to look for some of the missed species. Overnight Hotel Sabastian.
Mar. 8
Depart for Galapagos Islands (or return to US)
Galapagos Islands
Itinerary
March
8–16, 2009
Mar. 7
Night in Hotel Sebastian, Quito
Mar. 8
Isla Baltra – Isla Santa Cruz, Las
Bachas
Early departure from hotel for flight to Galapagos Islands.
Upon landing on Baltra, you will be escorted to the Nemo II. Once
at the boat, enjoy lunch and an orientation on Galapagos National
Park, including its rules and the different species of animals
found at your first day’s destination. Las Bachas Beach,
located on the northern coast of Isla Santa Cruz, is home to sea
lions, herons, lava lizards, and a number of pink flamingos. For
this first day enjoy relaxing and swimming on the island’s
pristine white sand beach as you immerse yourself into the Galapagos
cruise experience. After dinner we are briefed on the next day’s
adventure.
Mar. 9: Isla Bartolome and Isla Sombrero
Chino
With its lunar-like landscape, Bartolomé offers spectacular
views of Santiago Island across the narrow channel of Sullivan
Bay. Here is where you will find the
famous Pinnacle Rock, sentinel of the islands. Pinnacle Rock is
probably the most frequently photographed and most famous vista
in the islands. There are splendid panoramic views from its 259-foot
summit. Also, you will find three unusual cactus species, a nesting
beach for the black turtle, Galapagos hawks and volcanic formations.
Sombrero Chino owes its name to its shape, a Chinese hat. More
than any other this islet conveys the volcanic origins of he islands.
The beach gives way to a primeval volcanic rubble. (only boats
with 16 passengers or less may visit this site)
Mar. 10: Isla Isabela - Breeding Center
and Tintoreras Lagoon
The
Tortoise Rearing and Breeding Center is located just outside the
town of Villamil. Its mission is to protect and increase the endangered
populations of giant tortoises in southern Isabela. Adjacent to
the Center are sheltered lagoons providing an opportunity for
egrets, great blue herons, flightless cormorants, and where flamingos
and common stilts nest from November until April, but feed nearby
for most of the year. This lagoon is a haven for green turtles,
golden and spotted eagle rays, and small white-tipped sharks.
Also, there are several very beautiful beaches that are among
the best in Galapagos for viewing migratory birds. The bay was
tectonically uplifted in 1954. Coral heads were pushed five kilometers
above sea level. You will have the opportunity to observe exposed
coral and shell reef remains, marine iguanas, land iguanas, and
perhaps giant tortoises.
Mar. 11: Isla Floreana - Post Office Bay
and Punta Cormorant
Following
breakfast, you will disembark onto Floreana Island, the sixth
largest of the islands, studded with small volcanic cones. On
this island, you will visit Punta Cormorant, considered one of
the most interesting sites on the islands, reached by a wet landing
on a green sand beach due to the olivine crystals. The island
is rich in plant life with lagoons used by the white-cheeked pintail
and a variety of shorebirds. Sea lions are often found here along
with clear water and coral growth making Floreana ideal for swimming
and snorkeling.
Post Office Bay is famous for the mail barrel used by the late
18h century English whaling ships, and still in use by tourists
today! Nearby is a large lava tube extending into the sea.
Mar. 12: Isla Española - Gardner
Bay and Punta Suarez
Espanola
is the southernmost island and only nesting site of the Waved
Albatross. Here you will visit Suarez Point and Gardner Bay. At
Punta Suarez you will get ashore through a wet landing, well worth
the effort to possibly see mockingbirds, Blue-footed and Masked
Boobies, Darwin Finches, Galápagos Doves and Hawks. Enjoy
snorkeling among the iguanas and sea lions, and visit the powerful
and photogenic El Soplador, or blow hole, at the base of a cliff
covered with nesting booby colonies. Gardner Bay, located at the
east end of the island is a beautiful and exclusive white sand
beach where we enjoy swimming and relaxing in the company of sea
lions and land birds.
Mar. 13: Isla Santa Fe and Charles Darwin
Station in Puerto Ayora
Puerto
Ayora is the largest community in the Galápagos and the
economical center of the Islands and one of the only places in
the Galápagos where visitors have a chance to see the rare
population of lava gulls. You will visit the famous Charles Darwin
Research Station to observe the tortoise research and breeding
programs, also learning about the various scientific and conservation
programs underway on the islands to ensure their preservation.
There will be some time for shopping in the village, our only
souvenir stop.
If the schedule permits, we’ll walk into the highlands
to spot the unusual Santa Fé land iguana, not found anywhere
else. A short trail leads to one of the tallest stands of Opuntia
cactus on the islands with some of the cacti reaching over 33
feet.
Mar. 14: Isla South Plazas – Isla
Seymour
Plazas
Island is home to one of the largest colonies of sea lions in
the world. The sea lions grumble in protest as they are chased
off the dock so that you can come ashore. You will take the trail
beginning on the low protected side of the island and following
the high windswept cliffs before returning to the natural rock
dock. There are breeding colonies of sea lions all along the low-lying
northern coast. On the less desirable far side of the cliff, bachelor
colonies usually lie around and bellow at each other most of the
day. The sheer cliffs are home for swallow-tailed gulls and the
elegant red-billed tropicbirds. The landscape is dominated by
Opuntia cactus trees. A close look under each tree usually reveals
a solitary land iguana patiently waiting for a succulent cactus
pad to fall. North Seymour, a tiny island located just north of
Baltra, provides an opportunity to see young and old sea lions
waddle along its shores, magnificent frigate birds display their
brilliant red pouches in ritual mating, colonies of blue-footed
boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls hunting for fish. There is a
circular trail leading through some of the largest and most active
seabird breeding colonies on the islands. There is always at least
one pair of boobies that decide the middle of the trail is the
best place to build their nest! Farewell dinner with crew.
Mar. 15: Isla Santa Cruz - Caleta Tortuga
Negra and Isla Baltra Airport
Our final tour here is a
lovely panga ride through a series of mangrove coves and inlets.
Marine turtles, white-tipped reef sharks, spotted eagle rays,
and yellow cow-nose rays may be spotted. Return to Quito and overnight
at Sebastian hotel.
Mar. 16: Quito - USA
An early breakfast and last minute souvenir shopping, if your
flight permits, and return to US.
Questions? Please call. Linda Ingram, toll free 1.877.626.2456,
or Contact Us
“The
natural history of these islands is eminently curious, and well
deserves attention. Hence, both in space and time, we seem to
be brought somewhat near to that great fact – that mystery
of mysteries – the first appearance of new beings on this
earth.”
The
Galapagos Islands are a unique world heritage site and a landscape
of unearthly beauty and wildlife spectacle. You will be astounded
by the tameness of the animals. You will witness every natural
history phase of a bird's life and stand surrounded in colonies
of hundreds of individuals. And you will be awed by the variety
of life in the seas. Many of these species are found nowhere else
on earth. 
Trip
Cost:
Accepting
10 reservations, due by Nov. 1
Life
Aboard the Nemo II:
Visiting
the Islands: All land and water sites have an astonishing
variety of wildlife. It is always a good time to visit the Galapagos
Islands - the animals are always there, and something is always
happening! March may have occasional
rain and temperatures in the upper 20’s C. However, there
can be variation in weather conditions depending on our location
as we travel from island to island. You will be surprised by the
changes in habitat and ecology among the different islands. 
This
tour, devoted almost entirely to the birding riches of the East
Andes, puts you right in the middle of some of the most biodiverse
habitats that the Andes range has to offer. As you travel through
the Andes – rising and falling in elevation – you
will be amazed with how the landscape and the assemblage of birds
change from one stop to the next; from the dry central valley
scrub and the treeless high paramo, to the lush cloud-forests
of the temperate and subtropical life-zones. Hummingbird feeders
that swarm with an array of dazzling species, colorful tanagers
and even a couple of antpittas - all are the strengths of this
east-slope sampler.
Today
we rise early, 7:00am departure, and get on our way as we have
a variety of habitats to explore. Our drive to Guango Lodge will
initially lead us through the drier central valley where we pass
through a mix of agricultural zones, then chaparral forest rising
up steeply to the high and often windswept paramo. Among the many
bird possibilities, we will be particularly on the lookout for
Andean Condor (a challenge), Carunculated Caracara, Andean Gull,
Black-tailed Trainbearer, Scrub & Blue-and-yellow Tanagers
and Southern Yellow-Grosbeak. If there were a day to have your
camera ready, this would be it – on clear days the scenery
is 
spectacular,
with superb views of the snow-capped Volcán Antisana, and
endless high Andean mountain scenes harboring a backdrop of landscapes
that make for an unforgettable birding setting. This area, known
as the Papallacta Pass, is rich in paramo birdlife. With good
weather, you can expect to see any of the following: Rufous-bellied
Seedsnipe, Ecuadorian Hillstar, Tawny Antpitta, Many-striped Canastero,
White-chinned Thistletail, Red-rumped Bush-Tyrant, Black-billed
Shrike-Tyrant, Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant, some interesting seedeaters,
and with a bit of luck Giant Conebill. Papallacta Pass is on the
continental divide. After the paramo 
birding
we work our way down the east-slope, now in the Amazonian watershed,
towards Guango Lodge. On the way we pass through beautiful high-elevation
temperate forests, a very birdy zone, where some possibilities
are Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, Viridian Metaltail, and Buff-breasted
Mountain-Tanager. We intend to arrive at Guango Lodge in the late
afternoon/early evening for a first crack at the hummingbird feeders
that will be dripping with species such as Tourmaline Sunangel,
Sword-billed Hummingbird and White-bellied Woodstar. Our box lunch
in the field will allow us to remain flexible with respect to
how we plan our birding for the day.
This
morning is devoted to birding the trails and spectacular hummingbird
feeders at Guango Lodge. On the lodge grounds we may encounter
some of the best temperate forest flocks on any tour in Ecuador!
It isn’t uncommon to see White-banded Tyrannulet, Black-capped
and Black-eared Hemispingus, Slaty and Pale-naped Brush-Finch,
Gray-hooded Bush-Tanager and even Plushcap. We’ll enjoy
lunch, only feet away from the hummingbird feeders, and soon after,
transfer to Cabañas San Isidro, making birding stops along
the way should time permit. Assuming the weather cooperates, we
will try a short night walk – right between the cabins and
the dining room - in search of the “mystery owl”.
This is a gorgeous owl that may one day prove to be a new species
to science.
We
plan to start the morning birding around the lodge. Some of the
regulars include Montane and Olive-backed Woodcreepers, Golden-crowned
Flycatcher, Black-billed Peppershrike, Inca Jay and Subtropical
Cacique. After about an hour, we visit the Antpitta feeders, where
you will likely see White-bellied and Chestnut-crowned Antpittas
only feet away! The rest of the morning is spent birding the ample
trail system and forested roadside at Cabañas San Isidro.
After a hot sit-down lunch at the lodge (and possibly an afternoon
break), we bird more of the forest trails and visit the Biology
Station on the way back. 
We
depart early for either Loreto Road or Coca Falls where we will
spend the day birding this very scenic zone. In these eastern
foothill areas the birding possibilities really explode, with
all new tanagers, antbirds, and others. Considering that this
is one of the most biologically diverse spots on the planet we
will want to spend a full day exploring these rich forested hills.
The list of potential species is long, especially with cooperative
weather conditions, including Coppery-chested Jacamar, Golden-eared
and Orange-eared Tanagers, and Golden-collared Honeycreeper. 
Morning
birding the beautiful Guacamayos Ridge trail where some of the
bird possibilities include Rufous Wren, Turquoise Jay, Grass-green
Tanager, a few species of skulking tapaculos and Northern Mountain-Cacique.
Depending on the guide’s plan for the day, we may enjoy
one last meal at Cabañas San Isidro or choose to bring
along a box lunch for our birding drive back to Quito that will
give us a chance to look for some of the missed species. 
March
8–16, 2009
famous Pinnacle Rock, sentinel of the islands. Pinnacle Rock is
probably the most frequently photographed and most famous vista
in the islands. There are splendid panoramic views from its 259-foot
summit. Also, you will find three unusual cactus species, a nesting
beach for the black turtle, Galapagos hawks and volcanic formations.
The
Tortoise Rearing and Breeding Center is located just outside the
town of Villamil. Its mission is to protect and increase the endangered
populations of giant tortoises in southern Isabela. Adjacent to
the Center are sheltered lagoons providing an opportunity for
egrets, great blue herons, flightless cormorants, and where flamingos
and common stilts nest from November until April, but feed nearby
for most of the year. This lagoon is a haven for green turtles,
golden and spotted eagle rays, and small white-tipped sharks.
Following
breakfast, you will disembark onto Floreana Island, the sixth
largest of the islands, studded with small volcanic cones. On
this island, you will visit Punta Cormorant, considered one of
the most interesting sites on the islands, reached by a wet landing
on a green sand beach due to the olivine crystals. The island
is rich in plant life with lagoons used by the white-cheeked pintail
and a variety of shorebirds. Sea lions are often found here along
with clear water and coral growth making Floreana ideal for swimming
and snorkeling.
Espanola
is the southernmost island and only nesting site of the Waved
Albatross. Here you will visit Suarez Point and Gardner Bay. At
Punta Suarez you will get ashore through a wet landing, well worth
the effort to possibly see mockingbirds, Blue-footed and Masked
Boobies, Darwin Finches, Galápagos Doves and Hawks. Enjoy
snorkeling among the iguanas and sea lions, and visit the powerful
and photogenic El Soplador, or blow hole, at the base of a cliff
covered with nesting booby colonies. Gardner Bay, located at the
east end of the island is a beautiful and exclusive white sand
beach where we enjoy swimming and relaxing in the company of sea
lions and land birds.
Puerto
Ayora is the largest community in the Galápagos and the
economical center of the Islands and one of the only places in
the Galápagos where visitors have a chance to see the rare
population of lava gulls. You will visit the famous Charles Darwin
Research Station to observe the tortoise research and breeding
programs, also learning about the various scientific and conservation
programs underway on the islands to ensure their preservation.
There will be some time for shopping in the village, our only
souvenir stop.
Plazas
Island is home to one of the largest colonies of sea lions in
the world. The sea lions grumble in protest as they are chased
off the dock so that you can come ashore. You will take the trail
beginning on the low protected side of the island and following
the high windswept cliffs before returning to the natural rock
dock. There are breeding colonies of sea lions all along the low-lying
northern coast. On the less desirable far side of the cliff, bachelor
colonies usually lie around and bellow at each other most of the
day. The sheer cliffs are home for swallow-tailed gulls and the
elegant red-billed tropicbirds. The landscape is dominated by
Opuntia cactus trees. A close look under each tree usually 
reveals
a solitary land iguana patiently waiting for a succulent cactus
pad to fall. North Seymour, a tiny island located just north of
Baltra, provides an opportunity to see young and old sea lions
waddle along its shores, magnificent frigate birds display their
brilliant red pouches in ritual mating, colonies of blue-footed
boobies, and swallow-tailed gulls hunting for fish. There is a
circular trail leading through some of the largest and most active
seabird breeding colonies on the islands. There is always at least
one pair of boobies that decide the middle of the trail is the
best place to build their nest! Farewell dinner with crew.