Yesterday I received an email from Victor, our tour guide from Ecuador. He introduced himself and then continued with helpful information about our trip. I sent several questions to him for clarification on our excursions and his recommendations for the appropriate clothing. In the first half of the post is the information that Victor wrote in his first (introduction) email. The GREEN print is exactly what Victor wrote.
Below Victor's email information are questions that I sent to him. My questions are written in ORANGE and his responses are written in GREEN. It will be very useful information for the travelers in deciding what clothing to pack and planning what to wear for each day.
Currency
Bills higher than 50 used are rarely accepted. It is recommended to carry only coins and notes of low value.
Clothing
In the Amazon or jungle, wear clothing adequate for rain. If you can get yourself a raincoat (poncho), take it with you, as well as several sets of light pants and long sleeve shirts. Shorts are less useful because of the insects and abundant vegetation that we will walk through on our excursion. A hat and insect repellents are very important.
(I asked him several questions about what to wear on specific days for the excursions. That information is written later in this blog post.)
Snorkeling
For snorkeling, the mask and snorkel are included BUT if any of the students lose a mask, snorkel, or fins, they'll have to pay for it. For example, only the mask will be more than 50 usd.
Sunscreen & Seasickness
You ned to bring sunscreen at Galapagos. Seasickness pills may be required for people sensitive to sea motion.
Suitcases
Try to bring small suitcases and very light because we are going on buses, ferry, and speedboats and big suitcases make us move slower from one place to another. Sometimes students bring tons of snacks in big suitcases so I suggest (that they) buy snacks her in Ecuador and try some local chocolate, plantain chips, coconut cookies, etc. And also you will help our local economy.
Water bottle
Water bottles are important to ring to refill at the islands.
Weather
The weather in Quito is currently sunny in the morning and some rain in the afternoon with temperatures ranging from 58F to 70F. In the Galapagos Islands the weather is hot with temperatures ranging from 74F to 90F.
Next...the questions I asked about specific excursions. Check your email for the itinerary which will tell you which day we are doing each of the activities.
1. MINDO CLOUD FOREST: We drive to Mind Cloud Forest and hike to the waterfall. How long is the hike to the waterfall? Is it best to wear long pants instead of shorts? Will we be in dense vegetation?
The hike is easy and it is a loop that may take one hour with the explanation. The waterfall is small and the only thing the kids may need is a raincoat. The path is not narrow and there is no problem with the vegetation.
2. CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH CENTER: We have a two-hr tour at the CDRS followed by a sightseeing tour to see the twin craters, lava tunnels and giant tortoises. Is it appropriate to wear shorts for this?
No problem to wear shorts. The only thing I don't suggest is to wear flip flops. I suggest to wear Keen, Teva, or sneakers.
3. LOS HUMEDALES: Since it is on the islands, I assume it will be warm and shorts will be appropriate.
Shorts are fine; we are going to walk on a wooden path.
4. COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK: We have a 2-hr hike around the Limpiopungo Lake. Shorts or long pants?
Long pants; windy and cold.
5. WHITEWATER RAFTING: What level rapids?
Level 3; easy, fun, and very friendly rafting.
6. HIKE TO INDIGENOUS VILLAGE: How long is the hike. Is it best to wear long pants? Will we be in the jungle for the hike?
Some kids wear shorts. It is not a problem but they have to spray more bug spray. For me, the problem is the sandflies; mosquitos are not a problem.
REMINDER: Plan on arriving at PHS on July 1 at 8:30 am.
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