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Planning your trip to GAIAS
Location: San Cristobal Island
San Cristóbal, named for the Patron Saint of seafarers, (St. Christopher), is the easternmost island in the Galapagos. It is home to the oldest settlement of the islands, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.
Alternative name: Chatham
Area: 558 Km2
Maximum Altitude: 730 Mts
Population: 6,000
Geographic features: Beaches, islets, eroded tuff cone, official capital
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is the capital of the Galapagos Islands and the oldest settlement of the Archipelago. This small bayside village is home to the Galapagos Academic Institute for the Arts & Sciences (GAIAS), the Galapagos National Park Interpretation Center, a small museum, souvenir shops and local townspeople.
The people of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno make their living principally by artesanal fishing and tourism.
Two important problems of the town include increased migration and efforts to stop it, and conflicts between the fishing and conservation sectors. One key issue is the illegal fishing of sharks, lobsters and sea cucumbers outside of their permitted seasons.
Despite these problems the Galapagos Islands are considered to be a good example of the way in which environmental conflicts can be resolved in a peaceful manner. During the last decade various institutions have been created in order to allow different stakeholders a participatory role in the decision making process.
GAIAS was created as part of an effort to generate sustainable development in the Islands. In order for conservation efforts to be effective, alternatives must be given to the local population which depends so heavily upon fisheries and bureaucratic jobs. The only way for people to look at other alternatives is for them to become involved in sustainable tourism and other non-extractive activities.
Living Arrangements
Quito:
While in Quito students stay in a hotel (at the beginning and end of the program).
San Cristobal, Galapagos:
All students will live with a host family in the Galápagos.
Climate
The Galapagos islands are located near the equator, approximately 1000 km (600 miles) off the west coast of Ecuador. The climate of the Galapagos is influenced by a rich system of both cool and warm oceanic currents, with a major influence being the Humboldt current, which brings cool water to the islands.
The Galapagos year can be divided into two “seasons:” the “hot” or “wet” season which lasts from December to early May with an average temperature of 25 C/ 77 F; while the “cool” or “dry” season from May to December has an average temperature of 18 C/ 64 F. In San Cristobal, where GAIAS is located, the water temperature normally averages 22-23 C (71.6-73.4 F), although it can range from 19-26 C (66.2-78.8 F). Other islands (such as Española) can have lower water temperatures depending on the time of year. Despite the lower temperatures, it is possible to swim year-round in the Galapagos without a wetsuit.
Electricity
Ecuador's electrical current is 110 volts 60 cycles, the same as North America, so adapters for North American equipment are not needed. However, plug converters may be necessary in older buildings (if you are planning to travel).
Internet Access
There is a computer lab at GAIAS offering high-speed internet access for no charge. Students can also use local internet cafes in San Cristobal.
Internet access costs an average of $2.50 per hour in town.
If you have a laptop, you may want to consider bringing it to GAIAS.
The campus is equipped with wireless internet access.
Currency
US$ Dollars is the currency used in Ecuador and the Galapagos.
Visas
Once you have been accepted into the program, you will receive a letter from the Office of International Programs with special instructions on how to obtain your visa. All semester-long students will be required to apply for the visa. Students participating in a summer or short-term program who plan to be in Ecuador for less than 90 days most likely will not need a visa and can simply enter as tourists.
Handling Your Money
There is one bank for foreigners in San Cristobal: Banco del Pacifico. For ATM access students should use cards that have either a CIRRUS or Mastercard symbol. Cards with the Visa symbol are not usually accepted by ATMs in San Cristobal. Instead, students with a Visa card will have to go the bank and ask for a cash advance, which has a fee of 4% of the total value of the transaction.
Traveler’s Checks can be changed by banks in San Cristobal, with a fee of $5 for the total transaction. Traveler’s checks from American Express work best-- it best not to bring many traverler’s checks, however, as they are not accepted in many places.
Credit Cards
Mastercard and Visa have only recently been implemented in San Cristobal, but in very few places. It is always better to have cash in small denominations, and students should not rely on being able to use their credit cards. On the island of Santa Cruz Mastercard, Visa, and American Express are usually accepted (but in higher-end places). In general, Mastercard is the most widely accepted card both in the Galapagos and on the mainland.
Altitude
Students studying at GAIAS will first arrive in Ecuador’s capital city, Quito. Quito has an altitude of 2850 m (9350 ft) above sea level, and for this reason, some students may feel slightly winded, dizzy and/or nauseous until they’ve adjusted. When you arrive in Quito, be sure to drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and caffeine, and don’t push yourself. You may also notice a change in appetite and sleeping pattern. These symptoms can all be attributed to the altitude, and you just need to give it some time before you get used to it.
Baggage Restrictions
The airline Aerogal which services San Cristobal has a maximum weight limit of 40 pounds per person (excluding carry-on). Each passenger is allowed two suitcases, with a maximum weight of 20 pounds each. No exceptions apply. There will be an extra charge for any baggage exceeding the 40 pounds.
Please note: Your luggage and/or carry-on will be subject to inspection by SESA (the Ecuadorian System for Agricultural Sanitation) in an effort to prevent the introduction of foreign plants and animals to the Galapagos Islands. These inspections take place before your flight to the Galapagos and upon your arrival in the Islands.
The cargo shipment of personal items to GAIAS is not included in the program costs, and will be charged to the student individually. Cargo shipment of luggage from San Cristobal to Quito will be students' responsibility to organize.
Transportation
On the island of San Cristobal , you will be able to travel to many places around town on foot. If you prefer not to walk, you can take a taxi (average US$1.00 for most trips) or rent a bike (bring a good quality bike lock). Students are recommended to bring a bike from their home country, rather than trying to purchase one in Quito or San Cristobal .
GAIAS students receive a special discount on bike rentals. Students may rent bikes for $50/month, $8/day or $1.50/hour.
Overseas Insurance
Before leaving your home country you are required to obtain overseas medical insurance. Check your regular policy first, as you may already be covered for travel-related accidents. Homeowner's insurance will often cover theft during travel.
For information on overseas coverage, medical evacuation, and travelers' hotlines, contact American Express (800) 528-4800; Access America (800) 284-8300; Globalcare Travel Insurance (800) 821-2488; and Travel Assistance International (800) 821-2828. STA Travel, an agency specializing in youth and student travel, also offers overseas insurance. More information can be found by going to their website: www.statravel.com. Other excellent websites are GoAbroad.com, StudyAbroadInsurance.com, InsuranceAbroad.com, and InternationalStudentInsurance.com.
Before You Leave
Leave copies of your important documents, such as your passport, as well as traveler’s check and credit card numbers, with someone who can fax them to you if they are stolen and/or give a copy to a trusted traveling companion. E-mailing numbers to an on-line e-mail account on Hotmail or Yahoo is also a good idea since you can access the Internet from almost anywhere. (Please note that you will also be required to leave copies of your passport with the Office of International Programs at USFQ and with a GAIAS staff member in San Cristobal).
Some students also find it helpful to add a parent/guardian to their personal bank account while they are abroad. This helps in case of emergency or if a student needs to manage funds from overseas.
Immunizations
See your doctor at least 4–6 weeks before your trip to allow time for immunizations to take effect. The CDC recommends the following vaccines for Ecuador (as appropriate for age):
• Hepatitis A or immune globulin (IG).
• Hepatitis B, if you might be exposed to blood (for example, health-care workers), have sexual contact with the local population, stay >6 months in the region, or be exposed through medical treatment.
• Rabies, if you might be exposed to wild or domestic animals through your work or recreation.
• Typhoid
• Yellow fever vaccination (REQUIRED for the Tiputini trip)
• As needed, booster doses for tetanus-diphtheria and measles.
Malaria
Malaria is not a problem in Quito or the Galapagos, although it is found in Ecuador at altitudes below 1500 meters. There will be short trips planned to the Amazon jungle and the Ecuadorian coast during the first three weeks of the program, and malaria medication is strongly recommended for these regions. For this reason, you should discuss the proper malaria medication with your doctor and take the necessary precautions. Larium is the drug recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Yellow Fever
A WHO vaccination record (with yellow fever vaccination record) is REQUIRED to get to the Tiputini Biodiversity Station in the Amazon jungle. Local authorities will not permit you to enter the region without it.
What to Bring
Two things not to forget are insect repellent and lots of sunblock! Both things can be found in San Cristobal, but they are more expensive and there are very few varieties to choose from. Rolls of film are also more expensive in Ecuador—a roll of 24 normally costs around $5. Many other things can be purchased in San Cristobal, but they are usually national products and offer less variety. Many students prefer to bring personal items from home. Please refer to the packing list below for more complete information on what to bring.
GAIAS Packing List (***items are required)
• Photocopies of all documentation/tickets/passport ***
• Health and Travel Insurance policies (health insurance required)***
• Textbooks ***
• Emergency contact information ***
• Money, credit cards (Mastercard is best), Travelers checks (American Express)
• Day pack or fanny pack
• Money belt or neck pouch
• Ziploc bags and large garbage bags to keep what you need dry when traveling to and staying at the Tiputini Biodiversity Station
• A full prescription of a doctor prescribed antibiotic or any other medication you are currently taking.
• Feminine hygiene (tampons are especially difficult to find)
• Swiss army knife or equivalent
• Flashlight/headlamp and batteries
• Beach towel and bath towel
• Specialty toiletry items
• Spare contact lenses and solution
• Insect repellent
• Sunblock or Sunscreen (high factor, waterproof)
• Umbrella
• Light rain jacket or rain poncho
• Shorts and lightweight slacks
• Swimsuit(s)
• Light fleece jacket, sweater or sweatshirt (evenings)
• Short- and long-sleeved shirts
• Warm clothing for Riobamba trip (fleece, gloves, hat, warm socks, warm pants, etc)
• Sun hat/ visor
• Sandals
• Sneakers or hiking boots (for dry landings and rocky shores)
• Teva-style sandals (for wet landings and around town)
• Sunglasses (with strap is best)
• Camera and film
• Disposable underwater camera (make sure the maximum depth is greater than 15 feet)
• Extra batteries (or rechargeable batteries and a battery charger)
• Video camera and tapes (bring more than you expect to use)
• Chapstick
• Motion/sea sickness pills (also available at pharmacies in San Cristobal)
• Travel alarm clock
• Binoculars
• Wet Suit, Lycra or "Shorty" (only suggested for those who intend to do a lot of snorkeling)
• Snorkel and mask (snorkeling equipment is available for a minimal charge, but you may prefer the fit of your own mask)
• Good quality bike lock (if you’re thinking about renting a bike in San Cristobal)
• Spanish phrase book
• A personal first aid kit with the following items may be useful: pain reliever/aspirin, cold medicines, diarrhea medicine, laxative, insect protection, sunburn relief, antibacterial cream, prescription medication, Benadryl, Band-Aids, motion sickness medicine, an extra pair of prescription glasses or contact lenses, moist towelettes, and a sewing kit.
NOTE: All students studying at GAIAS will spend a short period of time in Quito, Ecuador at the start and end of the program. The altitude of Quito is 2850 m (9350 ft) above sea level. Because of its high elevation, Quito has a moderate climate even though it is just south of the Equator. In Quito (as in most parts of the Andes), you can experience all four seasons in one day, and therefore you should pack a few items of clothing with colder weather in mind. When packing, keep in mind that activities may include:
• Hiking
• Horseback riding
• Swimming
• Snorkeling
• Birdwatching
• Caving
Useful websites about Ecuador and the Galapagos:
www.ecuadorexplorer.com
www.ecuador.org
www.vivecuador.com
www.thebestofecuador.com (has specific information about San Cristobal and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, where GAIAS is located)
www.gct.org (the Galapagos Conservation Trust, a charity committed to conservation of the Galapagos. You'll find information about the islands, flora and fauna, conservation issues, news and current projects being funded by GCT).
www.galapagos.to (Human and Cartographic History of the Galapagos Islands)
www.galapagostour.com (Official website of CAPTURGAL, the Galapagos Tourism of Commerce) |
