Contenidos Web>Ecuador>Galapagos Islands: Expedition Cruises, Hotels and Vacations>Isabela II (2) Galapagos Islands Cruise & ToursIsabela II Geology Expeditions to the Middle of the World
The 10 night program includes 2 nights in Ecuador’s Andean Highlands visiting Quito a jewel of Colonial Art and an exploration of Cotopaxi Volcano, a perfect snow-capped cone, considered the highest active volcano in the World. Then, 7 nights in the Galapagos Islands on board the exclusive 40-guest Yacht Isabela II with daily outings to explore the young and amazing geology of the Islands, with vast pahoe-hoe lava flows, spatter cones, dome-shaped calderas, tuff cones, submerged craters, and impressive landscapes. Upon return, our last night is spent in the tropical city of Guayaquil.
Departures: June 13 to 23, 2010 August 22 to Sep 01, 2010 December 5 to 15, 2010
Discover Ecuador’s Andean Volcanoes and the Galápagos Islands
Follow in the steps of the great world explorers… discover the fascinating geology and colossal features of the Andes that left Alexander von Humboldt breathless along the Avenue of the Volcanoes in continental Ecuador, and the young and very active volcanism of the Galapagos Islands, where you will have ample time to examine its most significant geological sites and walk on lava of the most recent eruptions.
Join Dr. Theofilos Toulkeridis as we explore the fascinating land of the Andes and the islands of fire of the Galápagos. By putting together the most comprehensive route, our exclusive geological expedition will focus in understanding the varied forms of volcanism and how the islands' wildlife is influenced in its evolutionary framework by such unique setup.
As we explore the different corners of Galápagos, lectures and one-of-a-kind discussions, complement a voyage to this remote island group in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Our geology expedition caters to both amateurs and geologists seeking for an in-depth experience of nature’s forces at work. Small groups will be led by our expert field geologist with personalized attention and profound knowledge.
Dr. Toulkeridis’ expertise will be shared in his eye catching lectures and discussions about Ecuador & Galápagos´ geology, right in the Middle of the World. On this trip, apart from traveling along beautiful landscapes, you get to see interesting glacial and geological phenomena and explore the fascinating Galapagos Islands on board Yacht ISABELA II.
About Doctor Theofilos Toulkeridis, Ph.D.
“Theo” is a resident of Ecuador since 1999, and full-time professor at the University of San Francisco at Quito (USFQ). He is one of the most reputed geologists living in Ecuador, and Founder and Director of the Center of Geology, Volcanology and Geodynamics. He earned his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Geology and Pale¬ontology, with a specialty focus in Isotope Geochemistry from the University of Mainz and the Max Planck Institute of Chemistry in Mainz, Germany. His Ph.D. in Geology and Isotope Geochemistry was completed in 1996, with the same institutions and in collaboration with the Centre for Surface Geochemistry at the French National Centre for Scientific Research in Strasbourg, France. His research in Ecuador is mainly focused upon volcanoes in the Sub-Andean basin, the volcanic Cordilleras of the “Sierra” and the Galapagos Islands.
SUNDAY Transfer from airport to hotel - shared Upon arrival to Quito, escorted transfer from the airport to your hotel. Overnight at Hotel Hilton Colon – 1 deluxe room, tax and breakfast included.
MONDAY (B, L) Cotopaxi National Park
After breakfast, depart for a full day visit to the Cotopaxi Volcano, one the worlds highest active volcanos. With a summit elevation of 5,897 meters above sea level, this Pleistocene stratovolcano, has an ice cap from which 23 outlet glaciers flow (total area of 19.09 square kilometers) even though it's located less than 100 km from Earth's equator. The cone was formed by lava and pyroclastic materials with vast amounts of lahars making up the plains that surround it. Beginning in December 2001 after decades of silence, the volcano began showing clear signs of unrest, including earthquakes, increased fumaroles activity from the summit crater, and small phreatic explosions. Much of the fumarolic activity in the crater today comes from this smaller crater, especially on the western side. We will be able to observe laharic deposits, andesitic lava flows, various pyroclastic deposits with big pumices and also pyroclastic flow deposits with covered paleosoils and datable vegetation (with C14 isotopic method). Furthermore, we will cross parts of hummocks, evidences of previous partial collapses of the majestic volcano as well as ignimbrites form another giants of northern South America, from the Chalupas caldera, besides some andesitic domes including feeding dykes and with some luck also some condor before getting back to Quito, from where we will get prepared for the trip to the Galapagos islands. Hotel Hilton Colon – 1 deluxe room, tax and breakfast included.
TUESDAY (B, D) Transfer from hotel to airport in Quito for your flight to Galapagos Islands and assistance with check-in and Galapagos Park pre-boarding requirements. Upon arrival to the Islands, transfer to Yacht Isabela II, your home for the next 7 nights.
Tuesday/Tuesday (B, L, D): Galapagos Islands on board the Yacht Isabela II, 7 nights
The geodynamic origin of the Galapagos Islands is a highly debated topic. The most common (but not overall accepted theory) demonstrates a “Hot Spot” in the mantle as their most likely origin. However, the interaction of the presumed Hot Spot together with the given plate movements gave rise to different morphological features such as the Caribbean Large Igneous Province, the break-up of the Farallon plate into the Cocos and Nazca Plate. Ongoing drifting of the continents and creation of Hot-Spot related volcanoes created the prominent Cocos and Carnegie Ridges and also the smaller Malpelo and Coiba Ridges. The story about birth, life and death of a typical volcanic island of the Galapagos may best explain how life arrived in the distant islands and come to evolve differently than in South America. The very best way to discuss such topics together with the marvelous own observation of the endemic life in a habitat of shieldvolcanoes, calderas, spatter, cinder and ash cones with their pahoehoe and aa lava flows, lava tubes, uplifted pillow lava, lava ponds, lava curtains, columnar joints, dikes, hornitos, subaerial and submarine fumaroles, majestic crater pits, Pele´s hair and tears, reticulites, beaches of seven different colors including an olivine beach and many more features is to visit the Galapagos Island and prove wrong the very first impression of the islands most famous visitor Charles Darwin, a biologist and geologist by profession, who stated that “nothing could be less inviting than the first appearance: “A broken field of black basaltic lava, thrown into the most rugged waves and crossed by great fissures which show little signs of life”.
The expedition includes a cross section through all stages of island development with the oldest and most eroded but still amazingly well preserved islands to the east until the freshest lava flows of the activities of the last view years.
Islands included in the expedition: North Seymour, Hood, Floreana, Santa Cruz, Tower, Fernandina, Isabela, Bartolome, James and Baltra.
TUESDAY (B)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Guayaquil. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.
Hotel Hilton Colon Guayaquil – 1 deluxe room, tax and breakfast include
Afternoon City tour of Guayaquil – semi private
The visit includes the main attractions of the Port of Guayaquil, starting with the Centennial Plaza that honors the heroes of Guayaquil’s independence, the Park of the Iguanas and the pride of Guayaquil, its waterfront Malecon 2000.
WEDNESDAY (B) Transfer from hotel to airport in Guayaquil – semi private Escorted transfer to the airport for your flight back home.
Itineraries and program are subject to change without previous notice due mainly to readjustment of the Galapagos National Park policies and regulations, weather conditions, seasonal changes or safety reasons
With a capacity of only 40 guests, Yacht ISABELA II offers a relaxed atmosphere while enjoying an unforgettable Galapagos expedition, where guests fully experience their sense of discovery and bonding with nature. ISABELA II expeditions offer all aspects of the Galapagos: an intimate contact with wildlife, active volcanoes, a vast Marine Reserve, adventure, comfort and safety.
Our classic Yacht ISABELA II offers the most in-depth week itinerary (Tuesday to Tuesday) allowing guests to enjoy all that Galapagos is famous for: from ancient giant tortoises to penguins, from sleek flamingos to bold sharks, from bizarre flightless cormorants to rugged marine iguanas and from whales and dolphins to dramatic island volcanoes and breathtaking scenery, plus the exploration of the Galapagos Marine Reserve (the second largest in the world) on kayaks, the glass bottom boat, swimming or snorkeling.
The expertise of three English-speaking Naturalist Guides matches their contagious enthusiasm, whether discussing geology or bird watching, snorkeling or stargazing, evolution or marine actitivies. Guests of ISABELA II have the opportunity to explore the islands in small groups with fellow enthusiasts who share their same passion for nature, curiosity and spirit of observation.
Technical specifications
Construction: 1979
Reconstruction: Pensacola, Florida, 1988
Refurbishment: Panama, March 2000
Category: Deluxe
Gross Tonnage: 1.025 tons.
Type of Vessel: Motor Yacht
Capacity: 40 guests
Length: 53.72 meters (166 feet)
Beam: 11.58 meters (38 feet)
Speed: 10 knots
Electricity: 110 Volts 60 Hz.
Engines: 2 GM Detroit Diesel 900 BHP each
Navigation Equipment: Gyrocompass, Automatic Pilot, radar, and GPS
Safety Certificates: SOLAS 74 - ISM
Fire Detector: Automatic with control from the bridge.
Metropolitan Touring is one of South America’s best-known and most-respected travel companies. It has provided unrivalled service to guests for over five decades. The company runs its own ground operations in Ecuador, Peru, Argentina and Chile, and owns and operates the finest ships for expedition cruises in the Galapagos Islands, the M/V Santa Cruz, Yacht Isabella II and Yacht La Pinta, as well as the Finch Bay Eco Hotel. Come explore with us!
Handbook Isabela II
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