A truly amazing adventure for the active adventures.  An up-close-to-nature adventure staying in very comfortable local hotels.  One of the most unique trips the DSC has ever offered!  August 2012

AIR & TRANSFER:  Too early to book flights just yet but estimated pricing is included in the package for round trip air from Dallas (DFW) to Ecuador's Capital City of Quito.  Transfers from Hotel to Hotel, Island to Island will be by Van, Bus, Truck, and/or Boat!  More details as we get closer to departure.

LODGING:    We start off in Quito, Ecuador at the Hotel Quito for 2 nights.  Then San Cristobal for 2 nights at the San Cristobal Hotel.  We venture on to Isabela Island for 3 nights at the Isabela Island Hotel.  Another 1 night on the Santa Cruz Island at the Santa Cruz Hotel.  Finishing up for 1 more night back in Quito at the Hotel Quito. All hotels are locally owned and operated.  Rooms will vary in size and features but all are very clean and comfortable.  All meals are included while on the Islands.  Bottled water is provided but you must bring your own re-usable container to fill. 

Hotel Quito (2 nights)

San Cristobal Hotel (3 nights)

Isabela Island Hotel (3 nights)

Santa Cruz Hotel (1 night)

ISLAND FACTS:  The Galapagos Islands are a small archipelago of islands belonging to Ecuador in the eastern Pacific Ocean. The islands are quite remote and isolated, lying some 1000 km (620 miles) west of the South American continent. The Galapagos archipelago consists of 13 main islands and 6 smaller isles, which together embrace some 50,000 sq km (19,500 sq miles) of ocean.

NOTE:  This is an extraordinary and unique trip but please note the following:

• This is a TSC trip; current estimates are between 100 – 150 total from Texas.  However, as there are very strict guidelines imposed by the Ecuadorian Government, (They control the Islands), ONLY 16 participants can travel together which is called a Pod.  Each departure date is limited to 4 Pods (total of 64 people, per departure date, as posted above).  Each Pod is led by one licensed Naturalist and one boat Captain. All members of a Pod will travel together and stay in the same lodging.  All 4 pods (per departure date) will likely stay at the same hotel but their daily activities will vary.  
• You must be in relatively good shape as there are many activities planned - easy to moderate hiking, snorkeling, sea kayaking and biking, all included.
• Your $500 deposit is non-refundable and non-transferable after November 30, 2011.
• There is a mandatory $100 US cash payment required before you are allowed to enter the Galapagos.  This is your responsibility and is NOT included in the published price.
• You MUST obtain travel insurance or prove you are self insured to the Trip Leader or you will not be able to participate.
• All lodging and “local” meals (except 3 dinners) are included.
• Once you leave the main land of Quito you are limited to one carry-on (Max 30 lbs.) Active bag.  This bag is provided by the Adventure South America Tour Operator and must be used.  This bag and a backpack is all that will be allowed. 
• Click here for the detailed Trip Report from Christine Augustine, the TSC Trip Coordinator, on this site that you need to read and understand.  It provides wonderful insight into this amazing adventure and clarifies what is expected of each DSC traveler.
  Check out this link for the daily itinerary and trip details!  GALAPAGOS TRIP DETAILS

There are two different pre-trips and 4 different post-trips available.  Please check out the above web site for dates and contact the trip leader if interested.  NOTE: Adventure South America will not be accompanying participants on the pre or post-trips and DSC will not price or provide air for pre or post trips.  The Trip Leader will assist by referring you to the air carrier, but you will need to arrange your own air.  Following are the pre and post excursion with cost, does NOT include air:

TRIP DIRECTOR:   Marlene Heineman (972) 989-0166 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Steve Abrey  (972)608-0039  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
DEPOSIT:  $500  1/2 PAYMENT:  $2,000 (due 11-15)  FINAL PAYMENT: $1,935 (due 3-1)