Travel News and Articles -
Ecuador, Galapagos Islands, More

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is now requiring by law from all airlines that all passengers traveling within or originating in the United States and its territories to have the Secure Flight Passenger Data in the reservations booked for travel November 1, 2010 and beyond. 

The TSA allows no exceptions; compliance is mandatory. 

Under Secure Flight Passenger Data American Airlines and most of the domestic and international carriers are already collecting and transmitting this data to the TSA.  Therefore, as airlines are starting to implement this new phase on different dates prior to the November 1 deadline, we strongly recommend that starting with the receipt of this communication - when requesting reservations for your clients it is important that you provide to us the following accurate information from each passenger at the time of booking.  

• Name exactly as it appears in passport or Government Issued ID
• Date of Birth
• Gender (Female or Male)
  

To learn more about the TSA Secure Flight program, please visit
http://www.tsa.gov/secureflight  

The new form, which will have the information of the guests already printed (same as with the previous card) has two parts; one to be handed to the INGALA authorities upon entry to the islands and the second part, which should be kept by the guest to be handed in upon departure.  Additional information should be completed by the guests before their arrival to the Galapagos.  

There has been no change in the cost (US$10) nor in the information to be provided to INGALA.  

The Transit Control Card for Galapagos was implemented some months ago to assist in the control of illegal migration to Galapagos.  
 

As we have received a number of inquiries about the situation in the Galapagos Islands, after the tsunami alert was issued in the morning of Saturday, February 27, 2010, we must emphasize that the Galapagos operation is completely normal -all vessels are following the regular itineraries, all guests are having a great time!

The tsunami alert that was put in effect for all the Pacific Ocean, by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC, branch of NOAA/NWS), was a preventive measure after the strong earthquake that hit Chile. Until the hourly reports of the PTWC confirmed that the risk was over, Metropolitan Touring vessels temporarily halted their programs.

In the populated islands of the Galapagos, the authorities put in effect the emergency procedures and instructed residents and visitors to move to higher elevations as a precaution. In the end, the earthquake-related wave that reached the Galapagos was only 0.35 m. or 1.2 feet (at 9:42 local time).

The crews of all Metropolitan Touring vessels followed the instructions of the authorities -moving out of anchorage- and regular guest activities were interrupted for a period of only two and a half hours, until the alert was lifted and programs continued as usual. 
 

After a rough weekend the situation appears to clarify.  While the images that are being shown all over the news worldwide show major devastation, the worst damages were caused only near Concepcion in the Bio Bio Region (515 km. South from Santiago).  Chile's solid infrastructure, strict building laws and long-history dealing with seismic activity has prevented the country from a major catastrophe. The major damage occurred near the coast, where most of the constructions are light.   

No tourist destinations where harmed, San Pedro de Atacama, Easter Island, Puerto Varas and Patagonia have a normal operation and no damages were found.  

The Santiago Airport, in Chile's capital city, the only international
airport in Chile, is closed due to security reasons.  The quake caused
damages in the passenger terminal and all the special equipment inside to fail.  The DGAC (Dirección General de Aereonautica Civil) has authorized the arrival of domestic and international flights that where re-directed to other airports and passengers have been arriving to Santiago.  The departures of International and domestic are still not implemented, and will be analyzed today.  Also, a special team is helping the arriving flights that have been doing immigration and other procedures in other cities destinations in Chile.   

Today at 15:00 hrs Chile we will have more information regarding the flights status. 
 

As announced in one of our latest statements, because of the existing damage in some railway segments between the Sacred Valley (Ollantaytambo) and Machu Picchu, the soon to be restored access to Machu Picchu will require a 50 minute bus ride from the Sacred Valley (Ollantaytambo station) up to Piscacucho (Km.82) followed by an 80 minute train ride to Machu Picchu train station (Aguas Calientes). This bus-train combined service will be provided by PeruRail. We expect to have additional details about this service (rates, timetables, etc.) by next week. 

Days ago, the Peruvian authorities, including the Ministry of Commerce and Tourism, announced April 1st, 2010 as the target date for the reopening of Machu Picchu and the train access through this route. This morning, FETRANSA, the company in charge of repairing these train routes, issued a very positive statement announcing that work along the Piscacucho - Machu Picchu railroad is going on as planned and that it's likely that all work could be completed even earlier than April 1st, 2010.

On our latest statement, we also mentioned that the Hiram Bingham deluxe train cars will not be available until the beginning of June and that any existing Hiram Bingham bookings between April 1st and June 1st, will have to be reprogrammed to the Vistadome train service or to a new "Vistadome upgraded" train service that PeruRail was developing. We have now confirmed that PeruRail is having many difficulties in structuring this Vistadome - Hiram Bingham hybrid service and that, most likely, it will not become a reality. We recommend our clients not to rely on this possibility and to better secure spaces on the Vistadome service.

As always, we would like to reconfirm that all attractions and destinations of Cusco city and the Sacred Valley are totally accessible, safe and operating normally and that the current weather in the area perfectly allows traveling and presents no major impediment. Nowadays, our guests are enjoying more of the magic of Cusco city, its surrounding ruins, and experiencing some of the hidden attractions of the Sacred Valley and Cusco's southern valley. 

MTP will continue communicating all relevant information to its clients and partners, as it becomes available. 
 

We have just been informed that TAME, the local airline in charge of domestic flights within Ecuador, has added new fees in trhe amount of US$10 on flights to the Galapagos Islands and US$5 on other destinations inside the country.  

Please note that these new amounts apply equally to round trip or one-way tickets and they are being added to the current airfares.  
 

Dear friends, 

• As there are no access routes to Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu has been closed by the National Institute of Culture (INC) until further notice.  
   
•  More rumours about helicopter flights:  there are rumours that apparently Helicopter flights will be operated by one single company already this week.  Capacity will be apparently 6 flights a day, for a maximum of 210 passengers daily.  Note that as flights are highly subject to weather conditions, this option is only recommendable once there is an alternative access route out of Aguas Calientes.  Even then, it is possible that passengers’ programs are affected by delays or cancellation of these flights.  Before permitting these flights, Machu Picchu has to be officially re-opened by the INC. We’ll keep you informed once we have reliable information on this subject.  
   
• Alternative route:  Further studies of this have shown that the route takes approximately 8 hours from Cuzco to Aguas Calientes, approximately 6 from the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes (one way).  We’ll study the road once it has been repaired, but right now we have been informed that the road is quite narrow and definitely has been inspected before we allow our passengers on this road, as the safety of our passengers is always our deepest concern.  
   
• Pisac Market has been opened again!  Although the market is not as big as before, it is definitely well worth a visit.  
   
• For new reservations in February and March, several hotel chains have given discounts or special offers.  Please contact your Account Executive for details on this.  
   
• Reservations using the luxury train Hiram Bingham should be checked with your Account Executive.  As this train usually travels the route from Poroy (30 minutes from Cuzco) to Aguas Calientes, and the railway from Poroy to Ollantaytambo has been damaged and will take some more time to repair, this service will be affected. At the time, there is no way of knowing how long, but in April it is most probably still not operative.  
   
• Works on the railway from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes are underway and are estimated to take until end of March, if weather permits.  

Please note that for 2010 the Airport Departure Tax for international
flights out of the Jose Joaquin de Olmedo Internacional Airport of Guayaquil has been increased to US$28.27.  

There is no change in the Airport Departure Tax from the International
Mariscal Sucre Airport in Quito, which remains at US$40.80.  
 

We’d probably give this trip a 7 or 8 on a scale of 10.  Some real good stuff, excellent food and places to stay, some really fun activities and touring.  It was a more relaxing trip than some of our recent ones - less scheduled, less activity oriented. So, definitely worthwhile and fun, but not in our top 10 trips.  Read More. . .
 

As per established policies for some of the Galapagos vessel operators, a “Release of Responsibility” form must be signed by the parents or guardians accompanying children, under the age of 12, who are traveling to the Galapagos Islands.  

A printed document must be signed prior to the beginning of the Galapagos Expedition Cruise aboard the Santa Cruz, La Pinta, Isabela II, or stay at the Finch Bay Eco Hotel. 
  

Electricity rationing has been put into effect in Ecuador after a drought in the Andes region - the worst in four decades - led to acute water shortage in the country's main hydro-electric power plant at Paute.  

Ecuador depends heavily on hydro-power to produce electricity. Blackouts will be mainly in residential areas - to avoid affecting industries and businesses and are scheduled for durations from four to six hours, depending on the area.  Most companies have their own power generator plants.  Electricity rationing has been scheduled between 6:00 AM and 11:00 PM.  
 

The Director of the Galapagos National Park announced that maintenance work is under way to improve the entrance towards the Land Tortoise Breeding Center, as well as to the installations of the Charles Darwin Foundation and the access to the Galapagos National Park offices.  

The purpose of this work is to build an easier access, with the necessary safety measures, in order to provide a more satisfactory and quality visit.  Work began on August 17 and the new access will be ready by November 30. 
 

The authorities of the Ecuadorian Civil Aviation have informed that the Airport of Coca (Francisco de Orellana) will re-open on July 27th, and not on July 17th as originally scheduled.
 

This just in !: 

"We have just received notification from TAME airline, that effective immediately, all travelers to Galapagos will have to wear surgical masks before boarding their flight in order to take further precautions against the spread of the virus AH1N1 [Swine Flu].  This measure Is intended to strengthen the safety of passengers and crew who will have to be inside the plane for approximately 2 hours, based on International safety recommendations."  

"Since we are not yet aware whether the health department will be providing these masks to each and every visitor to Galapagos or how they will get them, we suggest that you inform clients in advance so they can bring their own."  

Due to works on the runway, Coca's airport will be closed from May 4th until July 17th.  

We will operate with daily flights to Lago Agrio during this closure, and Tame airlines will provide transportation from Lago Agrio to Coca and vice versa. The transfer from Lago Agrio to Coca takes approximately 1 1/2 hour.  

The following is the flight schedule information for departure and return
from Sacha Lodge during this period: 

AIRLINE: TAME
LOCATION: Quito's airport National Terminal 

FLIGHT SCHEDULE: 

If your flight is on any day from Monday to Friday: 

Flight EQ201 Departing Quito 10:00am - arriving Coca 10:30am 
Flight EQ202 Departing Coca 11:00 am - arriving Quito 11:30pm 

If your flight is on a Saturday: 

Flight EQ207 Departing Quito 10:00am - arriving Coca 10:30am 
Flight EQ208 Departing Coca 11:00am - arriving Quito 11:30am 

Please be at Tame´s counter one hour before departure time on departure
day.

**Please note luggage must be limited to 20 kilos (44 pounds) per person.
 

The Ecuadorian Geophysics Institute informs that La Cumbre volcano on Fernandina Island in the Galapagos has started a new eruptive process. The island-volcano - 1476 meters high - is not inhabited and located 90 Kms. to the northwest of Puerto Villamil the closest village on Isabela Island, so there is no danger for the human population. 

The current eruptive process started during the night of April 10 and was reported by the park wardens and by a tour boat which was in the vicinity.  Lava flows have been observed, coming from a lateral fissure located 500 meters below the crater at the southwest side of the island, close to Cape Hammond.  This is a radial fissure 200 meters long and 10 meters wide that reaches up to 15 meters high. There is also a large column of smoke.  

The volcano of Fernandina Island erupted five years ago, without causing major damage to the flora and fauna of the area.  

Tour excursions to Punta Espinoza on Fernandina Island have not been suspended; authorities of the Galapagos National Park are closely monitoring the developments to determine that it is safe to continue with them. 
 

Read Press Release . . .

Due to the intense rainfall in the last weeks, the main roads that descend from the highlands to the coast have experienced landslides that affect the normal traffic between these two regions.  

The road Calacalí / Los Bancos that leads to Tulipe and Mindo has been particularly affected, and works are under way to repair the road.  In the meantime, and until March first, tours to the area of Mindo and Tulipe have been temporarily suspended in order to guarantee the safety and well being of our guests.  

Alternate programs will be provided to affected guests.  

The roads in the highlands of Ecuador are fully operative, and all tours in and around Quito, Otavalo, the Avenue of the Volcanoes and south to Cuenca are operating normally.  
 

The new authorities of the Ecuadorian Railway Company, as part of a set of measures taken to re-evaluate the operation of the railroad, have issued a statement, informing that, as of January 23, 2009, passengers can no longer travel on the roof of trains or autoferros on the railway route.  This includes Chiva Express vehicles, the Ferrocarril,  and all other railway vehicles in Ecuador.  

In spite of the fact that Chiva Express vehicles are equipped with seats, seat-belts, railings and roll bars on the roof, that guarantee the safety of our passengers, we must adhere to this ruling of the Railway Company.  

Therefore, guests are requested to travel only on the inside of the trains from this date on. 
 

We are pleased to inform that the Sea Finch Yacht has just obtained its SmartVoyager certification, a "green seal" of approval in tune with the company's Environmental Policy, granted to tour operators in the Galapagos Islands who meet a set of strict conservation standards.  

The Sea Finch is used for day tours to different islands in connection with
the Finch Bay Eco Hotel "Land & Sea" Package Tours -- a 20-guest Hatteras Yacht. The Finch Bay Eco Hotel has its own SmartVoyager certification, which guarantees environmentally-oriented operations, community support and best sustainable practices.  

The Sea Finch Yacht will have its yearly dry dock period from August 19 to September 1st, 2009.  
 

Hamadryade Lodge has gotten write-ups in two recent French publications.  

The first is in the book Du Caviar Dans Les Nuages by Philippe Legrand; edited by Paris Match ed C.D.P.  ISBN: 978-2-35130-034-3

The other is the article titled: Les Plus Beaux Hotels Du Monde in Voyage de Luxe magazine issue N12 2008 [December 2008 (?)] 
 

As you probably know, a passport is required to travel to South or Central America.  What you may not know is that your passport must be valid for at least 6-months AFTER you return from your trip.  If you are traveling to any destination in these regions (including the Galapagos Islands), please check the expiration date of your party's passports and take appropriate action ahead of time.  
 

[Last names withheld in compliance with the LARC privacy policy.]

 
  [Last names withheld in compliance with the LARC privacy policy.]

reprinted from Travel Weekly - September 22, 2003