Politics News

Eric Castro asked:


What is it that makes Galapagos islands so amazing during September?? Being this month the peak of the Dry Season, a lot of unusual features are seen within the islands’ environment.? For example, who would expect a barren and desert-like habitat in the middle of the tropics, or who would expect animals not found in other tropical places thriving so well amidst volcanic islands?? For those that take the plunge and see the underwater wonders of the Galapagos islands Marine Reserve (largest one in America), you will be surrounded by tropical and subtropical species of fish, sea lions and penguins…where else on Earth can you encounter this?? While on land, September offers our guests unique events such as the pupping season for sea lions, blue-footed boobies with chicks in their nests, albatrosses with juveniles, migrant birds from northern latitudes, and due to the presence of cool waters the highest chances of encountering cetaceans (dolphins and whales).?

The dry weather makes walking on the islands quite pleasant, as temperatures reach levels no higher than 24?C-26?C (75?F-79?F).? Water temperature averages at 20?C (68?F) and if you want to feel more comfortable in the water (and of course, stay longer) we recommend that you bring with you a shortie wet suit.? Days tend to start cloudy, but the thin layer of clouds usually disipates by mid morning as the heat of the sun burns off such low moisture clouds.? Wind is common through this month, and seas are moderately strong (windbreaker, long sleeve shirts or sweatshirts will make you feel comfortable).? September is a wonderful month to be in Galapagos islands.? Nature enthusiasts, wildlife connoiseurs, photographers, families, and all will experience the most amazing tropical desert, no matter how bizarre this oxymoron sounds. Historically, September is also the time we conmmeorate Charles Darwin’s visit aboard the H.M.S Beagle, which dates back to 1835.? In September the travelers will surely leave Galapagos islands satisfied.

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Overall natural events:

Peak of the dry (gar?a) season

The air temperature reaches its lowest levels at night (19?C-66?F)

Galapagos islands Penguins show remarkable activity on Bartolom?. Swimmers and snorkelers will be delighted with penguins active at the surface or torpedo-like while underwater.

? Sea lions are very active. Females have reached estrus stage, and so harem-gathering males are constantly barking and fighting. Shore fighting is heavy. Western and central islands are the most active ones in terms of sea lions’ activities.

? Most species of sea birds remain quite active at their nesting sites.? Common encounters with dolphins and whales.

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Eric Castro asked:


January 04 1837

This was a big day for Darwin. Today he gave his first speech before the Royal Geological Society in London. He was very nervous! All the experts in geology were there and this was Darwin’s big chance to prove himself to his peers. The topic of his paper was on the gradual raising of South America over eons of time. He concluded that as land masses raise upward, the nearby ocean floor subsides, and that the animals on the raising continent somehow or another adapt to these very slow changes (at this time Darwin had no idea how this happened). This theory represented a shift away from Lyell’s theory which stated that animals cannot adapt, but rather die out and are replaced with new species. This was one of the earliest signs that Darwin was beginning to develop his own theories, going beyond his mentors. The speech, by the way, was received very well by nearly all the geologists there.

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Eric Castro asked:


The inhabitants are between two and three hundred in number; they are nearly all people of colour, who have been banished for political crimes from the Republic of the Equator, of which Quito is the capital. The settlement is placed about four and a half miles inland, and at a height probably of a thousand feet. In the first part of the road we passed through leafless thickets, as in Chatham Islands at Galapagos Islands.

Higher up, the woods gradually became greener; and as soon as we crossed the ridge of the Galapagos islands, we were cooled by a fine southerly breeze, and our sight refreshed by a green and thriving vegetation. In this upper region coarse grasses and ferns abound; but there are no tree-ferns: I saw nowhere any member of the palm family, which is the more singular, as 360 miles northward, Cocos Island takes its name from the number of cocoa-nuts. The houses are irregularly scattered over a flat space of ground, which is cultivated with sweet potatoes and bananas. It will not easily be imagined how pleasant the sight of black mud was to us, after having been so long, accustomed to the parched soil of Peru and northern Chile.

The inhabitants, although complaining of poverty, obtain, without much trouble, the means of subsistence. In the woods there are many wild pigs and goats; but the staple article of animal food is supplied by the tortoises. Their numbers have of course been greatly reduced in this Galapagos islands, but the people yet count on two days’ hunting giving them food for the rest of the week. It is said that formerly single vessels have taken away as many as seven hundred, and that the ship’s company of a frigate some years since brought down in one day two hundred tortoises to the beach.

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Eric Castro asked:


Galapagos Islands Climate Update: the dry season in July !

So far, this Dry Season holds normal conditions. July is an unlikely tropical month, and the overall weather pattern has not many analogies to other tropical destinations.

Those who expect the Galapagos islands to be extremely warm, humid, green, with just breeze, and twelve hours of full sun a day, will really find surprising that the Galapagos islands offers a much drier and windy environment than expected. This is why it is so important to remember that Galapagos is not a 100% tropical destination year-round (except for its geographical location). Until early December, the Galapagos islands overall weather pattern will show overcast skies that will gradually turn into full sunny days.

Some locations may even show the famous “garua” (very fine drizzle) that will surely label the Galapagos as an unusual location, and inland areas will evidence drought-like conditions. Air temperatures range 27?C (83?F), while that of the water will remain steady at 21?C (74?F). Wildlife wise, is overwhelming as the sea-dependant species are near peak in their mating season. For those guests coming from northern latitudes (where July is peak summer: overwhelming heat & humidity, plenty of sunshine, and crowds everywhere) Galapagos?can be a place full of surprises.

It is quite important (all the way through December) to come fully prepared for this wonderful adventure, again full of intriguing surprises. Besides the essential “packing list” for Galapagos, there are items not be missed: windbreaker or park, sweatshirt (or long sleeve t-shirts), a 1/8” we suit for snorkeling, and convertible pants (those that you quickly unzip and turn into shorts). These items will allow our guests to appreciate more the local conditions of the Galapagos, and definitely enjoy your holiday even more so. Relative humidity of the islands holds only between 50%60%, making our walk-time temperatures quite comfortable. As usual, remember that the sun falls perpendicularly right at the Equator, and sun block is a must (SPF 30 or higher is what we recommend).

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Eric Castro asked:


It is one of the most amazing National Parks and Marine Reserve, where the best wildlife encounters happen. Galapagos islands so special in these months? Here are some expedition highlights for you to consider, and remember, they only happen at this time of the year

But, really what makes Galapagos islands so special in these months? Here are some expedition highlights for you to consider, and remember, they only happen at this time of the year:

December and January are some of the best transition months in Galapagos islands. The weather has changed, and the islands’ waters have warmed up, vegetation has started to become green, and wildlife is adapting to such changes. Land-depending species become quite active as their breeding starts, while that of the sea-depending species starts to slow down. Galapagos islands land birds, including Darwin’s finches, have started to reproduce. Watch how their courtship and nesting happens.

There are only four months of the year that can be called transitional months: December, January, April and May. These months are worth calling “Satisfaction guaranteed”.

Our rewarding itineraries include outstanding sites like Bartolomé, Genovesa, Santa Cruz, Española, Isabela, and Fernandina. Right here, and more so at this time of the year, snorkel next to the only tropical penguin on Earth, witness the amazing courtship of the great frigatebirds, see giant tortoises roaming the volcanic landscape of Galapagos islands, walk among blue-footed boobies, plunge next to young sea lions which are just learning to swim, and explore the shores where the most numerous colony of marine iguanas are found.

Enjoy the arrival of the warm waters from the north. Snorkel and swim next to penguins and sea lions with no need to freeze in the water. Tropical fishes abound too. December and January’s weather is quite remarkable, as most days are sunny, but not overwhelmingly hot. Breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. It is all picture perfect.

Marine iguanas have just developed the most colorful mix of colors for a reptile: emerald green, red and black. Best sightings happen at Española, Santa Cruz, and Fernandina Islands. Observe how males establish ownership by acting territorial to other individuals. Land iguanas on Isabela Island have developed bright yellow colors, which next to light brown and reddish blotches, make these reptiles the most attractive of the arid zone. Their mating season has just started

Green sea turtles show the highest curiosity of the year to snorkelers. Best locations to look for this unique behavior includes Bartolomé and Fernandina Islands.

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Eric Castro asked:


The International Galapagos Tour Operators Association (IGTOA) and the Ecuadorian Association of Galapagos Tour Operators (ASOGAL) have undertaken a campaign to promote the best training and coaching both in natural history and languages, for the Galapagos Naturalist Guides. Metropolitan Touring fully supports this campaign. Metropolitan Touring’s guides are Naturalists, who have undergone a thorough process of selection and training and are constantly improving their skills under the direction of the ship’s Expedition Managers and the “in-situ” coaching by our Galápagos Expedition Manager.

Our team of Naturalist Guides is formed by 12 full-time exclusive Metropolitan Touring guides plus a team of free-lancers, that are constantly being trained by our staff on board, in order to achieve the Galapagos Expedition Experience that we want to convey to our guests. We are eagerly awaiting the next promotion of Galapagos Naturalist Guides who will complete their studies and internship at the Galapagos National Park by the end of January 2006. The best ones are to be incorporated to our Galápagos team. During the first three quarters of 2005, guest satisfaction rates with the Galapagos Expedition component show 95.57% for the MV SANTA CRUZ Galapagos Cruise and 98.92% for Yacht ISABELA II Galapagos Cruise. We are proud of our Expedition Staff!

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Eric Castro asked:


February is the most important month during the Hot Season. In this time of the year, the Galapagos islands not only adopt an emerald-green color, and turn humid and balmy warm, but many species start reproducing now. For these, this time is the only one where they have their best chance to pass their genes to a next generation. Thus, February is a month when lots of unique and exciting things exclusively happen. The experience is quite unique for our guests, and no one should miss seeing this amazing realm. Couple of highlights include the Marine Iguanas (especially those in Punta Espinoza, Fernandina Island and Punta Suárez, Española Island) with eye-catching colors, and nesting behaviour. But of course, the most committed effort goes to the frigate birds. Males will display their scarlet-red gular pouches as they try to attract a passing female. Such wildlife encounters will continue until the end of April, but it is during February, March and April where the most rewarding natural events and wildlife encounters will occur.

The marine environment deserves special attention, since the warm waters stationed at the Panamic Province, are ready to head down south, while bathing the Galapagos. We expect water temperatures to range between 24ºC and 27ºC (76ºF – 80ºF), and visibility to be generally good (15-18 metres; 50-60 feet). Having a marine tropical ecosystem next to penguins and sea lions (that come from much colder and temperate environments) is another enriching wildlife experience. What other tropical destination on Earth has a penguin? Of course, zoos don’t count! The Galápagos Marine Reserve will delight every single explorer, particularly at the most western islands of the archipelago (Isabela & Fernandina). Snorkeling and glass-bottom boat outings are adventures you should not miss.

Looking at the calendar of events, we see Galapagos as the world of perpetual change, and these are the most relevant natural events expected to happen for the February – March – April period:

The Hot Season is at its best days.

The Galapagos islands are almost fully green (vegetation) due to more humidity and occasional showers.

Reproduction of land reptiles, as well as land birds.

Great frigate birds have engaged in full courtship and nesting.

Large flocks of blue-footed boobies feeding out in the west of Galápagos (Isabela & Fernandina Islands).

Arrival of first waved albatrosses to Española Island (end of March).

Virtual absence of south-east trade winds. This implies most waters remain calm within the islands.

Sunrises and sunsets (specially out in the west) are simply spectacular.

March 10th: 471st Anniversary of the discovery of Galapagos Islands by Bishop Tomás de Berlanga (1535).

Official start of transition days (end of April) between the Hot Season and the Dry Season.

Courtship of waved albatrosses and blue-footed boobies at Punta Suárez, Española Island (end of April).

Regular sightings of migratory species. Those from northern latitudes are migrating south, in response to winter months, and those first ones from southern latitudes are migrating north, in response to the arrival of the first cooler days of the austral winter.

And, of course, one of the most important reasons for coming these days: the weather! Escape the winter, the carnival, the Mardi Gras, the cold, the noise, etc, and come to enjoy the most rewarding weather of any time of the year in Galapagos: February – March and April.

Without a doubt, your decision of coming to Galapagos during these months, will be completely supported by the outstanding natural events and wildlife encounters you will experience. If you have already explored the islands during the Dry Season (May – November), may we suggest you consider returning during the months of the Hot Season? Returning to this magical paradise will be totally a new experience during the Hot Season. That is how much Galápagos changes, and our guests just love experiencing such.

IN OUR NEXT ISSUE: Snorkeling in Galapagos: New World to Conquer!

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Eric Castro asked:


The Church of The Compania of Jesus in Quito has been catalogued by UNESCO among the hundred most important World Heritage Site Monuments in the world. After an integral restoration, which took 12 years at a cost of 4.5 million dollars, this magnificent temple was reopened to the public the second week of December, and can now be viewed in its entire splendor.

The building of La Compania de Jesus Church Quito Colonial jewel started in 1605 and was finished in 1650. The restoration was both structural and artistic, in its 4500 square meters. Its interior, entirely gilded, shines like a jewel and its paintings, sculptures, altars, cupola and pulpit have been carefully illuminated so that all details can be appreciated. There are 44 paintings and 56 sculptures of the School of Art of Quito.

Among the most important paintings are those of the 16 Prophets by Nicolas Gorivar in the central columns and the large ones depicting the Final Judgment and Hell at each side of the entrance.

The church is a magnificent example of the extraordinary artistic ability of the Ecuadorian artisans; with profusely carved altars covered with gold leaf, and the sculptures by Legarda of the Holy Trinity in the main altar and Saint Ignacio and Saint Francis in the side altars.

The Compania of Jesus is the best sample of the American Baroque, one of the richest and most extraordinary temples of South America. The visit to La Compania is included in the Scenic Tour of Quito that Metropolitan Touring offers daily. Don’t miss it!.

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Eric Castro asked:


The Kichwa indigenous groups that inhabit the Otavalo area celebrate four great festivals that coincide with the two solstices and the two equinoxes. These festivals – each with its corresponding rituals and symbols — are tied to the Andean agricultural cycle and specifically to corn or maize, a symbol of fertility. Corn is an essential symbol of the cultural festivals in Otavalo.

The festivity of Yamor or Koya Raimi is a celebration to Mother Earth that coincides with the Autumn Equinox in September, when Otavalo Indigenous people thank Mother Earth

The rituals for preparation of the land for planting begin in September, when the energy and the power of the sun is absorbed by the seeds that return to the earth and guard the mysteries of the beginning of life. The start of the rainy season in Ecuador highlands nurtures the seeds.

During Yamor, a special beverage, prepared only for these celebrations, is made from seven varieties of dried corn or jora (popcorn, chulpi, hominy, yellow maize, white maize, red maize and black maize) . The preparation of the chicha de jora is a special ritual, sacred and apt to be offered to Mother Earth.

Events during the Yamor festivities include parades, the election of the Yamor Queen, and a festival of folk dances; bullfights, cockfights, competitions and more.

Everyone is welcome to join the Yamor festivities in Otavalo, the city where the famous Indian market takes place all year round. Currently, the festivities are a fusion of the pre-Hispanic traditions with the religiousness brought by the Spanish. Otavaleños feel a deep compromise to perpetuate and joyfully celebrate the eternal cycle of life. Live this unique cultural experience!

Galapagos Islands Cruises

Galapagos Cruises

Eric Castro asked:


TUNGURAHUA VOLCANO

The weather has been favorable for visual observation of the volcano during the last weeks. Emissions of gasses with small content of ashes are still occurring, as well as bellowing sounds from the interior. The seismic activity has remained at a level considered low. Mudslides along the flanks have been observed flowing down the gorges on the sides of the volcano. In general it is evident that since the end of January 2005 there is a continuous decrease in the number of explosive events as well as of the energy liberated by them. Actually in 2007 the volcano still making eruption but with the right advice it can be safe to visit Baños.

COTOPAXI VOLCANO

The activity of this volcano remains at a level that is considered as moderate, with tendency to decrease. A series of seismic events have been registered by the instruments, which are related to the movement of fluids within the volcano. Visual observation detects small emissions at the crater, mostly of water vapor, that do not overpass the altitude of the summit. Since the beginning of October, instruments show a widening of the northeastern flank, which has been constant in the last weeks. The Cotopaxi volcano still in activity but it won{t go to erupt in a few years more.

EL REVENTADOR VOLCANO

Explosive events continue to occur, which generate high columns of vapor and gas with variable content of ashes. Some of the explosions generate important acoustic waves – which cause the vibration of windows in the neighborhood– and the emission of incandescent material in the shape of blocks.

The seismic activity of El Reventador is characterized by the generation of bands of tremors, both harmonic and spasmodic of durations that go from various minutes to hours. Ash falls have not been reported in the last weeks.

SIERRA NEGRA VOLCANO (GALAPAGOS)

On October 22, 2005, the Sierra Negra Volcano on Isla Isabela in the Galapagos Islands began erupting. The volcano produced an ash cloud several kilometers high and a lava flow down its northeast flank. Lava flows on the flanks have now stopped and lava is going into the immense crater of Sierra Negra.

Eruptions are common in this volcanically active archipelago, however, this eruption has not endangered any of Isla Isabela’s human inhabitants, or any of the wildlife for which the Galapagos is famous.

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