There is one non-ecological issue that travelers to the Galapagos should be aware of. Recently, tour operators have become increasingly concerned about liability issues.
As a result, some are requiring tourists to sign what could only be considered onerous release forms. The maddening thing is that these are not mailed in advance. The first you will see of them is when you land in the Galapagos, just minutes before boarding your boat. I have seen some pretty irate tourists facing a dreadful choice of signing or going home. My recommendation is that you demand to see any releases before putting down your deposit.
Once you visit the Galapagos, you will understand why I say that any hassles you might have had getting there will fade quickly into the background. You'll carry the pungent smell of sea lions in your memory bank for a lifetime. Ditto, the sights of a baby albatross spreading its wings or hundreds of marine iguanas basking in the sun, or the sounds and sights of thousands of frigate birds nesting.
Oh, and did I say that these islands are just magical?
5 things to know before you go
The Galapagos archipelago consist of 19 islands, directly on the equator. It is some 650 miles off the coast of Ecuador, and covers an area of nearly 20,000 square miles of ocean.
A dollar is a dollar Ecuador uses the American dollar as its currency, making it an easy travel country for Americans. And, speaking of currency (sort of), Ecuador uses standard 110-volt current, the same as the U.S.
Mask yourself Be aware that every plane is sprayed inside with 2% D-Phenothrin (an insecticide) before arriving in the Galapagos. That's good for the Galapagos wildlife, not so good for you. Bring along a bandanna, disposable breathing mask or breathing filter to wear when spraying begins.
Plan a side trip Most Galapagos tour companies will arrange side trips to Ecuador's Amazon and Otavalo highlands regions. Take advantage of these once-in-a-lifetime experiences. I would recommend Sacha Lodge in the Amazon ( www.sachalodge.com). For an over-the-top, upscale, but moderately priced, experience in the Otavalo region, which is attractive to shoppers as well as hikers, try the five-star La Mirage Garden Hotel & Spa, a Relais & Chateaux property in Cotacachi-Imbabura ( www.mirage.com.ec).
Bring a good camera and at least twice as many memory cards as you think you will use.
Go snorkeling. Even if you are a timid swimmer, this opportunity is not to be missed. Sea lions dart around you, sea turtles glide effortlessly below you, and marine iguanas will swim right by you en route to their seaweed grazing beds down deep. And that's in addition to schools of colorful fish and corals. Magical, really.
