Machu Picchu & Galápagos

Sunrise: 0554: High Tide 1125, 5.2 ft/1.6m
Sunset: 1759 Low Tide, 2.3 ft/0.7m

The islets of South and North Plaza lie off the eastern coast of the larger neighboring island, Santa Cruz. They are the result of geological uplift which took place over a million years ago; both islands were once part of the ocean floor. Before breakfast this morning, we make a dry landing on the concrete jetty. The South Island is open to visitors for exploration around a circuit trail of approximately half a mile in length, with a total altitude gain of about 26 ft/ 8 m. Part of the trail parallels the cliff top where the southeast trade winds provide the updraft so desired by numerous seabirds. As a consequence, nest swallow-tailed gulls and red-billed tropic birds are frequently. Seen in the area, and frigate birds soar overhead, over on the lookout for feeing opportunities. South Plaza Island is also home to one of the archipelagos largest colonies of Galapagos sea lions. The low, northern shore has been divided into several territories, well defended by some of the largest beach masters in the Galapagos. One of our goals this morning is to spend time observing and photographing the colorful endemic Galapagos land iguanas. On islands land iguanas have been almost wiped out by real dogs in the past; However, a hugely successful captive and semi-captive breeding program run by the CDRS and GNPS has allowed these endangered populations to recover. This morning we will be privileged to see these magnificent reptiles as part of a healthy population in the wild. Interestingly, on this small islet, the land iguanas’ territories overlap with those of the marine iguanas, and the two separate species have been known to interbreed here, and create a non-viable hybrid.Read more

Sunrise: 0554; High tide: 1257, 5.9 ft. / 1.8 m
Sunset: 1758; Low tide: 0637, 1.9 ft./0.6m

Originally, our cruise was scheduled for Genovesa Island on this day. However, due to an Avian Flu outbreak the island is closed. We re-route to Fernandina where there is an on-going volcanic eruption that we view from the ship deck at 4:30 am. We are now on the westernmost region of the Galápagos. It is clearly apparent that this environment is very different from the rest of the archipelago. Here, the nutrient-rich waters of the deep Equatorial Counter-current rise alongside the western edge of the undersea Galápagos Platform. At times, this upwelling phenomenon results in thick sea fogs and remarkably cool seat temperatures, occasionally dropping as low as the mid-50s F for water temperature. These conditions drive a thriving marine ecosystem.

After a few minutes of snoozing after the lava flows, we embark for a dry landing on a stone quay to view many “messes” of marine iguanas. Conditions have just turned more favorable and there is evidence that the iguanas had been suffering recently, with more than a few rotting corpses. We experience the fog and the high temperatures even early in the morning and are “parboiled” and drenched in sweat upon return.Read more