Galapagos Essentials
Galapagos prices are higher than mainland ones, so buy all the essentials listed below before departure. You'll also pay at least ten percent extra on credit-card transactions here (only MasterCard is accepted at the banks and at most hotels), so take plenty of cash . For daytime clothing , you'll be fine in shorts, a T-shirt, a hat and sunglasses; in the evenings, sea breezes make trousers and a long-sleeved top necessary. A lightweight raincoat is adequate for the odd rain shower and garua drizzle. You'll need sturdy boots or shoes for the jagged lava wastes and sandals for the beaches. A torch comes in handy for visiting lava tunnels, or for the remoter settlements, such as Puerto Villamil, which don't have 24-hour electricity. For health-related matters, take plenty of sun screen and, particularly for the highlands and during the wet season, insect repellent . If you wear contact lenses, you may need eye drops as the islands can also be hot, windy and dusty; consider wearing your specs full time. On board, ear plugs will help block out the engine noise of your tour boat at night, while seasickness tablets , or patches, are a must for sufferers. Most of the time you'll be watching wildlife from close quarters, but occasionally binoculars are essential. Your camera equipment should include a zoom or telephoto lens and a polarizing filter to prevent the colours being bleached by the fierce sun; remember, too, to bring something to protect it from sea spray and rain. You can hire an underwater video camera in Quito at Andisimo Travel, 9 de Octubre 479 and Roca (tel 02/223030), at $54 for eight days. If you're planning on swimming with marine wildlife, your snorkelling gear should include a mask, snorkel and fins, as those supplied by your tour operator may not fit. Several places in Puerto Ayora rent these out , or try Golondrina Turismo, Juan Leon Mera 639 and Carrion, in Quito (tel 02/528570). From July to December a wet suit or jacket is a good idea for the cold water. If you're going scuba diving and have your own equipment, you should bring that along too.
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