Continue reading »]]> After 52 years of service, the current International Airport of Quito, Mariscal Sucre [IATA airport code: UIO], switches off its lights and closes permanently on October 11, 2012. The original airport was built in 1960 on 126 hectares of land, located in the north of Quito.

Due to its location in the middle of a city surrounded by mountains, the current airport cannot be expanded to accommodate any larger aircraft or an increase in air traffic. Its operation poses higher risks, too; six serious accidents and several incidents have taken place in recent years. When the original airport was built back in 1960 it was on the north edge of Quito … but during the last 50 years Quito has expanded northward, enveloping the airport.

As of October 12, 2012, the new Quito International Airport will be inaugurated and starts its operations.

The new airport, which began construction in 2006, is about 10 times larger and sits on 1500 hectares of land aprox. 18 km east of Quito.

Here are the some comparisons between the original and  new airport:

• Unlike the original airport which is located in the middle of the city, the new airport is outside of the city and therefore has a more than adequate safety/security zone (in case of accidents).
• The original airport is located at 2800 m.a.s.l. (one of the highest airports in the world) and surrounded by mountains.  The new airport is located at 2400 m.a.s.l. and in a relatively open topography.
• The original airport sat on 126 hectares of land with no possibility to expand (as the city grew around the airport in the meantime).  The new airport sits on 1500 hectares with between 70 to 100 hectares of land for possible future expansion.
• The original airport has about 40 hectares (aprox.) of construction, while the new airport currently has 70 hectares of construction.
• The passenger terminal(s) of the original airport is 28,700 m2, while the new airport terminal(s) occupy 38,000 m2 (first phase).
• The original airport runway is 3120 m in length, while the new airport boasts a main runway of 4100 m ( also has a second runway of 2350 m).
• The control tower of the original airport is 22 m high, while the new airport has a control tower of 41 m.
• The original airport capacity to service 3,660,000 passengers, while the new airport some 5,000,000 in its first phase.
• The original airport has 35 airline counters, while the new airport has 60 airline counters.
• The original airport has parking for 32 aircraft, while the new airport currently has parking for 45 aircraft.
• The car park of the original airport can hold 380 vehicles, while the new airport has space or 903 vehicles.

Readers should keep in mind that due to the new location (near Tababela) it may take between 45 to 60 minutes (dependent on traffic conditions) to access the new airport from Quito.

There are currently three different routes to the new airport from Quito [detailed updates on airport access routes will follow as information becomes available, including maps, travel times, costs etc].

At the time of this publication, it is estimated that it will cost between USD $20 to $30 per person for airport transfers between the new airport and the city of Quito.

Meanwhile, back at the original airport …

The future of the original airport is being finalized, but apparently it will be converted into an aquatic park (mini Central Park) with lagoons and a convention center (location of current terminal building.

Continue reading »]]> The tourist boat, Sulidae, sunk in the morning of Sunday, April 22nd, 2012.

No casualties were reported.

Sulidae tourist boat sinks in the Galapagos Islands

The Sulidae was built/constructed in 1901 (not a typo) and has completed over 110 years of service.

The tourist boat ‘Sulidae’ sank at about 03:00 on Sunday while sailing between the islands of San Cristobal and Santa Fe, announced  the National Park Services in a news release.

At the time of sinking the vessel was without passengers and carrying a crew of three, who were aided by the nearby tourist boat San Jose.

Authorities still do not know the causes of this incident but fortunately no casualties were reported.

The Galapagos National Park Service, as environmental authority, sent their high-speed boat Sea Ranger 1 to conduct an inspection of the site as it was suspected that there could be debris (scrap wood and other materials etc) from the ship.  Fortunately no fuel spillage was reported.

Furthermore, the PNG (Galapagos National Park Service) has begun appropriate actions so that boat operator responds according to the provisions of the law.

Continue reading »]]> Ecuador is not only home to the world’s highest active volcano (Cotopaxi), but to numerous other active and extinct volcanoes. In fact, Ecuador has one of the world’s highest densities of volcanoes in one given country. There are 30 volcanoes on mainland Ecuador and some 14 in the Galapagos Islands.

LATEST NEWS AT BOTTOM

Note: For a complete list of all the volcanoes (active & extinct) in Ecuador & Galapagos Islands, see Wikipedia link.

A Night (Time-lapsed) of typical volcanic activity of Tungurahua

Useful site (in Spanish) is the Geophysical Institute EPN (Instituto Geofísico de la Escuela Politécnica Nacional) that monitors seismic and volcanic activities in Ecuador.

CURRENT STATUS … LATEST REPORTS AT BOTTOM OF PAGE

DATE: November 28th, 2011

VOLCANO: TUNGURAHUA map

VOLCANO SAFETY TIPS

• Follow the evacuation order issued by authorities and evacuate immediately from the volcano area to avoid flying debris, hot gases, lateral blast, and lava flow.
• Be aware of mudflows. The danger from a mudflow increases near stream channels and with prolonged heavy rains.  Mudflows can move faster than you can walk or run. Look upstream before crossing a bridge, and do not cross the bridge if a mudflow is approaching.
• Avoid river valleys and low-lying areas.
• Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance – infants, elderly people, and people with disabilities.

Watch for falling ash…

• If you have a respiratory ailment, avoid contact with any amount of ash.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Use goggles and wear eyeglasses instead of contact lenses.
• Use a dust mask or hold a damp cloth over your face to help with breathing.
• Stay away from areas downwind from the volcano to avoid volcanic ash.
• Stay indoors until the ash has settled unless there is a danger of the roof collapsing.
• Close doors, windows, and all ventilation in the house (chimney vents, furnaces, air conditioners, fans, and other vents). Place towels under doors and in other gaps.
• Avoid running car or truck engines. Driving can stir up volcanic ash that can clog engines, damage moving parts, and stall vehicles
• Avoid using electronic devices where there is still airborne ash, as it can short circuit electronics.

• Once airborne ash has completely cleared, ash should be vacuumed, not wiped, to prevent scratching on surfaces like porcelain, enamel, glass, painted surfaces and appliances. A damp cloth may be used after initial vacuuming.
• Change vacuum filters frequently, and be careful your vacuum is not redistributing ash through the air discharge.
• Clothing exposed to ash should be shaken out and put through a rinse and pre-soak cycle before machine washing. Use extra detergent. Laundry additives can help adjust the pH level and make detergents more effective.

There have been 16 major eruptions in the past 100 years, occurred as follows:

1. TUNGURAHUA (mainland Ecuador) – currently in activity
2. FERNANDINA (Galapagos Islands) in 2009
3. CERRO AZUL (Galapagos Islands) in 2008
4. REVENTADOR (mainland Ecuador) in 2007
5. SANGAY (mainland Ecuador) in 2007
6. SIERRA NEGRA (Galapagos Islands) in 2005
7. GUAGUA PICHINCHA (mainland Ecuador) in 2004
8. GALAPAGOS RIFT (Galapagos Islands) in 1996
9. ALCEDO (Galapagos Islands) in 1993
10. MARCHENA ISLAND (Galapagos Islands) in 1991
11. WOLF (Galapagos Islands) in 1982
12. COTOPAXI (mainland Ecuador) in 1940
13. CHILES (mainland Ecuador) in 1936
14. SUMACO (mainland Ecuador) in 1933
15. PINTA ISLAND (Galapagos Islands) in 1928
16. SANTIAGO ISLAND (Galapagos Islands) in 1906

Although several volcanoes have figured in the news over the past decade for their explosions and eruptions of ash or lava (including Reventador, Pichincha etc), the Tungurahua volcano seems to get the most coverage for its continuous activity.

REUTERS/Carlos Campana

RECENT CHRONOLOGY ….

After almost 6 months of relevate calm, Mount Tungurahua seems to be reawaking in the first days of 2010.

DEC.30 2009 – long-period earthquake followed by fumarolic activity with a steam plume reaching 300 metres above the crater.

JAN.01 2010 – beginning of emissions with low ash content, accompanied by rumbles that have gradually increased their intensity.

JAN.03 2010 – crater glow visible, lava fountaining begins, with the projection of incandescent material onto the upper slopes and intense rumbling sounds

JAN.04 2010 – increased ash emissions with eruption columns reaching as high as 2 km above the crater, ash fall reported to the west.

(Photo by Cecilia Puebla/AFP/Getty Images)

COTALO, ECUADOR – The Tungurahua volcano spews ashes and lava on January 11, 2010, in Cotalo, Ecuador, 135km south of Quito.

MAY.31 2010 – explosion (see photo series below)

Tungurahua volcano eruption process last night (May 31). Photo credits: Armando Prado/El Comercio

NOV.22 2010 – A sudden eruption of the Tungurahua volcano in the Ecuadorian Andes sent a column of ash more than 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) into the sky.

DEC.02 2010 – Volcanic activity has been reported in the Tungurahua (Throat of Fire) volcano in Ecuador, the second case sighted in the past few weeks.  The volcano spewed molten rocks and large clouds of gas and ash near Banos, south of Quito, Reuters reported on Tuesday.  The Tungurahua’s volcanic activity follows last month’s eruption, when a column of gas shot up seven kilometers into the sky.  No casualties have been recorded so far, but flight re-direction is being considered.  Tungurahua is located approximately 150 kilometers southeast of Ecuador’s capital, Quito.

Tungurahua explosion April 2011

APR.27 2011 - A significant explosive eruption occurred, prompting evacuations  near the volcano.  The volcano produced a 7 km / 23,000 foot ash plume.  The last report from Instituto Geofisico in Ecuador from January 2011 reported ”activity at Tungurahua continued to decrease and ash was absent from plumes.”  Hugo Yepes, a geologist from the IG, was quoted as saying (Spanish) this eruption was one of the largest at the volcano in the past 11 years and that the IG expects that this eruption might gone on for “several days”.  The Ecuadoran government placed the volcano on Orange Alert status, meaning mandatory evacuations for a number of villages near Tungurahua.

Tungurahua volcano spewing ash on April 27th 2011

Pyroclastic activity - April 28, 2011

Tungurahua April 28, 2011 / Photo via @nathalytoledo

APR.29 2011 – Apparently the current situation is complicated.  One reason is the accumulation of volcanic material in the internal crater.  The other reason is due to a possible collapse of one of the superior crater edges. Last night there was significant volcanic activity involving multiple pyroclastic explosions, with rocks and lava thrown out of the crater mouth.  Reports of volcanic ash falling directing in Banos.

Tungurahua on April 28th, 2011

According to the Geophysical Institute report, at approximately 17h00 on April 28th there were two small blocks of accumulated material that collapsed in the crater border area. This material descended about 1km down the north & north-west flanks of the volcano.

Tungurahua (via El Comercio) on April 29, 2011

13h00 The province of Los Rios (to the west of the volcano) is starting to feel the effects of Tungurahua’s volcanic activity. A moderate quantity of ash is starting to fall throughout the province.

The National Geophysical Institute report (in Spanish) classifies the activity level as “moderate to high” with ash reaching 2km high.  At 01h00 this morning there was a tremor and at 04h00 activity reached it peak, throwing pyroclastic material up to 1200 m below the crater level.  The smallest ‘blocks’ are the size of a car while the largest are the size of trucks, which impacted the flanks of the mountain causing craters up to 10m in width. (original Spanish source)

Tungurahua spitting out cars & trucks

The National Geophysical Institute (IG) is not eliminating the possibility of a “major explosion” from the Tungurahua volcano, which is maintaining a constant emission of ash and magma. This morning they detected an increase in the internal vibration of the volcano. (Orginal Spanish source ‘La Hora’)

APRIL 30, 2011 – Tourism in Banos is reported to have dropped in contrast to other weekends.  Traditional vendors of sugar cane (juice) & melcocha (a bit like taffy) prefer to close their operations due to the lack of tourists and the significant amount of ash in the air.  The presence of bathers in the thermal baths are almost nill. (Spanish source ‘El Universo‘)

Absence of tourist in 'El Salado' thermal bath in Banos (via El Universo)

MAY 1, 2011 – Local news reports focus mainly on the heavy volcanic ash falling in surrounding area, including Latacunga, Salcedo, Saquisili, Ambato and Banos.

Current course of volcanic ash

MAY 2, 2011 – IG (Instituto Geofisico) reports that in the past 24 hours no new explosions have been registered. However, the volcano is continuously spewing out a column of gas with high percentages of volcanic ash up to 4 km high.  According to experts, the activity at the moment is moderately high with a constant expulsion of ash.  In addition, due to climatic reasons, an observation of the crater is not possible due to the cloudy weather.

In the meantime, people in Riobamba are coping with the ash falling in the city.

Most recent video footage (comentary in Spanish) of Tungurahua eruption in April 2011

Video footage (comentary in Spanish) of Tungurahua activity in April 2011

Cleaning up the ash / Photo by LA PRENSA/AP/ Dolores Ochoa

MAY 3, 2011 – Volcani ash causing problems for local communities, including direct effects on human health, water quality, crops & livestock.  The government authorities are handing out aprox. 50,000 face masks to inhabitants of the area, while aid and assistance is apparently being provided in terms of food & water rations for inhabitants and their livestock. In addition, reports indicate that about 470 families in high risk zones in the province of Chimborazo and Tungurahua have moved to temporary refuge.

IG (Instituto Geofísico), in their latest report [link to Spanish report] indicate that the intensity has diminished moderately, but ash emission usually last several hours at a time.  Satellite imagery seems to indicate that the ash is reaching the Pacific coastal city of Manta. In addition, monitoring equipment seem to indicate a build up of pressure inside the volcano. Calculations of accumulated ash fall in regions near Tungurahua indicate that between 1.6 and 3 million cubic meters have fallen with an average accumulated thickness of 15.5 mm.

MAY 4 2011 – NASA has published two satellite images of the ongoing eruption of Tungurahua, clearly showing the extent of the ash plume [original article here] – taken on April 30, 2011.

NASA natural-color satellite image

NASA natural-color satellite image of Tungurahua Ash Plume

Local reports of ash falling in Guayaquil and toward the Amazon rain forest (at least Pastaza).  The last time the volcano was about the same as current activity levels was in 1999.

Tungurahua on May 16 2011 (Photo by Wilson Pinto)

MAY 18, 2011 – After almost 15 days of relative calm, the Tungurahua volcano returned to activity on Monday (May 16) around 22h30.  Ash, sulfur and pyroclastic material were observed.  Current wind directions (north & northeast) carried ash to Rio Verde.

Tungurahua activity on May 16, 2011 (Photo La Hora)

NOVEMBER 28th, 2011:  An eruptive reactivation has forced local authorities to increase the alert level back to orange for the affected areas surrounding the volcano.  The Geological Institute stated that they registered a quick process of eruptions followed by explosions, pyroclastic flow and the emmission of lava & ash on Sunday evening and during the night.

Photo credit: Carlos Campaña/EL COMERCIO

The Geological Institute characterize the volcano as currently in a constant state of eruptive activity accompanied by seismic activity at a “high level”.

09h00 Three small pyroclastic lava flows observed on the south flank of the volcano.  A column of volcanic ash reaching approximately 3km high and travelling in variable directions (north-east, south-east and east).

13h48 Ash falling in surrounding areas, including Manzano, Bilbao, Cusúa, Pillate, Cotaló. Sporadic but intense explosions occurring (heard in Ventanas and Cusúa).

Photo credit: Glenda Giacomettti/ EL COMERCIO

15h50 Emergency Message from the U.S Embassy (Quito, Ecuador)

Volcano Tungurahua Erupts, Caution Advised when Traveling in the Area

November 28, 2011

The U.S. Embassy in Quito advises U.S. citizens living or traveling in Ecuador that the Tungurahua volcano, located near the tourist community of Baños in central Ecuador, had an eruption on Sunday, November 27, and remains in a state of heightened activity. Ecuador’s Geophysical Institute reports that the volcano continues to discharge lava and boulders up to a kilometer down from the crater, ash has reached three kilometers in altitude, and there have been numerous small earthquakes in the area. Residents in the immediate area around the volcano are on voluntary evacuation and authorities have closed the Baños-to-Penipe road as a precaution.

Due to the heightened risk, the Embassy encourages U.S. citizens to consider limiting travel to the area until the volcanic activity diminishes. If you travel to the area around Tungurahua and the town of Baños, familiarize yourself with evacuation plans, monitor news outlets, use good judgment, and take all appropriate safety measures as volcanic conditions can change rapidly.

Past eruptions have affected air travel in Ecuador. U.S. citizens planning to fly to, from, or within Ecuador should monitor news outlets and have a plan in the event of flight cancellations.

Because Ecuador is in a region of frequent volcano eruptions and earthquakes, U.S. citizens residing in Ecuador should keep extra food and water at home, and consider purchasing dust masks and heavy gloves to protect hands during ash clean-up.

For more information on current activity, visit the website of the Geophysical Institute <http://www.igepn.edu.ec/> which monitors volcanoes and earthquakes

Photo credit: EFE

Photo credit: EFE

November 29th, 2011 After four months of relative calm, Tungurahua volcano started another eruptive cycle on Sunday, November 27th.  Local farmers are once again worried about the consequences in the surrounding areas of the province of Tungurahua and Chimborazo.

The tourist town of Banos maintains a yellow alert status (for the moment) and normal activities continue.

Last night, incandescent material – being thrown some 300 m above the crater border – was observed coming out from the sides of the “colossus” (Tungurahua volcano).  Clear weather conditions allowed for the observation of the “continuous flow of lava,” said the Geophysical Institute in its latest report.

Tungurahua ash & lava explosions during the night of November 28th, 2011. (Photo credit: Glenda Giacometti / EL COMERCIO)

This morning the IG (Instituto Geofisico) informed of an ash emission column up to 4 km in height, blowing in a westerly direction.

Tungurahua (top right) with Banos (left) / Photo source: www.larepublica.ec

To give readers a visual notion of the relative location of the tourist town of Banos relative to the Tungurahua volcano. Note: You cannot see the volcano while directly in Banos (as it sits too low down) … you have to go towards Amabato (northeast) or towards Rio Verde (due east) to see the crater.

Banos location relative to Tungurahua volcano (Photo credit: http://gerdbreitenbach.de)

15h00 The IG (Instituto Geofisico) reports a 4km high ash column in their latest report. Meanwhile, rocks and pyroclastic flows have descended 1000 m from the summit. Until now (15hoo) the IG has registered 10 explosions of varying magnitude.  At 06h11 today there was an explosion that produced a 500-meter pyroclastic flow on then north-west flank. At 09h55 another western flank lava flow of up to 1 km was reported.

23h59 Continual activity, with lava flows reported some 400 and 500 meters from the crater mouth.  Constant changing wind directions is carrying ash in various directions, with reports of light ash fall in Riobamba.

November 30th, 2011 Volcanic activity remains constant and at high levels, including steam and vapor emissions, lava flows and ash columns between 2 to 3 km in height.  Strong northerly and northwesterly winds have carried volcanic ash to Banos and Rio Verde.  Seismic activity today saw a slight decreased in intensity.

December 2nd, 2011 According IG (Geophysical Institute of Ecuador) last night they registered a marked increase volcanic activity – in contrast to the past couple of days (which have seen relative calm).  Due to poor visibility no recent visual observations have been made, but numerous explosions have been heard (up to 1 km range) and registered.

Approximately 03h00 local time today an increase in seismic tremors have been registered in conjunction with frequent and moderately strong explosions. Several reports from Banos have come in of windows shaking.  Late this morning a column of moderate ash was observed up to 1.5 km in height and travelling in an easterly direction.

Tungurahua eruption on April 2, 2012 | Image Credit - Patrick Taschler

April 2nd, 2012 A new increase in the seismic activity of Tungurahua Volcano, in Ecuador, began early Monday with a constant sign of high energy tremor linked with ash emissions.

According to the report of the Geophysics Institute of the National Polytechnic School, the increase of the seismic activity in this crater started with a column of smoke that reached 3 kilometers high along with low intensity roaring and sounds.

The first explosions caused minor thunders or crashes due to the rolling of blocks through the side walls of the volcano.

Shortly after, the falling of black and fine ashes on populations in the south-southwest regions, such as Palitahua, Capil, and Toctes, was reported.

According to the last report, the area surrounding the volcano remains highly cloudy, and with seismic activity.

Continue reading »]]> JUMP TO LAST UPDATE

Quito, Ecuador – March 9th 2012

Various social groups – predominately indigenous communities – are starting to rally protest marches against the government of Rafael Correa. Organized opposition marches started on March 8th in the town of El Pangui (see map below), located in the south of the country.  Spearheaded by local indigenous groups and led by the CONAIE - Confederacion de Nacionalidades Indígenas del Ecuador (National Confederation of Indigenous People Ecuador), the apparent plan is to move northward, strengthening the support of the protests as they make their way to Ecuador’s capital and political center, Quito, and culminating on March 22nd.

In conjunction, other social groups and opposition parties have started to join – or form their own – pacific protest marches.  These include the UNE - Unión Nacional de Educadores (National Educators Union), student groups, the Frente de Defensa de la Pachamama, ex-collaborators of Rafael Correa’s political party AP (Allianza Pais), and various opposition parties like MPD - Movimiento Popular Democrático (Popular Democratic Movement) and ID -  Izquierda Democrática (Democratic Left).

The various opposition protests have been pacific thus far and have stemmed from apparent massive discontent with issues ranging from the use and control of water, mining exploitation, government spending policies, education, corruption, the judicial system and freedom of speech. Currently, the protests are focused in six urban regions: Cuenca, Ambato, Latacunga, Puyo, Guaranda and Riobamba.

In reaction, Rafael Correa and his government called their own marches in support of the government. One took place yesterday (March 8th) in front of the Government Palace in Quito, during which Rafael Correa claimed that the opposition marches were a ‘failure’ and that the objective of these marches were to destabilize the government.

The government organized and granted transportation permits to mobilize apparent supporters. One of these buses, enroute from the northeast coastal town of San Lorenzo (Esmeraldas province) apparently suffered an accident and nine people were injured. According to several sources, the government offered free transportation, meals and USD $20 per person to attend this rally. Several people interviewed claimed that although free transportation to the rally and food was provided, they didn’t receive their $20. Meanwhile, transportation permits were apparently denied for bus companies in the south of the country to mobilize opposition groups.

Travelers should be aware of these (currently) pacific protest marches.  Not so much as they could pose a risk of personal security but more than anything, that traffic and transportation can (and has been) effected. Moving around the country can be complex and somewhat restricted at times (due to possible road blocks, marches and traffic congestion). I do, however, recommend that tourists try and avoid places were pro and anti government groups are found in the same area (as there is an increased risk that unfortunate incidents could occur).

OPINION COMMENT

It is my sincere hope that on both sides of the situation – pro and anti government supporters alike – act in the best interest of the masses by acting with responsibility and maturity to avoid any violent clashes.  Instead of looking for consensus and unity, the government’s actions and attitudes seem to indicate a preference to divide the population (by calling for counter protests, attempted restrictions of transportation permits for opposition groups but not pro-government groups etc). It appears that the government’s preferred route is one of direct confrontation and one of insulting and proposing hidden agendas of the opposition groups that are supposedly trying to over-throw or destabilize the government.

Any major developments will be reported as the days pass.

MARCH 12, 2012

No major developments to report. The protest has reached Cuenca.

March 13th 2012 - Unlike the scenario in Cuenca (where there was strong police presence), the scenario in Azogues is different. No major news or details to share.

Continue reading »]]>

DATE: March 8th 2012

The Ministerio de Transporte y Obras Públicas (Ministry of Transport and Public Works), the Consejo Nacional de la Aviación Civil (National Civil Aviation Council) and the Dirección General de Aviación Civil DAC (Directorate General of Civil Aviation), presented the compensations to be given to air passengers in the event of non-compliance with the flight schedules by the National airlines.

Delays of 1 to 3 hours: Complimentary snack and free communication;
Delays of 3 to 4 hours: Meal and a 10% fare discount for the next trip;
Delays 4 hours or more: Lodging/accommodation, transfer costs or reimbursement of the ticket.

Generally, the most common causes of flight delays are for damage to aircraft (i.e., mechanical problems) and bad weather. Furthermore, if the airline does not respect the new regulations they will be fined from U.S.D. $5,000 to U.S.D. $10,000

For his part, Director General of Civil Aviation, Fernando Guerrero, said the airlines will have six months to make an agreement between the other airlines for passenger endorsement. The advantage of this arrangement is that customers can travel on another airline with no surcharge (for non-promotional tickets) even if the airline ticket is with another national airline. This will allow the passengers to continue their journey to their final destination more quickly..

Continue reading »]]> It has been a mystery for centuries … and perhaps the most important Andean historical find since Machu Picchu.

Now an expert has apparently pinpointed a site that could be Atahualpa’s resting place: the last Inca emperor’s tomb (see map at bottom of location)

Original news report via The Telegraph

Another related article (via Sky News) entitled Riddle Of Last Inca King’s Tomb May Be Solved has some images and more information.

Continue reading »]]> ROUND TRIP GALAPAGOS AIRLINE TICKET

Flights are automatically reserved when you book a cruise. There are three daily flights (two on Tame and one on Aerogal) to and from the Galapagos Islands, routed: Quito – Guayaquil – Galapagos – Guayaquil – Quito.  Therefore, one can depart from either Quito or Guayaquil and then return to either Guayaquil or Quito.  Flight spaces are guaranteed by the respective yacht for cruise dates only.  If you prefer to fly out to Galapagos prior to the cruise and/or extend your time in Galapagos after the cruise, this depends on publically available flight spaces for these non-cruise dates.

The rates for return flights to the Galapagos Islands vary according to the routing, the time of year and the specific airline (LAN, Aerogal or Tame).

OFFICIAL AIRLINE FLIGHT RATES [updated February 16th 2012]

NOTE: INDICATED RATES DO NOT INCLUDE THE U.S.D. $10 ISSUE FEE PER TICKET

TAME AIRLINE

.

LOW SEASON: SEPTEMBER 15 TO JUNE 15
FLIGHT ROUTE	CLASS “L”		CLASS “K”		CLASS “Y”
	ADULT	CHILD	ADULT	CHILD	ADULT	CHILD
QUITO – GALAPAGOS – QUITO	$495.80	$373.72	$540.60	$403.96	$585.40	$434.20
QUITO – GALAPAGOS – GUAYAQUIL	$473.40	$359.16	$518.20	$389.40	$563.00	$418.52
GUAYAQUIL – GALAPAGOS – QUITO	$470.72	$356.48	$515.52	$386.42	$560.32	$415.84
GUAYAQUIL – GALAPAGOS – GUAYAQUIL	$448.32	$340.80	$493.12	$371.04	$537.92	$401.28

HIGH SEASON: JUNE 16 TO SEPTEMBER 14
FLIGHT ROUTE	CLASS “K”		CLASS “Y”
	ADULT	CHILD	ADULT	CHILD
QUITO – GALAPAGOS – QUITO	$540.60	$403.96	$585.40	$434.20
QUITO – GALAPAGOS – GUAYAQUIL	$518.20	$389.40	$563.00	$418.52
GUAYAQUIL – GALAPAGOS – QUITO	$515.52	$386.42	$560.32	$415.84
GUAYAQUIL – GALAPAGOS – GUAYAQUIL	$493.12	$371.04	$537.92	$401.28

.

AEROGAL AIRLINE

.

LOW SEASON: SEPTEMBER 1 TO JUNE 30
FLIGHT ROUTE	CLASS “Y”
	ADULT	CHILD
QUITO – GALAPAGOS – QUITO	$446.52	$269.56
QUITO – GALAPAGOS – GUAYAQUIL	$428.60	$260.60
GUAYAQUIL – GALAPAGOS – QUITO	$425.92	$257.92
GUAYAQUIL – GALAPAGOS – GUAYAQUIL	$408.00	$248.96

HIGH SEASON: JULY 1 TO AUGUST 31
FLIGHT ROUTE	CLASS “Y”
	ADULT	CHILD
QUITO – GALAPAGOS – QUITO	$505.2	$328.56
QUITO – GALAPAGOS – GUAYAQUIL	$487.60	$319.60
GUAYAQUIL – GALAPAGOS – QUITO	$484.92	$316.92
GUAYAQUIL – GALAPAGOS – GUAYAQUIL	$467.00	$307.96

.

LAN AIRLINE

.

SAME RATE ALL YEAR (i.e., NO SEASONS)
FLIGHT ROUTE	CLASS “K”		CLASS “H”		CLASS “Y”
	ADULT	CHILD	ADULT	CHILD	ADULT	CHILD
QUITO – GALAPAGOS – QUITO	$533.88	$389.40	$507.48	$411.80	$634.68	$457.72
QUITO – GALAPAGOS – GUAYAQUIL	$505.88	$371.48	$539.48	$393.88	$606.68	$438.68
GUAYAQUIL – GALAPAGOS – QUITO	$503.20	$368.80	$536.80	$391.20	$604.00	$436.00
GUAYAQUIL – GALAPAGOS – GUAYAQUIL	$475.20	$349.76	$508.80	$372.16	$576.00	$416.96

Continue reading »]]> The Ecuadorian Ministry of Public Health confirmed the first mortality due to a recent dengue outbreak in the southern province of Guayas (located on the southern Pacific coast of Ecuador, and where the largest city – Guayaquil – is located).  The Health Minister confirmed the death of a 12-year-old girl.

The culprit is the Aedes aegypti mosquito.

The Health Minister also informed the public that a campaign to control the dengue outbreak is in the works, and asked the public to also do their part to control the spread (e.g., cover water containers etc).

The last large dengue outbreak in Ecuador occurred in 2010, when 4,000 people where infected and a total of 4 deaths.

At the time of this publication, a total of 100 cases have been confirmed.

Jan.31 2012 – A total of 480 cases have been confirmed, with one mortality.

Feb.16 2012 – A total of 1,474 cases of dengue have been confirmed in Ecuador, in the following provinces:

• Guayas – 530
• El Oro – 295
• Los Rios – 281
• Manabi – 224
• Esmeraldas – 77
• Napo – 40
• Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas – 15
• Zamora Chinchipe – 15
• Canar – 15
• Pastaza – 12
• Cotopaxi – 8
• Santa Elena – 7
• Pichincha – 3

Continue reading »]]> December 19th, 2011

Latest news update …

Official information coming from the two major airlines operating Galapagos Islands flights (i.e., TAME and AEROGAL) in regards to flight rate increases from January 1st, 2012:

AEROGAL states the following …

USD $50 per person per way (e.g. Quito-Galapagos or Galapagos-Quito) for flights to/from Quito for Baltra & San Cristobal

USD $50 per person per way (e.g. Guayaquil-Galapagos or Galapagos-Guayaquil) for flights to/from Guayaquil for Baltra & San Cristobal

TAME states the following …

USD $70 per person per way (e.g. Quito-Galapagos or Galapagos-Quito) for flights to/from Quito for Baltra & San Cristobal

USD $60 per person per way (e.g. Guayaquil-Galapagos or Galapagos-Guayaquil) for flights to/from Guayaquil for Baltra & San Cristobal

As of January 1st, 2012 the fuel subsidies for airlines will eliminated, even though the various domestic airline companies have been trying to negote with the government for a gradual elimination of the fuel subsidies.   The announcement was made on Saturday, November 26th by President Rafael Correa in his traditional weekend national public  radio broadcast.

Original (Spanish) information source:  http://www.elcomercio.com/negocios/precios-pasajes-aereos-subiran-enero_0_598140316.html

President Rafael Correa explained that the fuel subsidy incentive will remain for those cargo and passenger airports that are managed by the State/Government.  The direct provision of aviation fuel will only apply to aircraft refuling in Latacunga (Cotopaxi), Esmeraldas, Santa Rosa (El Oro), Tena(Napo), Salinas (Santa Elena), among others, ​​with a 40% discount (or subsidy). The state owned Petrocomercial is responsible for these refuelings.

The objective of this strategy is apparently  to help invest in the development of these locations. According to Coordinating Minister for Production, Santiago Leon, the State no longer received approximately USD $ 90 million this year for these subsidies. ”It is true that many Ecuadorians travel, but the percentage level is not the majority,” he said after acknowledging that the price of airfare will increase.

According to the Government, the increase of air travel should not exceed 15%. ”He who has to pay USD $160 can expect to pay USD $200,” Correa said.

Marco Subia, the President of the Association of Airline Representatives of Ecuador (Arlae), said that he does not know yet the exact mechanism by which the fuel subsidies will be eliminated.  He further stated that this would be a “fatal blow” to the airlines who will be forced ti increase the cost of airline tickets to cover this increased cost of fuel.

Continue reading »]]> A recent outbreak of Measles adds to the recent rabies problem that afflicts the Achuar communities.

A major outbreak of measles in Kapawi, province of Pastaza, forced authorities to declare a quarantine in the community living around 300 indigenous Achuar.

In addition to the  tragic deaths of 12 people from rabies (apparently caused by bat bites) in three specific Achuar communities, this new outbreak has local inhabitants most concerned.  Health authorities have put into place the quarantine of the community, which is to last 10 days (the time it takes to transmit the disease).

This measure of isolation was taken after there were six cases of Measles infection, of which two are adults and four are children. According to the local news source Televistazo is it known that two of the infected children were in another community, so there  is concern that the disease can affect other areas.

Health brigades depart daily to different communities, in order to vaccinate the entire surrounding population. The complex jungle setting, with no land routes of communication, combined with a dispersed population, increases the possibility that the disease could spread uncontrollably.

We have contacted Kapawi Lodge who informed us that operations at the lodge are running smoothly and everything normal – no changes in terms of tourism operations.  All staff have been vaccinated.