After 36 years, Lonesome George, the last survivor of the Pinta Island giant tortoise species  in the Galapagos (Geochelone abigdoni) is to finally be a father. Park rangers in charge of the “Fausto Llerena” Captive Breeding Center found a nest with eggs laid by one of the two Wolf Volcano females that have shared a pen with him since 1993.

Out of nine eggs laid, only three were intact. These have been placed in incubators, at different temperatures to obtain 2 females and 1 male. There will be a wait of 120 to 130 days before it is known if the eggs are fertile and then finally, George will have offspring.

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED                                                                                        TOP OF PAGE
1) How does your body get used to the altitude?
This process is called acclimatization, i.e. the process by which your body adjusts to reduced levels of oxygen in the atmosphere. Acclimatizing properly is essential to safely ascend to high altitudes. The general rule of thumb is climb high, sleep low - climbing high, then descending to lower altitudes which allows the body to build up and gain strength with fresh oxygen. It  is also important to ascend slowly, drink plenty of liquids and eat healthy food.

2) We would like to do an Island Peak Lodge Trek but want two acclimitisation days at base camp. What will the cost be? While the trek to island peak can be done as a lodge trek, it is best to do it as a camp trek, reason being is that the last lodges on the route are at Chukkung, which is a fair distance to base camp. For this reason, if you wish to do a lodge trek we recommend that you add on two days of camping at base camp, at an extra cost.  Tour itinerary

RECENT TRIP PHOTOGRAPHS

Some photographs from recent trips