Jewish Travel Galapagos Islands & Ecuador

Galapagos Islands & Ecuador
April 18-28, 2018
Starting from $4599
For Jewish Singles in their 40s, 50s, 60s

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Simply put, there is no better place to appreciate the magic of our planet than the Galapagos Islands and Ecuador. The Galapagos Islands are a bucket list destination for good reason. Thanks to a lack of natural predators, friendly wildlife such as playful sea lions, gigantic sea tortoises and adapted blue-footed boobies let visitors get up close and personal. This archipelago of about 19 islands and many smaller islets sprinkled 620 miles off Ecuador’s coast in the Pacific Ocean is a double UNESCO World Heritage site (both land and sea are protected) and served as the inspiration for Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution. Each island boasts its own unique landscape, ranging from barren black volcanic rocks to swaths of white sand beaches melting into gemstone-blue waters. Each day, you will have the opportunity to explore the islands in a different way, from snorkeling to hiking and listening to lectures onboard to observing nature in the wild. The Galapagos Islands are a hotbed of exotic wildlife and picturesque landscapes and cruising through the islands allows you to see many of these impressive islands and their wildlife easily. For four nights, we will sail throughout the islands, experiencing the amazing universe that makes this area truly unique.

Once on the mainland of Ecuador, visit the Equatorial Line Monument called “Middle of the World” and get a truly rare experience to stand in both the northern and southern hemispheres simultaneously. We will explore the Otavalo Market, filled with local crafts and handiwork, and spend time at the synagogue in Quito. Though small in size, Ecuador is uniquely endowed with a dramatic topography and a variety of climatic zones, vegetation, birds and wildlife. Within a matter of hours, you can go from rainforest to the high slopes of the Andes to the Pacific coast, while observing a breathtaking panorama of scenery and nature.

With a unique itinerary of discovery, you can uncover all that this diverse region has to offer. Add to this a great group of Jewish Singles and you’re sure to have an experience you’ll never forget.

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This trip is limited to 28 passengers.

Day 1 – Wednesday, April 18 – Depart from Miami – Arrive Guayaquil

Those on our group flight will depart Miami for the lovely coastal city of Guayaquil. Upon arrival, we’ll transfer to our beautiful hotel. This evening, we begin with a group Welcome and Orientation. Tonight we’ll join together to enjoy dinner at our hotel complete with the local flavors of Ecuador. (D)

Day 2 – Thursday, April 19 – Guayaquil – Galapagos Islands

Early this morning we’ll be transferred to the airport in Guayaquil to take our domestic flight to the Galapagos Islands. We transfer to the pier for the embarkation on our home-away-from-home for the next four nights, the Galapagos Legend. After learning our way around the ship and having lunch together onboard, we set sail for the the small island Mosquera, which consists of a long drawn out, narrow strip of white sand beach and rocks. As the island was formed by geological activity, it is unlike the other islands as it is unusually flat. Mosquera offers its visitors the opportunity to walk very close around sea lion colonies and shore birds. It is also an ideal place for swimming, walks on the beach and watching the unique wildlife. (B, L, D)

Day 3 – Friday, April 20 – Galapagos Islands

This morning we arrive at Santiago Island, where the subspecies of the giant tortoise has evolved. Our landing at Puerto Egas is on a black beach with eroded rock formations in the background. The trail crosses the dry interior and continues along the coast. Land iguanas are scattered around and they feed on exposed algae, while oyster catchers try to capture sally lightfoot crabs. We next explore the fur seal grottos, one of the few places in the islands where fur seals can be seen. We’ll have the opportunity to swim and snorkel and may see octopuses, sea horses, starfish and other sea life. This afternoon, we sail to Rabida Island, a small island covered by dry and coastal vegetation. The island contains the largest variety of lava types, with red being the dominant color. Rabida’s most striking feature is a high bluff on the north coast and the long sandy beaches. A saltwater lagoon in the dry zone of the island, which you can reach by following a trail into the interior of the island, provides occasional sights of flamingos. Walking along the beaches and lagoons, we can observe sea lions, fur seals and pelicans. Snorkeling, swimming and hiking are available to experience this island. Tonight we’ll enjoy an Amazing Journeys Shabbat service with our community at sea, followed by Shabbat Dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 4 – Saturday, April 21 – Galapagos Islands

Isabela is the biggest island of the archipelago and occupies about 60% of all the land area of Galapagos. It is formed by the volcanoes Cerro Azul, Sierra Negra (Santa Tomás), Alcedo, Ecuador, Darwin and Wolf. Sierra Negra volcano last erupted in October 2005 and with about 10km in diameter it is the world’s second largest volcanic crater. Isabela’s population, despite its size, is only about 2200 inhabitants, making it the third-most populated island of the four populated ones. Isabela has several unique animals, including the worlds only surviving population of mangrove finch, and giant tortoises that have been isolated long enough on their respective volcanoes to evolve into distinct subspecies. Urbina Bay is a short stretch of black sand flanked by rugged lava outcrops and is located on the foot of Volcano Alcedo. Here, we’ll see flightless cormorants, giant tortoises, pelicans, land iguanas and small birds. In the bay, you might see rays or sea turtles swimming near the surface. After lunch onboard, we’ll visit the genuine Tagus Cove which was a popular landing-site of pirates and buccaneers over centuries. During a boat ride along the coast, their historical graffiti dating back to the 18^th century can still be admired. In the deep-blue rocky bay, penguins, flightless cormorants, shearwater, blue-footed boobies and pelicans may be breeding. Take a walk to Darwin’s salt-water lagoon and enjoy an excellent view of the lava fields, scoured with unique volcanic formations. (B, L, D)

Day 5 – Sunday, April 22 – Galapagos Islands

Fernandina is the youngest and westernmost island of the archipelago. Uplifting and lava flows from the massive Volcano La Cumbre have formed Fernandina, the most volcanically active island in the Galapagos. It last erupted April 2009. Espinosa Point is a narrow stretch of land where hundreds of marine iguanas gather in large groups on black lava rocks. The famous flightless cormorant inhabits this island as do penguins, pelicans and sea lions which are abundant. Numerous mangrove beds extend into the sea, depicting a healthy and thriving eco-system. You can follow two trails on this island – the trail east heads past large marine iguana breeding areas where Galapagos sea lions may be playing on small beaches and flightless cormorants may be nesting at the edge of the lava at the northern tip. There are also small groups of Galapagos penguins here. The trail to the west takes you inland onto a lava flow that stretches up the slopes of Volcano La Cumbre. Here you can see Galapagos lava lizards and if you’re lucky, a Galapagos racer in pursuit, as well as Galapagos land iguanas, Galapagos doves and mockingbirds. After lunch and some free time onboard, our next stop is a visit to Vicente Roca Point, located on the northeast part of Isabela Island, and is only accessible by boat. During a ride with a small boat, we’ll observe hundreds of nesting blue-footed boobies as well as pelicans, sea turtles, numberless sea lion colonies and land iguanas. Snorkeling at the cave offers you a view of a great variety of the rich underwater world. (B, L, D)

Day 6 – Monday, April 23 – Galapagos Islands – Quito

Today we’ll make our last stop in the Galapagos and visit the Highlands of Santa Cruz, marked by extinct volcanoes and interesting plants. You’ll spot different species of birds, Galapagos rails, cattle egrets and flycatchers. This afternoon, we say good-bye to the Galapagos as we fly back to the mainland of Ecuador. Once in Quito, we’ll transfer to our hotel in the heart of the city. The rest of the evening is free at leisure to enjoy the nightlife and dining experiences of the capital of Ecuador. (B)

Day 7 – Tuesday, April 24 – Quito

Today, we’ll have the opportunity explore the city of Quito and see its culturally diverse history. Breathe in the colonial history of Ecuador as we visit the old part of the city. Have a closer look at the heart of the city of Quito including Independence Square with the Government and the Bishops Palace, as well as the Cathedral. Later, we’ll visit the Synagogue of Quito and learn a bit about the past Jewish life in Ecuador as well as modern day Jewish life. The Synagogue operates as the Community Center for Jewish life in Quito and includes religious events, pre-school, day school and many other programs. After, we’ll visit the Equatorial Line Monument called “Middle of the World”. Here, you’ll get a truly rare experience to stand in both the northern and southern hemispheres simultaneously. The Equatorial Monument, located as the focal point of the park, marks the spot where an 18^th century French scientific expedition established the exact position of the Equator. The area has been built as a typical colonial town, with restaurants, gift shops and Post Office. We’ll visit the monument and the Ethnographical Museum, which shows the history of the Indian cultures of Ecuador. Later in the day we’ll have some free time to explore and enjoy an evening out in Quito (B)

Day 8 – Wednesday, April 25 – Quito – Mindo – Quito

Today we visit the lovely subtropical town of Mindo. After an approximately a two-hour drive, we’ll arrive at the town which is located near the Pichincha Volcano mountain chain. On our way down to the valley by serpentine roads, the change of vegetation and climate is obvious. Once in Mindo, we’ll discover the cloud forest which is home to a variety of over 500 types of birds. The nature reserve Bosque Protector Mindo-Nambillo is home to toucans, parrots, herons, kingfisher, humming birds, monkeys or big cats among others. You may see wonderful orchids and various medicinal plants here. The small and idyllic town which adapts itself to eco-tourism has some simple guest-houses and restaurants. We’ll enjoy a walk to the Cascada (waterfall) and a visit to Mariposario, the butterfly farm, before we start our journey back to Quito. This evening, enjoy a free night in Quito. (B)

Day 9 – Thursday, April 26 – Quito – Otavalo

This morning we leave Quito and head for Otavalo where we’ll discover the people and culture of the Andes. The road descends into the spectacular arid and fertile Guayllabamba Gorge and village. With a bit of luck, we’ll have the opportunity to see the snow caped volcano called Cayambe. The Ecuadorian Line goes directly through the glacier of the immense volcano, which is the highest worldwide point on the Ecuadorian line. On the way through this wonderful landscape you can see the lake, Lago San Pablo, with its great background – the massive rock, Taita Imbabura. After arriving in the famous town Otavalo, known for its textiles, you will discover the famous Indian handcrafts market appropriately called The Otavalo Market. These indigenous residents of the area have achieved economic prosperity as a result of their skill in weaving a tremendous variety of designs in belts, tapestries, ponchos and other clothing items. Community residents have a long tradition as artisans and traders. They commonly travel to Europe and other countries in the Americas to sell their wares. In this indigenous city which is typical in the Andes, you may see families wearing their traditional colorful clothes and speaking Quichua, the local language as their first tongue and Spanish as their second. Next, we’ll drive to Peguche where we’ll view the traditional weavers and watch as they create their handicrafts. Afterwards, we’ll drive to Laguna Cuicocha, a crater lake. Two islands emerge from the center, both of volcanic origin, and are covered with vegetation and rimmed with totora, a type of reed. Tonight, our 400-year-old Hacienda is the setting for our stay. Enjoy a delicious meal and a warm open fire at this delightful property. (B, D)

Day 10 – Friday, April 27 – Otavalo – Quito

After an early breakfast, we’ll drive to Ibarra, the location of the train station for a ride to the coastal regions of the area. This is certainly one of the highlights of a journey through Ecuador and a very special way to get to know the country. Here, we’ll have an opportunity to enjoy the spectacular descent to the coastal plain. This amazing excursion passes over four high bridges and goes through many tunnels to the fertile valley of Salinas. Next, we’ll visit a rose plantation and learn why roses from Ecuador are among the finest in the world. In the evening, we’ll make our way to a hotel nearby the Quito Airport so that we can be closeby for our early morning flight tomorrow. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a Shabbat service, followed by our Amazing Journeys Farewell Event and group dinner. (B, D)

Day 11 – Saturday, April 28 – Quito – Tour Ends

Our tour ends today with amazing memories and friendships. Those on our group flight will be transferred to the airport for our early morning international flight home. (B)

Our Hotels:

Day 1 Hotel Oro Verde, Guayaquil
Day 2-5 M/V Galapagos Legend
Day 6-8 Alameda Hotel Mecure, Quito
Day 9 Hacienda Pinsaqui, Otavalo
Day 10 Wyndham Hotel, Quito Airport

Please Note:

1. Due to early arrival times in some cities, rooms may not always be ready for immediate check-in.
2. Hotels are subject to change.
3. Highest Elevation on this itinerary is approximately 9,350 feet – If you think you may have medical problems relating to high altitudes, we encourage you to check with your physician before embarking on this journey.
4. Itineraries are always subject to change.

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Galapagos Islands & Ecuador

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