Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands for Jewish Singles

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Exploring Ecuador & The Galapagos Islands
April 23 - May 1, 2023
Starting from $5799
For Active Jewish Singles

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Experience the magic of Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands as you explore with Amazing Journeys. From our own private yacht, the enchanted Galapagos Islands are among the highlights of any world travelers’ adventures and with our active itinerary, you’ll be able to experience it all! The Galapagos Islands are the perfect setting to see the evolutionary changes, which have led to a new understanding of life on earth, as the most unique living museum. You’ll discover exotic species native only to this archipelago. This adventure is a wildlife lovers paradise! Friendly wildlife such as playful sea lions, gigantic sea tortoises and blue-footed boobies allow you to get up close and personal. Among the animals found are the different species of giant Galapagos tortoises that gave the islands their name, a variety of birds and marine mammals such as iguanas, sea lions, dolphins, whales as well as a great number of fish. You might even snorkel with a playful penguin or two! Among the flora, the most distinctive are mangroves and endemic cacti – just to name a few! On our privately chartered yacht, you will get to experience many of the islands that offer the best of the Galapagos first-hand.

From the highlands to sea level, Ecuador’s fascinating diversity is echoed by its people whose cultural origins and traditions are as warm and colorful as the country itself. The small country of Ecuador is uniquely endowed with a dramatic topography and a variety of climatic zones, vegetation, birds and wildlife. In a matter of hours you can move from rainforest to the high slopes of the Andes, and then down to the Pacific coast, while observing a breathtaking panorama of scenery and nature. We’ll stand on the line that separates the Northern and Southern hemispheres, dine with a family in Otavalo, visit where the world’s most beautiful roses in the world are grown and more.

Join together with an amazing group of Jewish singles for a once-in-a-lifetime journey as we explore Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.

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Day 1 – Sunday, April 23 – Quito – Tour Begins

Our tour begins in the capital of Ecuador, Quito. Sitting high in the Andean foothills, this city is surrounded by ice-capped volcanoes and is located only 22km away from the “Middle of the World”, the Equatorial Line. Because of the magnificent blend of Spanish, Flemish, Moorish and pre-Columbian architecture, its churches, monasteries, narrow streets, rock and adobe buildings and Spanish patios, it has been declared by UNESCO “Patrimony of Mankind”. With most flights arriving late, there are no activities planned today. Settling into our hotel this evening, prepare for our amazing tour through Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.

Day 2 – Monday, April 24 – Quito

This morning we begin our journey with our Amazing Journeys Welcome & Orientation at our hotel. Breathe in the colonial history of Ecuador as we visit the old part of the city on a walking tour. 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 an outside view of the Cathedral. We’ll also visit the Church of La Compania which has a very ornate and richly sculptured façade and interior.

We’ll visit a small cocoa museum where we will learn how this regional product is grown, followed by chocolate tasting.

Later 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 18th 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 a Post Office. We’ll visit the monument and the Ethnographical Museum which shows the history of the Indian cultures of Ecuador.

We’ll visit the Synagogue of Quito and learn a bit about Jewish life in Ecuador, both past and modern day. The Synagogue operates as the Community Center for Jewish life in Quito and includes religious events, pre-school, day school and many other programs. This evening, join together at a local restaurant for a group dinner. (B, D)

Day 3 – Tuesday, April 25 – Quito

This morning we leave Quito and head for Otavalo where we’ll discover the people and culture of the Andes. During our two-hour drive, the road descends into the spectacular arid and fertile Guayllabamba Gorge. The Ecuadorian Line goes directly through the glacier of the immense Cayambe Volcano, which is the highest point on the Ecuadorian line in the world. We’ll stop to visit a rose plantation where we will learn the steps involved in the production of one Ecuador’s largest exports.

After arriving in the famous town Otavalo, known for its textiles, you will discover the famous Indian handcrafts market appropriately called The Otavalo Market. Community residents have a long tradition as artisans and traders. 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. We’ll visit with an indigenous Kichwa family and will enjoy a traditional meal in their home. After, enjoy a walk around their garden and learn about the usages of different medicinal plants. Late in the afternoon, we will return to Quito. (B, L)

Day 4 – Wednesday, April 26 – Quito – Galapagos Islands

Early this morning we’ll be transferred to the airport in Quito for our 2.5 hour flight to the Galapagos Islands. We’ll fly to Baltra Airport and transfer to the pier by our naturalist guides for embarkation on our home-away-from-home for the next four nights, our privately chartered ship, Coral 1. While on our journey, we will embark on walks around the islands, and have opportunities to snorkel, kayak and explore the area on a dinghy.

This afternoon we visit the Highlands Tortoise Reserve on Santa Cruz Island. In the mountains of Galapagos it is possible to see different kinds of birds, such as tree and ground finches, vermillion flycatchers, paint-billed crakes, yellow warblers, and cattle egrets (usually standing on the tortoises’ shell). The journey to the reserve offers great opportunities to see the contrasts that the island offers in reference to the variety of ecosystems. The road goes from the coast through the agricultural zone and straight up to the dense humid forests. Often, Galapagos Giant Tortoises are also seen on the way, wandering through pastures in the paddocks. This spot is a bird watchers’ haven since almost every land bird present on the island lives or migrates here. (B, L, D)

Afternoon activity overview:
Difficulty level: easy
Type of terrain: flat & muddy at times
Duration: 45-minute drive / 1 ½-hour walk

Day 5 – Thursday, April 27 – Galapagos Islands

This morning, we sail to Vicente Roca Point on Isabela Island. Here, experience fantastic deep-water snorkeling at one of the richest marine havens on earth, the Bolivar Channel. Accessible by water, we take a dinghy ride along the coast to observe a great diversity of sea and coastal birds; Nazca and blue-footed boobies, noddies, brown pelicans, penguins, and flightless cormorants. The upwelling of cold-water currents in this part of the Galapagos gives rise to an abundance of marine life, a perfect place for deep-water snorkeling.

This afternoon we reach Espinosa Point. From here, it’s possible to take in a wide view of Isabela Island across the Bolivar Channel, an area that boasts some of the highest diversity of endemic sea fauna in the Galapagos. Here you’ll find the largest, most primitive-looking marine iguanas, mingling with sea lions and Sally Lightfoot crabs. Fernandina Island displays a wonderful opportunity to encounter flightless cormorants at their nesting sites, Galapagos penguins and the “King” of predators on the islands, the Galapagos hawk. Pa-hoe-hoe and AA lava formations cover the majority of Fernandina terrain. Vegetation is scarce inland, with few brachycereus cacti. Along the shore, mangrove can be found. (B, L, D)

Morning activity overview:
Difficulty Level: moderate / high
Type of terrain: water
Duration: 1-hour snorkeling / 1-hour dinghy ride

Afternoon activity overview:
Difficulty level: intermediate
Type of terrain: flat/semi rocky
Duration: 1 ½-hour walk / 1-hour snorkeling

Day 6 – Friday, April 28 – Galapagos Islands

This morning we continue to Urbina Bay on Isabela Island with its volcanic black beaches. It may be possible to spot giant tortoises, land iguanas, and the unusual flightless cormorant. After a short walk inland, it´s snorkeling time, a chance to swim with sea turtles, sea lions and countless tropical fish. Urbina Bay features a wide variety of plants with a vast range of colors in flowers attracting different insects, birds, and reptiles. One of the highlights of the island is the uplifted coral reef that resulted from the 1954 seismic activity; here the views of Alcedo Volcano are remarkable. When navigating from Urbina to Tagus Cove whale watching may result in whale spotting as the official season begins in just a few days.

This afternoon, we’ll visit Tagus Cove on the Galapagos’ largest island, Isabela Island, where we will learn about the eruption of the five volcanoes that form it. The trail leads to Darwin’s salt-water crater lake and excellent views of lava fields and volcanic formations can be seen. We will return by the same path for a dinghy ride along a shoreline full of marine wildlife where we may be able to spot a variety of seabirds such as the Blue-footed Booby, Brown Noddy, terns, Flightless Cormorant and depending on the season, a large number of Galapagos Penguins which are only 35 cm tall; the only penguin species in the world to live in the tropics. The population of penguins on the islands is about 2,000 individuals, most of which live on this western portion of Isabela. Other penguins are scattered further south. We will have an opportunity to snorkel in deep water. Graffiti believed to have been left by 19th-century pirates is a curious reminder of an intriguing past.

This evening, join together with our Amazing Journeys community for Shabbat services, followed by a group dinner. (B, L, D)

Morning activity overview:
Difficulty level: intermediate
Type of terrain: flat & rocky
Duration: 1 ½-hour walk / 1-hour snorkeling

Afternoon activity overview:
Difficulty level: intermediate/difficult
Type of terrain: steep/steep
Duration: 2-hour walk / 40-minutes dinghy ride / 1-hour deep water snorkeling

Day 7 – Saturday, April 29 – Galapagos Islands

This morning we arrive at Egas Port on Santiago Island on a black volcanic sand beach visited by Darwin in 1835. As we begin our walk this morning, the first section of the trail is formed of volcanic ash and the other half is an uneven terrain of volcanic basaltic rock. The unique, truly striking layered terrain of Santiago shore is home to a variety of animals including the bizarre, yellow-crowned night heron and marine wildlife including lobster, starfish and marine iguanas grazing on algae beds. Alongside you’ll find Sally light-foot crabs. It is easy to see colonies of endemic fur seals swimming in cool water volcanic rock pools.

This afternoon our adventure continues at Sullivan Bay on Santiago Island. This site is located at the southeastern portion of the island and is of important geologic interest. It features extensive relatively young pa-hoe-hoe lava flows formed during the last quarter of the 19th century. In the middle of the lava flow, older reddish yellow colored tuff cones appear. Mollugo plants with their yellow-to-orange whorled leaves usually grow out of the fissures. Walking on the solidified lava gives the impression of being on another planet. Tree molds are found, indicating that in that large size plants grew in small crevices, until the lava flow of past eruptions burned down the flora of the island. (B, L, D)

Morning activity overview:
Difficulty level: intermediate
Type of terrain: flat & semi-rocky
Duration: 1 ½-hour walk / 1-hour snorkeling

Afternoon activity overview:
Difficulty level: difficult
Type of terrain: flat volcanic lava
Duration: 1½-hour walk / 1-hour snorkeling / beach time

Day 8 – Sunday, April 30 – Galapagos – Guayaquil

This morning, we explore Bachas Beach on Santa Cruz Island. On the north side of Santa Cruz, behind the beach, lies two small flamingo ponds were iguanas sunbathe alongside coastal birds, Darwin finches, mockingbirds, and gulls, as well as interesting native vegetation like red and black mangrove and salt bushes. This beach is one of the main sea turtle nesting sites in the Galapagos. A turtle can lay eggs 3 or 4 times per season with an average of 70 eggs each time. At this paradisiacal site, we will also find the remains of barges that sank a long time ago, when the United States Navy operated a base during World War II. Local people modified the word barges to “Bachas”.

This afternoon our final landing is at Baltra Island where we will transfer to the airport for our 2 hour flight to Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city and its industrial and commercial center. The Pacific Ocean enters through the gulf of Guayaquil into the city’s harbor, which is a trade center for 90% of all Ecuadorian imports as well as the half of all exports, making it the most important port of the South American Pacific coast.

Upon arrival to Guayaquil, we’ll embark on a two-hour city tour and visit the lovely Parque Simon Bolívar, ride along the border of the Río Guayas where we will walk the beautiful Malecón, the city’s promenade built in Italian renaissance style and decorated with typical tropical flowers. Visit Las Peñas quarter which is now the oldest and picturesque vestige of the colonial Guayaquil.

This evening, celebrate the end of a memorable trip to Ecuador with our own special Amazing Journeys Farewell program where we’ll wrap up our tour together in a fun and memorable way, followed by dinner at a local restaurant. (B, D)

Morning activity overview:
Difficulty level: easy
Type of terrain: sandy
Duration: 1-hour walk

Day 9 – Monday, May 1 – Guayaquil – Tour Ends

You’ll fly home with memories of our beautiful tour of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands! (B)

Your Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1-4 Hotel Swissotel, Quito
Day 4-8 M/Y Coral I Chartered Yacht, Galapagos Islands
Day 8-9 Hotel Wyndham, Guayaquil

Please Note:

Alternate hotels or yacht may be used
The order of the tour may be changed
Some activities are weather dependent
Modifications on the itinerary may be made due to Covid
The highest elevation of this itinerary is 9210 feet
Wildlife sightings cannot be promised
This tour is designed for the active traveler and the activity level is 4 out of 5 and all passengers should feel comfortable with the following activities unassisted: get on and off the yacht or ship from a small dinghy, swim among wildlife, rocks and in open sea, dive in the ocean, climb up and down during hikes, walk over uneven terrain, travel by maritime transportation, car and bus, and engage in adventure activities.

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