ECUADOR, THE ANDES & GALAPAGOS
Overview
Ecuador is the smallest country in the Andes Mountains, and one of the most fascinating tourist attractions in South America. Thanks to the diversity of the native cultures, the well kept colonial architecture, the volcanic scenery along with the thick forests; this country had more points of interest within its borders than those of a country twice its size. Ecuador ranks as one of the richest countries in the world when it comes to its variety of animals and flora. Ecuador's tropical climate allows for a tour any time of the year, and the fact that this country lies on the equator balances the weather and keeps it stable all year long. Ecuador is considered one of the safest and most comfortable countries for travelers. The weather in Ecuador is fickle and has a tendency for extreme. The only sure thing that can be said about the weather in Ecuador is that it is totally unexpected, and it's not rare to experience all 4 seasons in one day. Never the less, and despite all this, the fact that Ecuador is located on the equator, gives one the opportunity to tour Ecuador on most days of the year, and anywhere in the country: the Andes, the rain forests, the beaches and the Galapagos.
Itinerary
1) Mon, Tel Aviv- Quito
Meeting at Ben Gurion Airport, and boarding a flight, with a connection, to Quito Ecuador. Quito is without a doubt the prettiest country in South America. It's located at 2850 meters above sea level, 22 Kilometers from the equator, and enjoys a great spring climate and a magnificent view all around. The scenery is ruled by mountains and a number of snowy volcanoes that are seen from a distance. The city itself lies at the feet of Mt. Roca Pichincha, 4,700 feet. Architecturally, Quito holds vast colonial treasures, and the modern construction in the old city is under strict supervision since 1978, when UNESCO had Quito on the list of World Heritage. After Arrival, transfer to hotel.
2) Tue, Quito
After breakfast we will stroll through the only capital in the world that is located right near an active volcano. There's constant activity going on in Pichincha, which is located approx. 21 kilometers from the city. The largest eruption occurred in 1660, when about 25 centimeters of dust covered the city. The latest eruption took place on November 5th, 1999, when large amounts of ashes were scattered over the city. Even though the eruption did not destroy the city completely, it caused disruption in its activity, and resulted in the closing of the local international airport. We will ascend to te summit of Mount Pichincha for an amazing view of the city below. We then continue on a tour of the old city, with La Ronda Boulevard the was well preserved, dating back to the colonial era. We visit the middle of the world monument, where the equator passes through. The museum includes Ecuador's Indian tradition, authentic structures, totem poles and sculptures, as well as scientific explanations for the strange sun effects and gravity in this area.
3) Wed, Quito, Otavalo, Cuicocha Lagoon
Today we head north to visit a small town, Otavalo, known for its Indian market. Market day is a festive and colorful event, and the locals welcome it with their folk costumes. Surprisingly, it's not a fake event put on as a show for tourists. The market is considered to be one of the most important and spectacular market in Latin America. Then we head north to visit two villages. One is Cotacachi which is located in a magnificent mountainous area with a lagoon near by. One of the prettiest in the area, Cuicocha Lagoon is situated in an inactive volcano, with green pastures growing on the sides. The locals of Cotacachi specialize in leather products, like purses, coats, saddles etc. We continue driving north, not far from the town of ivra, where there's a tiny village with a gallery of wooden crafts.
4) Thu, Mindo bird reserve, Omega
The cloud forest area that is located just an hour from the center of Quito is a tropical forest with unique vegetation, rivers, and more. The area holds over 600 species of birds and other animals and insects. There're also some trout breeding farms and tilapia, as well as countless kinds of tropical fruits, some specific to the area, some specific to Ecuador, and in general to the climate in South America. We visit the Mindo bird reserve, walk among butterflies and orchids, and the brave among us can omega above the cloud forest.
5) Fri, Antisana reserve
After breakfast we head out towards the private reserve and volcano Antisana, covered in snow and ice, and surrounded by a nature reserve. The climb is done on a paved and comfortable road, from which breathtaking views of an 11,000 year old iceberg can be seen, along with sharp snowy peaks, and typical plants. On occasion one can catch a glimpse of the Andes eagle, the Condor, nesting in the area. Up high, 3658 meters above sea level, you can take a stroll and admire the fragile plants, and if we get lucky we will watch many birds that are typical to the Andes, like the black faces Ibis, that is on the verge extinction.
6) Shabbat, Antisana reserve
After prayers and Kiddush – a walking tour of the interesting area 7) Sun, Antisana reserve – Quito – Galapagos Islands – Quito Today we fly out to the Galapagos Islands for a fascinating cruise around the Islands. This is a volcanic group of Islands that rose from the ocean approx 4-10 million years ago. Man discovered the islands in the year 1535, and just like any other place, started destroying his surroundings. The animals, that wasn't familiar with man yet, didn't run away, and the sailors massacred them mercilessly, both for food and for pleasure. In addition, they also unleashed goats, cats and dogs that destroyed the area. The sailors took the giant tortoises back with them on the ships as a supply of fresh meat. Later they butchered the tortoises too for their fat. For these reasons and others, dozens of unique species became extinct. We take a shuttle across Itabaka to Charles Darwin station on Santa Cruise Island, an international research station that also serves as a breeding farm for different animals, especially the giant tortoises. During the cruise we visit Schwartz point on Espinola Island, Florana island, and Santa Cruise island. At the end of the cruise we fly back to Quito.
12-13) Fri – Sat, Quito – Papallacta natural reserve and hot springs
Papallacta hot springs are located about an hour drive from Quito, in a breathtaking mountainous area, with a changing view of green mountains, snow caped volcanoes, and steep cliffs. The waters in the pools are pure mineral waters. All this, plus the peace and quiet from the calming scenery, makes this one of the most recommended experiences in Ecuador. We stay at a local farm in the area for the weekend.
14-15) Sun – Mon, Quito – Tel Aviv
Done but not over is our tour. Today we head back to the airport and board a flight to Israel. Arrival on day 16.
Important:
* There may be changes to the schedule and hotel reservations dependent upon international and domestic flights. We will make every effort to visit every place mentioned in the itinerary. In any event of fault relating to flights, cruises, sailings or other mode of transportation, the responsibility lies with the service provider alone.
* Day of departure and arrival are included in the total days of the tour. Insurance is required for 16 days.
Start date |
End Date |
Days |
Price |
Single supplement |
Comments |
1/11/2010 |
1/26/2010 |
16 |
6590 $ |
750 $ |
Shai Yogev |
NB: Airfares are subject to change depending on fuel tariffs, until ticketed.
Price Includes
- International and Domestic Flights
- Cruise
- First tourist class hotels or the best available locally
- International Airport and security taxes
- Comfortable air-conditioned touring coach for travelling
- Breakfast and dinner daily, and supplies for making sandwiches for lunch
- Professional, experienced Israeli guide
- Local English-speaking Guide as required
- Entrance to all sites mentioned in the tour plan
Price Excludes
- Tax at Quito airport (aprrox $40 per person)
- Tips for local service providers US$130 per person
- Travel and baggage Insurance
- Personal expenses
- Evening entertainment that are not included in the tour plan
- Changes in air fares due to increases in fuel, airport tax and security tax surcharges
- Tip for Israeli guide (Recommended: $3 per person per day)
Cancellation Terms
- More than 30 working days prior to departure: $47 per passenger registration fee only
- 14-30 working days prior to departure: $500 + $47 per passenger
- 7-13 working days prior to departure: $1000 + $47 per passenger
- 0-6 working days prior to departure: Passenger will be liable for full payment of all expenses connected to the tour (including visas, etc.)
Fridays, Shabbat and Holidays (including Chol Hamoed in Israel), and Sundays and Public Holidays abroad are not considered working days. If flight tickets have already been issued and/or any other services have already been purchased (visas, etc.) their costs will be added to the cancellation penalties mentioned above.
We are obliged to purchase domestic flights ahead of time. These tickets are not refundable and therefore their cost will be added to all cancellation penalties.
Prices are subject to currency fluctuations, flight tariffs and cost of land services.
If Visas and/or tickets have been issued their costs will be added to the penalties mentioned above.
Insurance
We urge all passengers to purchase travel and cancellation insurance immediately upon registration for the tour. This ensures a refund of expenses in case of cancellation due to emergency, illness or bereavement.