EcuadorTrip Itinerary
Transcription
EcuadorTrip Itinerary
maagalei nofesh Dear Travelers, Hello Based on our vast experience as pioneers of attractive sites, we present our summer hosting in luxury hotels on the European continent in beautiful Holland and splendid Italy. For those who aspire for new adventures, we present our latest break-through travels: organized tours to SouthAmerica, Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. Why have we chosen Ecuador? Although a relatively small country, Ecuador is filled with colorful contrasts: it has quiet beaches and tropical forests amidst the Galapagos archipelago which is both a province and a national park. Amazing jungles and volcanic mountains, cloud forests and hot fountains hide in the crevices of the Amazon river with its thousands of waterfalls, its myriad of tropical birds, animals, butterflies and ancient creatures which populate its natural habitat together with its blend of exotic scents and colonial architecture. What is the novelty of this tour? Unlike our previous star travels, this trip consists of wondering voyages, sleeping in the forests and jungles in 4 star hotels, with pre-planned meals and gourmet dinners with the highest Kashrut supervision in the best tradition of Ma’agalei-Nofesh Tours (We will not burden you with the details of our complicated logistics). Once there, travelers have two options: To continue to the Galapagos Islands in a cruise where we sleep and eat; or to head out to the waterfalls in the jungles. Both tracks are held in a natural paradise full of lush beaches, crystal clear waters, a variety of vegetation with flora and fauna and exquisite unique marine and land diversity, coupled by 4 star hotel commodity. With you all the way, Ma’agalei Nofesh Staff. EcuadorTrip Itinerary Ecuador is a fascinating country that holds a myriad of natural resources and amazing sights. A visit to Ecuador allows for a rare glance of an enchanting land in a relatively short time. The combination of fiery volcanic mountains, enticing greenery of dense rainforests, authentic Indian villages, picturesque markets, impressive colonial architecture and wild nature provides for a unique and perfect traveling experience in a country that has just begun to awaken... 14 n o i t p O Day 1 Day 1 Quito-Arrival Landing in Quito, Ecuador›s capital (Our Guide will pick you up, holding a sign with the name of the group. In case of delay, please contact our agents). From the airport, we shall make our way into town, get settled at the Hotel and have dinner. Night in Quito, at the Dann Carlton Hotel**** Day 2 Quito – Museum, Old City There is no better way to start a trip in Ecuador than see it from a bird›s angle from the Pichincha Mountain top. That mountain overlooks the city of Quito, which is placed in the heart of a large valley surrounded by the impressive Andes Mountains. We will make our way up the mount in a 2.5 kilometer cable car which takes the travelers from the height of 2,950 meters to the mountain›s highest peek at 4,053 meters where the entire city panorama is spread out. Continuing to the Mitad del Mundo (Center of the World) - which is an absolute must when visiting Ecuador – it is imperative that we stand at the world’s equator which divides the earth in width into two perfect halves (the fact that gave the country its name: Ecuador = equator). This spot is one of the few places on earth where one could stand with one foot in the southern hemisphere and the other in the northern one. We shall take pictures in front of the famous equatorial monument and visit the Indian Museum located inside the monument. We shall learn about the rich Indigenous culture of the native Indians of Ecuador, and get the opportunity to perform a variety of experiments that will prove we are actually at the equator – the earth›s point of division. Night in Quito, at the Dann Carlton Hotel**** Day 3 Otavalo Market, The Leather Village, Cuicocha Lagoon After breakfast we shall travel north amongst little villages and picturesque landscapes to the small town of Otavalo, famous mostly for its colorful and vivid market place. There we will have free time to roam around, explore and purchase local handicrafts, hand made cloths and fabrics, paintings, jewelery and spices, and where our guide will expound on the indigenous culture and local traditions. From there we shall proceed to the town of Cotacachi, surrounded by green fruitful meadows, then onward to the beautiful Cuicocha Lagoon. Night in Quito, at the Dann Carlton Hotel **** Day 4 The Mindo Cloud Forest Mindo is located at the Los Bancos canton in the province of Pichincha. Its famous “cloud forests” are situated between the famous slopes of the Andes Mountains and the dense jungles of the Amazon basin, and attract eco-tourism from around the world because they hide over 500 species of exotic birds, orchids, bromeliads and over 40 species of rare butterflies and exuberant flora and fauna. We shall proceed on a long waterfalls track amidst a dense shrubbery, and take pictures along the way (it is especially recommended to bring cameras for this part of the trip). Later in the day, we shall head east towards Arasha Spa Lodging. Night in Mindo, At the Lodge of Arasha,**** Day 5 Tropical Forest of Arasha After breakfast we will go on a hike in the Macallares primaeval tropical forest. The overwhelming sensation of walking in a tropical paradise filled with lush green trees, iridescent waterfalls, singing birds and colorful butterflies invades the senses and intoxicates the mind. In the afternoon we will return to Quito and check into the Hotel. Night in Quito, at the Dann Carlton Hotel **** Day 6 Shabbat Services A luxurious Shabbat in the best Ma’agalei Nofesh traditions, with rich Shabbat meals, prayer ceremonies, Torah studies, warm oneg Shabbat atmosphere and rest. On Shabbat afternoon we will go for a short walk in the city of Quito. Night in Quito, at the Dann Carlton Hotel **** Day 7 Papallacta Hot Springs–the Jungles This tour leads us from northern Quito to Termas de Papallacta SPA, Resort and Convention Center, which is located 60 kms east of Quito, the capital city of Ecuador in the heart of South America. On our way to Papallacta, we will have the chance to stop at an observation post overlooking the Antisana Reserve, before entering the Hot Springs. In Papallacta, perched on a high Andean valley at the entrance route to the Ecuadorian Amazon jungle, we can choose between relaxing in the thermal baths of the Spa, or indulging in pampering spa treatments. The resort offers its visitors health, recreation, and adventure. After relaxing and enjoying the magical Hot Springs of Papallacta, we shall make our way along a winding road descending from the Andes Mountains towards the Ecuadorian Amazon basin. We shall terminate this part of the trip in the enchanted La Casa del Suizo Lodge situated on the Napo river, one of the Amazonian brooks, in the vicinity of the city of Tena. Night in Tena, at the Casa del Suizo Lodge**** Day 8 The Amazon Jungle La Casa del Suizo is a tranquil Amazonian refuge located on the shore of Ecuador’s majestic Napo River and a stone’s throw away from the eastern slopes of the Andes Mountains. Perched comfortably above the riverbank and the small Quechua Indian village of Ahuano, La Casa del Suizo overlooks vast expanses of the surrounding tropical rainforest environment. Night in Tena, at the Casa del Suizo Lodge**** Day 9 Tena – Banos After breakfast, we shall make our way towards Baños de Agua Santa, also known as Baños, a city in the eastern Tungurahua province, in central Ecuador. Baños is one of the most popular cities in Tungurahua for adventure and tourism. It is known as the “Gateway to the Amazon” as it is located on the Pastaza River in the High Amazon Basin among volcanic mountains. We will start with a tour around the city, and visit the souvenir shops selling many wooden carvings. Night in Baños, The Spa Hotel Sangay Day10 Banos full day The city is intimately linked with the highly active Tungurahua volcano. We will visit the waterfalls that include the magical “Pailón del Diablo” and “Manto de la Novia”. In the afternoon we have time to continue with ecological walks or carry on with the adventure. Night in Baños, The Spa Hotel Sangay Day 11 otopaxi National Park One of the highest active snow-caped volcanoes in the world, Cotopaxi’s symmetric cone, rises from a vast plain that is home to lamas, condors and herds of wild horses. This amazing adventure includes hiking and scenic drives through the park’s majestic landscape. We will also share information about the different fauna, flora and history of the park and a “moon shaped” valley. Cotopaxi has its own micro-climate and the weather in the area is very unpredictable, so it is important to be bring warm clothes. In the afternoon we shall reach the Limpiopungo Lagoon, where we might Night in Quito, at the Dann Carlton Hotel **** Day 12 Historic Center of Quito Tour After breakfast we will go on a tour of bustling Quito, and traverse 500 years of history and local culture. The old city of Quito contains a rich and attractive diversity of Spanish architectural buildings and monuments, historical sites such as “La Plaza De La Independencia”, market places and picturesque little alleys. In the afternoon we will return to the Hotel to begin our Shabbat preparations, Kabbalat Shabbat and evening meal. Night in Quito, at the Dann Carlton Hotel **** Day 13 Shabbat Services A luxurious Shabbat in the best Ma›agalei Nofesh traditions, with rich Shabbat meals, prayer ceremonies, Torah studies, warm oneg Shabbat atmosphere and rest. On Shabbat afternoon we will go for a short walk in the city of Quito. Night in Quito, at the Dann Carlton Hotel **** Day 14 Transfer to the airport 10 n Optio 2 Day This option is similar to the first, but shortened to a 9 day trip: Day 1 Quito - Arrival l ave y, r t r For inera ti see ion t rip on 1 c s de Opti of Day 2 Museum, Old City Day 3 Otavalo Market, The Leather Village, Cuicocha Lagoon Day 4 The Mindo Cloud Forest Day 5 Tropical Forest of Arasha Day 6 Shabbat Services Day 7 Papallacta Hot Springs – the Jungles of the Amazons Day 8 The Amazon Jungle Day 9 Historic Center of Quito Tour Day 10 Transfer to the airport and flight back 7 n Optio 3 Day In option 3 we will travel around Ecuador for 14 days. The first 7 days are identical to those of Option 1. From Day 7 to Day 12 we will leave for the Galapagos Islands and return to Quito at the end of the trip. Day 1 Quito - Arrival Day 2 Museum, Old City Day 3 Otavalo Market, The Leather Village, Cuicocha Lagoon Day 4 The Mindo Cloud Forest Day 5 Tropical Forest of Arasha Day 6 Shabbat Services vel , a r t ry For inera it see tion rip on 1 c s de Opti of Day 7 Papallacta Hot Springs – the Jungles of the Amazons Day 8-12 the Galapagos Islands Day 8-12 the Galapagos Islands Galapagos Islands – the cherry on the icing... This second part of the trip begins with a transfer from the Hotel at Quito to the airport, and flight to the Galapagos Islands. The Galapagos Islands are an archipelago of volcanic islands situated at the equator in the Pacific Ocean, 972 kilometers west of Ecuador›s peninsula. The Galapagos Islands are famous for their wide variety of endemic animal and plant species, the most famous of which is the “the giant Galapagos Turtle”, after whom the name of these islands is derived, for ‹galapago› means ‹saddle› in Spanish. Indeed, the shape of the Turtle›s armor reminded the first Spanish settlers of a horse›s saddle, and hence the name they gave the Islands. The Islands› position on the equator, together with the vast ocean tides that pass through the area, provide the Islands with a temperate climate all year round. The Islands› relative isolation and lack of natural predators have contributed to a unique life tapestry in which the animals have no fear of humans, a fact that allows the visitors on the Galapagos Islands to experience first hand encounters with wild life: swimming along sea lions as well as observing unique birds, iguanas, whales, dolphins, sharks, sea cats, and many other rare animals. This cruise is carried out in a Millenium yacht, which is a private modern beautiful yacht, fully equipped for 16 passengers. It holds 8 spacious cabins, with air conditioning, toilets and showers. Most cabins have verandas facing the open sea. On the upper deck of the yacht there is an open galley where TV can be enjoyed. It further holds a guest living room complete with a bar. During the cruise the passengers are welcome to watch the sunrise or sunset on the islands, relax or read a good book while enjoying the enchanting peaceful serenity of the Galapagos Islands. The dining room has large windows which afford a grand view of the sea at all times, a radiant backdrop to the rich and tasty kosher meals our own private chef and pastry man prepare. Traveling in small groups allows for a personal touch coupled by a pleasurable and unforgettable once in a life-time adventure. The cruise between Islands allows the visitors to experience the Galapagos Islands in all their splendor and might. The amazing sunrises on the water when every morning anoth. איסוף מהמלון לשדה התעופה וטיסה לאיי הגלאפגוס... הדובדבן שבקצפת-הגלאפגוס er Island emerges from the night mists is a sight to behold. The blue and turquoise waters .נוסעים ויפיפיה ל מודרנית יאכטה היאthat מילניום יאכטה נעבור הזהworld. המסעScuאת hide within-16 them a multitude of ,פרטית biological wealth is equal to עם none in the לנוף הפונותallows מרפסות ובמרבית ומקלחת שירותים ,מרווחות עם מזגן קבינות 8 ביאכטה ba-diving forהקבינות a real touch of that magnificent under-world existence where swim.הפתוח הים ming beside playful sea lions is equal only to the splendor of a giant sea turtle eating near ליהנות פתוחmyriads סיפון,היאכטה שלtropical העליונהfish בקומה .TV their ,עם בר אירוח לאורחים ביאכטה סלון one›sניתן feetבו while of colorful dance magnificent sea dance in the .הגלאפגוס איי של הקסום ברוגע ולקרוא לנוח ,האיים על מתצפית ההפלגה בזמן dance of survival. לארוחות מענגת תפאורה ,לעבר הים נוףAfter חלונות עם מוקף האוכל The transfer to.העשירות the beach is carried out in swift Zodiac boats. dipping his toes in חדר the .נשכחת וחוויה נעימה אוירה לצדof אישי מאפשרת יחס קטנה cool water, the visitorבלתי might come across dozens sleeping sea lions andבקבוצה iguanasהטיול sunning on theקוrocks after theirבאוקינוס nocturnal fishingגעשיים spree the before, while the silence 972 ,המשווה באזור השקט השוכנים אייםnight ארכיפלג של הגלאפגוס הם איי might be broken by a baby whale calling out for its mother. The walks on the Islands are a איי גלאפגוס ידועים בזכות מגוון המינים של.קילומטרים מערבית לחלק היבשתי של אקוודור return toאף primordial serenity of creation. שמם נגזר הענק” שממנו הגלאפגוס בעלי חיים וצמחים אנדמיים שהמפורסם שבהם הוא “צב “אוכף” צורת שריונו של צב הגלאפגוס הזכירה למתיישביו: “גלאפאגו” בספרדית- של האיים .הראשונים את צורת האוכף הספרדי ומכאן שמם של האיים Day 12 Quito Return flight to Quito, settling at the Hotel and Shabbat services. Night in Quito, at the Dann Carlton Hotel **** שבת מנוחה Day 13 Shabbat Services A luxurious Shabbat in the best Ma›agalei Nofesh traditions, with rich Shabbat meals, prayer ceremonies, Torah studies, warm oneg Shabbat atmosphere and rest. On Shabbat afternoon we will go for a short walk in the city of Quito. Day 14 Transfer to the airport and flight back 11 Day n Optio Day 1 Quito - Arrival 4 Day 2 Museum, Old City Day 3 Otavalo Market, The Leather Village, Cuicocha Lagoon Day 4 The Mindo Cloud Forest Day 5 Tropical Forest of Arasha vel , a r t ry For inera it see tion ip 1 scr ption e d O of Day 6-11 the Galapagos Islands Galapagos Islands – the cherry on the icing... This second part of the trip begins with a transfer from the Hotel at Quito to the airport, and flight to the Galapagos Islands. The Galapagos Islands are an archipelago of volcanic islands situated at the equator in the Pacific Ocean, 972 kilometers west of Ecuador›s peninsula. The Galapagos Islands are famous for their wide variety of endemic animal and plant species, the most famous of which is the “the giant Galapagos Turtle”, after whom the name of these islands is derived, for ‹galapago› means ‹saddle› in Spanish. Indeed, the shape of the Turtle›s armor reminded the first Spanish settlers of a horse›s saddle, and hence the name they gave the Islands. The Islands› position on the equator, together with the vast ocean tides that pass through the area, provide the Islands with a temperate climate all year round. The Islands› relative isolation and lack of natural predators have contributed to a unique life tapestry in which the animals have no fear of humans, a fact that allows the visitors on the Galapagos Islands to experience first hand encounters with wild life: swimming along sea lions as well as observing unique birds, iguanas, whales, dolphins, sharks, sea cats, and many other rare animals. This cruise is carried out in a Millenium yacht, which is a private modern beautiful yacht, fully equipped for 16 passengers. It holds 8 spacious cabins, with air conditioning, toilets and showers. Most cabins have verandas facing the open sea. On the upper deck of the yacht there is an open galley where TV can be enjoyed. It further holds a guest living room complete with a bar. During the cruise the passengers are welcome to watch the sunrise or sunset on the islands, relax or read a good book while enjoying the enchanting peaceful serenity of the Galapagos Islands. The dining room has large windows which afford a grand view of the sea at all times, a radiant backdrop to the rich and tasty kosher meals our own private chef and pastry man prepare. Traveling in small groups allows for a personal touch coupled by a pleasurable and unforgettable once in a life-time adventure. The cruise between Islands allows the visitors to experience the Galapagos Islands in all their splendor and might. The amazing sunrises on the water when every morning another Island emerges from the night mists is a sight to behold. The blue and turquoise waters hide within them a multitude of biological wealth that is equal to none in the world. Scuba-diving allows for a real touch of that magnificent under-world existence where swimming beside playful sea lions is equal only to the splendor of a giant sea turtle eating near one›s feet while myriads of colorful tropical fish dance their magnificent sea dance in the dance of survival. The transfer to the beach is carried out in swift Zodiac boats. After dipping his toes in the cool water, the visitor might come across dozens of sleeping sea lions and iguanas sunning on the rocks after their nocturnal fishing spree the night before, while the silence might be broken by a baby whale calling out for its mother. The walks on the Islands are a return to primordial serenity of creation. Day 6 San Cristobal Island This Island is the easternmost Island in the Galápagos archipelago, and one of the oldest geologically. This island hosts frigate birds, Galapagos sea lions, Galápagos tortoises, blue and red footed boobies, tropical birds, marine iguana› dophins, swallow-tailed seagulls. The largest fresh water lake in the archipelago, Laguna El Junco, is located in a crater in the highlands of San Cristóbal, San Cristóbal has an area of 558 km2 (215 sq mi) and its highest point rises to 730 metres (2,400 ft). The capital of the archipelago, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, lies at the south-western tip of the island. It is Shabbat Eve, so we will embark on Isela Lobus and begin our Shabbat preparations, Kabbalat Shabbat, prayers and Shabbat meal. Day 7 Shabbat Services A luxurious Shabbat in the best Ma›agalei Nofesh traditions, with rich Shabbat meals, prayer ceremonies, Torah studies, warm oneg Shabbat atmosphere and rest. Througout Shabbat, the yacht reposes near Isella Lobus, while we feast our eyes on the beauty of the view. As Shabbat ends, we will depart for Punta Pit. Day 8 San Cristobal Island, Punta Pit and Galapaguara Day 9 Espanola Island, Punta Suarez, Bahia Gardner Day 10 Forana Island, Punta Cormorant Day 11 Santa Cruz, Puerto Iora Santa Cruz Island is one of the Galapados Islands with an area of 986 square kilometres (381 sq mi) and a maximum altitude of 864 metres (2,835 ft). On Santa Cruz there are some small villages, whose inhabitants work in agriculture and cattle raising. This island is a large dormant volcano and there is a gigantic lava tunnel that is over 2,000 meters long on the island that many tourists visit and walk through. A Research Station named after Charles Darwin is situated on the Island, and in Puerto Ayora one can watch marine iguanas, rare birds, Galapagos crabs, reef sharks and the gigantic Galapagos tortoise. Cerro Dragon - Dragon Peak – is a famous tourist attraction known for its enchanted flamingo Lagoon and land iguanas. International Flight from Guayaquil Airport. 7 n o i t p O 5 Day Day 1 Quito - Arrival vel , a r t ry For inera it see tion rip on 1 c s de Opti of Day 2 Museum, Old City Day 3 Otavalo Market, The Leather Village, Cuicocha Lagoon Day 4 The Mindo Cloud Forest Day 5 Tropical Forest of Arasha Day 6 Shabbat Services Day 7 Papallacta Hot Springs – the Jungles of the Amazons & Transfer to the airport and flight back Kashrut One of the most unique trait of our company is our mehadrin Kashrut, coupled by a lavish assortment of foods. The Kashrut is under the supervision of Rav Tomer Rotem, the Lubavitcher Rabbi of Quito, Ecuador. All our products are Glat Mehadrin, imported from Israel and the United States. During the entire trip we carry an entire kitchen, complete with kosher cutlery and dishes. A personal mashgiach, chef and pastry maker accompany the group during the entire tour. Every hotel we reach will be especially koshered for us before arrival. The yacht cruise will, equally, be koshered. In spite of the considerable investment required for strict Kashrut requirements on this trip, the prices are very similar to non-kosher travels. For a very little addition, we have managed to arrange a challenging and exciting voyage, which is also kosher lemehadrin! Torah scrolls, as well as holy scriptures are our constant companions and whenever there are ten men and above in the group, we will conduct our prayers in a minyan. There are 6 Dates to South America: 1 22/7/2013 - טו’ באב תשע”ג 2 8/8/2013 - ב’ אלול תשע”ג 3 14/10/2013 - י’ חשון תשע”ד 4 28.11.2013 - (חנוכה) כה’ כסלו תשע”ד11 day trip 5 11.08.13 - ה’ באלול תשע”ג11 day trip 6 1.12.13 - כ”ח כסלו תשע”ד Every trip is dependent upon a minimum of 10 participants. In addition to the above dates, we will be happy to take out extra groups for the minimum of 10 participants upon special request. This trip can be used for a Bar/Bat-Mitzva celebration or any other purpose. Since the weather in Ecuador is moderate all year round, so at any date a group can venture on an unforgettable trip there. Prices (per group) Groups of 10-15 people Groups of 16-20 people Groups of 21-25 people The Wonders of Ecuador in 7 days 2,190$ 1,950$ 1,860$ Ecuador and the Amazons in 10 days 3,250$ 2,900$ 2,750 Ecuador and the Galapagos in 11 days 5,000$ 5,000$ 5,000$ Around Ecuador in 14 days 4,480$ 4,000$ 3,800$ Ecuador and the Galapagos in 14 days 5,200$ 5,200$ 5,200$ Prices (Per child) Infants (0-2 years) Children (2-11 years) The Wonders of Ecuador in 7 days Free $ 100 discount Ecuador and the Amazons in 10 days Free $ 200 discount Ecuador and the Galapagos in 11 days Free $ 300 discount Around Ecuador in 14 days 150$ $ 500 discount Terms: The price is per person Not including flights to Ecuador 100$ entry ticket per person to Galapagos 10$ Visitor ticket per person to Galapagos Insurance abroad not included Flight tickets can be purchased through our company Babies can join their parents for free Children’s fees will be published later Fee Conditions: 25% upon registration 50% up to a month prior to trip 25% up to one week prior to trip Program Includes: Private bilingual guide in tourist car Private transportation to and from airport Accommodation in hotels mentioned in the brochure or their equivalent Entrance fees in land targets Activities as detailed in brochure Galapagos: flight tickets to the Islands, double/triple room accommodations with joint bathroom English speaking guide Scuba-diving equipment, gasoline tax, transportation to airport in Galapagos Program does not include: entrance fees to the Galapagos Islands - 100$ International flights fees Travel insurance Personal expenses Tips to service renders of entire deal – 3% Registration fees – 25% will be collected at registration and will not be refunded under any circumstances credit payments can be paid in three instalments without interest; upon payment in credit card, an extra 1.5% will be added Foreign currency – in case of payment in Israeli shekels or other currency except dolloars, the currency will be carried out in selling dollar rates on payment day in traveler checks or transfers. Trip Cancellation by Organizers: The organizers are entitled to cancel any trip for any reason, including if number of participants is smaller than anticipated. Notice of cancelation will be given by organizers within a reasonable period. In case of trip cancellation by travelers: Sums paid will be refunded to passengers up to 15 days from cancellation date. In case of cancellation starting from 13 work days up to 7 work days prior to departure time - passengers will be charged 25% of total sum. In case of cancellation starting from 6 work days up to departure time - passengers will be charged 50% of total sum. In case of cancellation 1 work day prior to departure time - passengers will be charged full sum. In case of cancellation after flight tickets are validated - passengers will be charged full sum. Passengers who cancel their participation during tour will not be refunded. Damages and Insurance – Organizers are not responsible for any damages occuring due to illness, accidents, damage to luggage, or any direct or indirect damage that might take place during the tour. The organizers suggest each traveler insure himself in order to cover all these damages. The company reserves the right to change the itinerary of the tour without previous notice due to weather conditions, new national park regulations or unexpected circumstances. Prices might change due to Airlines new taxes or additional local taxes Luggage: One average size suitcase of 20 kg + 1 handbag for each passenger. Extra luggage fees will be collected by airlines. Travelers to South America might be allowed to carry extra luggage – check before flight Documents – passport validation is strictly under the traveler’s responsibility