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Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands

Published on May 19, 2017 by IBMT

The Galápagos Islands are located in the Pacific Ocean, 1,000 km from South American land. There are 19 islands in all, and the surrounding marine environment has often been referred to as a “living museum of evolution”. Quite the “melting pot” of marine life, the Galápagos are simply abounding with unusual animal species – all of which inspired Charles Darwin and his theory of evolution. For seasoned tourists, the Galápagos Islands are on the so-called “bucket-list”.

The Galápagos are an archipelago of islands sprinkled some 1000 km from Ecuador’s west coast.  They are considered to be a DOUBLE World Heritage site because both the land and sea are protected equally. Each island is unique to itself, with a singular landscape, beautiful white sandy beaches, and turquoise-blue waters. For those who have never envisioned this type of destination, it may be time to reconsider, particularly with the expertise of IBMT Tours.

As one of the smallest countries in South America, Ecuador is natural, beautiful, and bio-diverse. With IBMT Tours, it’s easy to explore natural and historic sites in well-planned and organized fashion. Scenic walking tours include Quito City’s historic buildings, and a taste of traditional Ecuadorian cuisine. And in Puerto Ayora (on Santa Cruz Island), visitors will learn about the huge contribution that Charles Darwin has made to science (Charles Darwin Research Station).

With IBMT Tours, the travel options are virtually endless – from rafting in the beautiful waters of Quito; to swimming with the sea lions in Tortuga Bay; to biking in the Cerro Mesa Ecological Area. This is truly an adventure that shouldn’t be missed.  Ecuador and the Galápagos are sure to satisfy even the most demanding of tourists, with the rich culture, breathtaking natural environment, and fabulous food. IBMT Tours offers three excellent touring packages.

11 Days – Andes and the Galápagos Islands

This tour package includes an exploration of Quito City and the “Middle of the World” (the spot dividing the Northern and Southern Hemispheres).  On the island of Santa Cruz, an opportunity to visit a scientific turtle reserve, as well as the Charles Darwin Research Station. Before returning to Quito, a visit to the Galápagos, for a yacht excursion to one of the islands.

7 Days – Ecuador Historic Touring

Arriving in Quito, this tour is full of historic travels, including a visit to Otavalo where the local Otavaleños sell their goods on a barter system. A guided tour of Quito includes the Government Palace, Archbishop’s Palace, and La Compañia Church (recognized for its amazing gold altars). Also included is a train ride to the famous “Devil’s Nose” (encrusted in the Andes).

8 Days – Quito and the Galápagos

In addition to Quito, a visit to the village of Cotacachi (shopping for leather goods) and Peguche, to view a traditional workshop of Andean instruments. After a flight to the Galápagos, ferry service to the island of Santa Cruz. Truly remarkable, this is where the Theory of Evolution emerged, and where visitors can observe the world-renowned Giant Turtles.

Find out more about IBMT Tours by visiting the website at www.ibmttours.com or calling 1.877.977.4268.

TestimonialsTestimonials

Still traveling but wanted to thank you for planning a marvelous trip.  It is truly a trip of a lifetime.

Best, 

Susan Lachtman

 

The IBMT Bar Mitzvah tour was fantastic! It was the perfect blend of family time and peer group time, of sites with religious/historic significance and just plain fun. The guide was personable and informative, and even the bus driver was great. All the details were attended to and you didn’t have to concern yourself with or worry about a thing. It was a true vacation. We would highly recommend it to anyone. If you are going to Eilat, Petra is a must!

We went on a church group to the Holyland with IBMT Tours and had a great trip, everything was planned for us perfectly. There was over 123 people in four different bus groups and things went smoothly, I thought it was going to be hectic with that many people in the group but IBMT did a wonderful job and made sure the buses did not go convoy, every bus had its own time table and itinerary for the day, our guide Dani was so knowledgeable and loving. We love you IBMT and we will recommend you guys. Thanks for everything you have done for us.

We just returned from Israel on an IBMT Bar Mitzvah Tour for our three grandsons.  We had enough family members to warrant our own bus.  After checking out many tour companies we went with IBMT and all of us were glad we did.  The hotels were fabulous and the rooms allotted even more so.  From the INBAL in Jerusalem, KFAR BLUM in the Galilee, the SHERATON in Tel Aviv, to the ROYAL BEACH in Eilat we couldn’t have asked for more.  Our meals were equally excellent.  Beginning with a welcome reception at the INBAL to the closing dinner at the CANAAN restaurant in Tel Aviv one and all loved them.

It was a busy tour made even more so by my husband who was determined the grandchildren see “everything”.  Fortunately for us, we had the best guide when Ornan (from IBMT) gave us GADI.  All of the groups loved their guides but Gadi was  special.  He was able to reach the kids (ages 7-13) as well as the adults.  His knowledge, willingness to adjust the schedule, and good nature gave him a soft spot in all of our hearts.  He filled in at Yad Vashem when the guide droned on a bit too much for some of us.  He searched out a cemetery where a father, grandfather and great grandfather was buried and proceeded to enlighten us on the rituals and customs of a military cemetery.  He adjusted our times to include those little extras.  When weather precluded the camels, we visited Qumran.  After the Bar Mitzvahs, some wanted to walk down Masada - again, no problem. 

We loved everything.  Friday night dinner with an Israeli family (coincidentally the husband was from Toronto), meeting the soldiers on the kibbutz, the Druze lunch, sampling different foods at the shuk, the bullet factory and on and on.  Although the weather was precarious in December, it didn’t stop us and we were able to celebrate Chanukah in Israel...menorahs  everywhere, sufganiyot of every kind, celebrations in the street galore.

Would we recommend this tour...without a moments hesitation.  We had a family trip of a lifetime.  Thank you also to our bus driver Louie, whom we all loved and who got us around safely. 

“Gadi” - what else can we say ... g double o - d, j-o-b. Good job, good job.  V-e-r-y-n-i-c-e, very nice, very nice.💕

 

 

I cannot imagine a better, more organized, more perfect experience! IBMT went above and beyond all expectations!

Loved the trip! The itinerary was fantastic and really kept us moving. We were able to see and do so much. Best of all was our tour guide Natalie. She was very kind, patient and extremely knowledgeable on every aspect of Israel.

5/5
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