Darwin’s Favourite Islands – What is so Special About the Galápagos Islands?

Published on March 06, 2020 by IBMT

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We’ve all heard the theory of Evolution many times — but how many people can say they’ve learned about it in the exact spot of its origin? The Galápagos Islands, where Darwin journeyed in 1835 to discover his famous theory, are renowned for their biodiversity, beautiful scenery, and timeless legends. The Galápagos Islands are a World Heritage Site, meaning that the United Nations has deemed them of special worth because of their physical beauty and cultural significance. Their contribution to science and our understanding of the world is unparalleled; the plethora of species they inhabit is unique; and the activity they offer is enjoyable for everyone.

The rich educational experience that presents itself first hand in the Galápagos is a once in a lifetime must-see opportunity. The natural and historic sites that the Galápagos offers cannot be found anywhere else, and are definitely worth exploration. A journey to the Scientific Charles Darwin Station in Puerto Ayora, where scientists research conservation of the unique Galápagos ecosystems, will leave you curious and enlightened.

Vacations can be a great break from routine and work — but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be active, engaging, and educational as well. The Galápagos Islands is a destination for people who desire something more than just relaxation in a holiday. Leaving with a purpose, an enlightened view, and a broadening of horizons is exactly what the Galápagos Islands offers. It is a rare feat that you can see urban cities next to natural volcanoes. From zip-lining, Jeep rides, and raft rides to swimming with sea lions, visiting ecological reserves, and lava tunnels, the Galápagos Islands promises to never leave you feeling restless.

However, the excess of activities that offer themselves in the Galápagos are not to compensate for a lack of scenery; in fact, the opposite! You can explore beautiful and unique sites at the “Avenue of the Volcanoes” in Banos City and architectural viewpoints at Quito City’s 17th century cathedral, to name a few. On scenic walking tours, you can also enjoy diverse wildlife; the Galápagos is where Darwin discovered the land iguana and the giant tortoise, two rare but exciting species.

To experience all the sites we’ve covered above in a fascinating, exciting, and well-organized tour, let IBMT guide you through the Galápagos in four days! Alternatively, join a longer tour to Ecuador where you will spend time in the Galápagos as well. IBMT tours are active and engaging, and best of all, pre-planned! Let IBMT do all the organization for you, while you sit back, relax, and enjoy what is, after all, a vacation. Experience the unique culture, fun activities, welcoming people, authentic cuisine, and educational experiences. Don’t pass up the opportunity to visit one of the most unique countries in the world. For more information, visit http://ibmttours.com/package/4-days-live-galapagos/; if you have additional questions or would like to sign up for a trip, you can contact us by phone at (905) 764-9200 or send us an email at info@ibmttours.com.

Click here to view our tours to the Galapagos Island

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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