INCREDIBLE TOURS FEATURING:
The Galapagos Islands’ stunning landscapes, flora, wildlife, and underwater wonders resemble another world. The best way to visit them is on a cruise.
Cruising on a first-class ship like “The Legend” through one of the most beautiful archipelagos in the world is an experience that you will remember forever.
The Andean Highlands around Quito, Ecuador, are known for their breathtaking natural beauty. They feature dramatic landscapes, lush cloud forests, and volcanic peaks. This incredibly diverse area offers everything from high-altitude adventures to tropical forest escapes.
The tour will be led by David and Adina Lebor, with over two decades of experience leading Jewish groups all over the world.
In each venue, we will also have local trackers, guides, and naturalists who are experts in their field.
Ground operations, hospitality, and culinary services for this tour are coordinated by Nir and Dana Azai of Mundo Trip, Israel.
Mundo Trip has worked closely with us on many of our tours in recent years, delivering its expertise to distinctive destinations and unique journeys around the world.
5***** STAR GOURMET MEALS CATERED BY OUR OWN RENOWNED CHEFS & ILANA MIZRAHI, BUENOS AIRES.
Full Board of the highest standard on the Galapagos Legend cruise ship.
Half board in the hotel with a lavish breakfast and a gourmet dinner.
Pack your own lunch from the plentiful breakfast buffet.
The kashrut is Mehadrin min Hamehadrin, Cholov Yisrael, and Pat Yisrael under strict rabbinical supervision.
We will have a Full-Time Mashgiach with us for the entire trip.
Ecuador’s capital and second largest city, founded by the Spanish in 1534, on the ruins of an Inca city, Quito proudly possesses one of the most extensive and best-preserved historic centers of Spanish America. At an elevation of 2818 meters, it is considered by many to be the most beautiful city in South America.
ACTIVITIES ON THE CRUISE
Outbound
Avianca Airlines Flight 7397
Departs JFK: Saturday night, June 13 at 1:20 AM (early Sunday morning)
Arrives Quito: Sunday, June 14 at 6:45 AM
Flight time: 6 hours 25 minutes
Return
Avianca Airlines Flight 7396
Departs Quito: Tuesday, June 23 at 5:15 PM
Arrives JFK: Wednesday, June 24 at 12:35 AM
Flight time: 6 hours 20 minutes
Outbound
Copa Airlines Flight CM737
Departs JFK: Sunday, June 14 at 6:00 AM
Arrives Quito: Sunday at 2:09 PM
Connection: Panama City (2-hour layover)
Total travel time: 9 hours 9 minutes
Return
Copa Airlines Flight CM158
Departs Quito: Tuesday, June 23 at 6:30 PM
Arrives JFK: Wednesday, June 24 at 4:00 AM
Connection: Panama City (1 hour 19 minutes)
Total travel time: 8 hours 29 minutes
This option is currently approximately $500 less expensive than the non-stop flight.
Important Note:
Guests are welcome to book any flights that fit the program schedule. These flights are provided for planning convenience only
Morning - Santa Cruz Island
Morning flight from Quito to Baltra Island
Meet our Galápagos guides and transfer to the pier
Board the Galápagos Legend
Afternoon – Black Turtle Cove (Santa Cruz Island)
Dinghy excursion through a tranquil mangrove lagoon
Spot marine turtles, rays, reef sharks, and diverse birdlife
A protected sanctuary accessible only by sea
Lodging: Galápagos Legend Cruise Ship
Morning – Prince Philip’s Steps (El Barranco)
Observe nesting Nazca and red-footed boobies
Watch red-billed tropicbirds soaring above the cliffs
Optional kayaking, glass-bottom boat, or snorkeling
Afternoon – Darwin Bay
Wet landing on a sandy beach inside a flooded volcanic caldera
Walk among red-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and swallow-tailed gulls
Optional snorkeling or boating activities
Lodging: Galápagos Legend Cruise Ship
Morning – South Plaza Island
Land iguanas, sea lions, and dramatic cactus-covered landscapes
Cliffside views with seabirds and ocean panoramas
Afternoon – Santa Fe Island
Snorkeling in a protected turquoise bay
Time with sea lions, turtles, and reef life
Walk among giant Opuntia cacti and endemic land iguanas
Lodging: Galápagos Legend Cruise Ship
Visit the Santa Cruz Highlands
Encounter wild Galápagos giant tortoises in their natural habitat
Observe highland bird species, including Darwin’s finches
Transfer to Baltra Airport for the flight back to Quito
Dinner
Lodging: The Go Hotel, Quito (5-Star)
After completing our Galápagos cruise, we return to mainland Ecuador to continue the program in Quito and the surrounding Andean highlands. This portion of the journey focuses on cultural exploration, scenic drives, and a relaxed pace before our return home.
Explore Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Visit the Middle of the World monument at latitude 0°0’00”
Return to the hotel by late afternoon in preparation for Shabbat
Shabbat Program:
Mincha
Kabbalat Shabbat
Shabbat Dinner
Oneg Shabbat
Lodging: The Go Hotel, Quito
Davening
Three gourmet Shabbat meals
Zemirot, Divrei Torah, and Shiurim
Shabbat walk and mini lectures
Lodging: The Go Hotel, Quito
Scenic drive north from Quito along Ecuador’s famed Avenue of the Volcanoes
Visit the vibrant Otavalo Market, meeting local artisans
Explore Peguche, known for traditional weaving and Andean instruments
Continue to Cotacachi, famous for fine leatherwork
Visit Cuicocha Lagoon in Cotacachi Cayapas National Park, offering dramatic crater-lake views, subject to local weather conditions
Lodging: The Go Hotel, Quito
Travel northwest from Quito to the lush Mindo Cloud Forest
Visit the Alambi Hummingbird Reserve, home to dozens of colorful species
Scenic stop at one of Mindo’s waterfalls
Lodging: The Go Hotel, Quito
Travel through Ecuador’s dramatic Andean highlands, experiencing the páramo — a rare high-altitude landscape of open skies, sweeping grasslands, and ever-changing light shaped by ancient volcanoes
Enjoy scenic views of Cotopaxi, one of the world’s highest active volcanoes and a defining symbol of Ecuador’s volcanic landscape, weather permitting
This journey is designed for travelers who enjoy a thoughtfully paced, high-quality experience combining nature, culture, and comfort. While the program is not strenuous, it does include walking on uneven terrain, steps, and boat excursions—particularly in the Galápagos. Guests should be able to walk independently without assistance to fully enjoy the tour.
