ZVI LAPIAN TOURS Daily Itinerary SOUTH AMERICA June 4 June 21, 2017 1
Table of Contents Sunday, June 4... 3 Monday, June 5... 3 June 6-9, La Casa Del Suizo, Amazon Rain Forest... 4 Tuesday, June 6... 4 Friday, June 9... 4 Shabbat, June 10... 5 Sunday, June 11... 5 JUNE 12 15, M/V LEGEND, GALAPAGOS ISLANDS... 6 Monday, June 12... 6 Thursday, June 15... 7 Friday, June 16... 7 Shabbat, June 17... 8 June 18 June 21 The Marvelous Valley Cusco Machu Picchu... 9 Sunday, June 18... 9 Monday, June 19... 9 Wednesday, June 21... 9 Detailed schedule JUNE 6 - JUNE 9... 10 Clothing requirements for the Amazon rainforests... 13 RECOMMENDED PACKING LIST... 13 Detailed schedule JUNE 12 15 M/V LEGEND, GALAPAGOS ISLANDS... 14 Detailed schedule June 18-21... 17 2
Sunday, June 4 Arrival at Quito Airport 7:30pm Overnight You will be met by Alberto Tepperman, my assistant, and driven to our hotel. Dinner JW Marriot Hotel, Quito Monday, June 5 08:30AM 1:00PM 2:00PM 6:00PM 7:30PM Overnight Davening will be followed by breakfast. A free morning to enjoy the hotel and acclimatize to the city of Quito Lunch - We will eat lunch at 1:00pm, followed by a city tour of Quito. Depart from the hotel for city tour of Quito. Mincha, followed by Maariv. Dinner Welcome and general remarks. JW Marriot Hotel, Quito 3
June 6-9, La Casa Del Suizo, Amazon Rain Forest Tuesday, June 6 06:15AM 08:00AM Shacharit, followed by breakfast. Depart from the hotel for the Amazon Rain Forest Please see pages 10-13 for the detailed schedule The daily schedule will be as follows: 07:00AM 08:45AM 2:45PM Shacharit, followed by breakfast. Morning activity Return to the hotel for lunch Afternoon activity Friday, June 9 09:00AM Depart our lodge and head back to Quito for Shabbat Arrival at the hotel for lunch. Free Afternoon 5:59PM Overnight Candle lighting at 5:59pm followed by Mincha and Kaballat Shabbat. All davening will be at the hotel. JW Marriot Hotel, Quito 4
Shabbat, June 10 08:30AM Cake and coffee before davening. Davening followed by Kiddush. Shiur by Rabbi Sacks. 12:45PM 4:00PM 5:30PM 6:50PM Mincha, followed by lunch. Lecture about the History of South America in general and Ecuador in particular. Seuda Shlishit followed by Maariv. Tzet Shabat Evening activity to be announced. Overnight JW Marriot Hotel, Quito Sunday, June 11 07:00AM 09:00AM 7:15PM Overnight Shacharit, followed by breakfast. Depart the hotel for a full day tour of COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK AND THE LIMPIOPUNGO LAGOON Depart south from Quito to Cotopaxi National Park. Cotopaxi (5,897 m) is the highest active volcano in the world. Despite the altitude, the Park is home to numerous birds and varied plant life, which can be seeing on a light hike. Northeast lies Rumiñahui(4,557 m) and between the two mountains the plain and lagoon of Limpiopungo. Depending on the day of the week, visit an Indigenous market. We will be having a packed lunch today Mincha in the wilds. Return to the hotel Maariv followed by dinner Early to bed - we have a very early flight in the morning. JW Marriot Hotel, Quito 5
JUNE 12 15, M/V LEGEND, GALAPAGOS ISLANDS Monday, June 12 04:30AM 6:50AM Rise and shine - Departing hotel early Our flight departs Flight Details: Avianca # 1632 Departure Quito 6:50am Arrival Baltra 9:15am. The plane stops in Guayaquil for 45 minutes. We will daven on the plane during the stop. Please remember to pack your Tefillin in your carry-on. Please see pages 15-17 for the detailed daily list of activities The daily schedule will be as follows: 06:30AM 08:00AM 11:00AM 12:00PM 2:30PM 4:00PM 6:00PM 7:15PM 7:30PM 8:00PM Shacharit, followed by breakfast. Leaving the boat morning activity. Back to the boat Lunch, folloed by Mincha Special activity/lecture Leaving the boat for the second daily island visit. Return to the boat Maariv Dinner Lecture 6
Thursday, June 15 After a short visit to Bachas we will transfer to the Airport for our flight to Guayaquil. 10:05AM Depart Baltra Avianca # 1633 Departs Baltra 10:05am Arrives Guayaquil at 12:55pm We will eat a late lunch at the Kosher Pita Grill in Guayaquil the only kosher Restaurant in the Andean region. Time permitting, we will pay a short visit to The Chabad Center in Guayaquil before our flight to Lima. Mincha at Chabad. 6:27PM Depart Guayaquil Avianca # 7390 Departs Guayaquil 18:27 Arrives Lima 20:22 A late snack on arrival at the hotel after Maariv, and a welldeserved rest after a long day. Overnight The Country Club Hotel, Lima Friday, June 16 08:30AM 10:00AM 5:34PM 7:00PM Shacharit, followed by breakfast. All our meals in Lima will be At the Shul a short walk from the hotel. Departure for a city tour of Lima with a visit to the fabulous Larcomar Shopping Mall, located by the Pacific Ocean. Candle Lighting at the hotel followed by Mincha also at the hotel. We will walk to the Shul for Kabbalat Shabbat which begins at 7:00pm. Dinner will at the Shul. Overnight The Country Club Hotel, Lima 7
Shabbat, June 17 08:30AM Coffee and cake at the hotel before davening. Shacharit at the Shul followed by a Community Kiddush. A short talk by Rabbi Cohen after the Kiddush about the Jewish Community of Lime, followed by Lunch. Mincha after lunch. 5:00PM 6:26PM 7:15PM Overnight Seuda Shlishit Tzet Shabat, Maariv and Havdala. Pick up at the hotel for a visit to the enchanted: CIRCUITO MAGICO DEL AGUA (Circuit of Water fountains) Built in 2007, this park comprises the largest fountain complex in the world. You will see a marvelous performance that combines water, lights, Music and holograms working harmony to produce an unforgettable experience. The Country Club Hotel, Lima 8
June 18 June 21 The Marvelous Valley Cusco Machu Picchu Our hotel for the next 3 nights is the Aranwa Boutique Hotel, Cusco. We will be davening and eating all our meals at Chabad, which is a very short walk from the hotel. Davening times and departure times will vary during these 3 days. Sunday, June 18 06:30AM 08:00AM 10:00AM Shacharit, followed by breakfast. Departure from the hotel to catch a flight to Cusco Depart Lima Peruvian Air # 214 Departs Lima at 10:30am Arrives Cusco 11:50. We will transfer to our hotel on arrival. Please see pages 18-19 for the detailed daily list of activities. Monday, June 19 This is our Machu Piccu day, and we will need to get a very early start as the train depart at 08:00AM Wednesday, June 21 This is departure day, and our guests will be transferred to the airport throughout the day. All time details will be given on arrival in Cusco. Goodbye to everyone! You will all be transferred to Cusco Airport in plenty of time for your various flights. I wish you all a safe journey home. Thank you for joining us. Zvi Lapian 9
Detailed schedule JUNE 6 - JUNE 9 LA CASA DEL SUIZO, AMAZON RAIN FOREST- Detailed daily list of activities General 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 Quichua Indian village of Ahuano, La Casa del Suizo overlooks vast expanses of the surrounding tropical rainforest environment. Each of our modern rooms provides full electricity, hot water and ceiling fans to make your stay more comfortable, and an exquisite view which may be peacefully absorbed from the privacy of one s own terrace. With a magnificent panorama of the Napo, our guests may enjoy our swimming pool, outdoor dining area and pool bar, which offer an array of delicious tropical drinks. The hotel s dining rooms offer a wide variety of both Ecuadorian and international dishes, and our buffets cater to vegetarians. Each morning our guests may trek, paddle and swing through the lush, primary rainforest which surrounds the Lodge. Our native guides possess vast knowledge of the diverse local fauna and flora, as well as the medicinal uses of many plants. Don t miss out on this amazing Amazon adventure! Tuesday, June 6 The trip to La Casa del Suizo will depart from Quito, Ecuador s capital, at 8:00am in private transportation. The first leg of our journey brings us to Papallacta, a small mountain village famous for its natural hot springs. continue our journey along a scenic stretch of road which takes us out of the majestic Andes highlands and down into the Oriente, or Amazon region. Along the way there will be several opportunities to stop for photographs, overlooking lush green valleys and beautiful sparkling waterfalls. 10
The road ends at Punta Ahuano, a tiny port town on the North bank of the Napo River, where canoes wait for a late-afternoon 15-minute ride downstream to la Casa del Suizo. The group will arrive with time to get settled, and enjoy a sunset from our swimming pool with a refreshing welcome cocktail and buffet lunch. During days 1-2 and 3 at La Casa del Suizo, our guests will participate in several morning, afternoon and full day activities. These programs will begin after an early breakfast, and will be led by both native and bilingual guides. Wednesday, June 7 Cosano After breakfast the group will board a dugout canoe, and navigate 20 minutes down the waters of the scenic Napo River. The destination is Cosano where during an approximately two hour walk through primary rainforest visitors will have the opportunity to see actual hunting traps which were traditionally used by the local natives in the past. The guides will demonstrate how they work and explain which type of animals was caught in each one. And of course, at all times we will be on the lookout for tropical birds, and point out important aspects of the surrounding vegetation. Just across the river from La Casa del Suizo is Amazoonico, a rescue center for wounded and displaced tropical rainforest animals. Here it is possible to see coatis, tapirs, and several species of monkey, snakes, and a variety of birds, many of which wander around freely Lunch Casa del suizo Later, the group will continue on to the village of Ahuano, where we may learn about several aspects of traditional Quichua culture. A local host will show us how to make chicha, a typical beverage (which of course all may taste), and demonstrate the spiritual cleaning rituals still practiced today throughout the surrounding community. Finally, all may participate in a blowgun target-shooting contest but don t expect to beat the natives! 11
Thursday, June 8 Misicocha Adventure; rafting Adventure This visit consists of a walk through primary and secondary forest trails, along which it is possible to observe distinct species of birds and insects as well as a great variety of trees and medicinal plants. The guides will explain how such plants are used not only in medicine, but also in construction and other important local activities. Along the trails guests may enjoy several opportunities for adventure, such as hanging bridges, and vines for swinging from tree to tree. After the walk, you may choose to eat lunch in the jungle, and later live the incredible experience of building and navigating a raft! On a small river island your guide will show you how to tie balsa logs together, so those who wish can float down the Napo for about an hour back to La Casa del Suizo. The duration of this visit is around 4 hours, and from 5 to 6 hours. The Island : A one-hour walk along a totally flat river island, where one may observe a great variety of plants and insects. Later will go to Mariposario (butterfly house) will have the opportunity to see variety butterfly and their metamorphosis Friday, June 9 After breakfast, the group will depart for the trip up the mountains and back to the city. The group will arrive here between 11H00, and take some time to visit these springs for a soothing swim in their thermal waters before lunch at the Hotel Papallacta. Shortly after noon, we will continue the trip to Quito 12
Clothing requirements for the Amazon rainforests Clothing: Lightweight pants and long sleeved cotton shirts are ideal for walks in the forest. However, if you are more comfortable wearing short sleeves, remember that exposed skin may need a light dousing with insect repellant. During the rain, full waterproof clothing can be uncomfortable as it often gets you wet with sweat instead of water, but rain ponchos are recommendable for tropical cloudbursts. We supply rubber boots up to men s size 14 for walks in the forest interior. Comfortable shoes (or sandals), shorts and t-shirts are fine for around the hotel during meals and free time. And don t forget your bathing suit! RECOMMENDED PACKING LIST Passport Binoculars Camera, Insect repellent Sun protection (sun cream / sunglasses / hat or cap) Water bottle Lightweight long pants and long sleeved shirts for walks Shorts and short sleeves for around the hotel Bathing suit Comfortable shoes and extra socks Small day pack Rain jacket/poncho Plastic bags to protect cameras, binoculars, film, etc... from rain 13
Detailed schedule JUNE 12 15 M/V LEGEND, GALAPAGOS ISLANDS Monday, June 12 Departure Avianca flight #1632 at 06:50 AM, Arriving at 09:15 AM. (Continental Time) Departure from Quito or Guayaquil to Baltra Island (2,30 hours flight). Arriving in Galapagos, passengers are picked up at the airport by our natural guides and taken (ten-minute bus drive) to the pier to board the M/V Galapagos Legend. 12:00 Lunch at the ship (Continental Time) 14:30 special activity; leisure time lecture or deep-water snorkeling 16:00 Visit the Island. PM - Highlands Tortoise Reserve (Santa Cruz Island) Dry landing. In the mountains of Galapagos is possible to admire different kind of birds, such as: tree and ground finches, vermillion flycatchers, paint-billed crakes, yellow warblers, and cattle egrets (usually standing on the tortoises shell). The journey to the reserve offers great opportunities to see the contrasts that the island offers in reference to the variety of ecosystems. The road goes from the coast through the agricultural zone and straight up to the dense humid forests. Often, Galapagos Giant Tortoises are also seen on the way, wandering through pastures in the paddocks. This spot is a birdwatcher haven, since almost every land bird present on the island lives or migrates here. Difficulty level: easy Type of terrain: flat & muddy sometimes (depending on season) Duration: 45 minutes drive / 1,30 hours walk Tuesday, June 13 El Barranco, Prince Philip s Steps (Genovesa Island) Be marveled at the variety of sea life that uses the crevices of the lava cliffs for shelter. Redbilled Tropicbirds fly overhead, switching between their nests and the bay, and a small colony of fur seals may be found near the landing site. You will be dropped off at a steep stairway that begins on rocks at the foot of a path that leads through a seabird colony full of Nazca and Redfooted Boobies. At the plateau, the trail continues inland allowing you to see more nesting booby colonies in the thin Palo Santo forest. Near the end of the trail, over a rocky lava plain, Wedge-rumped Storm Petrels can be observed flying in all directions. If you are lucky, you may catch a glimpse of a Short-eared Owl. Difficulty level: Moderate Type of terrain: rocky - lava 14
Duration: 45 min walk PM Darwin Bay:(Genovesa Island) Disembark onto a small sand and coral beach. A short trail heads west along a tidal lagoon and then up a rocky hill that leads to a point overlooking the cliffs and Darwin Bay. Along the trail near the tidal lagoon, visitors will see pairs of Swallow-tailed Gulls, Lava Gulls, Yellow-crowned and Lava Herons. The trail continues through Palo Santo trees, Opuntia cacti, and Saltbushes inhabited by Great Frigate birds and Red-footed Boobies. This is one of the few places in the islands where visitors are guaranteed to see Red-footed Boobies. It is estimated that more than 200,000 Red-footed Boobies live in the trees and bushes of Genovesa. Difficulty level: Moderate Type of terrain: Mix ( Sand & Lava) Duration: Approx. 2 ½ hours walk Wednesday, June 14 Dragon Hill (Santa Cruz Island) Dry landing. Walk by a brackish lagoon to see flamingos. The trail leads across typical dry zone vegetation. Keeping up until Dragon Hill, see an important nesting ground for endemic land iguanas, offering lovely views of the anchored boats and neighboring islands. The forest is home to mockingbirds, Darwin s finches, yellow warblers, and Galapagos doves. Difficulty level: intermediate Type of terrain: rocky Duration: 2 hours walk PM Santa Fe Island Wet landing. Santa Fe shows white sand beaches surrounded by sea lion colonies; through the island path an endemic cactus forest is passed, home the Santa Fe land iguanas (the largest in the islands). This island is the habitat for a number of species, including: the Galapagos hawk, Galapagos snakes, rice rats (one of the few endemic Galapagos rodents), a variety of finches and one of the four mockingbird species of the archipelago. Difficulty level: intermediate 15
Type of terrain: rocky Duration: 1,30 hours walk / 1 hour deep-water snorkeling Thursday, June 15 Bachas (Santa Cruz Island) Wet landing. On the north side of Santa Cruz; behind the beach lies two small flamingo ponds were iguanas sunbathe, see coastal birds, Darwin finches, mockingbirds, and gulls, as well as interesting native vegetation like red and black mangrove, salt bushes. This beach is one of the main sea turtles nesting sites in the Galapagos. A turtle can lay eggs 3 or 4 times pear season with an average of 70 eggs each time. At this paradisiacal site, we will also find the remains of barges that sank a long time ago, when the United States Navy operated a base during World War II on Baltra Island. Local people modified the word barges to Bachas. Difficulty level: easy Type of terrain: sandy Duration: 1 hour walk / 1 hour snorkeling / beach time Baltra Island airport After the visit, passengers will be transferred to the airport for return flight to Guayaquil. 16
Detailed schedule June 18-21 The Marvelous Valley Cusco Machu Picchu, Maras & Moray Sunday, June 18 Welcome to Cusco! In the afternoon pick up for your City Tour Cusco where you will visit The Cathedral, Koricancha (Temple of the Sun) and the nearby ruins: Qenqo (Ceremonial and Ritual center, place where sacrifices were made), Puca Pucara (this complex was probably used by Emperor Pachacutec as a tambo), Tambomachay (also called The Bath of the Inca ) and Sacsayhuaman Fortress. Return to hotel in Cusco. Altitude Cusco: 3,395 Monday, June 19 MACHU PICCHU CUSCO Very early transfer to train station to board the Vistadome train (08:00/09:25) to Aguas Calientes, panoramic ride, which takes 1 hour and half. Arrival and transfer to the citadel by a bus shuttle service. Afterwards, guided tour throughout the Sacred Citadel of Machu Picchu for 2:30 hours. The visit includes the well-know Intihuatana (the Solar Clock) the Watchtower, the Incas Palace, the Three Windows etc. Then return to the Aguas Calientes by bus for lunch. By the afternoon, return to Ollantaytambo by Vistadome train (16:22/18:10). At your arrival, reception and transfer by private car to hotel located in Cusco. Altitude Machu Picchu: 2,400 Tuesday, June 20 CUSCO PISAC MARKET - MARAS & MORAY - CHINCHEROS In the morning, you will visit the famous Indian market of Pisac and Ruins, a delightful place 17
where you can bargain for the goodies with the local street vendors. Continue to Maras and Moray, first you will visit Maras; these salt-mines have been used since the Tahuantinsuyo. The people channel the salt water that bubbles to the surface from a spring called Qoripujio towards men-made wells. From the exposure to the sun, the water evaporates and the salt remains on the surface to be transported later to the market to be sold. The view of this complex of nearly 3000 wells is spectacular. Then you will visit Archeological complex of Moray, where you can see four slightly elliptical agricultural terraces, that the people call muyus. Many think that this place was an important agricultural experimentation center for the Incas. Through the use of concentric terraces and because the temperature is different in each of their level, all the ecological tiers found in the confines of the Tahuantinsuyo Empire would have been reproduced in this complex. Time for lunch. Then you will visit the town of Chinchero where the most experienced textile artisans of the Cusco region, where you will observe the samples of flat fabric in the textile production centers. Finally return to the hotel in Cusco. Wednesday, June 21 CUSCO LIMA Transfer to Cusco's Airport and you will board your flight to Lima. Arrival and connection with your international flight to your next destination. 18