By Tom Damon
Looking for an international adventure get-a-way this winter relatively close to home? Sunny Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands are open to visitors. Southwind is receiving bookings for 2021 to one of the safest countries to visit during the pandemic.
Ecuador’s spring-like equatorial location has a mild climate with temperatures varying more by altitude than by season. Daytime temperatures are in the mid-70’s. Embrace nature in the Galapagos, Andean highlands and Amazon rainforest.
After a convenient 4 hour non-stop flight from Miami or Fort Lauderdale to Quito (or Guayaquil) visitors show a negative PCR test for Covid-19 within 96 hours of arrival to Galapagos (within 10 days if only visiting the Andes or Amazon region). Passengers are screened for symptoms on arrival and complete a Traveler Health Declaration Form. No quarantine is necessary with a negative test. For those traveling for a few days on Ecuador’s mainland before the islands, a lab approved test can be arranged at your hotel with results usually available within a few hours.
Travelers to the Galapagos Islands can enjoy a natural history cruise of 4 to 7 nights or choose a lodge based visit on Santa Cruz Island. Cruising the archipelago then staying on for a few days at an island hotel has gained favor in recent years. Balance the more structured style of a cruise with self-directed time near the oceanfront village of Puerto Ayora. Walk Tortuga Bay’s white sand beach, snorkel and kayak in quite coves, ride the bike path, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, watch the day’s catch at the small nearby fish market and stroll among shops and fresh seafood restaurants.
For an intimate small ship cruise that adheres to WHO guidelines, Southwind recommends a luxury 16 passenger motor catamaran such as the spacious and modern M/C Endemic and its sister ship M/C Elite. Your own suite onboard has a private bath and panoramic wall-to-wall sliding doors opening to a private balcony. Paddle boards, kayaks and snorkeling gear are provided. A certified naturalist guide leads daily excursions to visitor sites while freshly prepared meals are served by expert chefs in the dining room or al fresco on the deck. Satellite Internet is available onboard if needed. Multi-generation family groups can charter a fully staffed vessel and tour the islands in a personalized way with just the traveling companions you know.
On the mainland, discover Sacha Lodge in the Ecuadorian Amazon tucked away in a 5,000 acre private rainforest reserve. Ideal for family groups and couples, Sacha was recently updated with roomy family suites, hot water showers and A/C. A brand new Canopy Exploration Crane offers a remote controlled 360° experience where kids and adults alike are captivated by a 150 ft ride into the upper reaches of the rainforest in an elevator-like metal basket. Gaze out in all directions in search of colorful toucans and monkeys. The rainforest crane compliments Sacha’s already existing vast canopy walkway system. There is minimal contact with other people because each party has their own private guide (max of 6 guests per guide). Common areas have open air circulation and outdoor walkways connect the rooms.
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