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2022 Tour: Quito & The Galapagos Islands

March 6, 2022 By Patty Moss

Dinner onboard the Galapagos catamaran

With sea lions lounging in the sand, turtles nesting close to the water and marine iguanas sunning on rocks, saying the Galapagos is very different from other beach destinations is a major understatement. Usually, when you look into traveling to a beach destination, you think of simply lying on the shore while waves crash with a cocktail in hand. Visiting the Galapagos is very different. The cocktail in hand wasn’t different but the entire experience was so much more than just your typical beach vacation.

But I digress…this tour started in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Quito, Ecuador. Quito is isolated in the Andes at an elevation of 9350′. The city is spread along the slopes of the Pichincha Volcano. What first impressed me was how the city and its residential areas are all over the hillsides – everywhere you look. We arrived at night the city was lit up by houses from top to bottom with very steep streets. The lights seemed to glisten in every direction – it was the up and down that was so different.

First impressions can be positive or negative, as we all know. One of my first was the sincere warmth and welcoming of the Ecuadorian people. Of course we were American tourists, but this was the case throughout the entire trip from everyone we met – guides, storekeepers, artisans, waiters, hotel workers, individuals on the street and the staff on the boat. There is genuine politeness from the Ecuadorian people. I felt very comfortable in Ecuador.

The continuous rain in Quito wasn’t so nice but it’s called ‘travel’.  We, nevertheless, went up the Quito Teléferico to see views of the Andes. Led by our guide, Paulo, we arrived at the top to see only clouds hovering over the mountain peaks. At 12, 943′, the air was thin but so fresh with all the rain. Some guests hiked up to the swing and just celebrated where they were. No view, just clouds but an invigorating experience, nontheless.

The Teleférico policewomen offered to take a photo of the group.
So we invited them to join the photo instead.

Dinner at Nuema Restaurant in Quito was something everyone raved about! It was 14-artisan courses prepared by an Ecuadorian chef, Alejandro Chamorro, who worked at Noma in Copenhagen & Astrid & Gaston in Lima. True perfection!  Our group sat outside under a tent for dinner. The views of Quito at night were outstanding!

We flew to the Galapagos the next day.  After a two-hour flight to Baltra Island, we transferred to Catamaran Alya. Our naturalist guide, Juanito, met us at the airport and a fantastic crew welcomed us on board. I was immediately struck by how impeccably this boat is run. Everything is in order, all procedures are in place and it operates without a hitch – emergency procedures, how to board the boat, how to get into the panga with a lending hand on moving seas, organization of wetsuits & and snorkeling equipment kept for each guest, maintaining a clean boat (they cleaned room 3x/day) – everything was performed with great attention to detail! We were in safe and capable hands as managed by the captain. He runs a tight ship and the crew pulls it off seamlessly with graciousness. For four days we had the privilege of being on this beautiful vessel and enjoying the experience of cruising the Eastern Galapagos Islands. 

The pirates were the crew who surprised us by one evening by capturing each guest for a dance and to play ‘animals of the Galapagos’ charades. Silly and fun!

I can’t say enough about our certified naturalist guide, Juanito. He was born in the Galapagos and worked as a ranger for the Galapagos National Park. He is a great guy and unbelievably knowledgeable – a true local. What impressed me most was the respect he had for the animals.

Marine Iguana, Sea Lion Pup, Green Sea Turtle, Blue Footed Bobbies, Frigatebird, Giant Galapagos Tortoises

The chef showed us how to make Ceviche using the freshest of fish and fresh lime juice. Don’t let it sit in the lime juice too long or it over-cooks the fish. This was delicioso!

Lastly, a tour is only successful when the guests’ expectations are met or surpassed. It’s safe to say they were happy and enjoyed themselves on this trip! 

Filed Under: Blog, Galapagos, Uncategorized

Maine 2021: A Windjamming & Culinary Adventure

October 25, 2021 By Patty Moss

What would a unique and adventurous summer tour to Maine look like for my guests – many of which had never been to Maine?  What could we do that would leave lasting memories and allow new friendships through shared experiences?  What about the stunning coastal scenery, the outstanding seafood offerings and the smorgasbord of outdoor activities Maine has to offer? There is also, of course, the important history of Maine, the Portland port and its ships throughout America’s history. My goal was to give everyone a nice combination of experiences and integrate Maine’s stunning scenery, outdoor activities and its unforgettable sea/farm-to-table local cuisine. The sense of getting away, learning, making new friends and having old-fashioned belly laughs is what life is about.  In that, I think we succeeded!


Portland 5-Lighthouse Bike Tour
A 25-mile ride (some opted for the van), the Portland breakwater, important lighthouses and historic sites, beautiful scenery of the city, fantastic lobster rolls enjoyed in the park


Luke’s Lobster, Portland
A sustainable lobster industry presentation (given by Luke’s dad, a lobster fisherman), learning how to open and eat a lobster, our tour leader, Cristina’s, big birthday celebration, sorry, ‘Larry the Lobster’, but you were delicious!


Sailing on a 150-year old Maine Schooner
Penobscot Bay scenery, an adventure a minute, helping raise the sails and lift the anchor (no engine or modern equipment on this boat!), a fantastic crew, the sea breeze, a great chef who prepared 3 full meals/day, beautiful sunsets, many laughs, the incomparable Captain Noah – and, a hurricane that missed us!


Captain & Crew’s Onshore Lobster Bake
The best lobster anyone had ever eaten – ever –  freshly steamed in seaweed, eating lobster on the beach, cracking open the lobster shells with a rock, more lobsters eaten than anyone cares to admit. So basic and so perfect!


Samoset Resort
Time for a good shower and a really comfy bed, creature comforts for a couple of days.


Garden/Farm Tour & Dinner at Primo Restaurant
A private tour by the garden manager with tips for how he grows their extensive produce for the restaurant, an unforgettable farm-to-table meal; great wine selected by our tour leader, Claude. Owner/Chef Melissa Kelly is a two-time James Beard award winner and you know why once you take the first taste!  So fresh, so delicious with subtle flavors from the garden.


Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park 
(optional add-on tour)
Ocean Path – incredibly beautiful! 


Testimonials

“Thank you for a great trip! We saw and did things that we might not have done had we been on our own.”

M.R., Boulder, CO

“The best trip I have ever taken!” 

J.P., Kansas City, KS

“Sailing on a historical schooner.. the cool breeze is blowing my hair and sweeping across my body. Am I dreaming? No, this is real.”

L.P., Sonora, CA

Filed Under: Blog, Maine

Cruise the Galapagos Islands on Catamaran Alya

September 16, 2021 By Patty Moss

Experience the archipelago onboard the M/C Alya Luxury Catamaran, also known as ‘The Jewel of Galapagos’.  Its design represents the beauty and uniqueness of this exotic paradise. Enjoy the unforgettable experience, delightful cuisine and personalized service in a comfortable and exclusive environment. The Alya was built in 2017 and is one of hte the newest boats in the Galapagos. This luxury-class 16 passenger catamaran offers 9 comfortable cabins as well as a number of social gathering areas. The itinerary includes hiking, snorkeling, beach visits, kayaking and paddleboarding. The onboard guide/certified naturalist provides two excursions per day on land or water.

This catamaran design offers smoother cruising in the seas surrounding the Galapagos Islands. Alya’s eight crew members and bilingual naturalist guide assure a safe and informative journey.  Sit back and relax on the Alya while taking in these exquisite islands on a 6 day/5 night cruise: North Seymour, South Plaza, Santa Fe, San Cristobal, Española, Floreana, Santa Cruz Highlands. They are chock-full of wildlife.

Included with the catamaran: 

  • Transfers in the Galapagos
  • Accommodations in a double cabin (king or two beds)
  • 3 meals per day; local and international cuisine
  • Certified naturalist bilingual guide
  • Two visits and excursions per day
  • Use of snorkeling equipment and wetsuits
  •  Kayaks
  • Stand-up paddleboards

Boat specifications:

  • Length: 105 ft 
  • Beam: 43 ft
  • Capacity: 16 passengers
  • Accommodations: Maine Deck (4 double, 1 single),  Upper Deck (4 double); all with balconies except the single room

Testimonials

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Filed Under: Blog

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Reasons to Travel with Pack a Fork!

  • Small group tours - no more than 15 guests + two guides and one tour director for a more personal experience
  • Guides who are experts on the culture of the region, food, wine, art, history, the language and local customs
  • Staff who truly care about guests receiving more than they anticipated
  • Tours that include must-see sites and off-the-beaten path experiences
  • Trips that are about learning, camaraderie and fun with the, always necessary, down-time added to the itinerary
  • Gourmet food experiences from meals in restaurants and cafes to hands-on cooking classes and gourmet picnics - always with local artisan foods
  • Wine education and tastings in a particular region
  • Visits to local marketplaces to learn about artisan foods and products
  • Carefully selected private dining experiences that are varied, local and unique
  • Opportunities to try new foods and preparations of the region
  • Local experiences that allow guests to feel a part of the culture by meeting its people
  • Carefully selected accommodations
  • Private transportation on a chartered coach for traveling across country
  • Walking, hiking and other outdoor activities
Contact Pack a Fork! LLC • Phone: 303-593-1680 • Email: info@packafork.com