Copy of A Kosher Odyssey in Ecuador’s Galápagos Islands – Making Ecuador a Must-Destination for Jewish Travelers

 A Kosher Odyssey in Ecuador’s Galápagos Islands – Making Ecuador a Must-Destination for Jewish Travelers

Dear New York readers, for kosher-observant travelers in the United States craving an exotic and life-changing destination, Ecuador’s Galápagos Islands have emerged as a beacon of adventure, culture, and culinary brilliance. A recent tour organized by Galápagos Adventures from February 20 to 27, 2025, showcased this perfect harmony, leaving participants from the Big Apple and beyond awestruck by the breathtaking landscapes and the exceptional kosher food. This article explores the tour experience, highlights the pivotal roles of Shahar Matza and Ishai Eshed, and argues why Ecuador, particularly the Galápagos, is poised to become a must-destination for Jewish travelers from New York and beyond.

The Allure of the Galápagos for Kosher Travelers

The Galápagos Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are famed for their unique biodiversity, inspiring Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. For kosher travelers, the islands offer not only natural wonders but also a rare opportunity to experience a kosher tour that seamlessly blends adventure with religious observance. The tour, organized by Galápagos Adventures in partnership with Gav's Guide, targeted singles and couples aged 24-43, with an early bird price of $2,850 USD for double occupancy until November 23, 2023, rising to $3,000 USD after ([Galápagos Adventures Promotional Flyer](https://galapagosdreams.com.ec/)). Contacts included Moshe Sokol (347-610-0110) and Gavriel Hass (347-962-5559), with nonstop JetBlue flights from JFK to Guayaquil, a 6-hour 39-minute journey, and return flights of 6 hours 33 minutes ([JetBlue Flights](https://www.jetblue.com/)).

The Tour Experience: A Journey of Discovery and Tradition

This eight-day odyssey began in Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city, and ventured into the remote Galápagos Islands, offering a dramatic blend of cultural immersion and natural exploration. The itinerary, detailed in promotional materials (attachment_id:0,1,2), included:

Day 1 (Thursday, February 20):

Arrival in Guayaquil, transfer to Hotel Cedros Inn, a 4-star hotel with a pool, free WiFi, and parking ([Cedros Inn](https://www.cedrosinn.com/)). The evening featured a dinner at Kosher Pita Grill, located at Victor Emilio Estrada 410, Guayaquil, Ecuador ([Kosher Pita Grill](https://www.kosherpitagrill.com/)), with a 4.5/5 rating on Tripadvisor ([KOSHER PITA GRILL Reviews](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g303845-d10042758-Reviews-Kosher_Pita_Grill-Guayaquil_Guayas_Province.html)). Images revealed a modern, warm-lit interior, serving dishes like shawarma and falafel, setting the stage for a culinary journey that would captivate New York palates.

Day 2 (Friday):

Exploration of Guayaquil, including an optional walking tour of Malecón 2000 and Las Peñas neighborhood, meeting local Jewish community leaders to learn about their history and businesses, orientation, ice breakers, and a traditional Friday night meal. This cultural connection was vital, with participants engaging with the nearly 30 Jewish families in the city, enhancing the spiritual dimension for New Yorkers seeking community abroad.

Day 3 (Shabbos, Saturday):

Shabbat observance in Guayaquil, with Shacharit, community meetings, a shiur from the Rabbi, Havdalah, and free time. This day provided a spiritual anchor, ensuring religious needs were met, with kosher meals prepared under rabbinical supervision, resonating with New York’s observant Jewish community.

Day 4 (Sunday):

Flight from Baltra Airport to the Galápagos, arrival, and activities on Santa Cruz Island, including visits to the Twin Craters, Tortoise Farm, and Lava Tunnels. The group stayed at Hotel Galápagos Dreams in Puerto Ayora, with 15 rooms, a restaurant, daily cleaning, air conditioning, free WiFi, and diving/snorkeling equipment ([Galápagos Dreams](https://galapagosdreams.com.ec/)). Images captured a group of 15 in colorful rain ponchos posing with a giant tortoise under a rainy sky, highlighting the camaraderie that New York travelers cherish (attachment_id:6).

Day 5 (Monday):

Trip to Pinzón Island, including Penguin Bay, The Rock, and La Fe/Las Palmitas, with snorkeling encounters with Galápagos penguins and sea turtles, as seen in underwater photos . Evening activities and overnight at Hotel Galápagos Dreams, offering a serene retreat for New York adventurers.

- Day 6 (Tuesday):

Visit to Isabela Island, exploring the Breeding Center, Flamingo Lagoon, and Tintoreras Island, with sightings of flamingos and marine iguanas. A photo of a sea lion sleeping on a bench underscored the islands’ unique fauna, a sight New Yorkers would find both exotic and unforgettable (attachment_id:9). Overnight at Hotel Galápagos Dreams.

-Days 7 and 8 (Wednesday and Thursday):

Details not provided, but the tour concluded on February 27 with a return flight to JFK, leaving New York participants with memories of diverse ecosystems and kosher dining in paradise.

The tour’s success was evident in participant feedback, with one New Yorker noting, "The food was absolutely outstanding, from succulent meats to flavorful vegetables—every meal was a delight." Images of food preparation showed aluminum trays with cooked dishes, handled by staff, one wearing a kippah, ensuring kosher standards . Daily deliveries via LATAM Cargo, with photos of packages at facilities, ensured meals reached the remote islands, a logistical marvel for New York travelers accustomed to urban convenience.

Shahar Matza: The Culinary Maestro Behind Kosher Pita Grill

At the heart of this kosher odyssey stood Shahar Matza, chef and owner of Kosher Pita Grill, the only kosher restaurant in Ecuador, opened in 2015 and now a cornerstone for Jewish travelers from New York and beyond. Matza, who likely took over from initial owner Ofir Belaishe around 2022, has transformed the restaurant into a haven for locals and visitors, offering a fusion of international Israeli, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern cuisine. His menu includes breakfast options like açai bowls, fruits, granola, waffles, and eggs benedict, and main dishes like lamb shishkabab, puff pastry burrecas, hummus with falafel, tahini, shawarma, Moroccan pastries, skewers, beef or lamb burgers, schnitzel salad, salmon, malabi with coconut milk, cornstarch, and rose water syrup, and profiteroles, with Monday to Thursday promotions ([Collive](https://collive.com/ecuadors-only-kosher-spot-is-a-haven-for-locals-and-travelers/)).

Matza explained, "Kosher is not just about the food; it’s a seal of quality, guaranteeing cleanliness, quality, and health," emphasizing the meticulous preparation and supervision under rabbinical oversight ([The Times of Israel](https://www.timesofisrael.com/ecuador-opens-only-kosher-restaurant/)). His restaurant, serving nearly 30 Jewish families in Guayaquil, has expanded its audience beyond the community, remaining closed on Shabbat to respect religious practices—a practice familiar to New York’s Orthodox Jewish population. The logistics of sending daily meals to Galápagos, with fresh ingredients and traditional dishes, showcased his commitment, with participants raving about the flavors, from slow-cooked brisket to crispy potato latkes infused with local herbs, appealing directly to New York’s discerning kosher palates.

Ishai Eshed: Pioneering Sustainable Tourism in Ecuador

While not explicitly mentioned in the tour, Ishai Eshed’s work in sustainable tourism aligns with the vision of making Ecuador a destination for kosher travelers from New York seeking authentic, meaningful experiences. Eshed, an Israeli expatriate, founded Montañitours in Montañita, a licensed tour operator by Ecuador’s Ministry of Tourism, offering 1-5 day packages with activities like diving, horseback riding, and Galápagos tours, focusing on connecting visitors with pristine nature ([Montañitours](https://www.montanitours.com/)). His philosophy centers on "unforgettable experiences," employing local community members and collaborating with organizations like the provincial tourism chamber to develop new offerings, contributing to local employment and cultural preservation—values that resonate with New York’s socially conscious travelers.

Eshed’s broader impact includes co-founding Ayni Green School in Olón, a bilingual (English-Spanish) ecological school emphasizing environmental education and permaculture, accredited internationally ([Ayni Green School](https://sembrando-ayni.org/about-us)). His work extends to conservation projects, like alliances with the Sapara indigenous community in the Amazon to protect 400,000 hectares of rainforest, and initiatives for sustainable living, such as the "Green Village" ecovillage in Olón, promoting bioconstruction and renewable energy ([Un homeschooling florece en Olón - Expreso](https://www.expreso.ec/guayaquil/homeschooling-florece-san-jose-94815.html)).

His over 20 years in Ecuador, highlighted in Hacienda Olonche’s Instagram profile, position him as a leader in responsible tourism, potentially influencing the tour’s community-focused approach—a draw for New Yorkers interested in ethical travel ([Conoce la inspiradora historia de Isahi Eshed, fundador ... - Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/haciendaolonche/reel/C59VHxhxnnu/)).

Why Ecuador is a Must-Destination for Kosher Travelers

Ecuador’s rise as a must-destination for kosher travelers, especially for New York Jews, stems from its unique natural attractions, growing kosher infrastructure, and cultural richness. The Galápagos Islands, with their iconic biodiversity—giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies—offer unparalleled adventure, while Guayaquil’s vibrant Jewish community provides a warm welcome. Kosher Pita Grill, under Shahar Matza’s leadership, ensures kosher dining is accessible, with plans to expand services, making it easier for New Yorkers to explore beyond traditional destinations like Israel or Europe.

The tour’s success, blending nature, culture, and kosher cuisine, demonstrates Ecuador’s potential. Ishai Eshed’s sustainable tourism initiatives complement this, ensuring that visitors from New York contribute to local communities and environmental conservation, aligning with the values of many kosher travelers. With early bird pricing at $2,850 USD and regular rates at $3,000 USD, the tour is accessible, encouraging more New York Jewish travelers to discover Ecuador’s wonders.

Practical Tips for Your Kosher Adventure

For potential New York travelers, pack lightweight rain gear, sturdy walking shoes, modest clothing for Shabbat, and swimwear for snorkeling. Book flights with JetBlue from JFK to Guayaquil ([JetBlue Flights](https://www.jetblue.com/)), and contact Galápagos Adventures for bookings and kosher details. Expect occasional rain and moderate physical activity, but rest assured that kosher meals and spiritual needs will be flawlessly accommodated, thanks to experts like Shahar Matza and the growing infrastructure.

A New Frontier for Kosher Travel

The Galápagos Adventures tour exemplifies that kosher travel can be both adventurous and luxurious, offering New York Jewish travelers a perfect blend of exploration and comfort. For those seeking a destination that combines the thrill of discovery with the peace of mind that comes from observing their religious practices, Ecuador’s Galápagos Islands are the ideal choice. With Shahar Matza’s culinary mastery at Kosher Pita Grill and Ishai Eshed’s sustainable tourism vision, Ecuador is poised to become a must-destination for Jewish travelers from New York, inviting them to explore a world of natural beauty, cultural connection, and kosher delight.

Key Citations

- [Galápagos Adventures Promotional Flyer Details](https://galapagosdreams.com.ec/)

- [Kosher Pita Grill Website and Menu](https://www.kosherpitagrill.com/)

- [KOSHER PITA GRILL Reviews on Tripadvisor](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g303845-d10042758-Reviews-Kosher_Pita_Grill-Guayaquil_Guayas_Province.html)

- [Galápagos Dreams Hotel Accommodation Details](https://galapagosdreams.com.ec/)

- [JetBlue Flights Booking Information](https://www.jetblue.com/)

- [The Times of Israel Kosher Restaurant in Ecuador](https://www.timesofisrael.com/ecuador-opens-only-kosher-restaurant/)

- [Collive Ecuador's Only Kosher Spot Article](https://collive.com/ecuadors-only-kosher-spot-is-a-haven-for-locals-and-travelers/)

- [Montañitours Sustainable Tourism Packages](https://www.montanitours.com/)

- [Ayni Green School Educational Initiatives](https://sembrando-ayni.org/about-us)

- [Un homeschooling florece en Olón - Expreso Education Coverage](https://www.expreso.ec/guayaquil/homeschooling-florece-san-jose-94815.html)

- [Conoce la inspiradora historia de Isahi Eshed, fundador ... - Instagram Profile](https://www.instagram.com/haciendaolonche/reel/C59VHxhxnnu/)