Melissa Miller & Steven Gilbert

Melissa & Steven

May 18, 2013

Melissa Miller & Steven Gilbert

Melissa & Steven

May 18, 2013

We're going to Ecuador - Galapagos Islands and the Amazon!

Both Steve and Melissa met while obtaining their Master's degree in Latin American studies, so it is only appropriate to begin the new step of their lives together with a trip to Latin America. Ecuador, one of the smaller Latin American countries, is known for its biodiversity, its colonial cities, and the Galapagos islands. The capital, Quito, will be the main arrival point for our trip, and we plan to take some time to soak in the colonial history behind the buildings, shops, and museums. The second part of our trip will be a 4 day excursion to the Oriente (literally meaning East). This area of Ecuador is home to the outer edges of the Amazon rainforest, in which we hope to learn about one of the greatest and largest rainforests in the world, and all the species of animals and plants that thrive there. The last leg of our journey will take place in the Galapagos Islands, more than 621 miles from the coast of mainland Ecuador. The islands are known for their large tortoises, and Charles Darwin's visit. To discover and learn as much as we can about the islands we will take a yacht to several of the islands.

We hope that with your help, this vacation will not only be a great start to our lives together but will be one we will remember for times to come.

Our Registry

Honeymoon Gear
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Lonely Planet Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. This is the best guidebook so we can find our way!
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Some nice hiking backpacks for us as we make our way to the Amazon and the Galapagos
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Hiking apparel including lightweight convertible pants and some long-sleeved lightweight shirts for all those trips in the forests of the Amazon
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Bug spray to keep those nasty mosquitos from eating us.
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New swim gear for the beaches of Ecuador
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Hiking boots for all those planned treks through the rainforest and on the trails of the Galapagos islands
$4000
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$100
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Sun screen so we come back tan and not red
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A pair of binoculars to see the several different kinds of toucans, macaws, and other wildlife in the Amazon
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Guided City Tour of Quito. Melissa and Steve will visit key sites including museums and churches that exude Ecuadorian culture and their Spanish heritage.
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Horseback Riding - Let's bring out our inner cowgirl and cowboy! This guided tour allows us to view some of the island's most beautiful areas and ends with a sunset ride along the beach.
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Visitor Fee for the Galapagos National Park. Funds from the entrance fee are used to finance conservation of biodiversity including flora and fauna as well as terrestrial and marine life.
$5000
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Boat trip to Isla Santa Cruz. This is the largest of the Galapagos Islands with some of the best beaches. Possible activities include sunbathing with flamingos and swimming with the turtles.
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Boat trip to Islas Seymour. This island is home to the largest and active seabird colonies, including those of the famous blue-footed boobies.
$5000
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A Guided hike along the Tiputini trail in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Along the hike it is possible to see a exotic wildlife including Golden-Mantled Tamarins, two-toed sloths, and the white-faced capuchin monkey .
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Cowabunga! Ok so these aren't the ninja turtles, but they are pretty cool. Visit to the El Chato Tortoise Reserve, the only location in the Galapagos to see Giant Tortoises in the wild.
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Boat cruise to Isla San Cristobal. This island has one of the nicest beaches called Cerro Brujo and has a fresh water lagoon. We hope to see some sea lions during our time there as well.
$5000
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Visit to Isla San Salvador. During our visit, we will get to check out the black lava shoreline and other lava formations found in Puerto Egas. Let's hope the volcano doesn't erupt while they are visiting!
$5000
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A visit to Isla Isabela, the Galapagos's largest island in which we hope to see some volcanoes and lots of penguins.
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Tour of the Charles Darwin Research Center, where all the cool giant tortoises and big lizards roam.
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Visit to the Napo Wildlife Center's observation tower where Steve can see a toucan in the wild! Help check this off his bucket list.
$2500
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Spending Money for Malecón 2000 in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Malecón 2000 is the name given to boardwalk overlooking the Guayas River. It includes ponds, playgrounds, gardens, restaurants, the anthropology museum, an IMAX theatre, and tons of shops.
$2500
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A relaxing couples massage after a long day of trekking around Quito
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An Ecuadorian breakfast in Bed - What could be better? Mimosas required.
$5000
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Accomodations at Hotel Vieja Cuba in Quito where Melissa and Steve will sip Mojitos and embrace cuban culture!
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Airfare - from Washington D.C. to Quito. Melissa and Steve will catch up on lots of movies and try to get some sleep before the start of their adventure..
$5000
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A Canvas Photo from our trip. Melissa and Steve will take one of their photos from the trip and blow it up onto a canvas to hang in their living room, allowing them to reflect upon their trip for years to come.
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Support indigenouse culture and help Melissa and Steve purchase local art to adorn their apartment
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One night in the honeymoon suite at the Napo Wildlife Center, a luxurious eco-lodge in the Ecuadorian Amazon. The suite includes a king size bed, a jacuzzi, and a rear balcony with a spectacular view of the forest.
$5000
6/6
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Roundtrip Airfare from Quito to Coca, a small town in the Amazon.
$8000
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Early morning flight from Quito to the Galapagos.
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An afternoon snack of homemade icecream in copper bowls at La Heladeria de Saint Augustine, a small family run icecream locale since 1858.
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Lunch at Fruteria Monserrate, a restaurant in Old Town in Quito, which is best known for giant bowls of tropical fruit smothered in raspberry topping and whipped cream (yes, we will be having this for dessert).
$1000
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A ride on the TeleferiQo, a sky tram to the top of Volcan Pichincha, one of the places known for scenic views of the entire city of Quito.
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A purchase of some local crafts from Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal, a local market known for Ecuadorean style clothing and artistry in Quito.
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A mid-morning coffee at Cafe Mosaico, a small cafe with a beautiful view of Quito. A perfect way to start one of our mornings in the city.
$1000
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A romantic dinner at the restaurant ,La Cueva del Oso (literally translated as the Cave of the Bear), known for its Ecuadorean specialties.
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An evening of drinks and live Latin music at Vox Populi, the hippest bar in the historic district of Quito.
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Admission and Transportation to La Mitad del Mundo (the middle of the World) the point at which the equator crosses Ecuador. Steve as a map maker wants be at the 0 degree of latitude mark!
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A luxurious honeymoon Suite at Hotel Cafe Cultura in Quito. The stunningly decorated suite incorporates features of the buildings original design. Painted frescoes adorn the old, imposing and wide walls and the room overlooks a private garden.
$10000
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Luxurious one night stay at the Oro Verde Hotel. One of the nicest hotels in Downtown Guayaquil, conveniently located near Guayaquil's Malecon 2000 boardwalk. After a busy day in town, Melissa and Steve can relax in the pool
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A traditional Ecuadorian lunch at Pique y Pase in Guayaquil. Popular dishes include: bolon verde (fried plantains with mashed cheese), humitas (corn dumpling steamed in a corn husk), and guatita con moro lentejas
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