Take the family on a 5-day multi-activity trip

Get active with our  walking and horse-riding adventure holiday to the North of Ecuador.

Family travel to Ecuador helps you to experience and enjoy the way of life in this diverse Andean country, including discovering fascinating Afro-Ecuadorian communities.

On our Northern loop you hop along the iconic Equator line, visit Otavalo’s famous and vibrant market and visit a local community.

An array of activities including horse riding and walking are sure to keep the little ones busy, while you explore the culture and scenery.

 

More on family travel to Ecuador

This trip aims to provide the right balance of exploration and action for children of all ages.

At the same time there is plenty of opportunity for you to unwind at our child-friendly haciendas with plenty of games and entertainment to keep the kids happy.

We realise all children are different and can amend this itinerary to suit your family, including your favourite activities at the right level of action for your children.



Trip Highlights

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  • Active tour for all the family, whatever your interests.

  • See condors, ride horses and bikes and hike to local communities.

  • Relax in evenings at lovely haciendas with plenty to occupy the kids.

  • Fully flexible itinerary to meet everyone's needs.

A fantastic experience that I would happily recommend to anyone interested and has left me with a taste for more.

M. Ackroyd, Ecuador

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Full Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer Quito to north, via Equator and Condor rehabilitation centre, Hacienda

Departing from Quito, we travel north to the ‘lake district’ of Ecuador. Our first stop of the day is at theQuitsato museum with its unique sundial, which marks the spot where the Equator line crosses Ecuador. Here we can hop from North to South and learn all about this important dividing line.

We then continue on to the town of Cayambe to see the local bakers at work and sample their bizcochos, a delicate savoury biscuit, served with coffee or hot chocolate and fresh cheese or dulce de leche.

After enjoying the wonderful views of the San Pablo Lake at the base of the Imbabaura Volcano we continue on and soon reach Parque Condor. At this rehabilitation centre for birds of prey and condors we find out more about the mighty birds of the Andes and can marvel at condors up close.(Opens Wednesday to Sunday)

A little later we enter beautiful cloud forest and visit the mighty Peguche waterfall, deemed to be a sacred site. We reach our home for the next 4 nights, the lovely Hacienda Chorlavi. Here we can make use of the swimming pool, gardens and common areas–a perfect place for the little ones.

Overnight Hacienda Chorlavi

Day 2: Excursion by bike or on horseback, Chachimbiro hot springs, Hacienda Pantavi (B,L)

After breakfast we set off to explore the local area and its lovely countryside on horseback. Driving to a near-by hacienda we depart on horses (ride suitable for beginners) for a two-hour ride through the local communities and farmlands of the Otavalo region.

We can see how the people of the region cultivate the lands, and enjoy the lovely countryside views within a back drop of mountains and volcanoes.

Later we are welcomed into the rural community of San Clemente, where the local families share with us their indigenous traditions, beliefs and culture. A wonderful experience, where we learn about their medicinal plants, walk through their lands and share stories and experiences with them. Lunch is included at the community.

For those who prefer not to horse ride we can include a full day visit to the San Clemente Community.

Overnight Hacienda Chorlavi

 

Day 3: Train ride Ibarra - Salinas, exploring local Afro-Ecuadorian communities, Hacienda Pantavi (B)

This morning we visit Lago Yahuarcocha on the outskirts of the city of Ibarra, where we can enjoy an easy walk along the banks of the lake, surrounded by pretty mountain views.

A variety of playing areas and look outs will keep the children entertained.

Later we can visit one of the city’s historic ice-cream parlours where we can see how they prepare the handmade “helados de paila” and sample the end product.

Free time in the afternoon.

Overnight Hacienda Chorlavi

 

Day 4: Morning walk, afternoon at leisure at Hacienda Pantavi (B)

Overnight Hacienda Chorlavi

Day 5: Visit Otavalo market, return to Quito (B)

After breakfast it is time to leave Chorlavi as we make our way back to Quito, but not without stopping at the town of Otavalo, famous for local handicrafts, colourful weaving and traditions and its market where we can browse and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.

We then return to Quito where we drop you off at your hotel

Please note: Saturday and Wednesday ar the busiest days, on other days the market is smaller which can make it easier for browsing.


Prices From $1,189 / £967 per person

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What's Included?

Private transport, English speaking guide, accommodation in double or triple standard rooms, mentioned meals (B=b’fast, L=lunch, D=dinner), mentioned excursions including all necessary safety equipment, entrance fee to Quitsato & Parque Condor

What's Not Included?

International flights, hotel in Quito (can be added), drinks, personal expenses, travel insurance, meals and activities not listed and tips, spa treatments in Chorlavi


Accommodation

Hacienda Chorlavi is the base for this tour in the north of Ecuador.

The Hacienda is in a lovely location, ripe for exploring the local area.

There is also a bar, restaurant and small spa including a Jacuzzi.

Chorlavi also has a swimming pool, gardens and common areas as well as a large playground.

Tour Staff

You’ll be shown around by bilingual Ecuadorian guides with many years’ experience.

Our local drivers and support staff have worked with us for many years.

Staff employed at the lodges are generally from the local communities.


Meals

Almost all dietary requirements can be catered for – please ask us for more information.

Breakfasts at hotels will feature teas, coffees and juices to drink, plus cereals, fruit, eggs, toast and jams etc.

While out on tours and where lunch is provided, we either supply a packed lunch of sandwiches, snacks, soup, fruit etc, or we eat at a local restaurant/hacienda. These are often buffet style with soups, rice, pasta, potatoes and then puddings/fruit.

Our accommodation will provide evening meals. In general, it’s a soup for starters followed by an Ecuador inspired main dish – some international meals may be available at certain lodges.

Activity Level

Your trip is a private trip, making it a very flexible trip for you and your family.

The itinerary can be adapted to suit your preferences and needs and our guides are flexible and used to guiding families with children, so they know that sometimes plans for the day might change depending on the little ones.

Enquire about booking

Practical Information

Introduction to Ecuador

Ecuador is the second smallest South American country, and one of the most varied.

It comprises three main geographical areas: the coast, highlands and Amazon plus is home to the Galapagos Islands.

Because of its relatively compact size, it makes a great holiday destination as you can move from highlight to highlight fairly easily and rapidly.

Geography of Ecuador

Landscapes vary from the drier south to the more humid north.

The Highlands, or sierra, encompass two Andean Cordilleras (the Central and Western), which run north to south through the country. Ecuador’s largest volcano is Chimborazo (6,310m) whose summit, because of its proximity to the equator, is the closest point on earth to the sun. Several of Ecuador’s volcanoes are still active, and it’s a great area for trekking.

Descending the steep, east-facing slopes of the eastern Cordillera, one passes through a transition zone comprising dense cloud forest and humid high jungle, before entering the Amazon lowlands.

This mainly primary rainforest covers a third of the country, accounts for 5% of the population and stretches across Ecuador, from its Colombian to its Peruvian borders.

The Galapagos Islands are simply unique. Lying 600 miles off the mainland, the archipelago comprises the summits of gigantic equatorial volcanoes.

The flora and fauna of the Galapagos, long separated from their continental cousins, have evolved differently. Charles Darwin used his observations there to develop his theory of Evolution.

Weather in Ecuador

Ecuador lies between latitudes 4º south and 2º north. Overall, climate varies according to time of year, altitude and region.

 

The Sierra 

In the Ecuadorian highlands, there is little temperature variation by season as temperature depends largely on altitude.

In Quito, shade temperatures range from 6 to 10ºC in the morning and from 19 to 23ºC in the afternoon, with cool nights. In the lower basins between mountains, it gets significantly warmer.

Rainfall depends on whether an area lies closer to the eastern or western Andes. To the west, June-Sept is the dry period and Oct-May the wet (with often a short, dry spell in Dec or Jan).

The best period to visit Quito and trek and climb volcanoes such as Cotopaxi is the west Andean dry season of June-Sept and Dec/Jan. This is also Ecuador’s high season. During the Oct-May wet season, most rainfall is in the afternoons.

To the east, Oct to Feb are dry and Mar-Sept are wet. Overall, the southern highlands are drier than the northern highlands.

 

The Coast

On the Pacific coast, rainfall becomes less from north to south. The coast can be enjoyed year-round, although from June-Sept mornings are often grey with the garua mists.

Jan-May is the hottest and rainiest time of year.

 

The Amazon

In Ecuador’s Amazonian region, rain can fall at any time, but Dec-March is usually the driest season and Mar-Sept is usually the wettest period.

 

The Galapagos Islands

Galapagos can be visited at any time of year.

The warm season is Jan-Jun, bringing calm, warm waters (around 70°F) and sunny days (72-9°F or 22-32°C), February and March being the hottest and sunniest months with blue skies and sunshine.

The islands receive slightly more rainfall during these months, occasional heavy bursts in the afternoon. Great for snorkelling and you can spend a lot of time in the water without wetsuits, with great, clear waters.

The dry ‘garua’ season is Jun-Dec an it’s a great time for marine life. August and September are the coolest when you may need a jacket in the evenings and the sea can be choppy and temperature drops around 15-24ºC on average.

There can be mist on the islands in the mornings (garua) which usually burns off by midday leaving overcast skies or a sunny afternoon.

Sea temperatures may drop to 60°F- 72°F (15-22°C) during this time and snorkellers will want a wet suit for prolonged periods in the sea.

 

Ecuador mainland climate

Ecuador lies between latitudes 4º south and 2º north. Overall, climate varies according to time of year, altitude and region.

In the Ecuadorian highlands, there is little temperature variation by season; this depends largely on altitude.

In Quito, shade temperatures range from 6 to 10ºC in the morning and from 19 to 23ºC in the afternoon, with cool nights. In the lower intermontane basins, it gets significantly warmer.

Rainfall depends on whether an area lies closer to the eastern or western Andes. To the west, June to Sept is the dry period and Oct to May the wet (with often a short, dry spell in Dec or Jan).

The best period to visit Quito and trek and climb volcanoes such as Cotopaxi is the west Andean dry season of June to Sept and Dec/Jan. This is also Ecuador’s high season. During the Oct to May wet season, most rainfall is in the afternoons.

To the east, Oct to Feb are dry and March to Sept are wet. Overall, the southern highlands are drier than the northern highlands.

Food and drink in Ecuador

On the coast  

Ceviche de pescado          Raw marinated fish, served with tostado (roasted maize).

Ceviche                             Popular everywhere, is best on the coast.

Ceviche de mariscos       Marinated shellfish. Most varieties of shellfish ceviche – e.g. camaron (prawn) and langostino (king prawn) – are cooked before being marinated. The exception is ceviche de conchas (clams) which is marinated raw.

Langosta                          Lobster (Increasingly endangered, but is still fished illegally).

Empanada de verde         Ground plantain pasty filled with meat, cheese or shrimp.

Sopa de bola de verde     Plantain dumpling soup

Encocadas                       Dishes prepared with coconut milk. Can be shrimp, fish etc.

Patacones                        Fried plantain chips

 

In the Highlands  

Locro de papas               Potato and cheese soup.

Mote                                Burst maize.

Caldo de patas               Cow-hoof soup (with mote).

Llapingachos                  Fried potato and cheese patties.

Empanada de morocho      Ground maize shell filled with meat.

Sancocho de yuca          Vegetable soup with manioc.

Cuy                                Guinea pig

Fritada/Chicharron       Fried pork

Hornado                        Roast pork

Humita                          Ground maize meal wrapped in maize leaf and steamed (sweet or savoury).

Quimbolito                    Similar to humita, but made from maize flour and steamed in a banana leaf (sweet or savoury).

 

Drinks  

Jugos                        Fruit juices are very good, including naranjilla, maracuya (passion fruit), tomate de arbol (tree tomato – like a sweet tomato) and piña (pineapple).

Aguardiente             Unmatured rum (Cristal is nice). Also known as paico, trago and trago de caña.

Cerveza                    Lager-type beer is very popular. Several brands, including Pilsener and Club.


Ecuador’s Amazon rainforest

Some 40% of Ecuador’s and is covered by Amazon rainforest.

As well as being rich in wild life, Ecuador’s rain forest is still home to a multitude of indigenous tribes, some of which have opened their communities to ecotourism.

A 4 or 5-day visit to one of the quality lodges will allow you to venture into beautiful primary forest.

Native guides lead you on verdant forest trails where you will see monkeys, tortoises, frogs and an array of birds including toucans and macaws.

Large mammals like jaguar, tapir and giant anteater have been spotted, but are elusive.

Ecuador’s Cloud Forest

Ecuador’s cloud forest covers its rolling hillsides as they descend from the high Andean plateaus into the rain forest or down to the Pacific coast.

Most of this tropical forest lies between 1,200-2,700m/3,937-8,858ft above sea level, an evergreen, lush and moist forest, teeming with bird  and insect life.

Much of the cloud forest is readily accessible from Quito making it perfect a 2 or 3-day stay.

There are many lodges with virgin forest, home to a dazzling variety of hummingbirds, refreshing waterfalls for swimming, zip lining and wildlife walks.

The humming birds, Cock of the Rock and the chance of spotting larger mammals such as the spectacled bears are just some of the attractions of spending some time in this amazing ecosystem.

Cotopaxi, Ecuador

Cotopaxi National Park is dominated by the almost perfect cone shape of Cotopaxi (5,897m/19,347ft), an active volcano and the second highest mountain in Ecuador after Chimborazo.

The national park is well worth a visit for trekking in the foothills, climbing smaller peaks like Ruminahui, downhill mountain biking, horse riding or just enjoying the National Park itself.

The surrounding páramo is good for bird watching – you may see condors soaring above.

There are lots of lovely hacienda and mountain refugios to stay at in and around the park, and from which there are a variety of walks, horse rides and bike rides for all levels.

 

Ingapirca Ecuador

Ingapirca (meaning wall of the Inca) is just an hour from Cuenca and is the most important Inca archaeological site in Ecuador.

The site is in good condition and consists of a main elliptical building thought to be a sun temple, with typical Inca features such as trapezoidal doorways and niches.

There are Inca trails leading to and from the site, so you can visit on a day trip or incorporate a visit as part of a trekking itinerary.

You can travel here from Cuenca, or make it part of a trip from Baños to Cuenca.

Quito, Ecuador

Ecuador’s vibrant capital Quito sits in a stunning location, surrounded by snow capped volcanoes and many of the  high peaks of the Andean sierra.

There is plenty to do for visitors of all ages and interests. The old town of Quito is a UNESCO world heritage site, with many beautiful churches and colonial facades, a wonderful range of museums and picturesque squares.

For an over view of the city and along the Avenue of volcanoes to north and south and to help with acclimatising  try taking the Teleferico (cable car) up the eastern slope of Pichincha volcano.

At night Quito is a lively city. Head to the modern Mariscal area where tourists and locals alike find a great range of restaurants, bars and night clubs.

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