Travel from the high Andes through verdant forest before visiting the ocean, combining the best of Ecuador with a visit to the Galapagos Islands.
See snow-capped volcanoes, swim in waterfall pools, stay at a traditional Hacienda and get close to the famously tame wildlife in Galapagos.
Children and parents love this tour, which we have developed over many years of travelling to the area with our own families.
We know all families are different and can tailor this itinerary to suit perfectly the ages and activity levels of yours.
Kids learn about different cultures and breaking down barriers as we visit a local school, visit Andean musicians or help out in a lodge kitchen.
Haggle at the famous Otavalo market and look for monkeys, hummingbirds and bears in the cloud forest.
Water pays a big part in this trip – waterfalls, river swims and then to the incredible Galapagos islands.
Here, you can snorkel with playful sea lions, darting penguins and serene turtles, setting off from boats or the sandy beaches that have formed on these volcanic islands.
Ecuador and Galapagos are perfect for families looking for an exciting adventure holiday.
Kids love the tame and incredible wildlife of the Galapagos.
Experience new cultures with fun activities that help show kids alternative lifestyles.
Swim in rivers and waterfalls in verdant cloud forests.
Visit the equator - stand at the centre of the earth!
Haggle for colourful crafts in the world famous Otavalo market.
Completely flexible itineraries designed to meet the needs of your family.
So many highlights! Observing the courtship dance of the waved albatross on Espanola; the magnificence of Lake Quilotoa; Observing a feeding Sloth in the Amazon; swimming with sharks and sea turtles; hummingbirds at Bellavista. No low points.
Juliet Hately, Ecuador and Galapagos
Arrive at Quito airport, where you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel.
Meet with our local representative for a welcome briefing.
Overnight Hotel Vieja Cuba.
Begin your exploration in Ecuador’s capital, Quito, perched at 2,850 meters above sea level, nestled in an Andean valley on the slopes of the Pichincha volcano.
Quito is one of South America’s oldest cities, and its historic centre boasts well-preserved colonial-era architecture. The colonial old town was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1978.
Today, we’ll explore Quito’s vibrant plazas and charming churches.
After lunch at a local spot (not included), take a Teleferico ride up Pichincha’s slopes, offering spectacular views. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the adventure!
This morning, we head north to explore Otavalo’s picturesque surroundings.
On the way, visit the Quitsato Museum and its unique sundial on the Equator—perfect for a fun photo op straddling the hemispheres!
Then, enjoy a short hike along the rim of Cuicocha Volcano, with wonderful views of its blue-green crater lake.
Later, explore Otavalo’s famous indigenous market and its colourful craft- great for some souvenir shopping!
Dinner and overnight in Hacienda Chorlavi.
Hacienda Chorlavi
This traditional hacienda has been in the hands of the Tobar family for six generations and is a great base for travelling with children.
It has ample space, lovely gardens (with hammocks), a heated pool and play areas such as a play park and a bicycle course. Plenty to keep the children happy during our time here.
Today, we’ll visit Peguche for a gentle walk to a beautiful local waterfall, followed by a visit to an Andean musician family’s home to learn about traditional instruments like the panpipes.
After lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll head to Condor Park, a sanctuary for Andean birds where you can observe Ecuadorian wildlife and the majestic condors up close.
An early start today as we journey into Ecuador’s lush cloud forest. In Pahuma, enjoy a walk through the forest in search of hummingbirds, orchids, and hidden waterfalls.
After a picnic lunch, we’ll continue to Maquipucuna Cloud Forest Reserve, where the lodge’s communal areas attract numerous hummingbirds.
After dinner, you can join an optional night walk to experience the forest after dark.
Dinner and overnight in Maquipucuna Lodge.
Explore the forest on foot with a guide to discover native wildlife and learn about plant uses.
]After lunch, head to a nearby waterfall, where you can take a refreshing swim in a natural pool.
On our way to Quito, we’ll stop by the organic gardens of Maquipucuna, where you can learn about locally grown crops.
Then in the village of Marianitas, we’ll visit a local school and might even join in a football game.
After lunch, bid farewell to the countryside and return to Quito to prepare for the next chapter of your adventure—the Galapagos Islands!
Upon arrival in Baltra, Galapagos, meet your local guide for a transfer to Puerto Ayora, where lunch awaits in a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, visit the Charles Darwin Research Center, where you’ll encounter various species of giant tortoises and land iguanas from different islands. The breeding programs here aim to restore populations impacted in the past.
Overnight in Hotel Dejavu.
Begin your day with a shared bay tour departing from Puerto Ayora’s main dock. Visit highlights like Caamaño Islet, home to a sea lion colony, where conditions might allow snorkeling. At Franklin Bay, enjoy snorkeling and spot unique vegetation. Disembark for a walk to Los Perros Beach and pass the Love and Shark Canals.
In the afternoon, a speedboat transfer takes us to Isabela Island. After inspection at the SICGAL booth, board a water taxi to the speedboat for the two-hour ride to Isabela. On arrival at Puerto Villamil, transfer to your hotel.
Overnight in Hotel La Laguna.
Ferry Speed Boat Crossings
Residents and tourist alike use this method of shared transport regularly between the main inhabited islands. Out on the open ocean, this is your best chance to see whales and dolphins. Each crossing takes about 2 hours. Less time if the sea is calm, more time if the sea is rough. Boats are usually 30-35 feet long and hold 20-30 passengers. If you’re prone to seasickness or not sure, bring some seasickness pills just in case.
Early morning pickup for a shared tour of Sierra Negra Volcano. After a 45-minute drive, start a scenic hike on the eastern flanks of Sierra Negra to “Los Jaboncillos,” pausing for a briefing before continuing to the Chico Volcano.
Sierra Negra boasts the second-largest caldera in the world and stands 1,500 meters high. Enjoy a boxed lunch during the five-hour hike.
In the afternoon, visit a nearby Giant Tortoise farm.
Volcano hike notes: You can walk 2-6 hours with frequent rest stops and a lunch break, depending on how active you wish to be.
From the National Park checkpoint, there’s about a 45-minute walk uphill to the rim of the volcano. The trail around the rim has only slight up and downs with a few short steep inclines, and is about 2 hours in total, round trip.
To extend your walk by 2-4 hours more in total, then head to the lava fields of Volcan Chico – paths are uneven and rocky in areas and more suited top older / more adventurous children.
Trek notes: The path in and out is dirt: if it’s been raining, it could be muddy. There’s one proper bathroom at the beginning of the trail. The majority of walking is on level terrain. If you have weak ankles, use athletic braces and wear hiking boots. If you have knee trouble, bring a hiking pole or two. This is a non-technical hike.
Isabela is perfect for a free day; enjoy the beach, hire bikes, kayak, walk or just relax.
Some tours can be booked up locally, while others are subject to availability.
Tuneles (Tunnels) and Tintoreras are two we recommend pre-booking, which we can book for you (not included in price).
This morning, transfer to the dock for the return boat to Santa Cruz Island.
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy another free day of exploration.
Places of interest include the Highlands, or Tortuga Bay or perhaps some souvenir shopping.
Overnight in Hotel Dejavu
Transfer to Baltra airport for your flight back to mainland Ecuador, either to Quito or Guayaquil. From here, connect with an evening flight home or extend your stay.
Please note: This trip is an outline and can be tailor-made to suit your preferences and ages of children.
Prices From $3,064 / £2,491 per person
Enquire about booking
Airport transfers, private transportation, top English speaking naturalist guide, all accommodation as specified in double or triple rooms, meals as specified (B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner), tours & activities specified, entrance fees to visitor sites specified (apart from Galapagos National Park), boat tickets Santa Cruz – Isabela – Santa Cruz.
International flights, flights Ecuador – Galapagos – Ecuador, US$20 p/p Migratory Card, US$200 GNP entry fee p/p, personal travel insurance, alcoholic and soft drinks, any extra activities at the haciendas, tips and personal expenses.
In Ecuador, you stay at Hacienda Chorlavi, Maquipucuna lodge and mid-range hotels (2-3*). Upgrades are available at extra cost.
In Galapagos, we also use 2-3* hotels which are locally run and offer clean rooms, private bathrooms and a good location.
Upgrades available on request and at extra cost.
Guides on mainland Ecuador are local, bilingual guides who will use their experience and knowledge to show you the highlights of their country.
At some lodges and stays, a local specialist guide may take you out for more in-depth explanations and to help spot wildlife. We use guides renown for their ability to communicate well with kids and parents alike, so everyone has a great time.
In Galapagos, all guides and boat crews are “Galapagueños”, most of them were born and raised in the Galapagos Islands.
They know the area well and are prepared to show you the islands only like a native can do it.
Our Naturalist, English-speaking guides have studied and been trained at Charles Darwin Scientific Station, and have long years of experience guiding at the Galapagos Islands.
All special diets can be catered for with enough advance notice, please let us know at the time of booking of any dietary requirements.
Breakfasts are provided at hotels and lodges and generally consist of tea, coffee, juices, toast and jams and toast with eggs.
Lunch, if included, is often a boxed lunch of sandwiches, fruit and energy bars/local snacks.
If lunch is included at a lodge it will often be a soup followed by a main of rice/potatoes and some salad alongside chicken, fish etc.
In Galapagos, most evening meals are not included and you have a wide choice of local restaurants to choose from, options ranging from fish restaurants to international dishes.
Recommended minimum age for this trip is 7 years of age, but we can tailor the tour for younger/older children with no trouble.
Ecuador, the cloud forest and the Galapagos Islands are a suitable destination for most ages and fitness levels, and this trip is designed with children of all ages in mind. Guides are selected for their skills with children or teenagers, and days tailored to meet your family’s needs.
You and your children should enjoy being active in order to enjoy this trip, but there is no specific level of fitness required as activities can be adapted to suit your level of fitness and skills.
Walks are generally short, although some volcano hikes are more challenging and may involve 2-3 hours of walking.
Snorkelling is a real highlight on the Galapagos, so the ability to swim and snorkel is recommended. Snorkelling is suitable for those that have never tried before, and kids love it, as well as hanging out on the beach.
You need to be able to make some wet landings i.e. stepping out of a panga onto a sandy shore, and you may need to ascend or desend small ladders when getting on or off boats at docks or to snorkel.
The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy the trip but the trip is accessible to all.
You can choose to skip any activities you do not wish to partake in.
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.
These magical islands comprise of 50 volcanic islands of varying shapes and sizes, which lie 1,000 kilometres off the coast of Ecuador.
Here, unlike anywhere else on Earth, you can enjoy a thousand close encounters with a weird and wonderful variety of ‘friendly locals’, including giant tortoises, fur seals, sea iguanas, frigate birds and blue-footed boobies.
Read our Galapagos Islands Guide and more about diving.
In 1535, Tomás de Berlanga, Bishop of Panama, floated into this archipelago and named it Galapagos after the giant tortoises he encountered. Pirates used the islands for refuge and to bury their stolen treasure after that.
The islands’ most celebrated visitor was Charles Darwin, who arrived aboard the HMS Beagle in 1835. The rare life forms he encountered helped him formulate his theory of evolution, which he published in The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection.
It wasn’t until 1959 when it became part of Ecuador’s national park system that this fragile ecosystem with its rare and endemic species came under protection.
In 1979 the Galapagos archipelago was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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.
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.
Official name: Republic of Ecuador
Country population: 15,000,000
Capital city: Quito (2.51 million)
Largest cities: Guayaquil, Quito, Cuenca, Machala
Languages: Spanish (official), Quechua
Latitude/Longitude: 2º S, 77º 30 W
Official currency: US dollar
Major industries: bananas, shrimp, oil, gold, roses
Time zone: GMT-5 (Galapagos GMT-6)
01st Jan 2025 - From $3064 / £2491.032
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2025 price, per person, based on 4 people Upgrades available, shared room basis Single supplement applies Shorter/longer stays possible Runs with minimum of two
$3,064 / £2,491
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