2 Weeks in the Galápagos Islands - 5 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Family Fun in Ecuador & the Galápagos

Ideal for families seeking a well-rounded introduction to Ecuador's diverse landscapes, culture, and wildlife, this two-week itinerary includes six days in Quito and time on the Galápagos Islands' Isla San Cristóbal and Isla Isabela. Kids six years and older will be delighted to learn new skills through an Ecuadorian cooking class, numerous snorkel tours, and a visit to a local fruit plantation. Plus, with silly sea lions, colorful tropical fish, and rare reptiles to discover, each day promises new and exciting wildlife encounters. 

Welcome to Ecuador! Your family adventure begins in Quito, treating little ones to a taste of the local culture during a family cooking class and visiting the Vivarium to meet the country's rare reptiles. Then, embark on a day trip to San Antonio de Ibarra, the country's woodcarving capital, followed by a visit to the Mindo Cloud Forest, where adventure-loving kids will scream with glee on a thrilling zipline experience. Ready to explore the Galápagos Islands, you'll pack your bags and fly to Isla San Cristóbal and spend your first days hiking Las Tijeratas Hill and snorkeling in the calm waters of Playa Carola.

Continue your family adventure with a boat trip to Isla Lobos, famous for its playful sea lions, and an excursion to Kicker Rock before hopping to Isla Isabela. Let little explorers take the reigns on a self-guided cycle ride, expand curious tastebuds during a fruit plantation tour, and spend quality time playing in the sea turtle-filled waters of Playa Concha Perla until it's time to fly back to Quito. Finish your journey unwinding at Termas de Papallacta, letting kids pick out unique souvenirs at La Mariscal Handicrafts Markets, and capture an iconic family photo straddling the equator at Mitad del Mundo. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Family Cruise of the Galápagos Islands

Enjoy this two-week family cruise's perfect mix of creature comforts and exciting wildlife excursions. Crafted for those who enjoy having a home base to come home to each night while still discovering the hidden coves and uninhabited islands of the Galápagos Islands. Between stays in bustling Quito and impressive Cotopaxi National Park, young conservationists will love spotting unique birds at Isla Rábida, touring wetlands on Isla Isabela, and watching flamingoes and turtles on Isla Santiago.

Begin your family adventure in Quito, gently introducing young ones to a new culture on a guided city walk, a trip to Mitad del Mundo, and a day touring the Mindo-Nambillo Ecological Reserve. Then, after a short flight and ferry to Isla Santa Cruz, you'll find yourself settling into your family-friendly cabin on a cruise ship—your base for seven nights. Spend the following few days admiring all sorts of creatures, including sea lions at Las Bachas Beach, blue-footed boobies at Las Tintoreras, and marine animals at Punta Morena. Nature-loving kids will also be delighted to hike in Tagus Cove and jump in for a swim.

Your journey continues across the Bolivar Channel. With a walking tour to spot the flightless cormorant nesting site at Espinosa Point, a visit to the old pirate hangout of Buccaneer Cove, and time at Chinese Hat to spot penguins on the agenda, the entire family will have discovered their new favorite animal. Then, spend your last full day in the Galápagos Islands learning about the archipelago's conservation efforts at the Charles Darwin Research Station. Back in Quito, you'll end your family trip hiking in Cotopaxi National Park and pondering Laguna Quilotoa, a large volcanic crater. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Galápagos Multi-Island Family Adventure

Families looking to stay on the move and discover the highlights of Quito and the Galápagos Islands' Isla San Cristóbal, Isla Isabela, and Isla Santa Cruz will delight in this two-week adventure. Highlights include a family cooking class, standup paddleboarding, snorkeling at Kicker Rock, and visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station. Parents and kids alike will also love encounters with sea lions, giant tortoises, and iguanas on this fun-filled island-hopping itinerary.

Upon landing in Quito, let kids shake off any excess energy exploring Parque La Carolina and hiking up Panecillo Hill, then get hands-on making empanadas alongside a local chef before heading back to the airport for a flight to Isla San Cristóbal. Kick off your time in the Galápagos Islands by learning the techniques of standup paddleboarding, discovering the underwater world at Kicker Rock, and letting kicks unleash their creativity during a family painting class. Next, hop aboard a plane bound for Isla Isabela and settle into your family-friendly accommodation in Puerto Villamil.

Over the following four days, you'll discover the many highlights of Isla Isabela. The entire family will get to snorkel in the calm waters of Los Túneles, and kids can take turns leading the pack on a bike tour. Then, spend a day at Concha de Perla before speedboating to Isla Santa Cruz, where you'll learn the importance of conservation at the Charles Darwin Research Station and fill your last two days discovering unique wildlife during a guided snorkeling tour and an excursion to an uninhabited island. After a fun-filled day at Tortuga Bay, say a big family goodbye and catch your onward flight from Isla Baltra. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Family Holiday in Quito & the Galápagos Islands

Enjoy a more relaxed approach to covering the highlights while infusing your vacation with plenty of learning moments on this two-week family trip split between Quito and Isla Santa Cruz. Begin with a dip in the Papallacta Hot Springs and a tour of Quito's historic monuments. Then, head to Isla Santa Cruz for relaxation and adventure, including kayaking at Tortuga Bay, snorkeling at Isla Pinzón, and a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station.

Your well-rounded family trip begins with a week in Quito, but before diving into Ecuador's warm culture, you'll spend a day unwinding at the Termas de Papallacta. Then, after a self-guided city tour, combine learning and adventure during a visit to the woodcarving village of San Antonio de Ibarra, time at the interactive Yaku Water Museum, and a day discovering Quito's colorful art scene at Ejido Park. On your last day in Quito, check out the Presidential Palace and Mitad del Mundo while keeping kids enthused by sampling fried plantain and other local specialties. 

It'll be easy to rouse kids on Day 7 with a flight to Isla Santa Cruz on the agenda, and you'll get straight to exploring, spending your first two days biking around the island and strolling through Puerto Ayora. Next, discover the fascinating underwater world while kayaking at Playa Mansa and boating through the Shark Channel. Then, take a guided tour of Charles Darwin Research Station and enjoy watching your young conservationists learn to care for baby tortoises before snorkeling at Penguin Bay, exploring an uninhabited island, and crossing the Itabaca Channel to catch your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Ultimate Family Trip to the Galápagos: Santa Cruz, Isabela & San Cristóbal

Crafted especially for active families, this action-packed two-week itinerary in the  Galápagos Islands includes encounters with giant tortoises, snorkeling alongside sea lions, hiking the Sierra Negra volcano, and relaxing on picture-perfect sandy beaches. During four or more nights each on Isla Santa Cruz, Isla Isabela, and Isla San Cristóbal, you and your family will enjoy the perfect blend of undisrupted beach time, wildlife excursions, and time on the water. 

Welcome to the Galápagos Islands! After arriving at Isla Baltra and transferring to Isla Santa Cruz, your ultimate family adventure begins with an afternoon at the beach, followed by a fun-filled day kayaking and boating in Tortuga Bay and a trip to the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center. The excitement continues during a full-day excursion to an uninhabited island and a kid-friendly bike ride to Garrapatero. Then, board a speedboat bound for Isla Isabela, and spend the afternoon getting up close to giant tortoises at the Centro Crianza Armando Tupiza, followed by a day snorkeling Los Túneles.

Next, switch gears and challenge young explorers to a trek up the Sierra Negra volcano and a cycle trip to Cave Sucre and the top of the island at Campo Duro. There's still one more island to explore, so head to the airport for a flight to Isla San Cristóbal. After a leisurely beach day, it's back to the activities. You'll have plenty of time to snorkel among colorful marine life at Kicker Rock, go in search of unique wildlife on Isla Española, and admire giant Galápagos tortoises at La Galapaguera before transferring to the airport to catch your onward flight. Learn more

More Great 2-Week Galápagos Islands Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to the Galápagos Islands? Check out these other two-week Galápagos itineraries, with island-hopping cruises, land-based trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.