Highlights
- Ride a cable car up volcanic slopes and hop between hemispheres in Quito
- Fly to the Galápagos islands of San Cristóbal and Santa Cruz
- Snorkel near frolicking sea lions and meet the famous giant tortoises
- Spot rare wildlife on a family kayaking trip around Tortuga Bay
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Quito | Quito |
| Day 2 | Quito City Tour, Visit Mitad del Mundo | Quito |
| Day 3 | Fly to Isla San Cristóbal & the Galapagos | Isla San Cristóbal |
| Day 4 | Boat Trip & Snorkeling at Isla Lobos | Isla San Cristóbal |
| Day 5 | Speedboat to Isla Santa Cruz, Tortoise Reserve & Charles Darwin Station | Isla Santa Cruz |
| Day 6 | Kayaking Adventure in Tortuga Bay, Boat Tour of Santa Cruz Bay | Isla Santa Cruz |
| Day 7 | Explore the Twin Craters of Los Gemelos, Fly to Quito & Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Quito
Welcome to Ecuador! Upon arrival, your driver will be waiting to greet you at Mariscal Sucre International Airport. You and the kids may be feeling tired after the long flight, but the views of the Andes mountains and green valleys on the 45-minute drive to Quito will help build up the excitement! Once you've settled into your hotel, take some time to stretch your legs and explore South America's highest-altitude capital.
Stroll around the charming, UNESCO-listed historic center, hop on a cable car to journey to the slopes of the active Pichincha volcano, and eat dinner in one of the many restaurants in the buzzing Plaza Foch before heading back to your hotel for the evening.
Day 2: Quito City Tour, Visit Mitad del Mundo
Get your bearings in the city today with a family-friendly tour where you'll learn all about Ecuador's fascinating history. Start in Independence Square, where you'll see La Iglesia de la Compañia de Jesús—a church made from volcanic rock and cedar. Stroll along La Ronda, a pre-Columbian walking trail that is now brimming with cafés, live music, and boutiques. Get lunch recommendations from your private guide as your tour finishes, and fill up on some delicious Ecuadorian food.
After lunch, a driver/guide will take you to the north of the city to a site known as Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World). This point commemorates the discovery of where the Northern and Southern Hemispheres divide. Take some fun photos of the kids with one foot in each hemisphere before exploring the planetarium, the scale model of Quito, some interactive museums, and an old train station. Head back to the city center and enjoy the evening however you fancy—most likely sampling more Ecuadorian food!
Day 3: Fly to Isla San Cristóbal & the Galapagos
Now you've learned about some of Ecuador's geographical and cultural history, it's time to visit what the country's most famous for: the Galápagos Islands! Catch a three-hour flight to the archipelago's easternmost island of San Cristóbal, where you can check in to your hotel and get settled. Then it's off to the local Interpretation Center to learn about the island's wildlife and conservation efforts. The center is filled with interactive activities suitable for young visitors, and you can see a presentation of the island's origins as well as its cultural past from when humans first discovered the islands.
Get a taster of the archipelago's wildlife in its natural habitat at Las Tijeretas Hill, named for the tijeretas (frigatebirds) that nest in the area. If you visit the island from June to October, you may also see whales, so keep your eyes peeled. End the day at La Lobería, a beach that's home to sea lions and marine iguanas. The kids will be dying to jump into the crystal-clear waters, so take a sunset dip at La Lobería before making your way back to your hotel for the evening.
Day 4: Boat Trip & Snorkeling at Isla Lobos
Don your swimsuits and sunscreen this morning and board a boat bound for Isla Lobos—6 miles (10 km) north of Isla San Cristóbal. This appropriately named "Sea Lion Island" is teeming with jolly sea lions who bask on its shores and frolic in the surrounding waters.
Come ashore on the island's sandy beaches, then help the little ones don their snorkeling gear and wade into the shallows to search for tropical fish (you won't have to look hard) and, with any luck, sea rays and turtles. On the beach, keen-eyed children might spot colorful Sally Lightfoot crabs as well. After a day of sun, sand, and sailing, you'll cruise back to Isla San Cristóbal with tired but happy kids in tow.
Day 5: Speedboat to Isla Santa Cruz, Tortoise Reserve & Charles Darwin Station
Catch a two-hour speedboat ride from Isla San Cristóbal to Isla Santa Cruz this morning—making your way to the archipelago's most central island. When you arrive, meet your driver, who will bring you to a farm in the highlands where you'll have the opportunity to see the iconic Galápagos giant tortoise in its natural habitat. Learn about these gentle giants before continuing to the island's main town of Puerto Ayora to check into your hotel.
In the afternoon, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, a buzzing center where scientists from all over the world meet to work together on environmental projects. After a brief introduction to conservation efforts in the Galápagos, continue to the nearby Fausto Llerena Breeding Center, named after the Galápagos National Park ranger who cared for Lonesome George, the last known Pinta Island tortoise. This is the best place in the Galápagos to view different tortoise species—kids will be fascinated to learn how the tortoises' shells have evolved differently for each island.
Day 6: Kayaking Adventure in Tortuga Bay, Boat Tour of Santa Cruz Bay
Get even closer to nature today as you embark on a family kayaking adventure that will take you through some of the most breathtaking spots in the region. Begin your journey with a 45-minute hike from Puerto Ayora to Tortuga Bay, known for its soft coral sand and spectacular scenery. Hop on kayaks and watch the vibrant marine life beneath you, spot colonies of marine iguanas, and paddle around mangroves, cacti forests, and salt lagoons.
After kayaking to a nearby cove, spend some time soaking up the sun on the beach while the kids splash about in the water before having a bite to eat at a restaurant of your choosing. Rest your weary arms later this afternoon on a small boat tour around the bay of Santa Cruz. Jump off the boat for some snorkeling before continuing on through Shark Channel, where lucky kids might catch sight of harmless whitetip sharks and blue-footed boobies.
Sail past the Canal del Amor, a favorite haunt for sea turtles and all manner of tropical fish, and make your way to Las Grietas, two colossal cliffs brimming with fresh water on the surface and saltwater beneath. Sail slowly back to Puerto Ayora, and savor the final evening of your trip, marveling at the sights you've seen.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 7: Explore the Twin Craters of Los Gemelos, Fly to Quito & Depart
Wake up to your last Galápagos breakfast, but don't worry, your holiday isn't over yet! On your way to the airport on the neighboring Isla Baltra, keep an eye out for the unmistakable sight of Los Gemelos—two alien-looking craters on either side of the road. On arrival, hike around the area and explore the surrounding lush vegetation. Finches, mockingbirds, and other interesting animals roam this spot, so keep on the lookout!
After tiring out the kids before your flight, continue to the Itabaca Channel, where you'll take a short ferry across to the Baltra airport and catch your departing flight. Safe travels!
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