Family Adventure Travel in The Galapagos

Whether exploring the islands by boat or by land, you can be sure of being active every day. Hike on trails of ancient lava or up volcanos, snorkel with the wildlife, go kayaking or explore the beaches. One thing is for sure – the Galapagos Islands are packed with adventure!

The Galapagos is best known for its prolific wildlife. It’s like being on a safari, just that the animals are different and less scary to get up close to. Swim with sea lions or watch thousands of crabs scurrying on the beach, search out exotic birds of all types and swim with amazing marine life. You may even experience a whale sticking up his head right nearby!

Every trip to the Galapagos must go via mainland Ecuador, and the mainland is well worth including in the trip. From the fabulous golden churches of colonial Quito to the wonderful ranch-stays in a mountain “hacienda”, or exploring the mighty Amazon jungle and shopping in the huge indigenous markets, the mainland is fascinating and beautiful.

Day 1
Arrive in Quito. Later, visit the fascinating Equator Museum and the highlights of the old colonial city with its Spanish colonial squares and churches.

Day 2
Check-in for your flight to the Galapagos Islands. On arrival, you will transfer to your luxury yacht, your home for the next 6 nights. The Galapagos Islands are unique. The wildlife is so tame that you may be able to walk up to birds, which will not fly away. Sea lions may swim right up to your face, and seals might hop right along next to you. It is one of the most outstanding wildlife experiences in the world.

Day 3-8
For the next six days, your boat will sail through the archipelago, stopping daily for island hikes, and for snorkeling as well. A number of our favorite boats also carry kayaks and/or SUP, so in addition to the regular daily activities, you will be able to enjoy some additional water activities as well. During school vacations, we can book you on to a special family-focused cruise. 

Day 9
After a life changing wildlife interactive experience on board, your boat will dock this morning and you will check in for your flight back to Quito. On arrival in Quito, transfer to your hotel for overnight or check in for your onward flight back home.

Day 10
On Arrival in Quito, you’ll meet your driver and transfer to a traditional hacienda in the Andes for 3 nights. Along the way, you’ll be able to stop at a traditional local market. Later, enjoy a traditional cooking lesson, where you will learn some of the mysteries of Andean cuisine.

Day 11
This morning either take a steep hike to a high viewpoint to see the great Cotopaxi Volcano, its summit covered in a permanent snowcap, or enjoy kayaking on a sacred lake. This afternoon, enjoy horseback riding on the slopes of Cotopaxi.  Afterwards, learn how to throw a lasso with the local cowboys.  

Day 12
Try your hand at trout fishing this morning, followed by either an adventurous mountain bike ride along the hacienda trails or a high ropes course, with levels for all ages. 

Day 13
Travel back to Quito airport and check in for your flight back home.

Since The Galapagos sits on the equator, it has no seasons and is great to visit all year round. Dec-March is the rainy season in the high altitude area of the mainland, but it’s also high season in the Galapagos, which sees very little rain at any time of year.

The Galapagos is one of the great wildlife experiences on the planet, and its all small animals and birds, making it extremely kid friendly. Sea lions and seals, tortoises, iguanas and crabs, and all kinds of birds are simply amazing to get up close and personal to. On the mainland, staying at a hacienda is incredible fun, with horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, cooking lessons, great local markets and much more. One can also easily access the fringes of the Amazon jungle and spend a few days in a great lodge learning about this amazing biosphere.

Take a cruise in the Galapagos Islands with snorkeling and hiking daily, and enjoy all the action of the mainland, which has surfing towns, mountain ranches and great colonial cities to explore.

Great seafood, of course, while inland there are more stews and soups and other interesting local dishes. Many restaurants cater to international tastes, as do all Galapagos cruises.

Accommodation ranges from boutique hotels to international chains. Luxury yacht cruises have en suite cabins with double or queen size beds. 

Yes, the Galapagos is very expensive – much like any high-end safari would be around the world. The islands are on the world’s bucket list, and prices reflect this.