Ecuador & Galapagos Family Adventure - 12 days

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12 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

16 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 80 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Starts

Quito, Ecuador

Ends

Papallacta, Ecuador

Highlights

Quito - Start and end your Galapagos adventure in Ecuador's cultural capital, with a free day to explore the city

Isabela - Snorkel through lava tunnels at Los Tuneles with turtles, rays, and penguins

Sierra Negra - Embark on a 4 hour hike to one of the world’s largest volcanic craters

Las Tintoreras - Kayak past sea lions, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies in a turquoise bay

Santa Cruz - Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about endemic species

Cotopaxi National Park - Hike to the majestic Cotopaxi volcano, highest active volcano in the world

Llanganates National Park - Pedal through lush cloud forest on a mountain biking adventure, passing green forest and many waterfalls

Amazon Rainforest - Enjoy canyoning and white water rafting in the jungle, with a chance to spot some of the region's diverse wildlife

Cotopaxi National Park - Hike to the majestic Cotopaxi volcano, highest active volcano in the world

Llanganates National Park - Pedal through lush cloud forest on a mountain biking adventure, passing green forest and many waterfalls

Amazon Rainforest - Enjoy canyoning and white water rafting in the jungle, with a chance to spot some of the region's diverse wildlife

Itinerary

Discover Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands on this 12-day family friendly adventure, taking in Quito's colonial charm, the Galapagos’ unique wildlife and stunning landscapes. Hike the Sierra Negra volcano, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Experience the beauty of Cotopaxi, Llanganates National Park and the Amazon Jungle, with thrilling activities like mountain biking, rafting, and volcanic hikes, before relaxing in Papallacta’s hot springs.

day 1 - Quito

Welcome to Quito, the largest and best-preserved colonial city in South America, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. Known as the Cultural Capital of South America, it lies on the equator in a valley at the foothills of the Pichincha volcano.

Once you have arrived in Quito, make your way to the hotel for check-in. Depending on your arrival time, then you may have some time to explore Quito's historic old town and its surroundings.

Later, meet your fellow travellers and guide at 6 PM for a welcome briefing. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Airport transfers are not included on this tour, but we can arrange them for you.

Please note: Although this tour is suitable for families with children aged 8 and over, it is open to all, and you don't need to have children in your booking party!

OverNight:Quito

day 2 - Quito to the Galapagos Islands

Quito - Baltra Island (Galapagos) - Puerto Ayora - Puerto Villamil. This morning, we will head to the airport in Quito for our included flight to Baltra Island, part of the Galápagos archipelago and a key stop in Charles Darwin’s journey that inspired his theory of evolution. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by our team and begin the journey to Puerto Ayora, the largest town in the Galápagos.

From there, we’ll take a boat to Isabela Island - the largest in the archipelago - formed by six shield volcanoes: Alcedo, Cerro Azul, Darwin, Ecuador, Sierra Negra, and Wolf. Five of these volcanoes are still active, making it one of the most volcanically active areas on Earth. Your first night in the Galapagos Islands is at leisure.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

OverNight:Puerto Villamil, Isabela Island

day 3 - Lava Tunnels Discovery & Snorkelling

Today, we’ll explore the incredible lava formations along the seashore of this volcanic island, shaped by its most recent eruptions. Known as “Los Túneles,” this otherworldly landscape - featured in BBC and National Geographic documentaries, is a labyrinth of lava arches and crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life.

As we enjoy included snorkelling through this natural wonder, we’ll swim alongside sea turtles, eagle rays, sea lions, white-tip reef sharks, and more. The turtles follow their own underwater highways from the mangroves to the open sea, and if we’re lucky, we might even spot playful Galápagos penguins darting through the water.

Before or after the main excursion, you’ll have the option to enjoy additional activities such as snorkeling at Concha de Perla, biking around the island, or simply unwinding on Isabela’s stunning white-sand beaches. Alternatively, you can visit the giant tortoise breeding centre located walking distance from the hotel.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

OverNight:Puerto Villamil, Isabela Island

day 4 - Sierra Negra Hike & Las Tintoreras Kayaking

Puerto Villamil - Las Tintoreras Islet - Puerto Villamil. After breakfast, we’ll drive from Puerto Villamil to the trailhead and prepare for our hike to the rim of the massive, lava-filled crater of Sierra Negra, which spans over 10 kilometres at its widest point. If the group is feeling energetic, we can continue to Volcán Chico, a secondary crater with fumaroles and vibrant lava formations - striking examples of the dramatic geological forces that shaped the Galápagos Islands. The total hiking distance today is 6 miles (9.6km) with the optional extension to Volcan Chico taking the total distance up to 10 miles (16km).

In the afternoon, we’ll visit Tintoreras Islet, just a short distance from Puerto Villamil. Here, we will kayak over the turquoise waters, which are inhabited by white-tipped reef sharks, Galápagos penguins, marine turtles, and sea lions. One of the nearby beaches, surrounded by mangroves, is one of the few places where marine iguanas are known to reproduce.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

OverNight:Puerto Villamil, Isabela Island

day 5 - Charles Darwin Research Centre & Santa Cruz Highlands

Puerto Villamil - Santa Cruz. This morning, we cross from Isabela to Santa Cruz and settle into our hotel in Puerto Ayora before visiting the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about endemic species, the island’s vital conservation work and the story behind Charles Darwin's development of his theory of evolution, which he made while studying finches in the Galapagos.

In the afternoon, we journey into the lush highlands to walk among giant tortoises at the Primicias reserve - an iconic Galapagos experience. As well as these gentle giants (some of which are more than 100 years old!), keep an eye out for pintail ducks, egrets, and finches by the freshwater lake. Later, we return to Puerto Ayora for a relaxed final evening in the Galapagos.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island

day 6 - Galapagos Islands to Quito

Santa Cruz - Quito (Ecuador). After a final breakfast and a few last snapshots of lounging sea lions, we transfer to Baltra Airport for our flight back to the mainland. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Quito

day 7 - Quito at Leisure

Today, you will have a full day at leisure to experience Quito at your own pace.

Alternatively, you can opt to join a colonial city tour & the equator line tour, starting with a walk through Quito’s charming streets. Visit landmarks like the Golden Church, San Francisco Square, and the Main Square, and stop by “Cruz Verde,” where Luis and his family have crafted traditional Colaciones candy for over 100 years. Then head north to the Equator Monument to stand in both hemispheres at once, with a quick stop at the Pululahua crater.

Or, join a Mindo cloud forest tour, exploring lush canopies filled with toucans, hummingbirds, and vibrant birdlife. Cross cable cars, hike to waterfalls, and enjoy optional adventures like rafting, tubing, or ziplining.

Alternatively, join an Otavalo market fair tour, ascending into the highlands to stroll cobblestone streets and browse vibrant textiles, ceramics, and jewelry offered by locals in traditional blue ponchos.

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Quito

day 8 - Cotopaxi Hike & Gateway to the Amazon

Quito - Cotopaxi National Park - Llanganates National Park - Banos. After breakfast, we head south along the Avenue of Volcanoes toward Cotopaxi National Park, passing through vibrant Andean landscapes. The park sits at an altitude of 3,657 metres above sea level, offering stunning views of the surrounding highlands and the towering Cotopaxi volcano.

Once we have arrived at Cotopaxi National Park, we will embark on a hike around the Limpiopungo Lagoon, located in the foothills of the Ruminahui Volcano. Here, we will be able to enjoy views of Cotopaxi, the highest active volcano in the world.

In the afternoon, we continue our journey towards Llanganates National Park, also known as the Sacred Mountain. Our destination is the town of Banos, which marks the gateway to the Amazon.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

OverNight:Banos

day 9 - Cloud Forest Mountain Biking

Banos - Llanganates National Park - Banos. Today, we’ll embark on a thrilling mountain biking adventure through Llanganates National Park, descending into the Pastaza River Canyon while soaking in the cool, misty atmosphere of the cloud forest. As we cycle, we will pass through Andean farms and a canyon with many waterfalls.

As we make our way down into the jungle, we’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view of Banos, a town renowned for its incredible location at the foothills of the Tungurahua volcano, which is the main attraction in the area and has remained active since 1999.

Returning to our accommodation in Banos, you'll have some free time to explore the town and we will also visit the Swing at the End of the World (not included).

Meals:1 Breakfast

OverNight:Banos

day 10 - Into the Amazon Jungle

Banos - Llanganates National Park - Amazon Jungle. Today, we’ll set off on the Waterfall Route, beginning with a visit to the Bride’s Veil waterfall. We’ll take the Tarabita (cable car) across the Pastaza River before hiking down to the Pailon del Diablo waterfall, the second tallest in Ecuador. Afterward, we’ll head further into the lush wilderness of Llanganates National Park.

Llanganates, meaning "beautiful mountain" in the local language, is a place rich in legend and history. Over 600 years ago, the Incas hid their gold treasures here, and many explorers have ventured into the dense jungle in search of them, some never returning. During our hike through the tropical rainforest, we’ll climb through several stunning waterfall canyons, immersing ourselves in this pristine, untouched landscape.

As we travel, our local native guide will share insights into the incredible flora and fauna that thrive in this unique habitat. We’ll then spend the night at a Local Basic Jungle Lodge, run by a Kichwa indigenous family, where we can experience the warmth of the local culture.

Please note: We will stay in basic accommodation with private rooms, but the bathroom is shared. The rooms are clean, and each bed is equipped with a mosquito net. While there is no electricity in the rooms, a social area is available for charging devices.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

OverNight:Amazon Homestay (Basic Jungle Lodge)

day 11 - Amazon White Water Rafting

Amazon Jungle - Papallacta. This morning, we’ll head to the Jatunyacu River, where we’ll receive a safety briefing from our rafting guides. Then, we’ll embark on a Class III rafting adventure down the river, known for its crystal-clear waters and thrilling rapids. Along the way, we’ll enjoy games and explore one of the canyons. The trip will conclude with a picnic prepared by our local guides.

Afterward, we’ll head back into the Andes to Papallacta, where you can unwind in the volcanic hot springs, nestled high in the refreshing Andean mountains.

Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

OverNight:Papallacta

day 12 - Papallacta

Our tour ends today after breakfast. Your airport transfer is not included, so you can make your way back to Quito, the airport or your next destination independently. We can assist with a transfer, should you require assistance.

Ecuador & Galapagos Family Adventure - 12 days

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What's Included

Accommodation

10 nights in 3-5 star hotels & 1 night in a basic lodge in the Amazon

Meals

10 breakfasts, 6 lunches & 1 dinner

Transport

Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles while on land and boatsDomestic flights from Quito – Galapagos – Quito

Guide

Escorted by a local tour leader with local guides for sightseeing

Others

Hiking to the top of Sierra Negra active volcanoSnorkelling and kayaking in TintorerasSnorkelling in the Lava TunnelsVisit to the Charles Darwin Research StationHiking in Santa Cruz Highlands with giant tortoises3 hours hiking in Cotopaxi National Park3 hours biking in the Llanganates National Park3 hours canyoning at Pimpilala waterfalls, bird watching, and hiking in the Cloud Forest4 hours white-water rafting on Jatunyacu River in the Amazon RainforestPapallacta hot springsSnorkelling equipment including fins and maskTrekking / Hiking equipment - Black Diamond trekking polesBiking equipment - Trek X-Caliber MTB (hydraulic disc brakes, front rock shock suspension, Bontrager helmets & biking glovesCanyoning equipment - Rubber boots, ropes & Black Diamond harnessesRafting equipment - Aire and NRS 7-person rafts, NRS life jackets, NRS paddles & splash jacketsNote: This tour is operated in conjunction with our trusted partner, and you will join travellers from different operators, not solely On The Go Tours

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

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