The Dazzling Diversity of Ecuador and the Galapagos for Families
Tour Introduction
A perfect family adventure for older children, this compact itinerary uncovers two of South America’s greatest natural wonders: the species-rich rainforests of Amazonia and the enchanted isles of the Galapagos. Added into the mix are the colonial splendour of historic Quito and the perfect cone of Cotopaxi volcano to produce a tour of unrivalled variety with elements to suit all the family.
With your excellent naturalist guides, comfortable rainforest accommodation and a charming small ship in which to cruise the Galapagos islands, mental stimulation, natural history education, wildlife fun and wide-eyed wonder (for both parents and children) are assured.
Full Itinerary
Arrive in Quito. Evening arrival and transfer to hotel.
Staying at Patio Andaluz. Includes In-flight Meals.
Guided tour of colonial Quito. The capital city is a UNESCO World Heritage site with fascinating culture to see and the tour will include visits to museums, monasteries and churches and will highlight the artistic design found within the city. The tour will also include a visit to the Equatorial monument that marks the divide between the southern and northern hemispheres. There will be a visit to the Museo del Sitio Inti Nan which exhibits the cultures of the region’s indigenous peoples. Return to hotel and the rest of the day will be at leisure.
Staying at Patio Andaluz. Includes Breakfast.
Depart Quito and transfer south into the Cotopaxi province and the Avenue of the Volcanoes. Rest of the day is at leisure and to acclimatize to the altitude.
Staying at Hacienda Santa Ana. Includes Breakfast.
Full day of Optional activities which might include zip lines ranging from 100 to 480 metres, mountain biking through volcanic landscapes, horse riding and hikes.
Staying at Hacienda Santa Ana. Includes Breakfast.
Time for more Optional activities in the morning. In the afternoon transfer back to Quito.
Staying at Garden Hotel San Jose. Includes Breakfast and Lunch.
Transfer to the airport and fly to Coca, transfer by boat to Sacha Lodge. Wildlife such as macaws, toucans, troops of monkeys and caiman may be encountered on the river journey – an adventure in itself.
Staying at Sacha Lodge. Includes All Meals.
Full day of guided activities at Sacha. There is a 275-metre long canopy walkway that gives a unique view of the Amazonian rainforest from above. There is also a nearby parrot clay lick, butterfly house, treetop tower, and excursions by canoe and hikes along trails to enjoy. The variety of wildlife at Sacha is immense and many exciting birds, primates, reptiles and amphibians are often seen.
Staying at Sacha Lodge. Includes All Meals.
Another full day of inclusive guided activities to enjoy.
Staying at Sacha Lodge. Includes All Meals.
Transfer to Coca and fly to Quito, met on arrival and transfer to hotel.
Staying at Garden Hotel San Jose. Includes Breakfast.
Transfer to the airport and fly to San Cristobal, Galapagos.
Staying at La Pinta. Includes All Meals.
Explore the Galapagos Islands above and below the water (snorkelling) on board La Pinta, a very comfortable, family friendly vessel with trained staff who will enhance the experience and learning for children as well as adults. Above water there are plants and semi-tame animals. The geographical isolation and necessary adaptation to the harsh conditions have led to the evolution of many unique natural histories, including those of marine iguanas, giant tortoises and the famous Darwin finches. Under the water, cool currents have introduced otherwise cold water species to these tropical seas: penguins, orcas and fur seals happily rub along with parrot fish, turtles and manta rays. Visit a number of different islands and enjoy unique experiences on each one.
Staying at La Pinta. Includes All Meals.
Return to San Cristobal and fly to Guayaquil. Connect with your international flight home.
Includes Breakfast.
Tour Accommodation
Patio Andaluz
Overview
The 4-star Patio Andaluz is a beautiful boutique hotel located in the colonial centre of Quito within walking distance of the famous Independence Square. Its architecture dates back to the 16th century with grand archways and courtyards.
The central location is ideal for easy access to many of Quito’s museums and historical sights.
There are 31 stylish rooms and suites, all with private bathrooms, polished wooden floors, antique style furniture, warm Persian rugs, air-conditioning, cable TV, safes and free Wi-Fi. Facilities include laundry service, currency exchange, medical assistance, luggage storage, library, gardens and patio area.
The hotel’s elegant restaurant, set within the main courtyard, serves tasty Ecuadorian, Spanish and international cuisine. There is also a lounge and bar for relaxation.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Restaurant, lounge, bar, 24-hour desk service, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioned rooms, luggage storage, medical assistance and laundry service.
Optional Activities
City tours of Quito.
Hacienda Santa Ana
Overview
Located close to the northern entrance of Cotopaxi National Park, the hacienda originally belonged to a company of 17th Century Jesuits. There now are six individually decorated cosy ensuite rooms, a lounge area and restaurant. The views from the rooms of the mountains are sensational and the hotel has one of the best locations for accessing Cotopaxi National Park and enjoying the different activities on offer.
Services include room service (not 24 hrs), hot water bottles, oxygen (upon request) and laundry. The Hacienda can arrange various activities including biking, horse riding and zip lining.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Restaurant, private bathrooms, lounge and free Wi-Fi in public areas.
Local Wildlife
Cotopaxi National Park supports an interesting paramo vegetation home to many high altitude bird species including the Andean condor. Mammals include guanaco, puma, spectacled bear, Andean fox and white-tailed deer although most are rarely seen.
Optional Activities
Horse riding, mountain biking, trekking and zip lining, technical climbing and exploration of the National Park.
San Jose De Puembo
Overview
The San Jose de Puembo, situated in the Puembo Valley just 20 minutes from downtown Quito, is built around a restored 18th century hacienda and set amongst 10 acres of beautiful gardens.
There are 37 en suite rooms with LCD TVs and Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor heated pools, a gym, restaurant and lounge/bar.
The hotel enjoys close proximity to the international airport and is an ideal base for travellers staying overnight before or after connecting to onward destinations.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
2 outdoor heated swimming pools, a gym, restaurant, lounge and bar.
Optional Activities
Sacha Lodge
Overview
Sacha Lodge has a beautiful position overlooking Pilchicocha (oxbow) Lake with excellent swimming, piranha fishing and gentle wildlife viewing by dugout canoe. The surrounding primary rainforest has large concentrations of monkeys (including squirrel, red howler, brown capuchin, black mantled tamarin and pygmy marmoset), an incredible 587 species of birds (including hummingbirds, toucans, parrots and rainforest raptors), sloths and a huge variety of other rainforest mammals, insects and plants.
There is a butterfly farm and a large network of rainforest trails. Across the Napo River is the Yasuni National Park with two spectacular clay licks where you can see large numbers of parrots, parakeets and occasionally macaws (additional charge to visit the clay licks). A highlight of the lodge is the 940-foot canopy walkway suspended 95 feet above the ground which, combined with the lodge’s 135 foot observation tower, gives unparalleled views over the rainforest and excellent chances of spotting monkeys, sloths and hundreds of canopy birds.
The large thatched wooden cabins blend perfectly with the surrounding forest but retain a high level of comfort including private bathrooms with hot water, well screened rooms and an excellent restaurant. All rooms are linked by raised, covered board walks keeping you a respectable distance from the surrounding forest.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Restaurant, bar and lounge with raised lookout overlooking the lake, laundry service, 24-hour electricity and private bathrooms.
Local Wildlife
587 species of birds, 8 species of primates including regular sightings of pygmy marmoset, black-mantled tamarin, common squirrel, red howler and white fronted capuchin monkeys. Black agouti, sloths and many fascinating reptiles, amphibians and butterflies frequent the lodge grounds.
Optional Activities
Visits to two parrot clay licks.
La Pinta
Overview
La Pinta offers a relaxed yet luxurious expedition atmosphere with state of the art interpretation facilities. Interconnecting cabins and a ‘Young Pirates’ program make this ship an excellent option for families.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Capacity
Length
Class
Cabins
24 outside cabins with twin or queen size beds including 6 interconnecting cabins for families
Facilities
Conference room, satellite internet, bar/salon, dining room, sky bar and sundeck, gym, jacuzzi, glass bottom boat, kayaks, infirmary.
Route Map
Departure Dates
Travel Information
Are International Flights Included?
No. Please contact us for a quote if required.
Flight Info:
Fly from London to Quito and return from Guayaquil on Ibera Airlines via Madrid or KLM via Amsterdam.
Best Visited:
January to January
Are you ATOL Registered?
Yes. This means we are legally able to book your international flights in conjunction with your ground arrangements so you can book with us with complete confidence. Read more about our ATOL license here.
John Melton
Area Specialist
Although a year round destination, the weather in the Galapagos is cooler and calmer from May to November and the seas are choppier in August.
If you have any questions regarding this Tour, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
I cannot fault the boat, the crew, or the food. I would not go on the big 100 passenger boats as we were first onto the beaches and in easy reach being smaller and closer inshore…The Galapagos is a one-off place where heaven meets the Earth…Your efficiency here and your guides in Quito are of such a high standard that I will not go anywhere without your organisation. Sorry, but you are stuck with us!
