Ecuador Islands and Andes Adventure

Bienvenidos a Quito, Ecuador’s capital city and the start of your family trip to the Galapagos and beyond. After getting picked up by your private driver, navigate the winding cobblestone streets to the Illa Experience Hotel in the heart of the historic district. Cloistered courtyards with pools and breezy balconies invite you to sit back and rest for your free afternoon, or venture out to get your first taste of the city.

In the company of a private guide who knows all the best things to do in Quito, set off to explore the city’s treasures. Wander colorful streets, scale the Basilica for sweeping views, and feel the thrum of the city in people-packed plazas. Next, join a hands-on chocolate-making class, which is bound to be a surefire hit with the kids. Learn about cacao’s history while crafting your own bars from scratch as sweet souvenirs. 

Your Galapagos family trip kicks off in earnest with a morning flight to this remote archipelago, where exotic wildlife roam free and sparkling waters encircle rocky islands. Upon landing, a driver will be waiting to take you to Galapagos Safari Camp, whose tented accommodations recreate the classic safari experience in the Santa Cruz Highlands. Meet with your naturalist guide, sit out on the deck and watch giant turtles lumber by, and, come nightfall, let birdsong serenade you to sleep. 

A microcosm of marvels, Santa Cruz is your family’s personal playground for a day of bespoke outings fitted to everyone’s desires. Take things slow with a morning kayak at Garrapatero Beach, floating past flamingos and marine wildlife, or hit the trails to a highland viewpoint. In the afternoon, discover the human side of island life at a traditional farm. Sip small-batch coffee, watch mules grind sugarcane into syrup, and satisfy sweet tooths with local treats. 

It’s time to branch out by boat to discover other parts of the archipelago. Let your naturalist’s expertise guide you to unsung spots and magical encounters, like snorkeling with sea lions off Santa Fe to seeing your children’s eyes go wide watching iguanas march across sandy beaches. Watch as the day flies by, filled with unscripted moments you can talk about around the kitchen table for years to come. 

Kick off another sunny Santa Cruz day at the idyllic Tortuga Bay. Backed by cacti forests and fronted with calm, clear waters, it’s the perfect setting for a swim, surf lesson, or sea shell hunt. Then, it’s off to the Charles Darwin Research Station for behind-the-scenes peeks at vital conservation work and up-close meetings with giant tortoises. More wildlife awaits during a stop at the fish market, where yelping sea lions and pelicans clamor for leftovers. 

Prepare for a little elevation change as you fly from the islands to the Andean highlands, home to Indigenous communities, lush valleys, and century-spanning culture. Your private guide navigates you through the volcanic landscapes to Hacienda Cusin, a 17th-century estate where llamas roam the grounds and rooms overflow with charming antiques. Excitable kids may opt for an afternoon pony ride, or a relaxed afternoon in the gardens may be just the balm after a busy travel morning. 

The morning begins with a visit to the dazzling Otavalo Market, where stalls overflow with textiles and handicrafts. Roam the aisles and pick out one-of-a-kind souvenirs. After a quick stop at Pegue Falls, attend a weaving workshop, where a local family lets you in on the secrets to their heritage textile techniques. An impromptu jam session on traditional Andean instruments at a Cotacachi music studio wraps up the afternoon.

It’s been a whirlwind few days, so soaking in thermal hot springs at Termas de Papallacta is the ideal end to your Ecuador family trip. Share a moment of wellness bliss in the shadow of misty peaks before heading to the airport for your flight home or onto the next destination.