Luxury Ecuador: Family Galapagos 2024-2025
Overview
The Route
Explore paradise on a family’s luxury journey through the Galapagos Islands, beginning in the historic city of Quito. Experience the vibrant culture and stunning colonial architecture of Quito before embarking on an unforgettable adventure to the Galapagos. Enjoy the pristine beaches, unique wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes in ultimate comfort. This exclusive journey combines the rich cultural heritage of Quito with the natural splendor of the Galapagos, offering a luxurious and memorable experience for the entire family.
Countries Visited
EcuadorPlaces Visited
Quito Galápagos IslandsLuxury Ecuador: Family Galapagos 2024-2025
8 Days | 7 nightsExploring Paradise: A Family's Luxury Journey Through the Galapagos Islands 2024-2025
- Embark on a four-night cruise around the Galápagos Islands on the 'La Pinta,' a chic expedition ship known for its combination of solidity and elegance.
- Explore the Galápagos Islands through two daily beach excursions featuring wildlife walks and coastal explorations on a panga with an accredited naturalist guide.
- Select from a variety of island activities such as kayaking, glass-bottom boat tours, snorkelling, stand-up paddle boarding, light hiking, or simply unwinding on the beach.
- Engage in close wildlife interactions with land iguanas, giant tortoises, sea lions, and other fascinating creatures.
- Partake in programmes and activities suitable for children, like nature photography, scavenger hunts, and Spanish classes.
Itinerary
Quito
Upon arrival in Quito, the capital of Ecuador, you will be greeted and taken to your accommodation.
Accommodation:
Casa Gangotena
Quito
Begin your day by visiting the La Mitad del Mundo Equatorial Line Monument, which commemorates the 18th-century French expedition that initially determined the location of the equator. Next, head north to the city's outskirts for a thrilling experience on TelefériQo, an aerial gondola with stunning views of Quito. You are transported by a gondola to the summit of a live volcano, standing at an elevation of 12,950 feet, to enjoy the breathtaking views. Enjoy a desserts class showcasing traditional and local treats after lunch. Go back to Quito to explore its historic area featuring stunning churches, vibrant plazas, and captivating colonial architecture, while immersing yourself in the local culture. Attend a welcome supper tonight at a nearby restaurant.
Accommodation:
Casa Gangotena
Galapagos
Travel to Baltra in the Galápagos Islands to embark on 'La Pinta'. Following a welcoming introduction, have lunch on the ship. Start touring the Galápagos this afternoon, beginning at South Plaza Island. Witness the indigenous plant life, including the prickly pear cactus, which is a preferred food source for the land iguana that freely roams the island like mythical dragons. Survey the shoreline for frolicking sea lions and vibrant wild birds. Each evening on 'La Pinta,' there are all-ages activities such as quizzes, handicrafts, and Spanish language lessons for young explorers to enjoy.
Accommodation Options:
Galapagos
Today, explore Santa Fe Island by boarding a panga for a short journey to its picturesque sandy-white beaches. Explore the coastal landscape and watch for wildlife such as a friendly sea lion, a Galápagos hawk resting on salt shrubs, or a Santa Fe land iguana basking on a rock. Snorkel and swim along a natural wave barrier or take a ride in a glass-bottom boat to see marine life up close. Pause for lunch on the ship as you navigate towards San Cristobal Island. Arrive at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and travel to the breeding centre for critically endangered giant tortoises at Cerro Colorado, located in a remarkable deciduous forest.
Accommodation Options:
Galapagos
Arrive at San Cristobal Island and follow a trail that goes up from the beach to a viewpoint with stunning views of the coastline. Watch frigatebirds and a group of sea lions, and, if the weather is good, swim from the beach. Following lunch on the ship, ride a small boat to Cerro Brujo and stroll along the sandy beach where Charles Darwin, the 19th-century English naturalist, once walked. Darwin's theory of evolution was inspired by his direct views of Galápagos wildlife.
Accommodation Options:
Galapagos
Commence at Punta Suárez, traversing lava terrain to explore the island's seabird habitats. At certain times of the year, you can observe waved albatross, booby, swallow-tail gull, and marine iguana. Following lunch on the ship, explore Gardner Bay to view sea lions, mockingbirds, and several varieties of finches. The bay features a wonderful beach, ideal for snorkelling, kayaking, or taking a ride in a glass-bottomed boat.
Accommodation Options:
Galapagos - Quito
Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island to learn about the captive rearing programme for giant tortoises. Later, take a ferry to Baltra and then fly to Quito for a final meal and overnight stay.
Accommodation Options:
Quito
After breakfast, proceed to the airport for departure.