Ecuador and the Galapagos for Teens
Straddling the equator, Ecuador has a fantastic range of diversity from lush Amazonian rainforest and impressive volcanoes to stunning coastlines and charming colonial towns. It has everything for nature fanatics and venturesome teens, offering an excellent mix of culture, wildlife and outdoor adventure.
Seriously Special
Activities open up more and more as children become older. A varied country, your family can explore indigenous markets full of bright weavings, crafts and unusual instruments, uncover pieces of the country’s fascinating past in colonial towns like Quito and learn cool skills like blow-pipe hunting from the local Huaorani and Kichwa tribes of the Amazon. For even more exciting discoveries, the Galapagos Islands are a must.
One-of-a-kind experiences
Being in the Galapagos you’ll feel like you’re stepping in to a whole new world. It’s as educational as it is adventurous. Your family will have the chance to closely interact with and learn about inquisitive and exceptional animal species (many of which are only found in the Galapagos), like sea lions, blue-footed boobies, lizards and tortoises. Fun family photo opportunities with captivating creatures will abound everywhere you’ll go. Active teens can choose from invigorating activities like kayaking, surfing, snorkelling, biking and hiking around the islands. One of the best ways to explore these islands is by boat.
Travelling around the Galapagos by sea is a fantastic way to experience all that these weird and wonderful islands have to offer. There are many family-friendly boats with interconnecting cabins, plenty of space for the entire family to hang out while on-board and a wide range of activities geared towards teens. Many of these ships offer special family departures around school holidays, which makes planning a trip here even easier, and there will be plenty of other teens on-board for your kids to socialise with.
Activities from these boats include snorkelling, kayaking, glass bottom boat rides, stand up paddle boarding and nature walks all led by experienced guides. There will be no shortage of things for your teens to do while in Ecuador and the Galapagos.
Explore Quito & the Middle of the World
Quito, Ecuador
A private half day guided tour of Quito exploring the colonial centre, monasteries and churches, before heading to the "Middle of the World" monument that divides the Northern Hemisphere from the Southern Hemisphere on the equatorial line!
Hiking trails at Mashpi
Mashpi Cloudforest, Nr Quito
The best way to explore the beautiful Mindo cloudforest is on foot and there are various walking trails to choose from here. Accompanied by a guide, learn about the flora and fauna here, looking out for howler monkeys, butterflies, frogs and more.
Scenic Walking Tour of Quito
Quito, Ecuador
Marvel at the art and architecture of Quito as you explore on foot, accompanied by a private guide. Discover Quito's colonial quarter which has been recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and contains innumerable treasures of design and history.
Sky bike at Mashpi Lodge
Mashpi Cloudforest, Nr Quito
A unique way to explore the cloudforest canopy, pedal a sky bike along a cable stretched at treetop level through the forest. Imagine ziplining but travelling at your own pace, silently passing birds and primates.
Galapagos Safari Camp
Galapagos, Ecuador
A new concept to the Galapagos Islands, Galapagos Safari Camp is a luxury tented camp situated on a ridge in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, bordering the national park offering magnificent views over the Pacific Ocean.
Origin,Theory & Evolve
Galapagos, Ecuador
Origin, Theory & Evolve are the most comfortable premium-class yachts operating in the Galapagos, combining modern sophistication with quality guiding and accommodating just 20 guests each. They are all members of Relais & Chateaux.
Hacienda Zuleta
Otavalo, Central Highlands, Ecuador
Dating from the 17th century, the historic Hacienda Zuleta lies in the spectacular Andean mountain range of Ecuador at 9,600 feet above sea level, and only two hours north of Quito and one hour from the famous indigenous market town of Otavalo.
Hotel del Parque
Guayaquil, Ecuador
Hotel del Parque is set within a meticulously restored 19th Century building in the heart of Guayaquil's tropical Parque Historico. A short drive from Guayaquil airport, Hotel del Parque is a perfect stopover on route to the Galapagos Islands.
Casa Gangotena
Quito, Ecuador
Casa Gangotena boutique hotel is a beautifully restored colonial mansion in the heart of historical Quito with a prime position at the corner of Plaza San Francisco, a cobbled square rich with history, stretching back to the days of the Inca.
La Selva Jungle Lodge
Amazon, Ecuador
A wonderful lodge set at the heart of the rainforest, La Selva offers its guests the chance to discover the fascinating native flora and fauna from comfortable surroundings, in the company of its expert bilingual and native guides. Great for families.
Mashpi Lodge
Cloudforest, Ecuador
With its striking contemporary design and incredible ‘heart of the forest’ feel, Mashpi Lodge is a sophisticated and relaxing hideaway in the clouds, perfectly situated for exploring the incredible biodiversity of the Chocoan cloudforest.
The Finch Bay Eco Hotel
Galapagos, Ecuador
A charming eco-friendly retreat, the Finch Bay Eco Hotel is located just steps away from the beach on the Galapagos island of Santa Cruz, surrounded by fascinating flora and fauna. It works well as an alternative to a cruise or as a beach stay afterwards.
Napo Wildlife Center
Amazon, Ecuador
Beautifully situated on the mirrored lake of Anangu, Napo Wildlife Center is a comfortable eco-lodge in the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon offering a haven for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
Pikaia Lodge
Santa Cruz Island Galapagos, Ecuador
Pikaia Lodge is a luxury eco-lodge set in a secluded giant tortoise reserve, nestled on top of an extinct volcano crater on the island of Santa Cruz in the Galapagos. Pikaia Lodge is a superb alternative to a traditional cruise and is carbon neutral.
Family Fun in Galapagos & Ecuador
Quito, Cloud Forest, Galapagos, Guayaquil
Family fun is guaranteed with wildlife encounters and adventure activities galore on this fabulous trip that takes in both the culture and countryside of Ecuador, the country’s atmospheric cloud forest and a cruise around the magical bird, marine and wildlife kingdom of the Galapagos Islands. From chocolate tasting to night treks through the cloud...
GBP £9,700 pp
Ultimate Galapagos & Ecuador
Quito, Cloud Forest, Galapagos, Guayaquil
The quest for adventure does not mean a compromise in luxury on this superb tour offering the best of both Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. From discovering the UNESCO-listed colonial glory of Quito, to trekking through Ecuador’s atmospheric cloud forest and cruising the enchanted Galapagos Islands, this trip promises an abundance of...
GBP £13,900 pp
Wild Galapagos & Ecuador
Quito, Amazon & Galapagos
Meet the magnificent wildlife of the exotic Amazon rainforest and enchanting Galapagos Islands on this unforgettable trip of wildlife encounters and experiences. From the culture of Quito to the biodiversity of the Yasuni National Park and the ethereal beauty of the Galapagos Islands, the natural beauty, bird, marine and wildlife of the region is...
GBP £10,000 pp
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Destination
Galapagos Islands
Famous for its unique and fearless wildlife, the Galapagos Islands, just off the coast of Ecuador, are best experienced by cruise. You can swim with sea lions, float eye-to-eye with a penguin, stand next to a blue-footed booby feeding its young, watch a giant tortoise lumbering through a cactus forest and try to dodge the iguanas scurrying over the lava.