Galapagos & Ecuador with Kids
For a truly memorable family vacation, this trip taking in both Ecuador’s urban and rural charms, along with the magical wildlife wonderland of the Galapagos Islands, is a fabulous, shared experience for all ages, tastes, and interests. Stand in the Middle of the World, swim with sea lions and turtles, trek volcanic landscapes and enjoy exploring the fabulous Otavalo countryside on foot, bike, and horseback.
Journey highlights
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Explore the delights of family-friendly Quito, with its excellent museums, parks, chocolate workshops, El Teleférico cable car and chance to stand in the Middle of the World
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Immerse yourself in the magical and magnificent landscapes and wildlife of the Galapagos Islands, from your base on the island of Santa Cruz at the Finch Bay Eco Hotel, only accessible by boat and on one of the island’s most attractive beaches.
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Indulge in a range of guided sea and land-based activities. Get up close and personal to the bird, marine and wildlife, snorkeling with sea lions and turtles, visiting the giant tortoise, scouting for iguana, and marveling at the volcanic landscapes.
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Unwind in the rural idyll of Hacienda Zuleta near Otavalo and explore the natural beauty and endless landscapes on foot and mountain bike or saddle up for an exhilarating horse ride across the valley.
Our tailor made journeys include:
- Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
- Private international airport transfers in destination
- Your own private, English-speaking local guides
- Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
- Entrance to must-see local sites
- Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
- Complimentary access to My Scott Dunn – industry-leading travel app providing pre-departure information and in-journey support
When to visit
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There's never a bad time to visit the Galapagos. The peak season lasts from mid-June through early September and from mid-December through mid-January. The national park limits the number of visitors to each island and coordinates each ship's itinerary, so the Galapagos will never feel like Disney World. But if you visit in the summer, you are less likely to feel a sense of solitude and isolation.
From December through to May the water and the air are warmer, but this is the rainy season. It drizzles almost daily for a short period of time. Ironically, this is also the sunniest time of year.
June through November, the Humboldt Current makes it way up to the Galápagos from the southern end of South America. The current brings cold water and cold weather, but it also brings water rich in nutrients and plankton, which attracts fish and birds. During this season there always seem to be clouds in the air, but it rarely rains. It's also quite windy, and the seas tend to be rougher.
Itinerary
Fly to Quito
Quito, Ecuador
This once-in-a-lifetime family adventure begins in the beautiful capital city of Quito. Encased by verdant green mountains, the colourful Old Town cascades down the hillsides. Here the locals wear traditional shawls, skirts, little boots and the original Panama hat and the streets are buzzing with vibrant energy. Your base for the next three nights is Patio Andaluz located in this old colonial part of the city. A restored colonial mansion, the hotel has been designed around a central courtyard with handsome arches and wide corridors. The 31 rooms are spacious and elegantly decorated with period furniture. Families can book a duplex room offering split level accommodation and a home from home vibe.
Patio Andaluz is ideally located for exploring Quito and is a short walk from the city’s major landmarks and attractions. The main square is a short walk away, where you will find an impressive Cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace, Carondelet Palace, and the Municipal Palace. Quito’s Old Town is one of the best-preserved examples of colonial architecture in South America and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A charming place to explore, you will enjoy meandering around the cobbled streets of historic churches, delightful plazas, and traditional shops.
For those with younger children Parque La Carolina has lots going on with several different playgrounds, an old airplane and outdoor gym and there are many museums to enjoy. These include the Yaku Water Museum, full of interactive exhibits and offering a great view of the city. Families will also enjoy the Nik Cinematic Museum, designed to teach children about farming and food produce, there are lots of interesting play spaces.
La Virgen del Panecillo is a landmark sculpture on the hillside overlooking the city, offering lovely views and is worth the climb. We would also recommend a trip on the city’s cable car, the El Teleférico cable car (known locally as TelefériQo). This climbs the slope of the dormant Volcán Pichincha to Cruz Luma, the summit. The views from the top are spectacular and there are further hiking trails for the more adventurous.
More family fun can be had a one of the many chocolate tasting experiences on offer, where you can learn about the history and production of this sweet treat. Also, fun is a trip to the Equatorial Monument. Around 45-minutes north of Quito, the latitude here is 0º, meaning you can stand with a foot in each hemisphere, literally at the Middle of the World. Inside the monument is the Ethnographic Museum, where you can learn about the different regions and tribes of Ecuador.
Galapagos, Ecuador
After exploring the delights of Quito, you will make the journey to the Galapagos Islands for a family adventure like no other. The view of the volcanic archipelago is stunning as you fly into Santa Cruz Island, before transferring to the port for an exciting boat ride to whisk you to the upscale Finch Bay Eco Hotel, your home for the following four nights. Across the harbor from Puerto Ayora, the hotel is only accessible by boat and is located on one of the island’s most attractive beaches. Named after the famous Darwin finches, the hotel accommodates a maximum of 52 guests and has a warm and friendly vibe.
The perfect destination for lovers of nature and the great outdoors, the Galapagos is home to a wealth of bird, marine and wildlife. Finch Bay has its own motor yacht; the Sea Lion and the expedition team organize a whole range of family-friendly activities. From swimming with sea lions, exploring the volcanic landscape, meeting the giant tortoises, and surfing the waves, there is something for all age groups.
Sea-based activities include boat trips to neighboring islands, scouting for wildlife including land and sea iguanas, snorkeling alongside turtles, rays, penguins, multi-colored reef fish and hammerhead sharks, scuba diving and kayaking. Land-based activities include visiting the giant tortoise reserve, hiking, biking, bird watching for blue-footed boobies and exploring the volcanic terrain. We would also recommend a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Center to learn about the conservation work to protect the unique Galapagos wildlife.
There is a frequent water taxi service to Puerto Ayora and its charming cafés, restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, and even nightclubs, for any family members wanting more urban thrills. Catch a glimpse of island life at the local farmers’ market on Saturdays or visit Fisherman’s Wharf any day of the week. Or take some time to relax by the pool, lazing in a hammock and digging your toes into the sand, just steps from your room.
Otavalo, Central Highlands, Ecuador
After enjoying a final morning at Finch Bay, you will fly back to Quito. Then it’s time to head off to the last leg of your adventure in the stunning rural countryside of Otavalo, famous for its textiles, artisanal crafts, and leather goods. For the following three nights you will stay at Hacienda Zuleta. This charming rural idyll is located outside of the city, in a valley known as the Avenue of the Volcanoes, amid fertile farming land and surrounded by the magnificent Andes Mountains.
Hacienda Zuleta is a 4,000-acre working ranch, dating back to the 16th century. Once owned by the former President of Ecuador, the farm has a dairy and cheese factory, organic garden, trout farm and embroidery workshop. Guests stay in one of 19 individually furnished rooms, full of charm and character, there are hearty homemade meals, and the vibe is relaxed country house.
There are plenty of activities to enjoy during your stay and horse riding is a particular highlight at this property. The hacienda even has its own breed, known as Zuleteños, which are renowned for being gentle and versatile. Exploring the aromatic woodlands and endless landscapes of the area on horseback is a wonderful and memorable experience. Guests can also enjoy mountain biking across the rugged terrain, hiking the mountain trails on foot, birdwatching for condors and hummingbirds (the hacienda runs its own successful condor rehabilitation project), taking an embroidery class, or simply kicking back and soaking up the atmosphere. Evenings at the hacienda are enchanting, with crackling bonfires, Andean music, and incredible star gazing.
On your last day, after a vacation that the whole family will always remember, you will be transferred back to Quito for the journey home.
Fly home from Quito
Call us on 212 372 7009 to start planning your holiday.
Price Guide: (per person based on double occupancy and excludes international flights)
| Departing |
Price from*
|
Deposit from * | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 2024 | $9,900 | $2,500 | plan your trip |
| January 2025 | $9,900 | $2,500 | plan your trip |
| February 2025 | $9,900 | $2,500 | plan your trip |
| March 2025 | $9,900 | $2,500 | plan your trip |
| April 2025 | $9,900 | $2,500 | plan your trip |
| May 2025 | $9,900 | $2,500 | plan your trip |
| June 2025 | $9,900 | $2,500 | plan your trip |
| July 2025 | $9,500 | $2,400 | plan your trip |
| August 2025 | $9,500 | $2,400 | plan your trip |
| September 2025 | $9,500 | $2,400 | plan your trip |
| October 2025 | $9,500 | $2,400 | plan your trip |
| November 2025 | $9,500 | $2,400 | plan your trip |
-
December 2024
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$9,900
Deposit from*$2,500
-
January 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$9,900
Deposit from*$2,500
-
February 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$9,900
Deposit from*$2,500
-
March 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$9,900
Deposit from*$2,500
-
April 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$9,900
Deposit from*$2,500
-
May 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$9,900
Deposit from*$2,500
-
June 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$9,900
Deposit from*$2,500
-
July 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$9,500
Deposit from*$2,400
-
August 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$9,500
Deposit from*$2,400
-
September 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$9,500
Deposit from*$2,400
-
October 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$9,500
Deposit from*$2,400
-
November 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$9,500
Deposit from*$2,400
- plan your trip