When to goFlight TimeTime DifferenceRecommended Age

Year round15 hoursGMT - 5-6Any age
Best months:Over 8 years for some
April/Maytours and cruises
(Galapagos)



Ecuador & The Galapagos Islands Family Holidays

With its amazing wildlife, colourful mix of indigenous and colonial culture and opportunities for adventure, Ecuador is an ideal destination to take the family. Marvel at the vibrant coloured birds in the cloud and Amazon rainforests, swim with sea lions and turtles in the Galapagos Islands, dive, snorkel, kayak, horse ride and for the truly brave zip line through the Amazon!



Our Recommended Itinerary

Amazon Adventure and Darwin's Islands

Destination Highlights:

• Galapagos Islands


• Jungle wildlife


• Fascinating culture


• Friendly people


• Traditional Haciendas/Farm stays

Day 1
Depart London on a flight to Quito, transfer to the Swissotel for your overnight stay.

Day 2
This morning fly over the Andes to the Amazon rainforest and then take a two hour motor canoe trip to Sacha Lodge, your home for the next three nights on a full board basis.

Day 3
Explore the rainforest and encounter a vast variety of animals including monkeys, caiman, anteater and toucans as well as endless species of butterfly and insect. For the adventurous enjoy the night walks and the creatures that appear after dark!

Day 4
This morning have an early start by dug-out canoe around the surrounding lagoon. Fish for the notorious piranha, visit the nearby butterfly farm or the local pygmy marmosets.

Day 5
An early departure back to Quito, spotting monkeys and birds on route. Overnight at the Swissotel.

Day 6
A full day guided tour to the Antisana Reserve set within the boundaries of a private hacienda at the foothills of the Antisana Volcano. Here you will see endangered species such as the magnificent Andean condor, spectacle bear, puma and paramo wolf! Overnight at Hacienda Hato Verde.

Day 7
Choose to get involved with the morning activities at the hacienda; perhaps milk the cows or go horse riding. This afternoon visit a local Indian market en route back to Quito for your overnight stay at the Swissotel.

Day 8
Early departure to Quito airport to fly to the magical Galapagos Islands, discovered by Charles Darwin. Here children can understand the theory of evolution having the opportunity to get "up close and personal" with the endemic wildlife.

Board the Santa Cruz for a stay of 7 nights on a full board basis. Later disembark for your first landing in the Galapagos.

Day 9
Visit Bartolome Island to look for the famous Galapagos Penguin, the only penguin to live on the Equator! In the afternoon you will have the opportunity to go snorkelling.

Day 10
This morning visit the white-cheeked pintail ducks on Rabida Island. Perhaps Kayak this afternoon before visiting the main island of Santa Cruz. Here you can shop for souvenirs and visit the Charles Darwin Research Station where children can learn about incubating and raising young tortoises.

Day 11
Visit the highlands of Santa Cruz where you can walk amongst the noble Giant Tortoises. At North Seymour watch the vampire like Frigate birds chase the beautiful oriental tropic birds!

Day 12
Swim in the turquoise waters in Cerro Brujo, this inviting beach will have you and the children swimming (perhaps snorkelling too) with sea lions and turtles. Board the glass bottom boat to see the colourful fish beneath the surface of the water.

Day 13
This morning, take a stroll to visit the comical clown like blue-footed booby colonies but watch out for the blowholes! If you are lucky you may have the opportunity to see flamingos at the lagoon.

Day 14
Sailing through the Canal Bolivar, keep watch for whales and dolphins passing! Mind your step on the Marine Iguanas basking in the sun and watch the brightly coloured Sally Lightfoot crabs pass by the sea lions with not a care in the world!

Day 15
Today board a flight back to mainland Ecuador where you will overnight in the Swissotel.

Day 16
Depart Quito for Puerto Lago Country Inn where the children can partake in water sports prior to visiting the nearby rehabilitation centre for condors and hawks. Visit a traditional weaving home en route back to your hotel.

Day 17
Visit Otavalo for some last minute shopping prior to boarding your international flight home. You may have the chance to visit Cuicocha crater-lake, or the equatorial monument on the way back to Quito.

Day 18
Board your return flight to the UK.

The cost of the above itinerary is from £3,995 per adult (plus flight taxes) and £3,629 per child (under the age of 12 years), (plus flight taxes). The price is based on flights, transfers, accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis and sightseeing.

Other possible extensions include:
Devils Nose Train - ride on top of one of the most talked about trains.
Cuenca - visit the Panama hat weaving factories.
Cloud forest - Explore this magical place, a chance to see the rarest birds.

Would You Like to Know More?

For further information please call any of our consultants on 01285 880 980 or email enquiry@steppestravel.co.uk.