Ecuador and Galapagos Family Tour

Depart to Quito. After passing through immigration and customs, proceed to the reception area, where our representative will be holding a sign with your name on it. You will be greeted and then transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Quito.

Today, you will head north along the Panamericana Highway to Otavalo, home to one of the most popular indigenous markets in South America. Enjoy the remarkable scenery along the way, passing by rose plantations and other farms, mountain lakes, and extinct volcanoes.

The first stop is the Middle of the World, an equatorial monument at latitude 0º, where you can stand with one foot in each hemisphere. There is an interesting Ethnographic Museum inside the complex, which shows the different Native American groups living in Ecuador.

Other stops, where you will witness local artisans at work, include San Antonio de Ibarra, famous for its woodcarvings, Cotacachi, known for its leather goods, and Peguche, where textiles are still woven in old-fashioned pedal shuttle looms.

Lunch at Hosteria Puerto Lago, on the shores of San Pablo Lagoon. Following lunch, you will be taken to Hacienda Pinsaqui, a former colonial textile hacienda with a rich history, for check-in. You will have the afternoon free to explore the grounds of the hotel or enjoy horseback riding (not included). Overnight at Hacienda Pinsaqui. (B,L,D)

This morning, you will visit the Otavalo Market, featuring textiles, jewelry and other handicrafts, fruits and vegetables, and spices in outdoor stalls. Witness the colorful traditional clothing of the natives, and bargain with them for the best price.

After the market, you can also visit the nearby Parque Condor, where raptors and other birds of prey, including the Andean Condor, are rehabilitated. Lunch at local hacienda, then depart for Quito, arriving late afternoon. Overnight at Hotel Patio Andaluz. (B,L,D)

Early morning transfer to the airport for the flight to San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the dock at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno to board the MV Santa Cruz. Cabin assignment, introductory briefing, and lunch.

In the afternoon, disembark (wet landing) on the eastern tip of the island. Punta Pitt is an eroded tuff cone; the trail that ascends from the beach provides spectacular views of the shoreline. This is the only site in the Galápagos where the three species of boobies can be found together, as well as the two frigate species, plus a colony of bachelor sea lions along the beach. After the walk, if conditions are favorable, there is a chance to swim from the beach or snorkel at the nearby islets. Overnight aboard the ship. (B,L,D)

Santa Fe Island. After breakfast, a wet landing on a sandy white beach with many sea lion harems. Bulls vie for the right of “Beach Master”, while smaller males masquerading as females make stealthy mating moves. Galápagos hawks are often easily observed, perched atop salt bushes. The giant prickly pear cactus found here live up to their name with tree-sized trunks! The endemic land iguana, unique to this island, may be spotted during the afternoon walk. Snorkeling and swimming from the beach rounds off the rewarding experience, or if guests prefer, the glass-bottom boat for non-snorkelers. Lunch on board.

South Plaza Island. Disembark (dry landing) in the channel between North and South Plaza Islands, where the island tilts toward the water, the approach makes for a lavishly colorful sight! The turquoise waters of the channel contrast brilliantly with the white sand and black lava of the shoreline. The rocks have grown thick with green seaweed in places, speckled with bright orange ‘Sally Lightfoot’ crabs. Further up the shore a carpet of scarlet sesuvium succulents serves as groundcover for a grove of luminescent green prickly-pear cactus. Yellow-grey land iguanas sit beneath these, waiting patiently for pears to drop. Along the coastline one finds sea lion colonies, while frigates, swallow-tailed gulls and shearwaters glide playing with the thermals that form along the cliffs of this small but amazing island. Overnight aboard the ship. (B,L,D)

Morning disembarkation (dry landing) visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station and the giant tortoise pens within an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest home to many land birds. These are the headquarters of scientific investigation, conservation and the National Park administration. Following our visit, we board our transport to enjoy lunch in the cooler highlands of Santa Cruz Island, a completely different ecosystem.

Optional Excursions on Santa Cruz Island. There are several options available for the afternoon, which can be discussed in advance with your Expedition Leader, including: 1.) Trek along trails amid miconia forest in the highlands, home to many elusive birds including the dark-rumped petrel; 2.) Mountain bike (mostly downhill) to Garrapatero Beach; 3.) Sea kayak and relax on a beautiful, sandy beach; 4.) Experience sustainable agriculture in an organic coffee plantation; 5.) Discover SCUBA diving day in Puerto Ayora. This is a day designed for people who wish to discover the marine wonders of the archipelago, but who are not ready to dive in the current-strong Galápagos open waters. A local diving outfitter is contacted on your behalf. This activity takes most of the day and has an additional cost. At the end of the afternoon’s activities, return to Puerto Ayora and the ship. Overnight aboard the ship. (B,L,D))

Morning outing at Punta Suárez (dry landing) for an exciting walk on lava/boulder terrain to visit its unique sea bird colonies, including waved albatrosses (April-December), Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies, swallow-tail gulls as well as a view of the Galápagos famous “blow-hole”. Among its land birds, the Hood island mockingbird, Galápagos hawks, Galápagos doves and three species of Darwin’s finches are common highlights. Also, look for red-green-black marine iguanas. Back on board for lunch.

Gardner Bay. In the afternoon, disembark (wet landing) at a white coral beach for a short walk to observe the sea lions, mockingbirds, finches or enjoy the beach. There is great snorkeling in this area, or ride aboard the glass-bottom boat. Departure briefing, Farewell Cocktail, and dinner. Overnight aboard the ship. (B,L,D)

Disembark at Baltra Island. Transfer to the airport to take the flight back to the continent. Upon arrival, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Quito. (B)

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to your final destination. (B)