Ecuador | Galapagos | Family Vacation

Today marks the first day of your adventure and you’re free to arrive into Quito any time before 6pm. At 6:30 pm you’ll meet your group in the lobby of the hotel and learn about the adventures ahead before enjoying your first dinner together. If you arrive early, there’s plenty to do in Quito. Ask for recommendations before your trip begins or enjoy wandering around the city with its many historic and modern delights. 

About EB Hotel Quito 

 Located just eight minutes from the international airport, Hotel EB makes for the perfect place to relax and refresh before or after a long flight. Each room will have be complete with sleep system beds, large living areas, free WiFi and full amenities. When it’s time to explore, both the historic center and new town center are just a short drive away. We’ll also stay here on our last night of the trip, making it easier for you to catch your flight out. 

Your trip begins with an early morning flight from Quito to Santa Cruz in the Galapagos Islands. Your guides will be waiting at the airport, and your adventure will begin straight away as we head to Tortuga Bay. This gorgeous beach is only accessible by a leisurely 45-minute walk, where you’ll get an up-close look at lava lizards and abundant birdlife. You’ll have a chance to play amongst the gentle waves, relax in the sun or walk along the beach spotting blue-footed boobies and massive marine iguanas.

When the group has had enough sun for the afternoon, we’ll continue to Puerto Ayora and check in to the accommodation. Have a quick refresh then we’re right back to exploring Santa Cruz, the most populated of all the islands. Tonight, enjoy dinner on Calle de Los Kioskos (Kiosks Street). A busy street during the day, at night tables and chairs take over and both locals and tourists are found enjoying the many delicious food options.

About Posada del Mar

Located in a lovely central neighborhood and only a block and a half from the pier, Posada del Mar is the perfect location to enjoy a good night’s sleep yet be right amongst the bustle of Puerto Ayora. Spacious rooms come complete with air conditioning, WiFi, a private bathroom, and other necessities.

There’s no doubt today’s activities will give you a great appreciation of the incredible animals and history of the Galapagos Islands. Our first stop takes us to the highlands to visit a private giant tortoise reserve where you’ll have a chance to see giant tortoises in their natural environment. While here, keep your eye out for lava tunnels scattered throughout the highlands. After, we’ll make a quick visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about the breeding programs that save vulnerable species of tortoises and land iguanas.

Your newly learned knowledge is sure to leave you hungry, so we’ll stop for lunch before hopping on board a boat to travel to Isabela Island – the largest island in the Archipelago. After checking in to our hotel for the next two nights, we’ll regroup for a stroll through the picturesque town of Puerto Villamil and find the perfect spot to watch the sunset. Dinner tonight is on your own.

About Hotel Abermarle

When on Isabela Island, you’ll want to wake up to the sound of waves and endless views of white sandy beaches – and this is precisely what Albermarle offers. This stunning whitewashed boutique hotel in Puerto Villamil provides a comfortable stay with a personalized touch. Feel free to take a dip in their freshwater swimming pool, relax in your air-conditioned room, or enjoy a sunset cocktail on one of their many sun terraces.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast as this morning we’re hiking up a volcano! Sierra Negra is one of the most active volcanoes in the Galapagos, and the incredible views waiting for you at the 6-mile wide rim are worth the challenging climb. As you’re hiking, keep watch for bird species found in the highlands like the bright red Vermillion Flycatcher, finches, and short-eared owls.

The hike down will feel like a breeze, and once back in town, we’ll go for a leisurely kayak around the sheltered bay area of Puerto Villamil. Keep your eye out for Galapagos penguins, sea turtles, and rays that frequent these shallow waters and blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, and pelicans that can be seen resting along the shore and in nearby mangrove trees. Next, head back to our accommodation and relax and refresh before enjoying dinner on your own.

After breakfast, we’ll gear up and head out on small local boats searching for the Galapagos penguin – the only penguin found close to the equator. When we’ve reached Tintoreras, we will hop out for a short walk near a popular iguana-nesting site that’s home to hundreds of marine iguanas. You’ll also have the opportunity to snorkel amongst a multitude of colorful fish.

This afternoon, we catch a flight to the island of San Cristobal, the oldest and eastern-most island of the Galapagos archipelago. Once off the plane, we’ll head straight to the town of La Soledad to bike down through the lush highland cloud forest down to a beach called La Loberia. This beach is a favorite amongst sea lions who love to sunbathe, play and vie for your attention. Next, we’ll head back to the accommodation where you can relax before heading out for dinner on your own.

About Casa Blanca Bed and Breakfast

Casa Blanca Bed & Breakfast. There’s no doubt you’ll fall in love with the artsy and eclectic Casa Blanca Bed & Breakfast. With only seven rooms, you’re guaranteed a unique experience and plenty of local and personalized touches. From the door, you can head straight out onto the pier and seafront boulevard or take a wander to an art gallery located onsite.

Today, take to the water to discover the fascinating wildlife that calls the sea and coast home. First, we cruise along the coast to spot blue-footed boobies and great frigate birds. Next, your trip leader will give you a full briefing before hopping into the water to snorkel amongst damselfish, pufferfish, and hopefully, sea lion pups.

When you’re comfortable with your snorkel gear, we’ll hop back on the boat for a short journey to Kicker Rock. Here you’ll explore the remains of an underwater volcano with a rock face rising 500 feet above the surface of the water. There will be chances to see beautiful tropical fish, turtles, and sharks as they skirt the edges of Kicker Rock. By now, your stomach is sure to be grumbling, so we’ll head to a beautiful beach only accessible by boat for lunch on board.

When everyone is well-fed and had a chance to swim in the turquoise blue waters, we’ll head back to town. Once here, you can choose to explore the town, enjoy a refreshing drink by the waterfront or grab a paddleboard and explore the bay. When we’ve all met back up, we’ll head to one of our favorite spots for some open-air dining to celebrate an incredible trip and our last night in the Galapagos Islands.

This morning is yours to enjoy how you choose. Feel free to have a sleep-in and relax at the beach, grab some souvenirs in town, or visit the Interpretation Center to learn even more about the history of the Galapagos Islands. Or, if you prefer to hit the trails, take a short hike to Tijeretas for panoramic lookout views over the town and Kicker Rock.

In the early afternoon, we’ll fly back to the mainland. Say your goodbyes and either head to the airport for flights home or spend more time exploring Ecuador.