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Experience nature on this Galapagos Islands expedition

The Galapagos Islands are home to some of the rarest animals on the planet and this trip gives the whole family a unique opportunity to learn about the biology and diversity of this paradise. Everyone will enjoy spotting the myriad animals in their natural environment as they graze, sleep and play on the beaches, mountains and rocks of the islands of Santa Cruz and San Cristobal. Snorkel beside sea lions, marvel at the plodding majesty of giant tortoises, spot frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies and Galapagos crabs, and keep an eye out for marine iguanas, whales, dolphins and sharks as you explore this natural paradise. You’ll experience (animal) life like never before together on this beautiful family-focused expedition to the Galapagos.

Start
Quito, Ecuador
Finish
Quito, Ecuador
Destination
Ecuador
Style
Original
Theme
Family, Wildlife
Code
GLFB
Physical rating
Ages
Min 5
Group size
Min 2, Max 16

Why you'll love this trip

  • Swimming beside sea lions is an incredible and surreal experience, and there are few better places to do so than Isla Lobos: home of the world's second largest sea lion colony.

  • You'll get to know the locals by staying in small hotels on the Galapagos islands, as well as exploring the islands and coves by boat.

  • Be surrounded by birds like blue-footed boobies and frigates, who land so close, and often have not even the slightest interest you're there!

  • Incredible photo opportunities await around every corner – not least of Kicker Rock, the marvellous twin volcanic peaks seen sitting in the ocean from the top of Cerro Tijeratas.

  • With spare time in Quito and Isla Santa Cruz, you can spend quality time with the family – perhaps with further hiking or visiting the colourful local markets.

Is this trip right for you?

  • This is a well-rounded family adventure, and there are many reasons to fall in love with the Galapagos Islands. That said, wildlife is the major focus of this trip, so it's especially suited to animal-lovers and birdwatchers.

  • There's a lot of boat travel between the various islands. If you're prone to seasickness or motion sickness, it might be wise to consult your doctor about preventative medication before you go.

Map of Galapagos Family Holiday including Ecuador
Family with fur seal, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Sally Lightfoot Crab, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Red-footed booby chick, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Swimming with fur seals, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Pink flamingo, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Giant tortoise, Galapagos Islands, Ecaudor

Itinerary
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Bienvenidos! Welcome to Ecuador. Sitting at an altitude of 2,850 metres, under the gaze of Volcan Pichincha, Quito is one of the most attractive cities in South America. Your adventure starts with a welcome meeting at 5 pm. You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting. If you have time beforehand, take a walk down the famous Calle La Ronda, Quito's oldest street. La Ronda is a peek into the colonial past of the city. This awesome street offers the city's best in one place. You may even wish to arrive a day or two early and explore further beyond the city, visiting Otavalo, Cotopaxi or the Cloud Forest.
Accommodation
  • La Cartuja Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
Optional Activities
  • Compania de Jesus - USD4
  • La Ronda - Free
  • Ballet Folklorico Ecuatoriano de Jacchigua - USD40
  • Cotopaxi - National Park Hiking Tour - USD95
  • Mindo Cloud and Tropical Forest - USD160
  • Condors and Culture in Otavalo - USD156
  • Quito Market Discovery - USD99
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information for each member of your family. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

The arrival transfer is only valid if arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through us. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 14 days prior to travel, as we may not be able to confirm a request made within 14 days of travel.

After breakfast, explore the historic centre of Quito on a walking tour. Stroll through Plaza Grande (main square) and by the Archbishop's Palace. From here, walk about 800 metres uphill to reach the Basilica del Voto Nacional. Time permitting, you may wish to spend more time exploring this church and its views from the top towers. Finally, walk to La Ronda Street and pass by La Compania de Jesus (Church of the Society of Jesus) and San Francisco churches From here we travel to the Equator line The famous Mitad del Mundo monument is an impressive 30-metre-tall structure that marks where the equator is located— or, at least, that’s what many people believe. The afternoon is free for you to explore the city more, or simply just relax at the hotel, getting ready for tomorrow’s adventure!
Accommodation
  • La Cartuja Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Quito - city tour + the Equator line
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today you will take the short flight to Isla Santa Cruz, one of the main hubs of the Galapagos. Upon arrival, enjoy a walking tour of Purto Ayora, after which you’ll take a walk to Tortuga Bay. The walk to Tortuga Bay beach takes approximately 45 minutes (one way). The rest of the day is free for you to further explore. Perhaps visit the buzzing local fish market, where cheeky pelicans try to get in on the daily catch! You might like to simply stay in Puerto Ayora, soak up the seaside ambience and make some of your own discoveries. The town itself is nice and small, perfect for exploring on foot.
Accommodation
  • Lobo de Mar Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Isla Santa Cruz - Tortuga Bay walk
  • Isla Santa Cruz - Purto Ayora Walking Tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today can be a long travel day and the airline (Avianca) only provides a small snack on board. We recommend purchasing some snacks for this journey ahead of time in Quito.

The Galapagos National Institute has introduced a mandatory Transit Control Card which will cost you USD 20. You will need to purchase this card upon arrival at the domestic airport on Day 2, prior to checking in to your Galapagos flight. Also, upon arrival to the archipelago you will need to go through immigration and pay the Galapagos National Park entrance fee of USD 100 in cash (preferably in small bills).

NOTE: snorkelling equipment will be included for the water activities which on this trip is Isla Lobos and Loberia in San Cristobal

After breakfast, head off to the Charles Darwin Research Station. This not-for-profit organisation has been operating since 1959. The station's visitor centre is an essential stop for anyone interested in the archipelago's natural and human history. It's great for learning about the local conservation of the unique ecosystems of the Galapagos. It offers the chance for close-up encounters with giant tortoises, and you can see many newborn and young giant turtles too – they're here as part of the breeding program to reintroduce the creatures to their natural habitat. In the afternoon you will venture to the higher part of Santa Cruz to observe giant tortoises roaming around in the wild. These fascinating animals can weigh as much as 400 kilograms and are very popular with kids.
Accommodation
  • Lobo de Mar Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Isla Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Research Centre (45 Minutes)
  • Isla Santa Cruz - Highlands
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Today, head by boat to your second island, Isla San Cristobal. Upon arrival, check-in to the hotel and have time to relax before heading to the Interpretation Center to learn about the history of the islands and the challenges local conservationists face. Then you'll head to the Cerro Tijeratas (Frigatebird Hill) which is located 2 kilometres from the centre, southwest of Isla San Cristobal. It is a bit of a climb to the top, but your reward is an amazing view of the bay. From here you can see the 140-metre-tall Kicker Rock, its twin volcanic slabs looming large in the ocean. Soon after you will travel to La Loberia to enjoy some snorkelling, perhaps spotting sea lions and sea turtles as you paddle around – they love friends swimming nearby!
Accommodation
  • Miconia Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Isla San Cristobal - Interpretation Center Visit (1 hour) - Dry Landing
  • Isla San Cristobal - Snorkelling in Las Loberias
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

You second day in Isla San Cristobal begins with a short boat ride to Isla Lobos (approximately 1 hour). This island boasts the second-largest sea lion colony in the world, not to mention the tallest lighthouse on the entire continent. Along the way you can observe the abundant sea life that the Galapagos is renowned for. You might be lucky enough to spot nesting frigate birds and blue-footed boobies. On arrival you might want to head out into the water for some quality swimming and snorkelling time. You could find yourself in the midst of turtles, manta rays and maybe the odd Galapagos shark (don't worry – they're harmless!). Then it's time to head back to base and relax.
Accommodation
  • Miconia Hotel or similar (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Isla Lobos - Swimming and Snorkelling
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

You will have a free morning to further explore the unique sights of Isla San Cristobal – maybe some last-minute shopping or a visit to the beach one last time. The best thing is, you decide! Late in the afternoon, take a flight back to Ecuador’s capital, Quito.
Accommodation
  • La Cartuja Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today can be a long travel day and the airline (Avianca) only provides a small snack on board. We recommend purchasing some snacks for this journey ahead of time.

Welcome back to the mainland! With no activities planned for today, you can depart at any time. Hotel check out is normally at midday. If you would like to spend more time in Quito, good for you! We’ll be happy to organise some additional accommodation (subject to availability).
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Meals

7 breakfasts, 1 lunch

Transport

Boat, Speed boat

Accommodation

Hotels (7 nights)

Included activities

  • Complimentary Airport Arrival Transfer
  • Quito - city tour + the Equator line
  • Isla Santa Cruz - Tortuga Bay walk
  • Isla Santa Cruz - Purto Ayora Walking Tour
  • Isla Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Research Centre (45 Minutes)
  • Isla Santa Cruz - Highlands
  • Isla San Cristobal - Interpretation Center Visit (1 hour) - Dry Landing
  • Isla San Cristobal - Snorkelling in Las Loberias
  • Isla Lobos - Swimming and Snorkelling

Dates & availability

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Travel lightly with Intrepid. We’ve offset the main sources of carbon emissions from this trip on your behalf, including transport, accommodation & waste. Read more

Important notes

Please note that these trips are for adults and children travelling together and there must be at least one child under 18 with you.

Minimum age for children on this trip is 5 years old.

A discount of 10% applies on this trip to children 17 years and under at time of travel.

A Single Supplement is available on this trip, please ask your booking agent for more information.

The Ecuadorian government has declared that travel insurance is compulsory for all travelers entering Ecuador. Proof of insurance may be requested at upon entering the country by immigration officials, so please ensure you carry this with you.

Snorkelling equipment is included in this tour (mask & flippers). If you wish to hire a wetsuit this can be arranged locally for an additional cost.

A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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