Ecuador Amazon & Galapagos Family Holiday




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Get the family together for a wild adventure through the Amazon Rainforest and the Galapagos Islands
See playful seals, giant tortoises and distinct animals like pink iguanas as you and your family journey through the Amazon and Galapagos Islands. Stay in an eco-lodge in the Amazon, look for local wildlife and birds during your walk through the rainforest with an Indigenous guide and learn about the regions biodiverse landscape as you chase waterfalls in Banos. Kayak through the turquoise waters around Isla Isabela, join a local family for an empanada cooking class and discover how waste found in the ocean can be transformed into meaningful art.
Start: Quito, Ecuador
End: Quito, Ecuador
- Duration
- 14 days
- Group size
- 2 to 16
- Minimum age
- 5 years old
- Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time
Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time
Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities
Premium: Our best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and our most experienced leaders
- Original
- Theme
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- Family
- Physical rating
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Why you'll love this trip
- Stay on the edge of the Amazon Rainforest in an eco-lodge, then explore the jungle on an evening walk under the night sky.
- Travel along the avenue of volcanoes and go hiking in Cotopaxi National Park – home to the highest active volcano in the world!
- Keep an eye out for local marine life of the Galapagos like penguins, turtles and seals as you kayak through the turquoise waters around Isla Isabela.
- Visit the Arnaldo Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Centre, where you'll see giant tortoises at all stages of development roam free in their natural habitats.
- Dive under the clear water and snorkel among the colourful fish, green sea turtles and the winding underground lava tubes.
Itinerary
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Ecuador. Your adventure starts with a welcome meeting at 5 pm tonight in Quito – Ecuador’s capital, which sits high in the Andean foothills at an altitude of 2850 m. If you arrive early, maybe visit the Church of the Society of Jesus (Compania de Jesus), join a market discovery Urban Adventure or take a walk down the famous Calle La Ronda – Quito's oldest street. Tonight, maybe join your fellow travellers and their families for dinner – a great way to get to know each other.
- La Cartuja Hotel or Similar (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Quito - Complimentary arrival transfer
- Quito - Ballet Folklorico Ecuatoriano de Jacchigua - USD40
- Quito - Market Discovery Urban Adventure - USD99
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 complimentary arrival transfer today is only available if you’re arriving on day 1 or if you’ve booked pre-trip accommodation through Intrepid. 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.
This morning, travel to the Amazon Jungle – the world’s largest tropical rainforest, spanning eight South American countries. On the way, stop at Guango Lodge near the hot springs of Papallacta. Here, you’ll see some of the 14 species of hummingbirds that call this region home. Then, take a motorised canoe through the rainforest to your eco lodge. When you arrive, sit down for dinner with your family, then set off on a night walk through the jungle. Be sure to pack your flashlight and camera for the best chance of seeing local wildlife like fishing bats, owls and toads.
- Itamandi Eco Lodge or Similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Amazon Jungle - Guided night walk
Your travel time today will be approximately 6.5 hours.
Fuel up on breakfast this morning as you have a big day of adventures ahead. First, you’ll hike into the rainforest with a local Indigenous guide leading the way. Listen carefully as they point out local bird species and teach you about the incredible plant life that thrives here. After lunch, you'll visit a nearby animal rescue centre. Learn more about the local wildlife and what can be done to help protect them. Tonight, join your group for dinner at a local restaurant.
- Itamandi Eco Lodge or Similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Amazon - Guided rainforest hike and visit to animal rescue centre
Say goodbye to the Amazon as you take a motorised canoe out of the jungle. Then, board a private vehicle and travel to Banos. When you arrive, join your local leader on an orientation walk around town. The rest of the day is then free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe explore the Ruta de las Cascadas (Waterfall Route) by bike, relax in the natural hot springs or discover the religious sites like the Basilica of Our Lady of Holy Water.
- La Floresta Hotel Baños or Similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Banos - Orientation walking tour
- Banos - Hot springs - USD5
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Travel out of Banos town this morning to the entrance of the Devils Cauldron, where you’ll visit Pailon del Diablo Waterfall. The 80 m waterfall has a mighty strength that showers anyone in its path – so be sure to bring a waterproof jacket! When you reach the top, take in the surrounding views over the region. After, travel back to Banos where you’ll have the afternoon free for you and your family to spend as you like.
- La Floresta Hotel Baños or Similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Banos - Pailon del Diablo Waterfall
- Banos - Swing at the End of the World - USD2
- Banos - Route of the waterfalls - USD2
Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hour.
This morning, drive along the Avenue of the Volcanoes to the Cotopaxi National Park. When you arrive, head out on a hike to Limpiopungo Lagoon for panoramic views of the Cotopaxi Volcano – Ecuador's second-highest peak and the tallest active volcano in the world! As you walk, look for wildlife like condors, deer and spectacles bears. Later, return to Quito this afternoon. Tonight, maybe join your group tonight for one last meal together and toast to an amazing adventure.
- La Cartuja Hotel or Similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Cotopaxi - Hiking in Cotopaxi National Park
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours. Your hiking time will be approximately 2 hours.
Today is a free day to explore Quito at your own pace until your second welcome meeting at 5 pm this afternoon. Maybe discover the Mindo Cloud and Tropical Forest, wander the Otavalo Indigenous Market and Condor Park or see a performance at the Ballet Folklorico Ecuatoriano de Jacchigua. After your meeting, you might like to head out for dinner with your fellow travellers to toast to the next part of your exciting adventure.
- Vieja Cuba Hotel Quito or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Otavalo - Day tour to the Otavalo Indigenous market, Condor Park & Mitad del Mundo - USD90
As this trip is a combination of shorter itineraries, the travellers in your group and your group leader are likely to change today.
Today, you’ll take the short flight to Isla Santa Cruz, one of the main hubs of the Galapagos. When you arrive, visit the Highlands where you can see giant tortoises roaming free in their natural habitat. These fascinating animals can weigh as much as 400 kg (and naturally, are very popular with the kids!). Then, continue to the town of Puerto Ayora. Join your local leader on a short walk around town to get your bearings then enjoy some free time to continue exploring at your own pace.
- Fernandina Hotel & Spa or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Isla Santa Cruz - Walking tour of Puerto Ayora
- Isla Santa Cruz - Visit the highlands to see Giant tortoises
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
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).
Say goodbye to Santa Cruz and jump on a speedboat to Isla Isabela. Known for wildlife like penguins and sea lions, this island straddles the equator and is the largest island in the Galapagos archipelago. When you arrive this afternoon, set out on a family kayaking adventure. Navigate the distinct volcanic rock formations as you paddle on clear, turquoise waters, and be sure to look out for local wildlife and marine life along the way! Tonight, maybe wander through town and find a local restaurant for dinner.
- La Laguna Galapagos Hotel or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Isla Isabela - Walking tour of the town and lagoon to observe flamingos
- Isla Isabela - Kayaking
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
When you arrive at Isla Isabela, you’ll need to pay a port fee of USD10 per person in cash.
This morning, hop on a small Zodiac boat and cruise to Las Tintoreras (Shark Alley) to look for blue-footed boobies and the Galapagos penguin. Then, take a short walk on this isolated islet and learn how it’s a popular iguana nesting site, before swapping your hiking boots for a snorkel. Dive under the clear water and swim with colourful fish and green sea turtles through the winding underground lava tubes. After, dry off and return to Isla Isabel. When you arrive, visit the Arnaldo Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Centre to see giant tortoises in all stages of their development. After learning about the thousand tortoises that live here, you’ll head to a brackish lagoon to observe flamingos. Later today, join a local family for a cooking class and learn to make empanadas for dinner.
- La Laguna Galapagos Hotel or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Isla Isabela - Cooking class (empanadas)
- Isla Isabela - Snorkeling at Tintoreras Breeding Center
Snorkelling equipment will be provided today.
Confident swimming skills are required to take part in today’s activity.
Start your last day on Isla Isabela by heading to the Sierra Negra Volcano – one of the Galapagos’ most active volcanoes and the world's second-largest crater! When you arrive, you'll set off for a family-friendly hike to explore the unique landscapes and take in the views. After your hike, you’ll have some free time to find a local cafe for lunch. This afternoon, maybe go swimming and relax at Concha de Perla Beach. Known for its beautiful lagoons full of mangroves, this is a great spot to go for a walk along the sandy shore or snorkel among the vibrant coral reefs.
- La Laguna Galapagos Hotel or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Isla Isabela - Concha y Perla beach visit
- Isla Isabela - Volcan chico hike
Your hiking distance today will be approximately 8 km or 3 hours.
This morning, take a speedboat back to Isla Santa Cruz. When you arrive in Puerto Ayora, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Then, join a local artist who’s passionate about sustainability during a hands-on creative activity. Using plastic collected from the local beaches, you'll learn how waste can be transformed into meaningful art, while gaining insight into ocean conservation efforts. Tonight, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner – your local leader will have the best recommendations.
- Fernandina Hotel & Spa or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Isla Santa Cruz - Upcycling art activity
- Isla Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Centre visit
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
After breakfast, board a plane and make the return flight back to Quito. When you arrive, the rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace – maybe see the city from above on the teleferiqo sky cable cars. Tonight, maybe join your group tonight for one last meal together and toast to an amazing adventure.
- La Cartuja Hotel Quito or similar (1 night)
- Breakfast
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
With no activities planned for today, you can depart at any time. If you are staying in Quito longer, maybe wander the Otavalo Indigenous Market and Condor Park or see a performance at the Ballet Folklorico Ecuatoriano de Jacchigua. Your booking agent will be able to help you if you’d like to stay longer, just speak with them ahead of time!
- Breakfast
Inclusions and activities
13 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
Private vehicle, motorised canoe, plane, speed boat
Hotel (11 nights), Eco Lodge (2 nights)
- Quito - Complimentary arrival transfer
- Amazon Jungle - Guided night walk
- Amazon - Guided rainforest hike and visit to animal rescue centre
- Banos - Orientation walking tour
- Banos - Pailon del Diablo Waterfall
- Cotopaxi - Hiking in Cotopaxi National Park
- Isla Santa Cruz - Walking tour of Puerto Ayora
- Isla Santa Cruz - Visit the highlands to see Giant tortoises
- Isla Isabela - Walking tour of the town and lagoon to observe flamingos
- Isla Isabela - Kayaking
- Isla Isabela - Cooking class (empanadas)
- Isla Isabela - Snorkeling at Tintoreras Breeding Center
- Isla Isabela - Concha y Perla beach visit
- Isla Isabela - Volcan chico hike
- Isla Santa Cruz - Upcycling art activity
- Isla Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Centre visit
- Quito - Ballet Folklorico Ecuatoriano de Jacchigua - USD40
- Quito - Market Discovery Urban Adventure - USD99
- Banos - Hot springs - USD5
- Banos - Swing at the End of the World - USD2
- Banos - Route of the waterfalls - USD2
- Otavalo - Day tour to the Otavalo Indigenous market, Condor Park & Mitad del Mundo - USD90
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, learn more about our climate commitment.
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Before you book you should know
- This trip visits places that are at high altitude, and as a result some people can suffer from altitude sickness, regardless of age or physical health. Please see the Medical and health information section of the Essential Trip Information for more detail.
- Temperatures in the Amazon can fluctuate from daytime humidity to night-time chill. Insects, especially mosquitoes, are common. We recommend tropical-strength insect repellent and light cotton clothing that covers your arms and legs, with warmer layers for the evening.
- This trip involves travel by speedboat between the Galapagos Islands. The rides can be quite bumpy at times, but the good news is that seasickness can often be managed with medication. Please consult a health professional to assess your suitability for such medication.
- From June to August the water in the Galapagos can be rougher than usual and travel times may be longer than usual.
GENERAL ROOMING CONFIGURATIONS:
Family of two - All family groupings of two will be put into a twin room.
Family of three - Wherever possible we will put you in a triple room. Please be aware that in a handful of places triple rooms are in short supply. This means that, in practice, a triple room will often simply be a twin room with a mattress on the floor or a further bed squashed in. Where it is impossible to provide a triple room, you will have to decide which of your party takes the single room.
Family of four or more - You will most likely stay in two twin rooms. If and wherever possible we will aim put you in a quadruple room. Whilst we will do our very best to ensure that families are roomed close together (in some cases, we can arrange adjoining rooms), we can’t guarantee this. Most family holidays occur during peak season and we sometimes have little to no control over where you will be put. You need to come prepared for this.
La Cartuja Hotel
Leonidas Plaza N20-08 y 18 de Septiembre
Quito
ECUADOR
Phone: +593 2523577
Description
La Cartuja Hotel is a charming boutique property with spacious rooms, wifi and a central courtyard to relax in. It is located within walking distance to restaurants, shops and attractions.
Instructions
Intrepid can assist with pre-booking an arrival transfer from the airport - enquire with your agent. Please advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your departure.
If you have a confirmed arrival transfer, you’ll be met in the Arrivals Hall by a transfer representative holding an Intrepid sign. Please ask them who they’re picking up to confirm you’ve met the correct transfer representative. In case of flight cancellations, changes, or unforeseen delays, please contact our local office on the number in the ‘Problems and emergency contact information’ section.
Dates and prices
Important notes
1. FAMILY TRIPS: Please note that these trips are for adults and children travelling together and there must be at least one child under 18 with you.
2. CHILD AGE: The minimum age for children on this trip is 5 years old. Most children travelling on Intrepid Family trips are between 10 and 14 years old.
3. DISCOUNT: A discount of 10% applies on this trip to children 17 years and under at time of travel.
4. SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: A single supplement is available for adults wishing to have a private room to themselves. The single supplement includes all days and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further 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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