Galápagos Family Adventure

When you arrive into Quito, your guide will meet you for the transfer to the hotel. We’ve made this trip 8 days to easily fit into a school break week, but if you have more time, we highly recommend arriving early and booking Quito tours or adding on the cloud forest or Amazon.

Transfers to the airport for your flight to Baltra Island. From there, you’ll connect with a small plane ride to Isabela Island, the largest and most volcanically active island in the Galápagos. Hop on mountain bikes and ride through the town’s sandy streets toward the Wall of Tears. Along the scenic coastal path, take in gorgeous views of white sand beaches and the sparkling ocean beyond. Stop at a brackish lagoon for an opportunity to spot flamingos before turning inland. Hop off your bike and walk up the steps to the lookout tower offering expansive views of historic lava fields, Puerto Villamil town, beaches and the Pacific Ocean. Continue along a rolling track with mild ups and downs until you reach the final climb that takes you up to the Wall of Tears (Muro de las Lagrimas). Your guide will explain the history of this lava rock wall built by prisoners between 1946 and 1959, when Isabela was used as a penal colony. Afterwards, return to town and settle into your hotel. Enjoy a welcome dinner tonight.  (B,L,D)

Biking Details: 8 miles, mostly flat with some hills. Multiple stops along the way at places of interest. Not into biking? No problem! Tell us and we’ll arrange an alternative activity.

Today, set out by small boat to Los Tunnels, an extraordinary snorkeling location consisting of lava tunnels and arches, both above and underwater.  Snorkel with sea turtles, rays, white tipped reef sharks, and other exciting marine life. After the excursion, return to town for some leisure time. Stroll the gorgeous, long white sand beach of Puerto Villamil in search of wildlife, walk around town, or visit the flamingo lagoon. (B,L)

After breakfast, you’ll slip into ocean kayaks and paddle through a maze of rocky mangrove areas at a place called Tintoreras, a group of small islets south of the town of Puerto Villamil. Here you will see one of the smallest penguin in the world, also endemic to Galápagos. Watch as they perch ashore and whiz by you in the water! Paddle in company of playful sea lions, spotted eagle rays, turtles, iguanas, as well as blue footed boobies and other marine birds, all from your kayak. Time permitting, enjoy a snorkeling opportunity. This afternoon, pass through a manzanillo forest surrounded by wetlands, home to the famous giant pink flamingos! The path leads you to the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center, where you’ll have the opportunity to see hatchlings and adolescent tortoises up close. Enjoy dinner on your own this evening. (B,L)

After bidding a very early morning farewell to Isabela, you’ll board a public speed boat for a scenic ride to Santa Cruz Island. Upon arrival, you’ll head inland to the highlands of Santa Cruz Island, a misty forested land perfect for giant tortoises. Your first stop is at El Chato Natural Reserve, where you hike in search of the iconic giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Spot them taking mud baths in the ponds and slowly traversing the forest through the lush vegetation. This is a healthy native forest area that hosts the unique orchid of the islands among other endemic vegetation. Next, had to a highland farm for a locally prepared lunch with the people of Galápagos and learn what life is like for people who were born and raised in this land we consider a wildlife paradise. After lunch, drive back to town and set off on a short hike through a distinctive dry cacti forest to the stunning, pristine beach of Tortuga Bay. Along the way, you will see many native birds, lizards, and plants. Emerge from the forest onto the spectacular Tortuga Bay, home of one of the most beautiful beaches in the Galápagos. Soft, white, fine sand and pristine turquoise waters welcome you for a perfect and relaxed day. Evening at leisure. (B,L,D)

*You may opt to upgrade to a flight.

After breakfast, take a boat trip to explore one of the neighboring uninhabited islands (North Seymour, Bartolomé, Plazas, or Santa Fé). Each island has its own unique natural habitat and your guide will take you through the evolutionary marvels of your destination. Wildlife is abundant and photo opportunities are endless. You have the opportunity to snorkel off the boat and experience the richness of the aquatic species of the Galápagos Marine Reserve, the second largest reserve in the world. (B,L)

Please note that day trip itineraries depend on the day of the week and are subject to change.

After breakfast you are transferred to Baltra Island, where you will board your return flight to Quito. Arrive in the mid to late afternoon and enjoy your final dinner in Ecuador and evening at leisure. B)

Your trip ends with a transfer to the airport for your flight home. Trip extensions to other regions or extra days can also be arranged. (B)