Galapagos & Andes Family Multisport
Biking, Hiking & Snorkeling in Ecuador's Islands & Highlands
Got your camera? Your sense of adventure? Get set to treat your family to non-stop thrills. Bike amid volcano-studded highlands to traditional villages. Here local crafts, folkloric music and ancient ruins are yours to discover. Journey to the marine sanctuary of the Galápagos. We sail from island to island, explore pristine beaches and snorkel in the famous waters. Ever see a frigate bird strut his stuff? Or a seaweed-eating iguana? Alongside expert naturalists, we observe, inquire and react as fascinating wildlife behaviors occur right before our eyes in Darwin's natural laboratory.
- Hike in the Andes with spectacular views of snowcapped mountains
- Incredible up-close wildlife viewing in the Galápagos with a naturalist guide
- Meet Lonesome George, a one-of-a-kind tortoise
- A scavenger hunt in a bustling local market
- Snorkel with tropical fish, sea lions and penguins
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1 Hike and bike in the Andes with spectacular views of snowcapped mountains 
Fernando Polanco, grandson of an Ecuadorian president, welcomes us into Hacienda Zuleta This 4,000-acre working farm is your magnificent backyard for mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding amid volcano vistas and pre-Inca ruins A feast of fresh cheeses, vegetables and trout is prepared using the Polanco family recipes - taste them to believe them!
Day 2 Visit the Condor Huasi, created to reintroduce Andean condors to the wild Pedal along the slope of Imbabura Volcano, following winding dirt roads to a tabletop ridge offering spectacular views of the Zuleta Valley The afternoon is yours: take a self-guided hike, go horseback riding, visit the hacienda's renowned embroidery project, milk a cow or play fútbol with local youngsters.
Day 3 A scavenger hunt just for the kids at a bustling outdoor market Delight in views of lofty Volcán Cayambe on your walk to a local school - if class is in session, you can meet the kids! Bike to the beautiful open meadows of Rinconada Valley Visit the colorful market town of Otavalo and rub shoulders with the indigenous Otavaleños, renowned for musical talents and woven crafts Como se dice "baker's dozen?" Practice your Spanish as you bargain with the locals.
Day 4 Bike through highland villages, where Otavaleño Indians continue age-old traditions Pedal to Peguche and enjoy the spirited serenading of local musicians playing handcrafted instruments Visit the studio of Señor Miguel Andrango, one of Ecuador's foremost master weavers.
Days 5-9 Incredible up-close wildlife viewing in the Galápagos with a naturalist guide Fly to the Galápagos Islands, an isolated sanctuary for a stunning array of unique plants and animals Accompanied by a park naturalist, marvel at wildlife such as blue-footed boobies, giant tortoises, hammerhead sharks, sea lions, iguanas and possibly penguins From our private motor yacht*, sail from island to island with plenty of stops for snorkeling, swimming and hiking After unforgettable days of activity and exploration, relax under brilliant starry skies while you're soothed by the gentle rocking of tropical waves.
* Yachts vary; see lodging information for details.
Adult Route Rating What's this?
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
Other Trips You Might Like:
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Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
I knew this would be a great trip but I didn't expect it to be so wonderful and fabulous! Ecuador was an unexpected gem. What a beautiful country with wonderful people! We just loved the hiking and mountain biking.- Bellaire, TX More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
For 32 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the tour experts. To see all our multisport tours click here. For our selection of award-winning biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning walking and hiking tours click here.
Galapagos & Andes Family Multisport
Premiere Inns
Hacienda Zuleta
Zuleta (2 nights) Once home to a former president of Ecuador, "This beautiful late-17th-century hacienda is much more than a place to stay; it's a full cultural-immersion experience," said Condé Nast Traveler.
Hacienda Cusin
San Pablo del Lago (2 nights) Located in the Ecuadorian sierra, this restored 17th-century Andean estate traces its history to 1602 when the land was purchased from the King of Spain.
Sea Man II*
Galápagos Islands (4 nights) (12/19/10 departure)
Float in style aboard this modern 90-foot motor catamaran, featuring large comfortable cabins with outside views, a dining room, lounge, library, bar, observation deck, sundeck and a gracious crew. View the deck plans.
*With 4 semi-luxury yacht nights on the Sea Man II or similar yacht
Coral II*
Galápagos Islands (4 nights) (3/19/11, 6/18/11 & 7/16/11 departures)
Drink in stunning Galápagos scenery from the whirlpool aboard this luxury yacht, or from a hammock slung in the shade of its shadow deck, before heading into the lounge to hear about local geology, flora and fauna from the multilingual naturalist guide. View the deck plans.
*With 4 semi-luxury yacht nights on the Coral II or similar yacht.
Galapagos & Andes Family Multisport
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Kid-Friendly Routes
The route options below are for adults and older kids with more biking experience who are up for longer rides or hikes. For all other kids (and adults who choose), we make it easy to do even less than the shortest option mentioned below, usually by taking a short lift in one of our support vehicles. We are here to make sure everyone has a great time so there's no need for you to worry about whether your child will be able to "keep up."
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- Hiking 3.2 miles
- 800 feet elevation gain
- Guided walk 1.5 hours
Day 2
- Level 1 3 Route Options Available
- Biking 7, 9 miles
- 250 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Walking 4.7 miles
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 3 4 Route Options Available
- Walking 4.7, 7.4, 10.3 miles
- 400 - 1600 feet elevation gain
- Biking 5 miles
- 300 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Level 1 3 Route Options Available
- Biking 6, 9, 17 miles
- 200 - 1200 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- Hiking 1.5 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Guided walk 1.5 hours
Day 6
- Snorkeling, walking, wildlife viewing
Day 7
- Snorkeling, walking, wildlife viewing
Day 8
- Snorkeling, walking, wildlife viewing
Day 9
- Conclusion of trip