Galapagos & Andes Family Multisport
- Hike in the Andes with spectacular views of snowcapped mountains
- Incredible up-close wildlife viewing in the Galápagos with a naturalist guide
- A scavenger hunt in a bustling local market
- Snorkel with tropical fish, sea lions and marine turtles
- Slumber aboard our private yacht while it sails to remote island destinations
Watch a Video
Biking, Hiking & Snorkeling in Ecuador's Islands & Highlands
How does it feel? To sleep on a boat 600 miles from the mainland. Snorkel with parrot fish. Stand beside a tortoise that weighs more than I do. How does it feel? To bike and hike right next to volcanoes. Hunt for cool stuff at a big outdoor market. These were my questions when I heard we were going to a place called Ecuador. Mom and Dad said it would be "an adventure" - I don't think they knew how it would actually feel. But we went and I got my answers: Cool - a floating hotel! Awesome! Kind of freaky - but in a good way. Amazing! Super fun - I found todos! Our trip to Ecuador felt like one big adventure.
Day 1 Bike through highland villages, where Otavaleño Indians continue age-old traditions 
Otavalo's market is a colorful bustling whir - revel in it! Musicians playing handcrafted instruments serenade you in Peguche Visit the studio of master weaver Miguel Andrango.
Day 2 Hike in the Andes with spectacular views of snowcapped mountains to a local school Fernando Polanco, grandson of an Ecuadorian president, welcomes us at Hacienda Zuleta, a 4,000-acre working farm set amid volcano vistas and pre-Inca ruins Feast on fresh cheeses, vegetables and trout prepared using Polanco family recipes - taste them to believe them!
Day 3 Condor Huasi, a center reintroducing endangered condors into the wild Hop in the saddle of your mountain bike - or horse! - and follow winding dirt roads along the slope of Volcán Imbabura to a tabletop ridge that overlooks the magnificent Zuleta Valley.
Days 4-8 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 Marvel at wildlife such as blue-footed boobies, giant tortoises, hammerhead sharks, sea lions, iguanas and possibly penguins Our private motor yacht - where we sleep for four nights! - sails us from island to island with plenty of stops for snorkeling, swimming and hiking Unforgettable days of activity and exploration are followed by relaxing nights under brilliant starry skies with the gentle rocking of tropical waves.
Guests Reviews 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
I loved the part of the trip in the Highlands of Ecuador - both haciendas were wonderful. Our leaders were enthusiastic, helpful, flexible and kind, and the food was excellent. The scenery and contact with the local people was superb, and I loved the hiking and biking!- Cherry Hill, NJ
Backroads planned an amazing and rich trip, and executed it with polish and good humor. We were extremely impressed and will travel with Backroads on all our future organized travel. Guides were wonderful with guests, kids, dietary and medical restrictions, and at keeping everything moving smoothly. By the end of the trip, we felt our family had grown to include the leaders and other guests.- Berkeley, CA
Premiere Inns
Hacienda Cusin
San Pablo del Lago (1 night) Located in the Ecuadorian sierra, this restored Andean estate traces its history to 1602 when the land was purchased from the King of Spain.
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," according to Condé Nast Traveler.
Coral II
Galápagos Islands (4 nights) 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 plan.
Note: Moon cabins aboard the Coral II (4 available) receive a $200 savings per person.
* with 4 semi-luxury yacht nights on the Coral II.
Costa Rica Multisport
Adventures in Paradise from Arenal Volcano to the Pacific Coast
Family:
Costa Rica Multisport
Wildlife Encounters on the Pacific Coast & Nicoya Peninsula
Family:
Ecuador: Galapagos & Andes Multisport with Haciendas & Adventure Lodges New!
Ancient Culture & Wondrous Wildlife in Ecuador's Islands & Highlands
Family:
Peru Multisport
Cultural Discoveries & Epic Landscapes from Cusco to Machu Picchu
Family:
This Trip Is Rated Level 1-3
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 | Road Bike Average | Mountain Bike Average* | Walk & Hike Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 10-15 miles | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 16-20 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 21-25 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 26-30 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 31+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
*Mountain bikes are used in locations where the best riding is on a combination of dirt and paved roads. View trip locations
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
- Levels 1 to 2 3 Route Options Available
- Biking 6, 8, 16 miles
- 100 - 800 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 2 to 4 4 Route Options Available
- Walking 4.7, 5.5, 8.9, 10.2 miles
- 100 - 1600 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- Biking 7, 9 miles
- 250 - 330 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Flight to Galápagos Islands 3 hours
- Walking & wildlife viewing
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
- Flight to Quito 3 hours
More Recommended Trips
For 33 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the Ecuador tour experts. See our award-winning Latin America multisport tours, Latin America biking tours and Latin America walking and hiking tours.
