Ecuador & Galapagos Family Multisport
Biking, Hiking & Kayaking Highlands & Islands
Pack your sense of adventure and join Backroads in Ecuador, a country of contrasts, diverse terrain, fascinating history and remarkable natural beauty. The impressive volcano-studded highlands and pristine Galápagos Islands are the ideal playground for your family's active explorations. Hike and mountain bike through the Andean highlands, stopping in mountain villages to enjoy traditional music, arts and crafts. Then explore the incomparable marine sanctuary of the Galápagos as we sail from island to island, and walk, snorkel and paddle among giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, sea lions and iguanas. Unique cultural experiences plus multisport activities equals a truly one-of-a-kind trip for the whole family.
Trip Planning Links
- 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
Days 1-2 San Pablo del Lago
Meet in Quito 
Hike to the beautiful open meadows of Rinconada Valley Visit the bustling market town of Otavalo and rub shoulders with the indigenous Otavaleños, renowned for musical talents and woven crafts Practice your Spanish as you bargain with the locals Kids dive into a market scavenger hunt Pedal to Peguche and enjoy the spirited serenading of local musicians playing handcrafted instruments Meet Señor Miguel Andrango, one of Ecuador's foremost master weavers, and tour his studio.
Days 3-4 Zuleta
Take in views of snowcapped Volcán Cayambe on your walk to a local school - if class is in session, you can interact with the kids! Settle in at 17th-century Hacienda Zuleta, a 4,000-acre working farm and your magnificent backyard for mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding amid volcano views and pre-Inca ruins Tour the property with our host Fernando Polanco, grandson of a former Ecuadorian president, to see cows milked and cheese made Bike to the condor huasi (house), created to reintroduce Andean condors to the wild Savor gourmet family-style meals featuring organic produce from the hacienda.
Days 5-9 Galapagos Islands
Fly to the Galápagos Islands, an isolated sanctuary for a stunning array of unique plants and animals Accompanied by a park naturalist, view wildlife such as blue-footed boobies, giant tortoises, hammerhead sharks, sea lions, iguanas and possibly penguins, in their natural habitats From our private motor yacht, sail from island to island with plenty of stops for snorkeling, swimming and hiking After an unforgettable day of activity and exploration, relax under brilliant starry skies while you're soothed by the gentle rocking of tropical waves.
- 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:
Peru Multisport Costa Rica Multisport New Zealand MultisportOther Central/South America Trips
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 30 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the tour experts. For multisport tours in , trust our in-depth connections. 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.
Ecuador & Galapagos Family Multisport
GLORIOUS SURROUNDINGS: Premiere Inns
Hacienda Cusin
San Pablo del Lago (2 nights) Located in the Ecuadorian sierra, this restored 17th-century Andean estate offers guest rooms with beamed ceilings, garden views and Colonial-style tranquility.
Hacienda Zuleta
Zuleta (2 nights) This beautiful 4,000-acre estate and working farm is open to only select groups. Features include a stable with horses for all riding abilities, a condor rehabilitation center and embroidery workshop.
Sea Man II*
Galápagos Islands (4 nights) 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 including a bilingual naturalist guide.
*With 4 semi-luxury yacht nights on the Sea Man II
Ecuador & Galapagos Family Multisport
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
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 |
Day 1
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- Hiking 2.6 miles
- 700 feet elevation gain
- Biking 2 miles
- 300 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Level 1 3 Route Options Available
- Biking 6, 9, 17 miles
- 0 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 3 4 Route Options Available
- Walking 3.1, 4.7, 4.9, 7.4 miles
- 0 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Level 1 3 Route Options Available
- Biking 7, 9 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Optional Walking 2.2 miles
Day 5
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- Hiking 1.5 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Snorkeling, walking, wildlife viewing
Day 7
- Snorkeling, walking, wildlife viewing
Day 8
- Snorkeling, kayaking, walking, wildlife viewing
Day 9
- Conclusion of trip
On this Family Trip, our routes follow gentle terrain with no significant gain or loss in elevation. Liberal van shuttling is incorporated into the itinerary to facilitate our activities and mileage is kept moderate to enable you to spend more time exploring on your own.