Galapagos & Andes Family Breakaway Multisport Tour
- Hike in the Andes with spectacular views of snowcapped mountains
- Bike through small highland villages, where Otavaleño Indians continue centuries-old traditions
- Condor Huasi, a center that reintroduces Andean condors into the wild
- Incredible up-close wildlife viewing in the Galápagos with an expert local guide
- Snorkel and kayak with tropical fish, sea lions and white-tipped reef sharks
Call 800-462-2848, Every day 6am-6pm,PST
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Ancient Culture & Wondrous Wildlife in Ecuador's Islands & Highlands
It doesn't take a PhD to know that whatever comes to the Galápagos is forever changed. But the Andean highland arts and culture, mountainous landscapes and pre-Inca history have a similar effect. And as you rub shoulders with indigenous Otavaleños, commune with condors, hike along the rim of a volcanic crater, snorkel the famous waters, encounter blue-footed boobies and giant tortoises, and watch the sun drop into the Pacific from your beachside lodge, you'll realize that Ecuador and its islands have done it again. You're forever changed.
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
Read the Straight Talk
Straight Talk
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.Travel Time
Please note that there is a substantial amount of travel time on this trip, and we may have earlier mornings than you are used to on Backroads trips—including as early as 4 a.m.—due to our flights between the Ecuadorian mainland and the Galápagos Islands.Once in the Galápagos, the main form of travel is by boat. In summer months the waters can be a bit rougher, so be prepared for wet, windy conditions and bring seasickness medication if you think you’ll need it. 
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
Travel Time
Please note that there is a substantial amount of travel time on this trip, and we may have earlier mornings than you are used to on Backroads trips—including as early as 4 a.m.—due to our flights between the Ecuadorian mainland and the Galápagos Islands.Once in the Galápagos, the main form of travel is by boat. In summer months the waters can be a bit rougher, so be prepared for wet, windy conditions and bring seasickness medication if you think you’ll need it.
Itinerary
Days
1-2 Hike in the Andes with spectacular views of snowcapped mountains 
Spend time exploring Poncho Square, the heart of Otavalo's world-famous artisan's market, and visit the studio of master weaver Miguel Andrango 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.
Day
3 Condor Huasi, a center reintroducing endangered condors into the wild Fuel up with a breakfast of organic tropical fruits, fresh dairy products and mouthwatering pastries—virtually everything on the table is homemade and grown on-site at our hotel Hike to archaelogical sites and along winding roads through the lush pastureland of the Zuleta Valley for new perspectives and breathtaking views 
Take a stroll to the embroidery workshops—Zuleteña women are renowned for fine needlework.
Days
4-8 Incredible up-close wildlife viewing in the Galápagos Islands, an isolated sanctuary with a stunning array of unique plants and animals With an expert local guide at your side, marvel at blue-footed boobies, Darwin's finches, magnificent frigate birds, and lava lizards Boat and fly from island to island, stopping to kayak, hike, bike and swim Snorkel through a living aquarium teeming with fluorescent fish and swim alongside sea lions, sea turtles, and even white-tipped reef sharks Hike through lush Scalesia forest and witness giant tortoises wallowing in mud puddles Late afternoon, kick back at our lodges or stroll in laid-back port towns.
Casual Inns*
Hacienda Cusín
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) Luxuriate at this 4,000-acre working farm and living museum open only to select groups of travelers. Our host is Fernando Polanco, the great-grandson and grandson of former Ecuadorian presidents.
Finch Bay Eco Hotel
Santa Cruz Island (2 nights) A beautiful waterfront lodge near the heart of Puerto Ayora.
Iguana Crossing
Isabela Island (2 nights) Set on a pristine beach near a habitat for flamingos and marine iguanas. (pool)
Guest Reviews About This Trip
What could be better than biking, hiking, snorkeling and kayaking your way through two of the most spectacular regions of South America: the Andes Mountains and Galápagos Islands of Ecuador? And you'll be sharing the experience with other fun-loving, like-minded travelers. Talk about instant camaraderie! We've hand-picked this trip - one of Backroads most popular adventures - for its appeal to adventurous families with older kids.- Regional Manager, Latin America
Trip Dates & Prices
Please click on a date below for specific pricing and possible itinerary variations.
2015 Family Breakaway DATES
June 2015
- 6/7 - 6/14 ( $5698 per person, double occ., +$1200 for single occ. , +$790 for internal airfare
December 2015
- 12/15 - 12/22 ( $5298 per person, double occ., +$1200 for single occ. , +$790 for internal airfare
- 12/19 - 12/26 ( $5898 per person, double occ., +$1200 for single occ. , +$790 for internal airfare
- 12/28 - 1/4 ( $5498 per person, double occ., +$1200 for single occ. , +$790 for internal airfare
2016 Family Breakaway DATES
January 2016
- 1/1 - 1/8 ( $5298 per person, double occ., +$1200 for single occ. , +$790 for internal airfare
March 2016
- 3/13 - 3/20 ( $5298 per person, double occ., +$1200 for single occ. , +$790 for internal airfare
June 2016
- 6/5 - 6/12 ( $5298 per person, double occ., +$1200 for single occ. , +$790 for internal airfare
December 2016
- 12/15 - 12/22 ( $5298 per person, double occ., +$1200 for single occ. , +$790 for internal airfare
Don't see your ideal travel date? Call us at 800-462-2848 for Private Trip date availability.
This Trip Is Rated Level 1-2
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.
| Daily Route Options | |||||||||||
| Day | Activity | EASYGOING | ACTIVE | AVID | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | |||||||
| miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | ||
| 1 | Walking/Hiking | 3 | 1000 | ||||||||
| Other | Otavalo Market Visit and Weaver`s Studio Visit | ||||||||||
| 2 | Walking/Hiking | 4* | 1300 | 7* | 1600 | 10 | 1600 | ||||
| 3 | Walking/Hiking | 4 | 800 | 6 | 800 | ||||||
| 4 | Other | Puerto Ayora Bay Tour (3 Hours) | |||||||||
| 5 | Biking | 18 | 1500 | ||||||||
| Walking/Hiking | 4 | 100 | |||||||||
| 6 | Walking/Hiking | 3 | 400 | ||||||||
| Kayaking | Isabela Island (2 Hours) | ||||||||||
| 7 | Walking/Hiking | 3 | 0 | ||||||||
| Other | Las Tintoreras Boating, Snorkeling and Wildlife Viewing (3 Hours) | ||||||||||
| 8 | Other | Conclusion of the Trip | |||||||||
On this trip, we'll be using titanium mountain bikes that are just right for the non-technical dirt road riding as well as the paved riding. (approximately 25% dirt and 75% paved).
* Includes a shuttle
Private Trips Options & Pricing
Gather your favorite people to share a Backroads adventure on a ready-to-book Private Trip - featuring all the legendary Backroads hallmarks from expert leaders to unforgettable activities.
You can pick from a large selection of dates for your group of 8 or more. Call us for date availability.
If your party has fewer than 8 guests, or if your preferred date is not available, we'll create a departure just for you.
Pricing for Private Trips (prices may vary based on departure date)
2015
| 8 - 9 guests from $6,098 pp dbl. occ. | 12 or more guests from $5,298 pp dbl. occ. |
| 10 - 11 guests from $5,598 pp dbl. occ. |
All Private Singles-Solos trips require a minimum of 16 guests.
For groups of 2 to 7 guests, please call for Custom Trip pricing.
More Recommended Trips
For 35 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.
