Galápagos & Andes Family Multi-Adventure Tour
From $7,499 - $8,249 /person
+$800 internal air
8 days
7 nights
Activity Levels 1-2
Premiere & Casual Plus Hotels
Galápagos & Andes Family Multi-Adventure Tour
8 days
7 nights
Activity Levels 1-2
Premiere & Casual Plus Hotels
2023: Dec 2024: Jun-Aug, Dec 2025: Jun-Aug
Ecuador's Magical Wildlife, Isles & Peaks
Unleash your sense of wonder high in the Andes. Hike and bike with your family amid volcano-studded highlands where traditional villages, folkloric music and ancient ruins are yours to discover. Then delve into the Galápagos marine sanctuary, snorkeling with sea lions, encountering blue-footed boobies and giant tortoises. Ecuador casts a seductive spell.
Highlights
- Stroll along a caldera rim in the Andes with spectacular views of mighty volcanoes and deep-blue lakes
- Pedal to Galápagos sugarcane and coffee farms and explore Andean highland villages where indigenous people continue centuries-old traditions
- Experience close encounters with extraordinary Galápagos wildlife alongside an expert local guide
- Kayak and snorkel amid tropical fish, sea lions, white-tipped reef sharks, sea turtles and blue-footed boobies
Start/End Quito
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary
Day 1
Hike in the breathtaking Andean landscape with your family and trace the orchid-lined caldera rim around azure Laguna de Cuicocha • Take in magnificent views of the surrounding cloud forest, jagged peaks and lush valley far below • Wander through the colonial streets of Cotacachi, renowned for its leather goods.
Night 1
Peacocks stroll freely in the lavish gardens of this stately hotel, which combines Ecuadorian and European styles. (pool, spa)
Days 2-3
Visit with master weavers and see their age-old techniques as you stroll through their studio • The family of a former Ecuadorian president welcomes us at luxurious Hacienda Zuleta • Check out Condor Huasi, a a condor conservation center • Hike along steep-sided valleys to a pre-Inca archaeological site • Visit Zuleta's embroidery shop—local women are renowned for their fine needlework.
Nights 2-3
Luxuriate at this idyllic 17th century hotel, 4,000-acre working farm and living museum owned by a former Ecuadorian president and his family. (spa)
Days 4-5
Fly to the Galápagos Islands for incredible up-close wildlife viewing • With an expert local guide, we venture into a secluded private reserve where many of the island's most notable residents—giant tortoises—hang out • Pedal through the highlands and rural Galapagueño villages and visit a local coffee and sugarcane farm • Spend the day at Tortuga Bay, with a chance to see sea turtles and white-tipped reef sharks.
Nights 4-5
Designed to complement its lush highland surroundings, this serene hotel features a natural lava tube on its grounds. (pool)
Days 6-8
Boat from island to island, stopping to paddle, hike and swim with fluorescent fish, sea lions and eagle rays • Marvel at blue-footed boobies, Darwin's finches, magnificent frigate birds and lava lizards • Hike through rich Scalesia forests and witness giant tortoises wallowing in mud puddles • Late afternoon, kick back at our lodges or stroll in laid-back port towns.
Nights 6-7
Set on Playa de Oro beach, this eco-friendly hotel features a modern touch that blends with its natural surroundings. (pool)
What's Included
See moreStraight Talk
We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
Please note that there is an ample 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. We will be flying on commercial flights with Avianca or LATAM Airlines aboard twin-jet planes. Once in the Galápagos, the main form of travel is by boat, so be prepared for occasional wet, windy conditions and bring seasickness medication if you think you'll need it. Also, in summer months the waters can be a bit rougher.
The Galápagos Islands are a welcoming and fascinating place, yet complex and at times logistically challenging due to national park regulations. Mid-trip itinerary changes are quite common. Rest assured, if we encounter changes to our planned activities, your Trip Leaders will find alternate activities that you're sure to enjoy.
Although the Galápagos Islands are part of Ecuador, they can feel worlds away from the mainland, with challenges including slow or nonexistent internet connectivity and ATMs possibly running out of cash. Service at hotels and restaurants can lack a sense of urgency when compared with other regions. Your best bet is to sit back, relax and soak in the island way of life.
Some hikes on this trip are remote and do not intersect with roads. Vehicles will get us to and from the trailheads, but the nature of these trails is such that we won't see our vehicles along the route. Significant trail support in the form of water, snacks and encouragement is provided by your Backroads leaders and local guides.
We provide plenty of hiking options and ample trail support so that you can hike at your chosen pace throughout the trip. However, in the Galápagos, in accordance with the national park's environmental protection regulations, hikers must stay in designated areas and be accompanied by our local naturalist.
Hotels
World-Class Hotels
Our hand-selected Premiere hotels offer exceptional hospitality and experiences as special as the regions we explore.
Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.
Night 1
*Casual Plus Hotel
Peacocks stroll freely in the lavish gardens of this stately hotel, which combines Ecuadorian and European styles. (pool, spa)
Nights 2-3
Premiere Hotel
Luxuriate at this idyllic 17th century hotel, 4,000-acre working farm and living museum owned by a former Ecuadorian president and his family. (spa)
Nights 4-5
*Casual Plus Hotel
Designed to complement its lush highland surroundings, this serene hotel features a natural lava tube on its grounds. (pool)
Nights 6-7
Premiere Hotel
Set on Playa de Oro beach, this eco-friendly hotel features a modern touch that blends with its natural surroundings. (pool)
Gallery
Bikes
Ready to Ride
On this trip where Backroads custom titanium bikes are not available, we offer local bikes of comparable quality that are well suited for the terrain on our routes.
Included in your trip price
- Suited for a wide range of cyclists
- Comfortable ergonomic seat
- Long wheel base adds to the bike's control and stability
- Upright handlebars only
Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations (if any) and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
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