Galápagos & Andes Family Multi-Adventure Tour
From $8,449 /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
2024: Jun, Dec
Ecuador’s Magical Wildlife, Islands & Peaks
As you and your family discover pre-Inca history, meet up with Andean indigenous peoples, commune with condors, hike a volcano's rim, snorkel with sea lions, and encounter blue-footed boobies and giant tortoises, you'll realize that something has happened. You've been forever changed by Ecuador's amazing Andes and incredible islands.
Highlights
- Walk along a caldera rim in the Andes with spectacular views of mighty volcanoes and deep-blue lakes
- Bike to Galápagos coffee and sugarcane 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
- Snorkel and kayak 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
Trace the orchid-lined caldera rim around azure Laguna de Cuicocha and hike in the breathtaking Andean landscape with your family • Take in fantastic views of surrounding cloud forest, jagged peaks and lush valley far below • Explore 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
Meet 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 • Wander through Condor Huasi, a condor conservation center • Hike to a pre-Inca archaeological site along steep-sided valleys • Take some time in 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, an isolated sanctuary for a stunning array of unique plants and animals, for incredible up-close wildlife viewing • Joined by our expert local guide, we venture into a secluded private reserve where many of the island's most notable residents—giant tortoises—hang out • Cycle through the highlands and rural Galapagueño villages stopping to 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
Spend one magical day after another, boating from island to island, stopping to paddle, hike and swim with fluorescent fish, sea lions and eagle rays • Keep an eye out for blue-footed boobies, Darwin's finches, magnificent frigate birds and lava lizards • Trek 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's an ample amount of travel time on this trip, and we may have earlier mornings than you're used to on Backroads trips—including as early as 4 am—due to our flights between the Ecuadorian mainland and the Galápagos Islands. We'll be flying on commercial flights with Avianca or LATAM Airlines aboard twin-jet planes. Note that while the roads in the Andean Highlands are safe, they're not high-speed motorways. 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 subject to national park regulations. Mid-trip itinerary changes are quite common. If we encounter changes to our planned activities, your Trip Leaders will find alternate activities that you're sure to enjoy.
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 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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