Galápagos & Andes Family Multi-Adventure Tour
From $7,399 - $8,249 /person
+$700 -$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: Mar-Apr, Aug, Dec 2025: Mar-Apr
Ecuador's Magical Wildlife, Isles & Peaks
Hike with your family to villages in volcano-studded highlands and discover crafts, music and ancient ruins. Then enjoy a mind-blowing adventure in the Galápagos Islands. Ever see a frigate bird strut his stuff? Or a seaweed-eating iguana? Alongside a naturalist, witness incredible wildlife behavior right before your eyes.
Highlights
- Hike in the Andes with views of mighty volcanoes and visit an award-winning condor conservation center
- Explore small, indigenous highland villages where centuries-old traditions are still thriving and bike to local coffee and sugarcane farms
- Captivate the kids with activities like crafting Andean pan flutes, milking a cow and weaving with a local artist
- Snorkel and kayak with tropical fish, sea lions and white-tipped reef sharks in the Galápagos—a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Start/End Quito
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary
Day 1
Hike the orchid-lined caldera rim of deep-blue Laguna de Cuicocha with your family • Enjoy the spirited serenading of musicians playing handcrafted instruments • Explore the quaint town of Cotacachi, famous for its leather goods • Kids enjoy a special Andean pan flute making workshop and a scavenger hunt in the local artisan market.
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 Ecuador's foremost master weavers—kids get a chance to learn the ancient craft firsthand • Experience daily life with the locals in the community of Angla • The family of a former Ecuadorian president welcomes us to our home for two nights, the luxurious Hacienda Zuleta, set amid volcano vistas and pre-Inca ruins • Exclusive opportunities for kids to participate in interactive games at the Condor Wasi, milk cows and see how local cheese is made • Hike along steep-sided valleys to a pre-Inca archaeological site.
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, and get set for incredible up-close wildlife viewing • With an expert local guide, head to a secluded private reserve where many of the island's most notable residents—giant tortoises—hang out • Bike through the highlands and rural Galapagueño villages to 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 snorkel, paddle, hike and swim • Marvel at blue-footed boobies, giant tortoises, eagle rays, fluorescent fish, sea lions and lava lizards • Kick back at our comfortable island lodges or venture out to hike, play at the beach and discover quaint port towns • The younger set gets their creative juices flowing with a special art activity.
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 aboard a twin-jet plane. 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, including challenges such as 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
Choose Your Perfect Bike
Our bikes are designed and built with specific cyclists and riding styles in mind, so we can always offer you a perfect ride. Please note that bike requests are subject to availability and prioritized based on the date they're submitted.
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
Included in your trip price
- Backroads is the only travel company to manufacture it's own line of kid's bikes.
- Features smaller wheels -- the perfect choice for kids.
- On our Family Trips, you'll find 20"" and 24"" bikes.
Included in your trip price
- For children up to 85 pounds
- Attaches to an adult bike with your child providing some of the pedal power for a real team effort!
- Ideal for kids who aren't yet ready for bike touring.
- Cannot be pulled by an e-bike.
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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