14-Day Classic Family Adventure: Andes and Galapagos

Itinerary

• DAY 1 Welcome to Your Ecuadorian Adventure
  

  Begin your private Ecuador adventure with a personalized welcome from Rebecca Adventure Travel. Your family will be whisked away to Ilatoa Lodge, a mountain sanctuary with captivating views. Marcelo and Rossana, your gracious hosts, will introduce you to local cuisine and even invite you to a hands-on cooking class.

  Highlights: Personalized greeting, mountain sanctuary, immersive culinary experience.

  • Activity:Arrival. Cooking.
  • Transport:Car.
  • Meal:Dinner with cooking class.
  • Accommodation:Ilatoa Lodge.
• DAY 2 Quito Historic Center, Middle of the World, and Pululahua
  

  After a delectable local breakfast, delve into Quito’s rich history with a guided tour of Panecillo Hill. Experience the magic of the Basílica del Voto Nacional church, the main squares, and the San Francisco church. The Middle of the World museum adds interactive experiments, followed by a visit to the Pululahua volcanic crater. This day is a perfect blend of culture and fun!

  Highlights: Historical exploration, interactive museum, breathtaking landscapes.

  • Activity:Exploring. Sightseeing. Walking.
  • Transport:Car.
  • Meal:Breakfast. Lunch.
  • Accommodation:Ilatoa Lodge.
• DAY 3 From the Andes Mountains to the Amazon Basin
  

  It is time to begin an astonishing journey from the Andes down to the Amazon Rainforest, across diverse landscapes. Arriving at Itamandi Lodge by motorized canoe, your family will savor local cuisine, unwind by the pool, and embark on an interactive hike.

  Highlights: Nature immersion, Amazon exploration, family bonding.

  • Activity:Exploring. Hiking.
  • Transport:Car. Boat.
  • Meal:Breakfast. Dinner.
  • Accommodation:Itamandi Lodge or similar.
• DAY 4 Itamandi Lodge
  

  Today you can choose your adventure! River tubing, wildlife hikes, community visits, or relaxation at the lodge. Your guide at Itamandi will ensure a personalized experience, pushing the boundaries for a truly transformative Amazonian encounter.

  Highlights: Adventure choices, wildlife immersion, personalized Amazon exploration.

  • Activity:Tubing. Exploring. Hiking. Wildlife watching.
  • Transport:Boat.
  • Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
  • Accommodation:Itamandi lodge.
• DAY 5 Papallacta Spa & Hot Springs Relaxation
  

  Let’s transition from the Amazon back to the Andes. At the rejuvenating Papallacta Volcanic Hot Springs, enjoy self-guided hikes, an award-winning spa, and soothing volcanic baths amidst spectacular landscapes.

  Highlights: Wellness oasis, rejuvenation, scenic relaxation.

  • Activity:Exploring. Relaxing.
  • Transport:Car.
  • Meal:Breakfast. Dinner.
  • Accommodation:Papallacta Spa Hotel.
• DAY 6 Otavalo Cultural Experience
  

  Discover Otavalo, the handicrafts capital of Ecuador. From a snack at the original bizcocho (biscuit) factory to a Cóndor Rescue Center visit, this tour will immerse your family in indigenous culture. Engage with local families for creative activities, creating lasting memories.

  Highlights: Cultural immersion, artisanal creativity, indigenous connections.

  • Activity:Walking. Exploring.
  • Transport:Car.
  • Meal:Breakfast. Lunch.
  • Accommodation:Ilatoa Lodge or similar.
• DAY 7 Fly to San Cristóbal
  

  Bid farewell to Ilatoa before heading to Quito’s airport for your Galapagos flight. Your mesmerizing journey at the Enchanted Isles will begin in San Cristóbal. After a scenic flight, you will engage in family-friendly water activities like kayaking or paddleboarding.

  Highlights: Galapagos marvels, sea lion encounters, culinary delights.

  • Activity:Kayaking or paddleboarding. Cooking.
  • Transport:Car. Plane.
  • Meal:Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner.
  • Accommodation:Casa Opuntia or similar.
• DAY 8 Family Volunteering in the San Cristóbal Highlands
  

  Step out of your comfort zone with a unique family volunteering adventure in San Cristóbal. You will be helping at an organic farm, participating in a forest school, and exploring Puerto Chino‘s pristine beach for a rewarding family experience.

  Highlights: Volunteering, community engagement, beach paradise.

  • Activity:Volunteering. Exploring.
  • Transport:Car.
  • Meal:Breakfast. Lunch.
  • Accommodation:Casa Opuntia or similar.
• DAY 9 Water adventure around Kicker Rock
  

  Embark on a water adventure around Kicker Rock, exploring diverse marine life. Snorkeling, a simple lunch onboard, and a visit to a local beach promise a day filled with underwater wonders and family joy.

  Highlights: Snorkeling paradise, marine marvels, coastal bliss.

  • Activity:Exploring. Snorkeling. Swimming.
  • Transport:Boat.
  • Meal:Breakfast. Lunch.
  • Accommodation:Casa Opuntia or similar.
• DAY 10 Flight from San Cristóbal to Isabela Island
  

  Experience a breathtaking flight over the archipelago to Isabela Island. As you land, the beauty of white beaches unfolds, offering a serene afternoon for your family to soak in the natural wonders. This afternoon you will have leisure time to enjoy together.

  Highlights: Aerial archipelago views, beach serenity.

  • Activity:Exploring. Sightseeing.
  • Transport:Car. Plane.
  • Meal:Breakfast.
  • Accommodation:Casita de la Playa or similar.
• DAY 11 Snorkeling at Los Túneles
  

  You will depart on a captivating boat excursion to Los Túneles, exploring underwater lava tunnels teeming with marine life. Snorkel with sharks and tropical fish, and maybe even spot sea horses. This surreal underwater paradise has something for each family member!

  Highlights: Underwater wonders, snorkeling delight, marine marvels.

  • Activity:Snorkeling. Wildlife watching.
  • Transport:Boat.
  • Meal:Breakfast. Snack.
  • Accommodation:Casita de la Playa or similar.
• DAY 12 Wetlands Complex and return to Santa Cruz Island
  

  Enjoy a leisurely morning exploring Isabela’s wetlands on a guided tour and relaxing with your family. Reflect on your Galapagos adventure, appreciating the islands at your own pace before transitioning to Santa Cruz Island in the afternoon via speedboat.  The rest of the day at Santa Cruz will be at your leisure.

  Highlights: Family quality time, natural appreciation, self-guided exploration.

  • Activity:Exploring. Relaxing.
  • Transport:Car. Speedboat.
  • Meal:Breakfast.
  • Accommodation:Hotel Fiesta or similar.
• DAY 13 Giant tortoises and tree planting
  

  This morning, you will visit the highlands of Santa Cruz to see Galapagos giant tortoises in their natural habitat. In addition to this incredible encounter, you can also give back to nature by participating in a tree planting activity, helping to stabilize tree species endemic to the archipelago. Later in the afternoon, you can enjoy self-guided activities, such as the Charles Darwin Research Station, Las Grietas, or Tortuga Bay.

  Highlights: Galapagos giant tortoise encounter, nature exploration, personal reflection.

  • Activity:Exploring. Reforesting. Conservation of native species.
  • Transport:Car.
  • Meal:Breakfast. Lunch.
  • Accommodation:Hotel Fiesta or similar.
• DAY 14 Wrap up your memories and head home
  

  As your Ecuador & Galapagos Family Adventure comes to an end, reflect on your favorite moments. Bid farewell to the Enchanted Isles, preserving precious memories. A personalized send-off ensures your family departs with cherished experiences and a heart full of gratitude. You will be taken to the airport for your return flight to either Guayaquil or Quito.  

  Highlights: Reflection, farewell, unforgettable memories.

  • Activity:Departure.
  • Transport:Car. Plane.
  • Meal:Breakfast.