Ecuador and Galapagos for Families

Daytime flight to Quito in the Andean Highlands. On arrival you will be met by a Far & Wild representative for the transfer to your boutique hotel, Plaza Grande, in the heart of the city’s historic centre.

Begin your exploration at the 'Mitad del Mundo,' a monument just north of Quito marking the equator's closest point to the city. Visit the "Ciudad Mitad del Mundo," a cluster of buildings indicating the site's significance, and the Ethnographic or Intiñan Museum, situated right on the Equator, offering the unique opportunity to stand in two hemispheres simultaneously.

After lunch, indulge in a chocolate experience, delving into the history of cocoa in Ecuador through a guided tour and concluding with a delightful chocolate tasting. This multifaceted day encapsulates Ecuador's cultural, historical, and culinary richness, inviting travellers to embrace the diverse wonders of this South American gem.

Today, our Galapagos Islands adventure commences as we set foot on Baltra Island, the gateway to this enchanting archipelago. Home to the Galapagos' main airport, this airport stands as a pioneering example of eco-friendly design, incorporating advanced environmental techniques to minimise emissions and energy consumption, making it the world's first ecological airport.

Upon arrival, we'll be ushered into a special VIP lounge at the airport where, you can change into comfortable attire, apply sunscreen, and savour a refreshing drink before our transfer to the Itabaca Channel where we will continue to the exclusive giant tortoise reserve in the Santa Cruz Highlands.

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of mountains and forests surrounding the camp, revelling in the serenity of the hillside, reserved exclusively for us and the seasonal resident giant tortoises. This unique encounter promises a tranquil introduction to the natural wonders of the Galapagos, setting the tone for an unforgettable journey through this ecological paradise.

In the early morning, our day starts with a visit to Garrapatero Beach, the idyllic setting for our kayaking adventure. We paddle along the bay, exploring the serene waters for approximately 45 minutes or if you prefer a different perspective take a short walk to the brackish lagoon, offering high chances of encountering the elegant pink flamingos.

Next, we journey to an off-the-beaten-path locale on Santa Cruz Island—the Cerro Mesa viewpoint. From this vantage point, we're treated to a panoramic view of the entire southern shore of Santa Cruz. Our exploration continues towards one of the Galapagos' iconic formations, resembling a collapsed crater. Descend to the crater's floor which takes around 30 minutes and here, we leisurely explore the unique terrain, perhaps encountering endemic species like the woodpecker finch. We may even spot the majestic giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Witness the unique flora and fauna that make the Galapagos Islands a living laboratory of evolution.

Following a delicious lunch, our adventure takes us to "El Trapiche," where we delve into the local way of life by witnessing the traditional production of sugar cane. A "trapiche" is a sugar mill in Spanish, and here, you'll have a unique opportunity to gain insight into the daily routines of the locals.

Start with a leisurely walk to the picturesque Tortuga Bay beach, renowned for its pristine sands and the presence of marine iguanas. Here, you can observe these unique creatures, go for a refreshing swim, snorkel, or simply unwind on the sun-kissed shores. Named Turtle Bay due to its significance as a nesting site for black turtles, the beach offers a tranquil setting for marine exploration.

After lunch, continue to The Charles Darwin Research Centre the scientific research hub in the Galapagos Islands. Here they direct sensitive conservation projects, with a focus on preserving giant tortoises and marine iguanas.

Our next stop is Chocogalapagos, where we meet the owner, Juan Daniel Navarro. As a family-run business, Chocogalapagos offers a unique chocolate-making experience. Juan Daniel will guide us through the tempering process and demonstrate how to craft a delicious chocolate tortoise. An exciting moment awaits as you choose between two types of Ganaches to fill your chocolate—a delightful decision to make!

From Puerto Ayora dock board the public speedboat destined for San Cristobal. Upon arrival, check-in at your San Cristobal hotel, Hotel Indigo. Our exploration of this captivating island begins with a visit to the Interpretation Centre, strategically positioned at the northern edge of town. Here, a wealth of information unfolds, unravelling the natural history of the Galapagos Islands and shedding light on the profound impact of human presence on the delicate ecosystem.

Our next destination is "Cerro Tijeretas" (Frigatebird Hill), renowned for its avian inhabitants, including magnificent frigatebirds and great frigatebirds, the hill offers a unique opportunity to observe and compare these fascinating species in their natural habitat.

Following this avian encounter, our journey takes us to Punta Carola, a pristine beach which stretches approximately 300 m and is flanked by a dry forest. Galapagos Sea lions, dominate the beach, creating a vibrant colony. Keep an eye out for marine iguanas among the bushes and rocks, showcasing the rich biodiversity of this area. This immersive day on San Cristobal Island promises encounters with both natural wonders and the cultural fabric of this captivating archipelago.

After days of exploration and discovery in the enchanting Galapagos Islands, take the opportunity to indulge in some well-earned downtime. Unwind and relax at the hotel, savouring the tranquillity of your surroundings. If you're still eager for more adventure, feel free to enquire about additional suggestions to explore further. Whether it's strolling through charming local streets, enjoying a leisurely meal at a nearby eatery, or discovering hidden gems in the vicinity, the choice is yours. The Galapagos Islands offer a unique blend of natural wonders and cultural experiences waiting to be explored.

Embarking on the next leg of our journey, we bid farewell to the captivating Galapagos Islands and our flight to Quito in the Andean Highlands. Upon arrival in Quito, our adventure takes a new direction as we traverse a region surrounded by majestic mountain ranges, fertile valleys, and unparalleled scenic beauty.

Our first stop is the Taita Gundo atelier, a family project led by the esteemed musician Ali Lema. This initiative was born out of a desire to preserve the construction, elaboration, and interpretation of traditional Andean musical instruments. Instruments such as pingullos, dulzainas, quenas, quenachos, quenillas, rondadores, pallas, sikuris, antaras, and zampoñas, representative of the Imbabura province, take centre stage. At Taita Gundo, visitors are treated to a rich sampling of musical instruments and rhythms that hold cultural significance for the Quechua people. Immerse yourself in the melodic tapestry of the Andes, experiencing the passion and craftsmanship behind these cultural treasures. In the afternoon, transfer to Hacienda Cusin for 2 nights.

Today's cultural journey takes us to the town of Otavalo, a captivating destination renowned as one of the most interesting in Ecuador. Here, the local Kichwa indigenous culture is not only visible but, on the rise, contributing to the town's unique charm. At the heart of Otavalo lies its famous craft market is a vibrant tapestry of colours, offering a plethora of interesting and sometimes rare objects and crafts

Lunch is a culinary adventure, with Kichwa Otavalean couple Claudia and Patricio. The gastronomy workshop at Kawsaymi promises an original and unforgettable activity. Set in a traditional fireplace kitchen (tulpa), the workshop combines a variety of native flavours with the richness of natural products and various preparation methods. From cooking techniques suitable for beginners to those for intermediate and advanced chefs, the workshop offers diverse culinary products.

Our morning begins with a visit to a rescue centre dedicated to the protection and recovery of various species of birds of prey. Among these remarkable birds is the magnificent Andean Condor, boasting a wingspan that can extend beyond eight feet.

The rescue centre provides an invaluable opportunity to observe and learn about the captivating world of birds of prey found in the Northern Andes. The facility not only showcases the majestic Andean Condor but also introduces visitors to a diverse array of other fascinating and beautiful raptors. Return to the Quito region and overnight in charming Hacienda la Jimenita located close to the airport.

Enjoy a leisurely day at the hacienda, surrounded by the natural beauty of its private reserve. With 18 acres of nature trails, the hacienda provides an immersive experience for nature enthusiasts. Take advantage of this day to explore the well-maintained trails, offering encounters with a diverse range of bird species, including the fascinating presence of 10 different hummingbirds. Stroll through the lush landscapes, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and appreciate the tranquillity that the hacienda's setting provides.

Later in the day, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight