Private Galapagos Family Adventure By Land

Arrive in Quito and transfer to your charming boutique-style hotel conveniently located in the Historic Center neighborhood.  Overnight at Mamá Cuchara by Art Hotels.

Please Note:  We can also accommodate our travelers with arrival and departure from Guayaquil on the delta of the broad Rio Guayas. Please inquire for rates and details.

Your Galapagos adventure commences with a morning flight to San Cristobal Island. Upon your arrival at the airport, our team extends a warm welcome and escort you to your comfortable hotel.  Following a delightful lunch and a brief orientation, the younger explorers will receive their special expeditionary kits and prepare for an exciting quest.  Your journey begins at the Galapagos Interpretation Center, where you delve into the unique wildlife, geology, history, and social dynamics of the Galapagos Islands.  After an informative visit, embark on a scenic hike to Tijeretas, following natural trails crafted from lava rocks. Along the way, you are immersed in the breathtaking beauty of the native flora, including Galapagos cotton, palo santo, acacia, and cacti.

Keep your eyes peeled for the remarkable blue-footed boobies, frigate birds, pelicans, herons, gulls, warblers, mockingbirds, and finches that inhabit the lush vegetation and sea cliffs.

To cap off our day, we cool off with an exhilarating snorkeling session at the picturesque Carola Beach. Here, you share the waters with friendly sea turtles, playful sea lions, and curious marine iguanas, all under the enchanting glow of the setting sun.

After a delectable dinner, explore the laid-back charm of the beach town and take a stroll down the boardwalk to visit the neighboring colony of Galapagos sea lions.   Overnight at Golden Bay Hotel.

Day three kicks off with a hearty breakfast, setting the stage for an action-packed morning of kayaking along the enchanting coastal bays and coves of San Cristobal’s north coast. Here, you encounter the whimsical blue-footed boobies, graceful frigate birds, playful sea lions, and gentle sea turtles.  Our destination may lead us to Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock) or Punta Pitt, depending on the day of the week and the regulations set by the Galapagos National Park.

Once you have kayaked to your heart’s content, it’s time to don snorkels and fins to immerse in the undersea wonderland. Dive in and engage with inquisitive sea lions, marine iguanas, and a kaleidoscope of vibrant reef fish. As you explore the crystal-clear waters, you have the chance to swim alongside serene spotted eagle rays, golden rays, and the harmless Galapagos sharks. Keep an eye out for unique starfish, colorful clams, and fish of all shapes, sizes, and colors. If luck is on your side, you might even have a rare encounter with hammerhead sharks!

After an exhilarating day of ocean exploration, we return to town for a delightful island-style pizza party. Savor the flavors of the Galapagos as you enjoy a well-deserved evening of relaxation.  Overnight at Golden Bay Hotel.

Following breakfast, we bid farewell to San Cristobal and embark on a brief 40-minute small-plane journey to Isabela Island. Isabela is the largest island in the Galapagos archipelago and is still undergoing formation through the activity of six active shield volcanoes, making it one of the most geologically active places on Earth.  Upon our arrival, we set out on an exhilarating bicycle ride that lead us through a diverse range of environments and ecosystems. Along our route, we traverse white sandy beaches, mangrove forests, and brackish lagoons, and even explore a lava tube cave. As we pedal along, we encounter giant tortoises, flamingos, and other wildlife, offering a vivid insight into the ongoing process of evolution. There’s also an optional biking ride along the beach.

Following a satisfying lunch, we venture to Tintoreras, a collection of small islets that harbor hidden coves and pristine beaches. Here, we encounter the distinctive Galapagos penguin, along with various marine life species. At day’s end, we make our way to our hotel, and after a delectable dinner, we delve into a stargazing activity, guided by our knowledgeable leader, to further explore the wonders of the night sky. Overnight at Iguana Crossing Hotel.

Good morning!, today commences with a delectable breakfast, setting the stage for an engaging journey to the flanks of the Sierra Negra volcano. Our drive takes us to the point where the road concludes. From there, we transition to a hiking adventure that leads us into a surreal landscape steeped in geological history, showcasing the ominous black streaks of solidified lava.

During the ascent, we are privileged with awe-inspiring views of the neighboring volcanoes, the vast expanse of the sea, and the distinctive highland ecosystem enveloping us. However, the ultimate reward awaits us at the summit. Upon reaching the rim of the Sierra Negra volcano, we are graced with a truly breathtaking panorama.

Sierra Negra stands as the second largest active caldera on Earth, spanning over six miles at its widest point. We trace the rim of this colossal crater and, for those with ample energy, continue onward to the caldera of Volcan Chico. This otherworldly landscape exhibits a vibrant tapestry of hues generated by sulfur deposits. The terrain, etched with the diverse shades of millennia of subterranean fire activity, imparts an almost living quality to the rocks. Occasional puffs of fumaroles announce their presence like the vanishing act of a magician.

After visiting an idyllic tortoise reserve for lunch, we return to the lowlands in time to savor our last afternoon on Isabela. We partake in a lighthearted sand figure contest, with optional boogie board lessons for those interested. Finally, we unwind on pristine beaches, immersing ourselves in the laid-back island ambiance.  Overnight at Iguana Crossing Hotel.

Following breakfast, our day begins with a journey, either by speedboat or internal flight, to Santa Cruz Island, where we remain attentive to possible whale and dolphin sightings along the way. Upon our hotel check-in, we proceed to El Chato in the Santa Cruz highlands, a sanctuary for the iconic giant tortoise in its natural habitat. It is a true privilege to walk alongside these majestic creatures, known for their remarkable longevity, often surpassing 175 years. During our visit, we also have the opportunity to observe pintail ducks, Darwin’s finches, frigate birds, egrets, and the vibrant vermillion flycatcher.

Our next destination is the captivating and enigmatic lava tunnels, which once provided a concealed refuge for pirates who roamed the Galapagos. Your guide regales us with the enchanting tales and legends surrounding these caves, including their use as hiding places for Inca gold plundered from Spanish vessels. We then continue our hike to Los Gemelos, a pair of profound volcanic sinkholes situated at the island’s summit, encircled by imposing rocky cliffs and the enormous voids of dormant magma chambers. Our trail takes us through a forest of indigenous Scalesia trees, where we may have the opportunity to spot the elusive short-eared owl. Adorned with ferns and epiphytes, the forest imparts a tranquil and almost otherworldly atmosphere.  The day concludes with dinner and accommodation in Puerto Ayora. Overnight at Angermeyer Waterfront Hotel.

This morning, we immerse ourselves in the captivating beauty of Tortuga Bay, one of the Galapagos’ most exquisite beaches. Renowned for its tranquil waters and soft, pristine sands, Tortuga Bay is a favored nesting site for the black turtle, a name that alludes to its significance. To reach this idyllic spot, we embark on a hike through a unique dry forest, encountering diverse bird species and a multitude of intriguing flora along the way.

Following a delectable lunch, we indulge in a sweet interlude at a chocolate workshop, where we delve into the world of “fine Aroma” cacao. Here, a master chocolatier shares the secrets of truffle-making, guiding us through the myriad flavors that high-quality chocolate has to offer.

On our return journey, we stop at the Charles Darwin Research Station, an institution where local scientists are dedicated to ongoing conservation endeavors on these enchanting islands. The Research Station plays a vital role in the nurturing of endemic plants, land iguanas, and giant tortoises for educational, scientific, and conservation purposes. It’s here that we gain deeper insights into the diverse evolutionary pathways and distinctive attributes of the animals and plants we’ve encountered throughout our journey.  As evening descends, we return to our hotel to celebrate an extraordinary voyage and relish our final night in the Galapagos. Overnight at Angermeyer Waterfront Hotel.

We are transferred to Baltra Island for our return flight to Quito, the mainland and bid a fond farewell to the Galapagos.  Upon arrival in Quito, you are transferred to your hotel.  Overnight at Mamá Cuchara by Art Hotels.

Transfer to the airport for your return flight home or extend your trip to visit more of Ecuador’s natural wonders.