An Unforgettable Galápagos Family Adventure

Duration 10 days
Price guide
From
  PP
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Lone traveller looking out over the clear azure waters of San Cristobal, the Galapagos
A pair of giant tortoises in the Galapagos, Ecuador
View from Bartolome Island in the Galapagos
Marine Iguana and flightless cormorant at Punta Espinoza, Galapagos Islands
It’s hard to find a more wonderful destination for a multi-generational family trip than the Galápagos Islands. This luxury family vacation has been designed around adventurous activities that everyone can enjoy while spending plenty of quality time together. You'll gain rich insights into this incredible archipelago with the help of expert naturalist guides, observing sea lions, sun-bathing iguanas, countless bird species and more in their natural habitat.

Trip highlights

  • Discover Quito's charms on a privately guided tour
  • Spend two nights in a Galápagos island lodge
  • Snorkel and swim with playful sea lions
  • Set sail on a four-night Galapagos cruise
  • Explore the islands and their majestic wildlife
  • Enjoy daily water-based expeditions and expert-guided tours

Bespoke trips with Jacada

We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. This bespoke trip includes:

  • Luxury accommodation throughout
  • Expert-guided tours
  • Private transfers and internal flights
  • Meticulously selected experiences
  • Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
Black and white illustration of two guides pointing to a building in the distance
  • Days 1–3 Quito
  • Days 3–9 The Galápagos
  • Days 9–10 Guayaquil
An Unforgettable Galápagos Family Adventure
Price guide
  PP
  • Days 1–3 Quito
  • Days 3–9 The Galápagos
  • Days 9–10 Guayaquil

Itinerary in detail

Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.

Days 1–3

Three days in Ecuador’s charming capital, Quito

Your trip begins in Ecuador’s capital, Quito, the first-ever UNESCO World Heritage city. The historic centre has been incredibly well preserved and you’ll get a sense of stepping back in time and into contemporary Ecuadorian culture at the same time. The main plaza, the ‘Plaza de la Independencia’, is where you’ll find the Government Palace, the Cathedral and some of the most important churches. ‘Panecillo’, the hill that divides Quito, is crowned by the famous statue of Our Lady of the Panecillo, built by Bernardo de Legarda, and offers spectacular views.

To help you explore, you’ll have our list of recommendations as well as private guides. We can arrange a number of private, interest-led tours and book the best restaurants for you. Talk to your travel designer about how you would like to spend your time here.

The gorgeous architecture of Quito is in focus, with the rest of the city splaying out behind it

See Quito like a local

Quito local surrounded by their fresh local produce, Ecuador

On a half-day tour walking tour of the Old Town with a local resident guide, you’ll learn more about the largest and best-restored historical centre in the Americas. They’ll take you to meet artisans, shopkeepers, hat makers and sweet confectioners. Up the hill on Calle Rocafuerte, in San Francisco Market, one of the oldest in the capital, you’ll learn about some of the country’s culinary traditions and meet one of the market’s local herbal healers. You’ll continue on to the Monastery of San Francisco and the temple of La Compañía de Jesús with its awesome gilded interior.

Days 3–9

Four nights cruising the Galápagos

You’ll begin your exploration of the Galápagos with four nights on your choice of Jacada’s selected luxury expedition cruises. The exact itinerary will depend on which you choose – and your travel designer will help you pick the best for you and your family.

Hopping between the islands you’ll set off on daily water-based expeditions and guided tours with naturalist guides. Highlights include snorkelling off of pristine sandy beaches, walking among fields of lava and spotting inquisitive sea lions and iguanas. The islands’ endemic wildlife has no fear of predators, and opportunities to observe both animals and birds are unparalleled.

Coastal landscapes on Santa Fe Island

Exploring the islands

On land

On the water

Mother and kids hiking in the Galapagos

Guided nature walks

You’ll have the chance to walk a number of varied nature trails with your guides, depending on which islands feature on your itinerary. As well as spotting wildlife, these offer the chance to take in the astonishing geology of the islands.

Traveller snorkelling with a sea lion looking directly at the camera

Panga rides and snorkelling

Setting off on small group excursions by inflatable ‘panga’ Zodiac boats, you’ll see the islands’ dense marine life, perhaps donning a snorkel to dive beneath the surface of the waves.

Days 3–9

Two nights on Santa Cruz Island

Complete your Galápagos adventure with two nights relaxing on dry land. You can discover the island of Santa Cruz at your own pace while staying in a luxury lodge. This is the place to get up close to giant tortoises in the wild, mountain bike, scuba dive, bird watch, or simply enjoy some laid-back family time around the pool before returning to the mainland.

Galapagos giant tortoise at Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island
Days 9–10

Wave goodbye to Ecuador in Guayaquil

The largest city in Ecuador and located on the Pacific coast, Guayaquil is the country’s economic hub. You’ll find a good selection of fine restaurants and cultural establishments here, we can help you make the most of your short stop before heading home.

View of Guayaquil, Ecuador

Why book with Jacada

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Personalised design

We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.

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Authentic experiences

Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.

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Positive impact

We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.