Family: Galapagos, Quito & cloud forest
Ecuador in 10 Days, 8 Nights in Destination starting from 1,799$
Trip Highlights
Galapagos Islands
Mindo
Quito
Santa Cruz Island
Included
All flights
Accommodation
All transfers
Activities
Breakfast only
Availability
Departures available until August 2025
Available Group tours
Solo travelers from + $640
Add up to 3 nights to your stay
Categories available
charm included
Itinerary
Embark on a thrilling family adventure through Ecuador's diverse landscapes. Discover the pristine beaches and abundant wildlife of Santa Cruz Island. Explore the historic streets of vibrant Quito, with its colonial architecture and cultural treasures. Then, delve into the lush rainforests of Mindo, teeming with diverse flora and fauna for unforgettable nature experiences.
1st Day: US - Quito
Welcome to Ecuador! A transfer will be waiting for you and your family at the international airport to take you to your accommodation in Quito. Overnight stay in Quito.
2nd Day: Quito - Mindo
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, get your family ready as your kids receive a Welcome Kit. This morning, you’re embarking on a Treasure Hunt in which there will be surprises for the little ones! Discover Quito's beautiful colonial center, renowned as one of the best-preserved in Latin America. Wander its narrow streets, see the charming squares, such as Independence Plaza and the Government Palace, and savor typical Ecuadorian fruits and local desserts at a nearby market.
Next, head northwest to Mindo, stop on-route to taste delicious artisanal ice cream that your kids will love. Mindo is famed for its diverse array of endemic bird species, as well as a haven for adventure-seeking families. The transfer takes approximately 2 hours. Overnight stay in Mindo.
3rd Day: Mindo
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, embark on an exciting family adventure along the waterfall route. Your guided tour to Nambillo Waterfall is an exciting and revitalizing experience perfect for everyone to enjoy!
Enjoy jumping from different points into the refreshing waters or bathing in a small pool at the base of the waterfall. In the afternoon, enjoy time at leisure to choose from our optional activities, such as the canopy* and tubing** tours in Mindo. Overnight stay in Mindo.
*Canopy tour in Mindo: enjoy this immersive family adventure. Glide among the trees and feel the thrill of flying while admiring breathtaking views. Equipped with harnesses and helmets, and certified guides, you'll enjoy a safe and professional zipline experience. The itinerary may change depending on weather conditions.
**Tubing experience in Mindo: enjoy gentle rapids and stunning scenery as you and your family float downstream on tubes through the cloud forest's rivers. See the stunning vegetation as you glide down the river. Equipped with professional gear and certified guides, you’ll enjoy a safe and professional experience. The itinerary may change depending on weather conditions.
Please note that these optional activities do not overlap, so you can do both if you wish.
4th Day: Mindo - Quito
Breakfast at the hotel. Head back to Quito today, stopping at the Intiñan Museum, where you will enjoy interactive experiences like trying balancing an egg on a nail and observe how water spins in opposite directions.
The Museum also offers insight into Ecuadorian culture, from the biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands to the Amazonian tribes. A truly authentic experience for you to enjoy with your family! Afterward, enjoy a rest at the hotel near the airport. Overnight stay in Quito.
5th Day: Quito - Santa Cruz (Galápagos)
Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, take the hotel shuttle to the airport to begin the adventure to the enchanted islands. Arrive in Galapagos and transfer to Santa Cruz Island. First, cross the Itabaca Channel by ferry and then continue by private transportation. Your first stop will be in the highlands of Santa Cruz, natural habitat of the giant Galapagos tortoises.
Visit a private ranch where you and your family can head into the forest and spot the giant tortoises. Visit the lava tunnels, and then continue by private transport to the hotel. Here you will be greeted by one of our team members, who will explain the rest of your itinerary. Then, you will have the rest of the afternoon free to explore Santa Cruz on your own. Overnight stay in Santa Cruz.
6th Day: Santa Cruz
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy a free day with your family, such as exploring the island’s magnificent surroundings. We recommend making the most of your time by taking an exciting tour of Santa Cruz*. Overnight stay in Santa Cruz.
*Santa Cruz Day Tour: embark on an exciting tour to Tortuga Bay to enjoy a family hike along trails surrounded by cacti, where you can observe Darwin's finches and other endemic species. Here you can enjoy family activities such as surfing, swimming, snorkeling or kayaking at an extra cost. Next, head back to Puerto Ayora and participate in a ceviche class under guidance of a local chef. Following lunch, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, where you’ll learn all about the conservation and sustainable development projects in the area.
7th Day: Santa Cruz
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy the day at leisure with your family! Why not explore the surroundings and visit some of the island’s top destinations. We recommend our exciting half-day tour in Bahia*. Overnight stay in Santa Cruz.
*Optional half-day Bahia tour: explore Santa Cruz and its bays on this unforgettable family adventure. Discover the island's most stunning areas and learn all about the archipelago's significance, starting with a boat ride from Puerto Ayora through the canal to Academy Bay, also known as La Loberia. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking seascapes with your knowledgeable guide, where you can enjoy the turquoise ocean, enormous cacti, and the red rocks, finishing with a hike to Las Grietas.
8th Day: Santa Cruz - Quito
Breakfast at the hotel. Bid farewell to the magical Galapagos Islands and head back to Quito. Take the same route back to the airport to catch your flight. Once in Quito, take the shuttle and head to your hotel for a well-deserved rest. Overnight stay in Quito.
9th Day: Quito - Night on board
Breakfast at the hotel.* Sadly, it's time to bring your adventure through Ecuador and the amazing Galapagos Islands to an end. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to the US. Night on board.
Please note: Depending on the flight departure time you may arrive back in the US today.
*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.
10th Day: US
Arrive in the US and end your trip.
