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Machu Picchu + Highlands of Peru
Explore Peru’s wonders: Sacred Valley, Maras terraces, Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu, and vibrant Rainbow Mountain, immersing in ancient Inca culture and stunning landscapes!
Discover
11-Day Adventure
Trip recommended for families with kids 8 years old +
Rate $$$
Rate based on double accommodation.
Highlights
San Cristobal Island—Kicker Rock
Galápagos National Park & Wildlife
Galápagos Marine Reserve
Yasuní National Park & Wildlife
Your Ecuadorian adventure begins with a late-night arrival in Quito, the captivating capital nestled high in the Andes Mountains. Your local team will welcome you and your family! Even arriving late, the anticipation will build as you glimpse the twinkling city lights against the dark volcanic peaks. A comfortable transfer awaits to whisk your family to your hotel, where cozy beds promise a good night's rest before the real excitement begins. Your accommodation would likely have a 24-hour service allowing you to order room service for your hungry tweens and comfort them with a warm soup.
–As per your request, if you feel you would need more time to settle in, we can add an extra buffer day before flying to Galápagos, the second day after arrival, and perhaps visit the middle of the world monument to step with one foot in the northern hemisphere and one in the southern hemisphere.–
AM: Domestic Flight > Galápagos Islands. Wake up with butterflies of excitement! After a delicious breakfast, you'll head to the airport for a thrilling flight to San Cristobal, the easternmost island of the Galápagos. As you descend, keep your eyes peeled for the first glimpses of the turquoise waters and volcanic landscapes. Upon arrival at Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, the island's charming capital, you'll immediately feel the relaxed island vibe and be welcomed by your local naturalist guide, ready to show your family the wonders of Galápagos. Remember, we need to keep our distance from the wildlife. While it's so tempting to touch them—for their own sake— we should maintain a prudent distance of 6 feet or 2 meters to admire these beautiful creatures.
PM: Your first taste of Galápagos wildlife awaits! A short drive will take you to La Loberia, a stunning beach aptly named for its abundant sea lion colony. Watch in awe as these playful creatures bask in the sun, frolic in the waves, and show off their curious personalities. This is your chance for incredible photos and an up-close encounter with these iconic Galápagos residents.
Full Day: Today is an island exploration day. Have your day backpack ready, as you will begin at the Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado, a semi-natural breeding center for giant tortoises. Here, you'll learn about conservation efforts and see these ancient, gentle giants up close in their natural habitat —like stepping back in time! Next, ascend to El Junco Lagoon, the only freshwater lake in the Galápagos, offering panoramic views of the island and a chance to spot frigatebirds. Finally, unwind at the pristine white sands of Puerto Chino. This beautiful beach is perfect for relaxing, swimming, and spotting various shorebirds.
AM: Get ready for an active morning. Hike for about 30 minutes to Cerro Tijeretas (Frigatebird Hill), named for the large colonies of frigatebirds that nest there. The panoramic views from the top are breathtaking, offering glimpses of Kicker Rock and the island's coastline. Afterwards, explore the informative Galápagos Interpretation Center, where interactive exhibits will teach you about the islands' unique geology, history, and incredible biodiversity. Then, it's time to cool off with an exhilarating snorkel in Tijeretas Bay, renowned for its clear waters and abundant marine life. Swim alongside colorful fish, sea turtles, and playful sea lions —an unforgettable underwater experience!
PM: As the day winds down, head to Playa Mann for a magical experience. Hop into kayaks and paddle along the calm waters, enjoying the gentle sea breeze and the stunning coastal scenery. As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, watch as the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors, painting a spectacular backdrop for your kayaking adventure, which will be a truly peaceful and picturesque moment for the whole family.
Full Day: Prepare for an epic full-day private boat adventure around San Cristobal, showcasing some of its most iconic sites! Your journey will take you to the majestic Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock), a towering volcanic tuff cone rising dramatically from the ocean. This is a prime spot for snorkeling or diving, where you might encounter hammerhead sharks, Galápagos sharks, and countless other marine species. Continue to the secluded white sands of Playa Blanca, perfect for swimming and relaxation. Your final stop is Punta Pitt, the only place in the Galápagos where you can find all three species of boobies (blue-footed, red-footed, and Nazca) nesting together. This full-circle adventure offers unparalleled opportunities for wildlife viewing and stunning photography.
AM: Enjoy one last Galápagos breakfast, savoring the island air. Then, it's time to bid farewell to these enchanted islands as you board your flight back to Quito.
PM: Resting Afternoon: Upon arrival in Quito, you'll be transferred to your hotel. This afternoon is dedicated to rest and relaxation after your incredible Galápagos adventure. Take a leisurely stroll, enjoy a quiet meal, or simply unwind and recharge for the next exciting leg of your adventure —the Amazon Rainforest!
EARLY AM: Domestic Flight > Transfer Amazon Rainforest Lodge. Wake up before the sun for another exciting journey! An early morning flight will take you from the bustling city of Quito to Francisco de Orellana Port —named after the conquistador who initiated the Amazon river exploration, and the gateway to the Ecuadorian Amazon. From Coca, a captivating transfer awaits —a motorized canoe ride down the winding Napo River, deep into the heart of the rainforest. The air will grow humid, the sounds of the jungle will begin to envelop you, and the sense of adventure will be palpable.
PM: Welcome and Familiarization with Lodge activities and amenities: Upon arrival at your eco-lodge, you'll receive a warm Amazonian welcome. After settling into your comfortable accommodations, your naturalist guide will provide an orientation, explaining the lodge's sustainable practices, safety guidelines, and the incredible array of activities planned for your immersive jungle experience. Enjoy a delicious dinner surrounded by the symphony of the rainforest, feeling completely connected to this vibrant ecosystem.
Full Day: Activities at Ecuadorian Amazon Immersive Jungle Experience. Today is dedicated to experiencing the Amazon's incredible biodiversity firsthand! Your expert naturalist guides will lead you on thrilling adventures. Imagine embarking on guided jungle walks, learning about the medicinal plants used by indigenous communities, identifying fascinating insects, and spotting monkeys swinging through the canopy. Perhaps you'll explore a hidden lagoon by dugout canoe, silently paddling through the calm waters as colorful birds flit by. Night walks offer a completely different perspective, revealing the nocturnal creatures that awaken as the sun sets. Every moment will be a discovery, deepening your family's appreciation for this vital ecosystem.
Full Day: Activities at Ecuadorian Amazon Immersive Jungle Experience: Another full day of Amazonian exploration awaits! Continue your immersive journey with more thrilling activities. This could include a visit to a local indigenous community, offering a unique opportunity to learn about their culture, traditions, and way of life in harmony with the forest. Try your hand at piranha fishing —catch and release, of course!, or ascend a canopy tower for breathtaking panoramic views of the rainforest stretching endlessly before you. Each activity is designed to educate, excite, and leave a lasting impression of the Amazon's unparalleled natural beauty.
EARLY AM: Transfer out to Airport > Flight to Quito & Connect with International Flight. Savor one last Amazonian breakfast, listening to the calls of the jungle. Then, it's time to begin your journey back. A motorized canoe will take you back up the Napo River to Coca, where you'll board your flight back to Quito. Depending on your international flight schedule, you'll have time to relax at the airport before connecting with your flight home, packing incredible memories of your Ecuadorian adventure.
Thank you for sharing your time with us and allowing us to support your family on this adventure. Today, you arrive home, full of incredible stories and unforgettable experiences, along with the hospitality of all Ecuadorians you met during your visit. From swimming with sea lions in the Galápagos to spotting monkeys in the Amazon, this adventure will have created a lifetime of cherished family memories and a profound appreciation for the natural world and cultural diversity. Welcome back home, and we hope to serve you again soon in another Andean Adventure.
