Family: Galapagos, Quito & cloud forest

Family: Galapagos, Quito & cloud forest

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Family: Galapagos, Quito & cloud forest

10 Days Starting and ending in Quito, Ecuador

Visiting: Quito, Mindo, Santa Cruz, United Kingdom

Tour operator:

Exoticca

Specialist Group:

Family/Kids

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 9

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

Interests:

Cultural, Wildlife Tours

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable family adventure through Ecuador with our "Family: Galapagos, Quito & Cloud Forest" tour. Begin your journey in Quito, exploring its charming colonial center and indulging in local treats. Head to Mindo for a treasure hunt and thrilling waterfall adventures. Discover the wonders of the Intiñan Museum before flying to the enchanting Galapagos Islands. On Santa Cruz Island, encounter giant tortoises, explore Tortuga Bay, and enjoy optional activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and ceviche-making. With comfortable accommodations and guided tours, this trip promises a perfect blend of nature, culture, and family fun.

Highlights

  • Galapagos Islands

  • Mindo

  • Quito's colonial center

  • Nambillo Waterfall

  • Intiñan Museum

  • Santa Cruz Island

  • Tortuga Bay

  • Charles Darwin Research Station

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Uk/Ireland - Quito

Location: Quito

Accommodation Name: Dann Carlton Quito - Standard Room

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.

Day 2 : Quito - Mindo

Location: Quito

Accommodation Name: Las Terrazas de Dana Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 3 : Mindo

Location: Mindo

Accommodation Name: Las Terrazas de Dana Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 4 : Mindo - Quito

Location: Quito

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Quito Airport - Standard room

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 5 : Quito - Santa Cruz (Galápagos)

Location: Santa Cruz

Accommodation Name: Albatross

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 6 : Santa Cruz

Location: Santa Cruz

Accommodation Name: Albatross

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

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.

Day 7 : Santa Cruz

Location: Santa Cruz

Accommodation Name: Albatross

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 8 : Santa Cruz - Quito

Location: Quito

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Quito Airport - Standard room

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.

Day 9 : Uk/Ireland - Night On Board

Location: United Kingdom

Meals Included: Breakfast

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 UK/Ireland. Night on board.Please note: Depending on the flight departure time you may arrive back in the UK/Ireland 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.

Day 10 : Uk/Ireland

Location: United Kingdom

Arrive in the UK/Ireland and end your trip.

What's Included

  • Departures from main UK/Ireland airports

    Departures are available from main UK/Ireland airports.

  • International flights: UK/Ireland - Quito - UK/Ireland

    International flights between UK/Ireland and Quito are included.

  • Internal flights: Quito - Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz - Quito

    Internal flights between Quito and Santa Cruz are included.

  • 8 nights accommodation in Charm & Superior category hotels

    Accommodation for 8 nights in Charm & Superior category hotels is included.

  • 8 breakfasts

    8 breakfasts are included.

  • Visits and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary

    Visits and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary are included.

  • All air taxes & fuel surcharge

    All air taxes and fuel surcharge are included.

  • ATOL Protection

    ATOL Protection is included.

  • English-speaking guide in the indicated activities

    An English-speaking guide is included for the indicated activities.

What's Not Included

  • Optional activities

    Optional activities such as canopy tours and tubing experiences in Mindo, and day tours in Santa Cruz are not included.

  • Personal expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included.

  • Gratuities

    Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.

Mode of Transport

This tour includes international flights from the UK/Ireland to Quito and back, as well as internal flights between Quito and Santa Cruz. Transfers include private transportation, hotel shuttles, and a ferry crossing the Itabaca Channel.

Accommodation

Enjoy 8 nights of accommodation in Charm & Superior category hotels, including stays at Dann Carlton Quito, Las Terrazas de Dana Lodge, Holiday Inn Quito Airport, and Albatross in Santa Cruz.

Meals Included

8 breakfasts.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of activities are available for children during the tour?

    Children will receive a Welcome Kit and can participate in a Treasure Hunt in Quito. They can also enjoy activities like jumping into the refreshing waters at Nambillo Waterfall, canopy tours, and tubing in Mindo.

  • What kind of wildlife can we expect to see on this tour?

    You can expect to see a diverse array of endemic bird species in Mindo, giant Galapagos tortoises in Santa Cruz, and various marine life while exploring the Galapagos Islands.

  • Are there any interactive experiences included in the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes interactive experiences at the Intiñan Museum, such as balancing an egg on a nail and observing how water spins in opposite directions. You will also learn about Ecuadorian culture and biodiversity.

  • What optional activities are available during the tour?

    Optional activities include a canopy tour and tubing in Mindo, a day tour to Tortuga Bay in Santa Cruz, and a half-day Bahia tour exploring Santa Cruz and its bays.

  • What kind of accommodations are provided during the tour?

    The tour includes 8 nights of accommodation in Charm & Superior category hotels, such as Dann Carlton Quito, Las Terrazas de Dana Lodge in Mindo, Albatross in Santa Cruz, and Holiday Inn Quito Airport.

  • What meals are included in the tour package?

    The tour package includes 8 breakfasts.

  • What kind of transportation is included in the tour?

    The tour includes international flights from the UK/Ireland to Quito and back, internal flights between Quito and Santa Cruz, and various transfers including a ferry ride across the Itabaca Channel.

  • Is there a guide provided during the tour?

    Yes, an English-speaking guide is provided for the indicated activities.

  • What kind of cultural experiences are included in the tour?

    Cultural experiences include exploring Quito's colonial center, visiting the Intiñan Museum, and participating in a ceviche class in Santa Cruz.

  • Where can I check the latest Travel Restrictions?

    It is the traveler's responsibility to verify and comply with the passport, visa, and travel requirements applicable to your itinerary. It is also the responsibility of the traveler to verify and comply with the health requirements, proof of testing, and vaccination applicable to your itinerary both at the destinations and for, if applicable, countries where you have a connecting flight. Requirements change quickly and you should check the updated guidance well in advance of departure as well as shortly before departure. You should check the requirements for your own specific circumstances with the corresponding government embassies and/or consulates as appropriate.

  • What recommendations should I follow before traveling?

    Passport validity: It is the traveler's responsibility to verify and comply with the passport, visa, and travel requirements applicable to your itinerary. You should check the requirements for your own specific circumstances with the corresponding embassies and/or consulates as appropriate. Requirements change so please check the up-to-date requirements in advance of your departure date. In many cases, countries now require that passports are valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure from their borders.

  • How can I upgrade my flight?

    If you would like to make an upgrade to your flight or ask for a quotation, please contact us with all the information. Our customer success agents will answer your request as soon as possible.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    Changes of flights and related services are not permitted after the booking is confirmed. If you wish to make any significant amendment affecting the flights, you will need to cancel it as per the terms & conditions applicable to your booking and make a new booking. If you require more information about your cancellations policy please go to the relevant Terms and Conditions for your booking (See Cancellation Policy section). If you would like to proceed with the cancellation or require assistance please contact us.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    The COVID-19 pandemic not only created an unparalleled impact on health and economy globally, but it has also changed fundamental behaviors with regards to traveling. In response to such changes, Exoticca provides extra peace of mind for all reservations made from 18th January, 2022 onwards by including Covid 19 Protection. Testing positive for COVID-19: If you or anyone else traveling with you on your booking cannot travel due to testing positive for COVID-19 you will be given the option to reschedule your trip or receive 100% of the trip value in Exoticca travel credit. **Proof of infection must be provided in the form of an official COVID-19 positive test result. For more information on the details of the Covid 19 Protection Policy, please go to the relevant Terms and Conditions for your booking (See Cancellation Policy section).

  • Travelling to the USA or Canada?

    Traveling to the United States: Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) ESTA stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorization. ESTA is an online application system, developed by the United States government to pre-screen travelers before authorizing them to board a plane or ship bound for the United States. Starting on the 12th of January 2009, any person entering the United States under the Visa Waiver Program must have an approved ESTA travel authorization. This includes travelers who travel to the United States to catch a connecting flight. An ESTA does not guarantee entry to the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials determine the admissibility of travelers upon arrival. For more information click here. If a traveler is found to have visited a country designated as a State Sponsor of Terrorism (09.11.2022, Countries: Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Syria), the traveler is no longer eligible to participate in the Visa Wavier Program and must apply for a visa to enter the United States. Traveling to Canada: Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is an entry requirement for citizens of visa-exempt countries traveling to Canada by air. This includes travelers who travel to Canada to catch a connecting flight. An eTA is linked electronically to the traveler's passport and is valid for a maximum of five years or until the passport expires, depending on which of these two scenarios occurs first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new eTA. An eTA does not guarantee entry to Canada. When you arrive in Canada, a border services officer will ask to see your passport and other documents to determine whether you are admissible to enter Canada. For more information click here. Traveling to a Schengen member country (Europe): Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) The ETIAS travel authorization will be needed to enter a Schengen member country by air, land, or sea. From November 2023, visitors that do not need a visa to enter Europe will be able to register with ETIAS. ETIAS will become a mandatory entry requirement. The ETIAS for Europe will grant travelers authorization to visit the ETIAS countries that are all members that compose the Schengen zone. The ETIAS visa waiver has been designed for short-term stays of up to 90 days. For more information click here.

  • COVID-19 vaccination recommendations and other vaccines?

    It is the responsibility of the traveler to verify and comply with the health requirements, proof of testing, and vaccination applicable to your itinerary both at the destinations and for, if applicable, countries where you have a connecting flight. Requirements change quickly and you should check the updated guidance well in advance of departure as well as shortly before departure. Check with the migration and health authorities for the country of origin, destination, and stopover to learn more about vaccination requirements.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Once your purchase is complete, you will receive confirmation by email and all your travel documents will be uploaded on to your booking and the Exoticca customer account (which you'll be provided details of). These will include: transport details, hotels, itinerary, important notes, and insurance policy (if applicable).

Reviews of this operator

Nigel Curtis (Google Reviewer)  

This is the first time...

26-Mar-2023

This is the first time that we have used Exoticca and we were not disappointed. The holiday was well planned and we felt looked after at every stage of our South American adventure. The guides were knowledgeable, cheerful and friendly. They were able to answer all our questions with ease and good humour. The hotels were of a high standard and offered excellent food and comfort. Our travel group was well matched and we always had plenty of room in the vehicles selected for each stage of our journey. We will no hesitation in booking with Exoticca again in the future.

Jane S  

South America with Exoticca

04-Jun-2023

Most of the time we were travelling as a couple although we kept bumping into others in a simialr situation. Wherever we went there was someone there to welcome us and take us to our hotel, tell us about arrangements for the next few days and to generally look after us. Guides always turned up as expected and were all of a very high standard. We never felt concerned about what was due to happen the next day - it always did! Tours were always of interest. Accommodation which was charm class was perfectly acceptable and if not in the centre of town, taxis were always easy to use and safe whether a white pick up van in the Galapagos or a tuk tuk in Peru. I had a slight accident while there and I have to say that Exoticca guides etc could not have been more helpful. I would not hesitate to recommend Exoticca to anyone thinking of using them. We had an amazing experience in Peru, Ecuador and the Galapagos.

https://uk.trustpilot.com/reviews/647e07eb706f837cb1f86880
Diana Gwynn  

Imperial Cities and Desert

20-May-2023

Really excellent way to see Morocco. Our first experience of Exoticca and we were impressed with all the arrangements and attention to detail. The local guides were excellent and our driver Ayoub the absolute best - helpful, kind, knowledgeable and funny. What an outstanding young man! We are definitely recommending Exoticca to our friends and are interested in exploring other countries with you. Many thanks!

https://uk.trustpilot.com/reviews/647ccf3f81ea8608ae6d5e06
sky unidentifiedstorm (Google Reviewer)  

I booked a two week...

21-Mar-2023

I booked a two week trip with Exoticca in February 2023 to Morocco and Egypt. I went solo, had a great time traveling and site seeing to planned excursions and some extra excursions as well. Stayed at several hotels from 5star to 3star standards. All where safe and comfortable. Bus tours where comfortable and I always felt safe wherever we went. Tour guides, bus operators and guards where friendly and respectful. All the sites we visited had me in awe. At one point we got stuck in the mountains due to snow and rain. The roads where cut off. We where set up in hotels for the night and the following day we where back on the road in once a road was cleared. My tickets to Cairo where reschedule and so was my excursions do to the delay. All was taken care with Exoticca I didn't have to do anything, which I greatly appreciated. Exoticca does hire tour agencies in the country you visit. I really like the agencies that where hired. There are usually one or two stops a day to go to a specific craft seller for certain goods, like rugs, paintings, ceramics etc. throughout the tours.

S A (Google Reviewer)  

Exoticca was a great experience....

11-Apr-2024

Exoticca was a great experience. Very well planned itinerary and our tour driver Leo was excellent. We were lucky to get good weather for the most parts and were given good guidance about local attractions. The hotels were well located and of a good quality. Overall a very pleasant experience. We will travel with Exoticca again.

Kimberly Penna (Google Reviewer)  

I very much enjoyed my...

10-Apr-2024

I very much enjoyed my trip to Portugal with Exoticca. I love that you're able to book the flight at the same time as the vacation booking because you won't get stuck with a bunch of layovers like other tour companies spring on you at the last minute. I felt like the trip was very organized and well-planned. I also like that I was back in my hotel room everyday prior to 6:00 p.m. so I had the whole night to myself to do whatever I wanted rather than being stuck on a bus for hours. I will definitely be booking with Exoticca again.

Yevgeniy (Google Reviewer)  

If you are planning a...

04-Jan-2025

If you are planning a trip to Morocco Book a trip with Abdelali Filali He will take care of you from Start to Finish and will accommodate you in every possible way,so you don't have to do it yourself. Trust me 100% this is the ONLY Tour Guide for Morocco. Must Try!!!

JB  

Saw most of what was on the itinerary…

04-Jun-2023

Saw most of what was on the itinerary… Saw most of what was on the itinerary but not the best guide (our Exoticca guide in Ecuador was great but ones since then less so). More free time would have been good ( we didn't even get the free time listed on the itinerary) especially at lunchtimes. Beautiful scenery ranging from the sand dunes to the snow capped mountains. Date of experien

https://uk.trustpilot.com/users/642ae4e995d55f0014af4543
Sue Linford (Google Reviewer)  

I travelled to Jordan in...

28-May-2023

I travelled to Jordan in May with a friend. Exoticca admin was very efficient and the Qatar airways flights were very good. A local representative was on hand to fast track us through the airport in Amman, arriving and departing. We booked 3* accommodation in Amman, Petra and Wadi Rum, which were all fine. The pre-arranged tours were run by a local company and the guides were extremely knowledgeable. Our only issue was with the coaches we had for our first four days which were not to the standard of others we had for the remaining time. Both Jordan and Beyond and Exoticca have acknowledged the points that we raised with them and have said this issue would be addressed so we hope that will be the case. That apart, we very much enjoyed the tour and the company of fellow travellers.

XQ Tong (Google Reviewer)  

The tour of 'Essence of...

12-Apr-2024

The tour of 'Essence of Patagonia & Cultural Capitals - Argentina & Chile' was a great experience and good value for the money. It gave us plenty of free time at most locations to explore on our own. The full day guided tours in Patagonia on both Argentina and Chile sides were great.

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exoticca allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exoticca, 0 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exoticca requires a minimum deposit of 60% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exoticca charges.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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