Date: August 1-8, 2026
Adult: $ 3,150
Children: $ 2,835
Experience Nature on a Galapagos Islands Expedition
8 Days / 7 Nights - Family Wildlife Adventure
This adventure to the Galapagos Islands offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for families to experience the incredible biodiversity and natural beauty of one of the world's most unique ecosystems. From snorkeling with sea lions to spotting the iconic Galapagos tortoises, this expedition allows you to experience the wildlife and landscapes of these famous islands up close.
Details:
Start: Quito, Ecuador
End: Quito, Ecuador
Destinations: Ecuador
Meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch
Transport: Boat, Speed boat
Accommodation: Hotels (7 nights)
Days: 8
Group size: Min 2 - Max 16
Ages: Min 5
Theme: Family, Wildlife
Style: Original
Why You’ll Love This Trip:
Close Encounters with Wildlife: Swim beside playful sea lions, marvel at giant tortoises, and see wildlife up close, including blue-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and marine iguanas.
Unique Island Exploration: Discover the islands by boat and speedboat, stopping to hike, snorkel, and explore hidden coves.
Cultural Experience: Stay in small hotels on the islands, providing a more intimate and local experience, and interact with islanders for a true sense of place.
Unmatched Photo Opportunities: Kicker Rock, with its twin volcanic peaks, and the surrounding waters provide stunning backdrops for family photos.
Family-Focused: Specially designed for families with children aged 5 and above, making this the perfect adventure to share with your loved ones.
Itinerary
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Welcome to Ecuador!
At an elevation of 2,850 meters, Quito is nestled beneath the towering Volcán Pichincha, making it one of South America's most captivating cities. Your journey kicks off with a welcome meeting at 5 pm. You are free to arrive at any time before that, as no activities are planned until the meeting. If you have some free time before, consider strolling down Calle La Ronda, the historic heart of Quito. This charming street offers a glimpse into the city's colonial past and is a great place to explore the best of Quito all in one spot. For those who want to dive deeper into the surroundings, arriving a day or two earlier is a great idea. You could visit nearby attractions like Otavalo, Cotopaxi, or the Cloud Forest.
Accommodation
La Cartuja Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
Complimentary Arrival Transfer
Optional activities
Quito - Compania de Jesus - USD4
Quito - La Ronda Walk - Free
Quito - Ballet Folklorico Ecuatoriano de Jacchigua - USD40
Cotopaxi - National Park Hiking Tour - USD95
Quito - Mindo Cloud and Tropical Forest - USD160
Quito - Market Discovery Urban Adventure - USD99
Quito -The Otavalo Indigenous market and Condor Park - USD90
Special information
It's essential to attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information. If you're running late, please inform your travel agent or the hotel reception. Additional information on the meeting location will be provided at the reception or displayed in the lobby.
The arrival transfer is only available for those arriving on Day 1 or those who have pre-booked accommodations with us. Please ensure your flight details are provided when booking, or at least 14 days prior to departure. Requests made within 14 days may not be processed in time.
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After breakfast, set out on a guided walking tour through Quito’s historic center. Begin at Plaza Grande, the city’s main square, and pass by the Archbishop’s Palace before making your way uphill—about 800 meters—to the striking Basilica del Voto Nacional. If time allows, you may choose to explore this remarkable church further, perhaps climbing its towers for sweeping city views.
Continue on to the charming La Ronda Street, passing by two of Quito’s most iconic landmarks: La Compañía de Jesús (Church of the Society of Jesus) and San Francisco Church. From there, we journey to the Equator line to visit the famous Mitad del Mundo monument—an impressive 30-meter-tall structure said to mark the exact midpoint of the Earth.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure—wander more of Quito’s lively streets or simply relax at the hotel in preparation for tomorrow’s adventure.
Accommodation
La Cartuja Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
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This morning, take a short flight to Isla Santa Cruz, one of the main gateways to the Galápagos. After landing, set out on a walking tour of Puerto Ayora, followed by a 45-minute walk to the beautiful Tortuga Bay. The afternoon is yours to spend as you wish—perhaps visit the lively fish market, where bold pelicans eagerly wait for scraps of the daily catch, or simply enjoy Puerto Ayora’s seaside charm. With its small-town atmosphere and walkable streets, it’s a perfect spot to make your own discoveries.
Accommodation
Lobo de Mar Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Isla Santa Cruz - Tortuga Bay walk
Isla Santa Cruz - Purto Ayora Walking Tour
Special information
Today can be a long travel day and the airline (Avianca) only provides a small snack on board. We recommend purchasing some snacks for this journey ahead of time in Quito.
The Galapagos National Institute has introduced a mandatory Transit Control Card which will cost you USD 20. You will need to purchase this card upon arrival at the domestic airport on Day 2, prior to checking in to your Galapagos flight. Also, upon arrival to the archipelago you will need to go through immigration and pay the Galapagos National Park entrance fee of USD 100 in cash (preferably in small bills).
NOTE: snorkelling equipment will be included for the water activities which on this trip is Isla Lobos and Loberia in San Cristobal
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Cross into Spain via the scenic high mountain pass of Port de Canto, set at 1,000 metres above sea level. Stop at the lookout point to admire the beautiful foothills of the Spanish Pyrenees before descending to the village of Sort (meaning “luck” in Catalan).
At the rafting centre, gear up with wetsuits, helmets, life jackets, and paddles. From the upper section of the Noguera River, embark on a thrilling 14-kilometre white-water rafting experience. Ranked among Europe’s top five rafting rivers, the Noguera offers continuous yet manageable rapids with plenty of exit points. Highlights of the route include navigating a weir and passing through the Olympic kayaking course before returning to the rafting centre.
After the adventure, enjoy a shower and relax in the centre’s garden, swimming pool, or bar before heading back to Soldeu for the evening.
Accommodation
Hotel Roc de Sant Miquel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
White water rafting
Special information
Travel time may vary depending on weather.
Rafting distance: approx. 14 km.
Beginner-friendly, but participants must be competent swimmers.
A support vehicle follows along the route for those not rafting; guests may either ride in the vehicle or stay at the centre.
Minimum age: 8 years. Children aged 8–12 are limited to rafting grades I & II only.
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Travel by boat to your second island, Isla San Cristóbal. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and take some time to relax before visiting the Interpretation Center, where you’ll gain insight into the history of the islands and the conservation challenges faced by the local community.
Next, make your way to Cerro Tijeretas (Frigatebird Hill), located about 2 kilometres southwest of town. The climb to the top is a bit steep, but the panoramic views of the bay are well worth it. From here, you’ll spot the striking Kicker Rock, a dramatic twin volcanic formation rising 140 metres above the sea.
Later, continue to La Lobería for a snorkelling adventure. Keep an eye out for playful sea lions and graceful sea turtles that are often seen swimming alongside visitors.
Accommodation
Miconia Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Isla San Cristobal - Interpretation Center Visit (1 hour) - Dry Landing
Isla San Cristobal - Snorkelling in Las Loberias
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Begin the day with a short boat ride (approx. 1 hour) to Isla Lobos, home to the world’s second-largest sea lion colony and the tallest lighthouse on the continent. Along the way, enjoy sightings of the incredible marine and birdlife that make the Galápagos so unique—you may even spot nesting frigate birds and blue-footed boobies.
Once on the island, take to the water for a memorable swimming and snorkelling experience. Keep an eye out for sea turtles, manta rays, and perhaps even a harmless Galápagos shark. After the adventure, return to your hotel base to relax and unwind.
Accommodation
Miconia Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Included activities
Isla Lobos - Swimming and Snorkelling
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Enjoy a free morning to take in more of Isla San Cristóbal at your own pace—perhaps some last-minute shopping or a final visit to the beach. In the late afternoon, board your flight back to Quito, Ecuador’s capital.
Accommodation
La Cartuja Hotel or similar (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Special information
This is a long travel day.
Avianca Airlines provides only a light snack on board—purchasing additional snacks in advance is recommended.
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Welcome back to the mainland! With no scheduled activities, you are free to depart at any time. Hotel check-out is at midday. For those wishing to extend their stay in Quito, additional accommodation can be arranged (subject to availability).
Meals
Breakfast
Inclusions and activities
Meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch
Transport: Boat, Speed boat
Accommodation: Hotels (7 nights)
Included activities
Complimentary Arrival Transfer
Quito - Leader led city tour + the Equator line
Isla Santa Cruz - Tortuga Bay walk
Isla Santa Cruz - Purto Ayora Walking Tour
Isla Santa Cruz - Charles Darwin Research Centre (45 Minutes)
Isla Santa Cruz - Highlands
Isla San Cristobal - Interpretation Center Visit (1 hour) - Dry Landing
Isla San Cristobal - Snorkelling in Las Loberias
Isla Lobos - Swimming and Snorkelling
Optional activities
Quito - Compania de Jesus - USD4
Quito - La Ronda Walk - Free
Quito - Ballet Folklorico Ecuatoriano de Jacchigua - USD40
Cotopaxi - National Park Hiking Tour - USD95
Quito - Mindo Cloud and Tropical Forest - USD160
Quito - Market Discovery Urban Adventure - USD99
Quito -The Otavalo Indigenous market and Condor Park - USD90
Important notes
This trip is designed for adults and children travelling together, with at least one child under 18 required.
Minimum age for children is 5 years old.
Children aged 17 and under at time of travel receive a 10% discount.
A single supplement is available for those who prefer their own room (applies to all nights, subject to availability). Please check with your booking agent.
A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included if arriving on Day 1 or if pre-tour accommodation is booked through us. Flight details must be provided at least 14 days before travel.
Full passport details are required at the time of booking. These must match the passport used for travel and are needed to secure entry permits. Late submission may result in fees or itinerary changes.
All visitors to the Galápagos must have a Transit Control Card (USD 20 per person, cash). Your leader will collect this fee at the Welcome Meeting in Quito.
The Galápagos National Park fee (USD 100 per person) and the Isabela Port fee (USD 10 per person) are payable in cash upon arrival. From 1 August 2024, the National Park fee will increase to USD 200 per person.
Strict environmental rules apply in the Galápagos Islands to protect its biodiversity (e.g., designated visiting hours, minimum wildlife distance, no removal of natural objects). Your leader will brief you in detail. Non-compliance can result in fines, trip removal without refund, or Intrepid losing operating licenses. Full guidelines: Galápagos Park Rules.
Snorkelling equipment (mask & flippers) is included. Wetsuits can be rented locally for an additional fee.