Family Ecuador & Galapagos

Ecuador & Galapagos Islands, 16 Nights

Taking children to the Galapagos Islands is an immensely rewarding experience and offers the best of a classroom zoo, science centre, aviary, marine park and a cruise holiday all rolled into one. For this reason the M/V Eclipse has developed selected family departures on 7-night Galapagos cruises during the school holidays. Professional guides (certified by the Galapagos National Park and specialized in guiding children) entertain the children all day long. Activities include faster guided walks, that are just as educational, beach games, on-board activities (dance classes, costume parties, handicrafts, drawing competitions etc.), separate briefings for children and 'Kids' Menus' at mealtimes. This, of course, leaves you to enjoy the cruise at your own pace, in the knowledge that your children are in safe hands and making their own discoveries about the history of evolution and the wonders of the islands. The comfort, safety and quality of the Eclipse, combined with its commitment to the special needs of children, guarantee an unforgettable experience that can be shared by the whole family.

Day 1 - London/Quito
Morning departure from London for the LAN Airlines flight to Quito, via Madrid. Flights may be operated by Iberia Airlines. Transfer to your hotel. Overnight at the charming Villa Colonna, located in the heart of the colonial district.

Day 2 - Quito/Cuenca
Morning tour of Ecuador's fascinating capital city and UNESCO World Heritage site. Rich in history, Quito is the second highest capital in the world, founded in 1532 by Spanish Conquistador Sebastian de Benalcázar. For nearly three centuries, religion, the arts and intellectual societies flourished under Spanish colonial rule. Today you can experience this long, blended past visiting the 'Old Town' and La Compañia church. Continue to Panecillo Hill for spectacular views of the city. Afternoon flight to Cuenca. Three nights at the Mansion Alcazar Hotel.

Day 3 - Cuenca
Leisurely day with your guide exploring the surrounding traditional villages of Gualaceo, Paute and Chordeleg. Market days vary (mainly on Sundays), and represent a great experience for the whole family, not just the shoppers! Local style lunch at a typical hacienda included.

Day 4 - Cuenca
Morning tour of Cuenca and the flower market. Cuenca is considered by most Ecuadorians as 'the most beautiful city in the country', enjoying a beautiful historical centre, a mild climate and central location. Market day is Thursday. Afternoon at leisure.

Day 5 - Cuenca/Guayaquil
We leave Cuenca and drive to El Cajas National Park, one of Ecuador's natural wonders. Cajas boasts glacial lakes, strange rock formations, numerous species of flora and fauna, breathtaking waterfalls and several rivers. Enjoy a leisurely walk in the national park, before continuing by road to Guayaquil. Overnight at the Hilton Hotel.

Day 6 - Guayaquil/Galapagos Islands
Fly to Baltra Island in the Galapagos to board the Eclipse. This 64-metre cruise ship carries just 48 passengers in 27 air-conditioned cabins. She has all the amenities of a large ship, with a plunge pool, observation deck, an air-renewal system and an infirmary with a doctor on board at all times. Cabins are comfortable and spacious and alfresco dining for all 48 passengers ensures that mealtimes are fresh and convivial.

Family departures include a specialist guide certified by the Galapagos National Park who is specialized in guiding children. The guide takes the children on excursions throughout the week to marvel at the giant tortoises, watch the dive bombing of the boobies or look out for pods of dolphin or whales. Children's activities include faster guided walks, (that are just as educational), beach games, on-board activities (dance classes, costume parties, handicrafts and drawing competitions), separate briefings and 'Kids' Menus' at mealtimes. Then of course there are the fantastic marine activities that the Galapagos may offer including swimming with turtles or snorkelling with Galapagos penguins!

Days 7 to 12 - Galapagos Islands
Enjoy five full days exploring these fascinating islands. On hand to advise and inform is a naturalist guide for every 12 guests. Most expeditions with your guide are by pangas - inflatable, rubber crafts with outboard motor. Snorkels are also available to enable you to explore the fascinating underwater world from a myriad of colourful fish and playful sea lions to sunken volcanic craters. There are 13 islands and countless smaller islets, each with a unique ecosystem all of its own. Only here will you see Galapagos penguins, flightless cormorants and marine iguanas, as well as the giant tortoises that give the archipelago its name. Landmark sights include Pinnacle Rock on Bartholomé Island, Punta Espinosa on Fernandina Island, Tagus Cove on Isabela and the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz.

Day 13 - Galapagos/Zuleta
Fly back to Quito and travel two hours by road to Otavalo. Two nights at the Hacienda Zuleta, a colonial farmhouse, beautifully decorated with antiques and local linens. Set within a huge swathe of private land, hike, bike or ride the extensive trails of the surrounding lush fertile valleys of the Andes mountains.

Day 14 - Zuleta
At leisure to enjoy life at the hacienda. Local farm workers are on hand to show guests the trout farm, cheese factory, diary parlour, textile workshop and fascinating condor-raising project. We also suggest taking one of the 90 or so horses out for a ride through the high-altitude grasslands visiting pre-Inca sites or nearby local villages.

Day 15 - Otavalo/Quito
Today, enjoy the famed local market of Otavalo, the largest and most renowned market town in the region selling colourful carpets, hangings and weavings. Between September and June, there is the opportunity to visit a local school and see the children at work or play. Afternoon return to Quito. Overnight at Villa Colonna.

Day 16 - Quito/London
At leisure. Evening transfer to the airport for the LAN Airlines overnight flight to Madrid with a touchdown in Guayaquil. Connect with the LAN Airlines (Iberia operated) to London, arriving day 17.

At A&K all of our journeys are individually tailored to suit your needs and timescale. However, as a guide, a 16 day journey in Ecuador & The Galapagos will cost from £4,995 per person based on two adults sharing with flights from the UK and subject to availability. Children receive up to a third off the cruise on selected family departures.