Bienvenidos! Welcome to Ecuador. Your adventure starts with a welcome meeting at 5 pm tonight in Quito – Ecuador’s capital, sitting high in the Andean foothills at an altitude of 2850 m. If you arrive early, maybe visit the Church of the Society of Jesus (Compania de Jesus), join a market tour Urban Adventure or walk down the famous Calle La Ronda – Quito's oldest street. Tonight, maybe join your fellow travellers and their families for dinner and get to know each other. It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information for each member of your family. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place. The arrival transfer is only valid if arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-trip accommodation through us. Please provide your flight details at the time of booking, or at a minimum 14 days prior to travel, as we may not be able to confirm a request made within 14 days of travel.

Today, you’ll take the short flight to Isla Santa Cruz, one of the main hubs of the Galapagos. When you arrive, visit the Highlands where you can see giant tortoises roaming free in their natural habitat. These fascinating animals can weigh as much as 400 kg (and naturally, are very popular with the kids!). Then, continue to the town of Puerto Ayora. Join your local leader on a short walk around town to get your bearings then enjoy some free time to continue exploring at your own pace. Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours. 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).

Say goodbye to Santa Cruz and jump on a speedboat to Isla Isabela. Known for wildlife like penguins and sea lions, this island straddles the equator and is the largest island in the Galapagos archipelago. When you arrive this afternoon, set out on a family kayaking adventure. Navigate the distinct volcanic rock formations as you paddle on clear, turquoise waters, and be sure to look out for local wildlife and marine life along the way! Tonight, maybe wander through town and find a local restaurant for dinner. Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours. When you arrive at Isla Isabela, you’ll need to pay a port fee of USD10 per person in cash.

This morning, hop on a small Zodiac boat and cruise to Las Tintoreras (Shark Alley) to look for blue-footed boobies and the Galapagos penguin. Then, take a short walk on this isolated islet and learn how it’s a popular iguana nesting site, before swapping your hiking boots for a snorkel. Dive under the clear water and swim with colourful fish and green sea turtles through the winding underground lava tubes. After, dry off and return to Isla Isabel. When you arrive, visit the Arnaldo Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Centre to see giant tortoises in all stages of their development. After learning about the thousand tortoises that live here, you’ll head to a brackish lagoon to observe flamingos. Later today, join a local family for a cooking class and learn to make empanadas for dinner. Snorkelling equipment will be provided today. Confident swimming skills are required to take part in today’s activity.

Start your last day on Isla Isabela by heading to the Sierra Negra Volcano – one of the Galapagos’ most active volcanoes and the world's second-largest crater! When you arrive, you'll set off for a family-friendly hike to explore the unique landscapes and take in the views. After your hike, you’ll have some free time to find a local cafe for lunch. This afternoon, maybe go swimming and relax at Concha de Perla Beach. Known for its beautiful lagoons full of mangroves, this is a great spot to go for a walk along the sandy shore or snorkel among the vibrant coral reefs. Your hiking distance today will be approximately 8 km or 3 hours.

This morning, take a speedboat back to Isla Santa Cruz. When you arrive in Puerto Ayora, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Then, join a local artist who’s passionate about sustainability during a hands-on creative activity. Using plastic collected from the local beaches, you'll learn how waste can be transformed into meaningful art, while gaining insight into ocean conservation efforts. Tonight, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner – your local leader will have the best recommendations. Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

After breakfast, board a plane and make the return flight back to Quito. When you arrive, the rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace – maybe see the city from above on the teleferiqo sky cable cars. Tonight, maybe join your group tonight for one last meal together and toast to an amazing adventure. Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

With no activities planned for today, you can depart at any time. If you are staying in Quito longer, maybe wander the Otavalo Indigenous Market and Condor Park or see a performance at the Ballet Folklorico Ecuatoriano de Jacchigua. Your booking agent will be able to help you if you’d like to stay longer, just speak with them ahead of time!