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Peregrine Travel Centre

Ecuador Amazon & Galapagos Family Holiday

Ecuador Amazon & Galapagos Family Holiday

From $ 5,640 AUD

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Description

See playful seals, giant tortoises and distinct animals like pink iguanas as you and your family journey through the Amazon and Galapagos Islands. Stay in an eco-lodge in the Amazon, look for local wildlife and birds during your walk through the rainforest with an Indigenous guide and learn about the regions biodiverse landscape as you chase waterfalls in Banos. Kayak through the turquoise waters around Isla Isabela, join a local family for an empanada cooking class and discover how waste found in the ocean can be transformed into meaningful art.

Trip Name
Ecuador Amazon & Galapagos Family Holiday
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
14
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • Stay on the edge of the Amazon Rainforest in an eco-lodge, then explore the jungle on an evening walk under the night sky.
  • Travel along the avenue of volcanoes and go hiking in Cotopaxi National Park – home to the highest active volcano in the world!
  • Keep an eye out for local marine life of the Galapagos like penguins, turtles and seals as you kayak through the turquoise waters around Isla Isabela.
  • Visit the Arnaldo Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Centre, where you'll see giant tortoises at all stages of development roam free in their natural habitats.
  • Dive under the clear water and snorkel among the colourful fish, green sea turtles and the winding underground lava tubes.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Quito
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Ecuador. Your adventure starts with a welcome meeting at 5 pm tonight in Quito – Ecuador’s capital, which sits 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 discovery Urban Adventure or take a walk down the famous Calle La Ronda – Quito's oldest street. Tonight, maybe join your fellow travellers and their families for dinner – a great way to get to know each other.
Day 2 - Amazon Jungle
This morning, travel to the Amazon Jungle – the world’s largest tropical rainforest, spanning eight South American countries. On the way, stop at Guango Lodge near the hot springs of Papallacta. Here, you’ll see some of the 14 species of hummingbirds that call this region home. Then, take a motorised canoe through the rainforest to your eco lodge. When you arrive, sit down for dinner with your family, then set off on a night walk through the jungle. Be sure to pack your flashlight and camera for the best chance of seeing local wildlife like fishing bats, owls and toads.
Day 3 - Amazon Jungle
Fuel up on breakfast this morning as you have a big day of adventures ahead. First, you’ll hike into the rainforest with a local Indigenous guide leading the way. Listen carefully as they point out local bird species and teach you about the incredible plant life that thrives here. After lunch, you'll visit a nearby animal rescue centre. Learn more about the local wildlife and what can be done to help protect them. Tonight, join your group for dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 4 - Banos
Say goodbye to the Amazon as you take a motorised canoe out of the jungle. Then, board a private vehicle and travel to Banos. When you arrive, join your local leader on an orientation walk around town. The rest of the day is then free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe explore the Ruta de las Cascadas (Waterfall Route) by bike, relax in the natural hot springs or discover the religious sites like the Basilica of Our Lady of Holy Water.
Day 5 - Banos
Travel out of Banos town this morning to the entrance of the Devils Cauldron, where you’ll visit Pailon del Diablo Waterfall. The 80 m waterfall has a mighty strength that showers anyone in its path – so be sure to bring a waterproof jacket! When you reach the top, take in the surrounding views over the region. After, travel back to Banos where you’ll have the afternoon free for you and your family to spend as you like.
Day 6 - Cotopaxi National Park
This morning, drive along the Avenue of the Volcanoes to the Cotopaxi National Park. When you arrive, head out on a hike to Limpiopungo Lagoon for panoramic views of the Cotopaxi Volcano – Ecuador's second-highest peak and the tallest active volcano in the world! As you walk, look for wildlife like condors, deer and spectacles bears. Later, return to Quito this afternoon. Tonight, maybe join your group tonight for one last meal together and toast to an amazing adventure.
Day 7 - Quito
Today is a free day to explore Quito at your own pace until your second welcome meeting at 5 pm this afternoon. Maybe discover the Mindo Cloud and Tropical Forest, wander the Otavalo Indigenous Market and Condor Park or see a performance at the Ballet Folklorico Ecuatoriano de Jacchigua. After your meeting, you might like to head out for dinner with your fellow travellers to toast to the next part of your exciting adventure.
Day 8 - Isla Santa Cruz
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.
Day 9 - Isla Santa Cruz to Isla Isabela
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.
Day 10 - Isla Isabela
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.
Day 11 - Isla Isabela
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.
Day 12 - Isla Isabela to Isla Santa Cruz
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.
Day 13 - Isla Santa Cruz to Quito
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.
Day 14 - Quito
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!

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
05-04-202618-04-2026AUD $ 5,950-
21-06-202604-07-2026AUD $ 5,950-
29-06-202612-07-2026AUD $ 5,640-
12-07-202625-07-2026AUD $ 5,950-
19-07-202601-08-2026AUD $ 5,695-
26-07-202608-08-2026AUD $ 6,150-
29-07-202611-08-2026AUD $ 5,790-
02-08-202615-08-2026AUD $ 5,790-
09-08-202622-08-2026AUD $ 6,150-
21-03-202703-04-2027AUD $ 5,920-
28-03-202710-04-2027AUD $ 5,920-
27-06-202710-07-2027AUD $ 5,920-
25-07-202707-08-2027AUD $ 5,920-
01-08-202714-08-2027AUD $ 5,920-
08-08-202721-08-2027AUD $ 5,920-
19-12-202701-01-2028AUD $ 5,920-

Accommodation

Hotel (11 nights), Eco Lodge (2 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle, motorised canoe, plane, speed boat

Map

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