Ecuador Amazon & Galapagos Family Holiday

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.