Itinerary

Day 1 – Depart U.S. / Arrive Guayaquil

Welcome to Ecuador!  With a stunning landscape and a history dating as far back as 3,500 B.C., the first leg of your two-part adventure has much to offer.  From ancient archeological sites of the Cañari and the Inca to modern villages where locals are happy to share their traditions, you and your family will be immersed in the rich cultural heritage waiting to be discovered in Ecuador.

Days 2 to 4 – Andean Highlands

Leaving behind coastal Guayaquil, we’ll venture up into the Andean Highlands.  Rolling hillsides nestle ruins of lost civilizations such as the Cañari, a sophisticated society of astronomers who ruled this area for a thousand years before being conquered by the Incas.  The Incas controlled the Andean Highlands for less than a century; the Spanish arrived in the 1530s, and by 1557 the rubble of Incan buildings was being used to create the colonial city of Cuenca.

Aguarongo Forest hike
Rock climbing at Cojitambo Mountain
 Explore the Cojitambo ruins
Bargain at Mercado 10 de Agosto in Cuenca
Pumapungo Inca ruins
Find a treasure using GPS
Artisan villages
Orchid greenhouses

Days 5 to 7 – Galapagos Islands Cruise

Let’s go island hopping! Board the Cormorant Luxury Catamaran for four days of incredible land and sea explorations. The ship’s naturalists will be your guides in the Galapagos and will lead two shore expeditions per day to seek out wildlife and learn about the natural history of these fascinating volcanic islands. When not snorkeling or discovering the islands on foot, you can enjoy all the amenities this first class ship has to offer – a Jacuzzi, solarium, reading room, internet access and your comfortable air-conditioned cabins.
Welcome to Darwin’s Enchanted Islands…

Fly into Baltra Island
Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station
South Plaza Island
Santa Fé Island
Relax at Gardner Bay
Suárez Point

Day 8 – Galapagos Islands /Guayaquil

After one more activity in the Galapagos, we say goodbye to these enchanted isles and hello to mainland Ecuador once again!

North Seymour Island
Farewell dinner
Transfer to the airport

Day 9 – Depart Guayaquil / Arrive U.S.

More information from Thomson Family Adventures:

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  www.familyadventures.com/destinations/galapagos…
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• View all of their trips