PORTADA 7 Days Family

7 Days Family

Setting out on a seven-day adventure to the captivating Galapagos Islands with my family was a journey of a lifetime.

Starting at:

$2,500

/ Person

Customizable private tour with flexible start date

7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS

Embark on a family adventure in the enchanting Galapagos Islands – where nature meets wonder, and memories are made

Overview

Our adventure began in Guayaquil, as we eagerly boarded a flight to Santa Cruz. The first stop on our itinerary was an organic coffee farm, where we immersed ourselves in the rich aroma and flavors of locally grown beans. The following day, we ventured to an uninhabited island, marveling at its untouched beauty and encountering unique wildlife found nowhere else on Earth. The Santa Cruz Highlands greeted us with lush greenery and giant tortoises, offering a glimpse into the island’s natural wonders. At the Charles Darwin Station, we learned about the ongoing conservation efforts and research being conducted in the archipelago. 

OVERVIEW 7 Days Family

Garrapatero Beach provided us with a perfect spot to relax, basking in the sun while observing playful sea lions and marine iguanas. A thrilling kayaking expedition awaited us at Tortuga Bay, where we glided through crystal-clear waters, fully immersing ourselves in the serene atmosphere. Finally, we indulged in the sweet pleasure of tasting local chocolates, savoring the unique flavors of the Galapagos. Our family’s unforgettable journey through the Galapagos Islands brought us closer together, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

Highlights

Exploring an Uninhabited Island

One of the highlights of our trip was venturing to an uninhabited island in the Galapagos. We had the opportunity to explore untouched landscapes, encounter unique wildlife, and truly immerse ourselves in the pristine beauty of nature.

Giant Tortoises in the Santa Cruz Highlands

The Santa Cruz Highlands provided us with an incredible experience as we came face-to-face with giant tortoises. These majestic creatures, known for their longevity and impressive size, roamed freely in their natural habitat, allowing us to observe them up close and appreciate their gentle nature.

Charles Darwin Station

The Charles Darwin Station offered us a deeper understanding of the Galapagos Islands’ unique ecosystem and ongoing conservation efforts. We had the chance to learn about the groundbreaking research conducted there and witness the dedicated work being done to protect the islands’ fragile environment.

Thrilling Kayaking in Tortuga Bay

The exhilarating kayaking expedition in Tortuga Bay was a highlight that filled us with a sense of adventure. Paddling through the crystal-clear waters, we admired the stunning coastal scenery, encountered marine life, and appreciated the tranquility of this picturesque location.

Days

WELCOME TO ECUADOR THE PEARL OF THE PACIFIC: ARRIVAL IN GUAYAQUIL

Day 1 - Guayaquil 7 Days Family

Welcome to Guayaquil, the «Pearl of the Pacific» and Ecuador’s main port. Arrive at the Jose Joaquin de Olmedo International Airport (GYE). While your plane is approaching the airport, you can already catch a glimpse of Guayaquil, a coastal metropolis located at the estuary of the Guayas River. With an elevation of only 13.2 ft (4 m) above sea level, this is one point of entry to Ecuador that definitely won’t make you feel altitude sickness.

Upon your arrival, a private driver will pick you up from the airport and take you to your hotel for an overnight stay in Guayaquil.
Spend the rest of the day exploring the second-largest city in Ecuador at your own pace. Consider a stroll down the Malecón 2000, a 1.5-mile (2.4 km) boardwalk along the riverfront built to revitalize the old Malecón Simón Bolívar («Simón Bolívar Boardwalk»). Go farther north to visit Las Peñas («The Boulders»), a neighborhood whose pastel architecture reflects 19th-century abundance and whose history stretches back at least 400 years. Climb the 444 steps from Las Peñas to the top of Cerro Santa Ana (Santa Ana Hill) to find a petite chapel, a lighthouse, and gorgeous views of the city skyline and the Gulf of Guayaquil beyond.

ORGANIC COFFEE FARM IN THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

Day 2 - Arrival to Galapagos 7 Days Family

Early this morning, your guide will pick you up and take you to the José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport so you can catch your flight to the Galápagos Islands. The flight to this unique collection of islands that inspired Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution is around two hours.
The organic coffee farm name is Lava Java began with the purchase of an abandoned farm in the Galapagos highlands. This farm began its restoration with unique and endangered Galapagos plants, discovered a few dozen stunted coffee bushes under the tangle of weeds. An opportunity occurred to us: What if we could nurture the coffee bushes back to production and use the income from coffee to restore the native flora on our farm, making it more hospitable to Galapagos birds and insects? Thus was born Lava Java – an organic coffee that is both good for the environment and gratifying to the most health and quality conscious consumers.

This is a great family experience, truly the Galapagos Islands are a living laboratory full of educational experiences and memories to last a lifetime; since they will learn hand-on-hand how local people work everyday!

DAY TRIP TO AN UNINHABITED ISLAND

Day 3 - Uninhabited Island 7 Days Family

Embark on an unforgettable adventure to explore the stunning beauty of the Galápagos Islands, home to some of the world’s most unique and diverse wildlife. During your tour, you’ll have a chance to visit Santa Fé, South Plaza, Bartolomé, or North Seymour, depending on the permit granted by the National Park authorities for that daily activity.

As you set sail on your boat, be prepared to witness the awe-inspiring views of the turquoise waters and rocky shorelines of the archipelago. Your expert guide will accompany you on a hike to explore the untouched natural habitats of the islands, where you’ll discover an array of exotic flora and fauna.

The Galápagos Islands are a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, with a diverse range of species that inhabit the land and sea. Keep an eye out for giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and many other fascinating creatures.

After a morning of exploration, take a break on the deck for a scrumptious lunch, before continuing on your adventure. Relax on the pristine beaches and soak up the sun, or take a dip in the crystal-clear waters for a refreshing swim.

At the end of your tour, return to Puerto Ayora, feeling invigorated and inspired by the natural wonders of the Galápagos Islands.

FULL-DAY SANTA CRUZ HIGHLANDS AND CHARLES DARWIN STATION

Day 4 - Hihlands 7 Days Family

This morning, Your private guide will pick you up from the hotel to explore the beauty of Santa Cruz.

You will start by visiting the Charles Darwin Station, where scientists from all over the world meet and work together on environmental projects such as water analysis, animal protection, effects of tourism on nature, etc., and the most famous place to see Giant Tortoises in the Galapagos where the animals are raised before being released into the wild. The actual name of the tortoise area here is the “Fausto Llerena” Breeding Center, named after the Galapagos National Park ranger who cared for Lonesome George. This is the best place in the Galapagos to view numerous different species and see how their tortoiseshell shapes have evolved differently to match the terrain and vegetation of the islands they are native to.

Then, you will continue toward Santa Cruz highlands where you will be amazed to see giant tortoises in the wild (in their natural habitat) at a private farm. You will enjoy a delicious lunch before returning to Puerto Ayora.

GARRAPATERO RELAX TOUR

day 5 - Garrapatero 7 Days Family

This is a unique and magic place to relax and enjoy the peaceful weather, sand and clear water at the wave’s rhythm of the sea.

For all visitors, it’s an amazing experience away from any populated settlement, where you will enjoy for sure easily the singular biodiversity with endemic animals like flamingos, black-necked patillas, Galapagos finches and even migratory birds.

This paradisiac place called El Garrapatero is located to 19 km northeast of Puerto Ayora, it will take almost one hour by land route.

KAYAKING ON TORTUGA BAY

Day 6 - Kayak Tortuga Bay 7 Days Family

You will start with a 45-minute hike from Puerto Ayora to the heavenly Tortuga Bay, famed for its soft coral sand and spectacular scenery, this stretch of coast is considered one of the archipelago’s most picturesque spots.

Take a kayak out onto the water to see marine life up close and admire the coastline from a different perspective—observing colonies of marine iguanas and marine birds, as well as mangroves, cacti forests, and fascinating coastal flora. You may spot interesting array of bird residing here; pelicans and finches are locals here, and near the salt lagoon that backs onto the mangroves, you even may spot flamingos wandering.

After kayaking at the nearby cove, sunbathe on the beach or head back under the waves for some afternoon snorkeling before returning to Puerto Ayora for the evening.

TASTE LOCAL CHOCOLATE, DARWIN’S FAVORITES!

Day 7 - Chocolate on Galapagos 7 Days Family

Looking for the perfect gift for your friends and acquaintances before returning back home? Look no further than this hidden gem of a shop! While it may be a bit off the beaten path, your efforts will be rewarded with a dizzying array of aromas and flavors, each more delicious than the last.

From rich, dark chocolate with high percentages of cocoa, to the more adventurous flavors like nuts with a touch of sea salt, there is something for everyone here. So why not indulge in a little something sweet for yourself, or surprise a loved one with a gift they won’t soon forget? Come and discover the delights of this unique chocolatier today!

After a small shopping time, you will be taken to Baltra Airport for your flight back to mainland Ecuador.

Extra details

Countries

Ecuador

Rivers and Seas

Guayas River
PacifIC Ocen

Flight and Transportation

Transfers from/to the airport

Transfers for each activity

Meals Included

6 Breakfast
1 Lunch

Start in Guayaquil

End in Baltra Airport

This Trip

Included

  • 6 nights of Accommodation

  • Naturalist bilingual guides during the excursions

Excluded

  • International flights

  • Domestic Flights (Guayaquil - Baltra – Guayaquil)

  • Galapagos National Park Entrance ($100 payable only in cash upon arrival)

  • Galapagos TCT Card ($20 payable at Quito airport)

  • Wetsuits

  • Meals not listed on the itinerary

  • Tips & gratuities

  • Personal expenses

  • Travel insurance

Places to Visit
Galapagos Islands
Tortuga Bay
Santa Cruz Highlands
Charles Drawin Station

7 Days - Family

Summary

Day Activity Accomodation Meals
1
Arrival In Guayaquil
Guayaquil
-/-/-
2
Transfer for your flight to Galapagos Islands: Organic Coffee Farm
Puerto Ayora
B/-/-
3
Day trip to an Uninhabited Island
Puerto Ayora
B/L/-
4
Santa Cruz Highlands and Charles Darwin Station
Puerto Ayora
B/-/-
5
Beach Day at Garrapatero
Puerto Ayora
B/-/-
6
Kayak in Tortuga Bay
Puerto Ayora
B/-/-
7
Taste Local Chocolate, Darwin’s Favorites!, Transfer to Isla Baltra, Departure
Puerto Ayora
B/-/-

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