Family Wildlife Discovery

Two Wildlife Wonderlands: Ecuador’s Amazon & Galápagos

Trip Type: Nature & Wildlife, Family Length: 12 days Season: Nov-May Rating: Grade II

Ecuador’s lush Amazon rainforest and its dramatic Galápagos Islands are two of the most wildlife-rich regions in South America! Discover the natural beauty in Ecuador with kids and teens, who will be amazed by the open-air zoo of animals in their midst.

On this trip, you’ll find outdoor fun in nature for youngsters, as well as creature comforts for parents. Enjoy active easy-to-moderate adventure activities and epic fauna-spotting that everyone can share.

Includes 4 days in the Ecuadorian Amazon and 5 days in Galápagos.

Trip Highlights

Board a dugout canoe and paddle into the depths of the Amazon rainforest
Spot mischievous monkeys and colorful birds in the forest treetops on a 118-foot canopy walk
Meet a local Amazonian Kichwa family and learn about their culture and traditions
Witness the fragile and remarkable interconnectedness of the Amazon ecosystem
Learn about evolution in the place Darwin himself began hatching his theory
Walk along the black lava landscapes and white sandy beaches of Galápagos
Encounter Galápagos’ charismatic cast of animals: sea lions, iguanas and blue-footed boobies!
Snorkel in the clear island waters into a subaquatic world teeming with colorful life
Find “teachable moments” and create vivid memories that will expand your child’s worldview

Family Wildlife Discovery

Ecuador with kids: Trip Itinerary

DAY 1: USA / QUITO
Evening arrival to Quito, Ecuador’s capital. Stay at a country inn.

DAY 2: QUITO / COCA / NAPO WILDLIFE CENTER
Fly to Coca and embark on a canoe journey to reach the lodge.

DAY 3: AMAZON: CANOPY WALK / JUNGLE TRAIL HIKE
Amazon adventure on the canopy walkway, then jungle trail hike.

DAY 4: AMAZON: CLAY LICK / KICHWA COMMUNITY
Visit a flock of macaws feeding, then a local Kichwa community.

DAY 5: COCA / GUAYAQUIL
Depart from the Amazon and board a flight to the coastal city of Guayaquil.

DAY 6: GUAYAQUIL
The full day city tour of Guayaquil includes a scrumptious traditional lunch.

DAY 7: GUAYAQUIL / GALAPAGOS
Arrive in Galápagos and discover giant tortoises in their habitat.

DAY 8: GALAPAGOS: SEYMOUR ISLAND
Excursion to Seymour Island to look for friendly Galápagos wildlife.

DAY 9: GALAPAGOS: SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
See the sights on the main island of Santa Cruz, including beaches.

DAY 10: GALAPAGOS: SOUTH PLAZA ISLAND
Excursion to South Plaza Island for snorkeling and a wildlife walk.

DAY 11: GALAPAGOS / GUAYAQUIL
Flight back to the Ecuadorian mainland and board an overnight flight home.

DAY 12: USA
Arrive in USA and make onward connections home.

Detailed day-by-day itinerary (PDF)
With full trip profile, difficulty rating, weather, and other planning details.

Family Wildlife Discovery

Dates & Rates

Departures

On request, for any dates during the November-May season.
(Alternate options available for the June-October season)

This trip is customizable according to travel preferences and season.
A Galápagos small-boat cruise can be substituted in place of a land-based hotel stay. See all Galápagos cruise vessels.

2025 Land Cost

4-6 participants: from $8,300 p.p.d.
7-12 participants: from $8,000 p.p.d.
Single Supplement: from $2,800

Special discounts apply for kids ages 7-17
p.p.d. = per person based on double occupancy. Price does not include international or local flights. Southwind ticketing affiliate helps coordinate flights to match your itinerary.

Detailed day-by-day itinerary (PDF)
With full trip profile, inclusions/exclusions, estimated airfare, and other info.

Family Wildlife Discovery

Ecuador with kids: Accommodations

QUITO: HOSTERIA RINCON DE PUEMBO — The comfortable Hostería Rincon de Puembo is a charming colonial-style country inn located just 20 minutes from the airport. Guests can enjoy facilities such as the chapel, large gardens, a heated pool, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, gym, sports courts, children’s area, parlor games room, and karaoke room.

AMAZON: NAPO WILDLIFE CENTER — Built and administered by the native Añangu Kichwa Community, Napo Wildlife Center (NWC) is an exclusive lodge on the south bank of the Napo River with access to amazing wildlife experiences. This luxury Amazon eco-lodge includes the conservation of approximately 82 square miles (53,500 acres) of Amazon rainforest.

GUAYAQUIL: WYNDHAM HOTEL — The Wyndham Guayaquil is a splendid high rise hotel overlooking the Guayas River. Its modern and comfortable interior fulfills the needs of all travelers and keeps them in the Guayaquil commercial district which is an area very close to entertainment, history, shopping and food.

GUAYAQUIL: ORO VERDE HOTEL — The Oro Verde is a full-service boutique hotel offering the ultimate in sophistication and comfort for business and leisure travelers alike. Its superb location in the downtown Guayaquil commercial and financial district means you are within walking distance of popular tourist attractions, entertainment and shopping, and cultural sites.

GALAPAGOS: ROYAL PALM — The Royal Palm is an upscale secluded hideaway nestled in the lush highlands of Santa Cruz Island in the heart of the Galápagos. Exclusive, spacious, and tastefully designed, the Royal Palm was built to complement this natural paradise. Royal Palm is the established leader in Galápagos luxury, with a history of prestigious and high-profile guests, including British royalty!

GALAPAGOS UPGRADE OPTION: PIKAIA — The Pikaia Lodge concept is designed for the discerning eco-adventure traveler, who seeks intimate contact with the unique natural heritage of the Galápagos along with all the comforts of a highly evolved lifestyle. Due to its central location in the Archipelago, on Santa Cruz Island next to a Giant tortoise reserve, Pikaia gives a perfect opportunity to enjoy land-based day tours.

Family Wildlife Discovery

Ecuador with kids: Extensions

LAKE DISTRICT HACIENDAS
Length:3 Days/2 Nights from Quito
Season:Year-round
A 2-hour drive north from Quito lie the fertile valleys of the Lake District. Here we find the charming and historic Haciendas Cusin or Pinsaqui. Enjoy hiking, horseback riding, cycling, birding, and meeting local residents.

PAPALLACTA HOT SPRINGS
Length: 3 Days/2 Nights from Quito
Season: Year-round
At the Termas de Papallacta Lodge & Spa, relax among the clear natural hot spring pools and gardens. Nearby you can enjoy an optional 4-5 hour scenic day hike with views of the snow-capped summit of Antisana Volcano.

CLOUD FOREST & WESTERN RAINFOREST
Length: 3 days/2 nights from Quito
Season: Year-round
Choose one of three unique lodges as a base. Each is located in the lush, pre-montane cloud forest. Enjoy wildlife viewing, birdwatching, nature hikes to secluded waterfalls, biking rolling hills, or the zip-line at Mindo.