Galapagos and Amazonia with your children

QUITO
Morning flight to Quito from France, with a stopover in Madrid or Amsterdam.
Arrival in the Ecuadorian capital in the late afternoon.
2-night stay in a 3*** hotel in Quito’s historic centre, with breakfast.
The next day, a guided visit of the history-laden historic centre to discover the colonial architecture of this lively district.
After lunch, a horse-drawn carriage ride through the streets and lanes of the old town.
The day continues with a visit to the Water Museum in the late afternoon, which will delight children and adults alike.

GALAPAGOS ARCHIPELAGO
Flight to the Galapagos and arrival on Baltra Island.
Then a twin-engine Piper flight to Isabela Island, the largest island in the archipelago, formed by 5 still-active volcanoes.
3-night stay in a 3*** hotel on Isabela Island, with breakfast and lunch.

On the first day, your first encounter with a colony of marine iguanas during a walk, before observing giant tortoises at the Galapaguera research centre.
A free day can be devoted to a boat trip to the islet of Las Tintoreras, to observe blue-footed boobies diving where whitetip reef sharks rest.

Another day will be devoted to a hike on foot, on horseback (or both) up to the crater of the Sierra Negra volcano, to observe the fumaroles and lava fields left by the last eruptions of the active Chico volcano.
And every day, the children will walk among colonies of marine iguanas…

From Isabela Island, you will travel by speedboat to another island, Santa Cruz Island.
1-night stay in a 3*** hotel on Santa Cruz Island with breakfast and lunch

On arrival, a gentle warm-up walk through tree fern vegetation up to the top of the island for a panoramic view.
Free time on Garapatero beach, home to many birds. You can then take sea kayaks along the beaches in search of marine iguanas.

The next day, return to Baltra Island by boat then flight to Quito.

BELLAVISTA RESERVE – TANDAYAPA VALLEY
On arrival at Quito airport, you will be welcomed by your French-speaking guide, who will accompany you throughout the rest of your stay.
Drive to the foothills of the western cordillera. Here begins Ecuador’s cloud forest.
2-night stay in a 3*** lodge in Bellavista, full board.

You and your children will discover the primary forest vegetation.
Your children will love the multitude of hummingbirds that come to feed at the feeders around the lodge.

The next day, you will head to another reserve: Paz de las Aves, to photograph a multitude of understory birds.
A first introduction to birdwatching, before your descent into the Mindo valley…

MINDO RESERVE
You will stay at a small rustic hotel where children can fully enjoy the space.
In the afternoon, zip-lining above the Nambillo river with breathtaking views over the forest and river.
After dinner, a night-time canoe outing to listen to the loud frogs…!
1-night stay at a small, rustic yet comfortable hotel in Mindo, full board.

The next day, explore a butterfly farm, with short walks along cloud forest trails with your guide.
Before heading back to Quito, you will visit a waterfall with the option to swim in the Nambillo river.

QUITO
Last evening in Quito to enjoy a traditional Andean dinner.
1-night stay in a 3*** hotel in Quito’s historic centre.

The next day, flight back to France.

Summary:
– 2 nights in Quito in a 3*** hotel with breakfast
– 3 nights on Isabela Island in a 3*** hotel with breakfast (and lunch during excursions)
– 1 night on Santa Cruz Island in a 3*** hotel, with breakfast (and lunch during excursions)
– 2 nights at the Bellavista reserve in a 3*** lodge, full board
– 1 night at the Mindo reserve in a 2** hotel with breakfast
– 1 night in Quito in a 3*** hotel with breakfast and dinner