The Galápagos with family

Ecuador, discover this 8-day trip

Envol pour les Galapagos, à commencer par San Cristobal

Trip Description

The Galapagos represent a unique and authentic destination, ideal for those who wish to take the time to discover the human body. The tailor-made trip to the Galapagos, lasting 8 days, allows you to visit the archipelago and its 3 main inhabited areas. This discovery tour is perfect for an off-the-beaten-path family exploration. It will delight naturalists, adventurers, and all family members.

Accomodation

No accomodation information available

Stay program

day 1
Arrival in Quito
Our tour begins with a welcome at the airport by your driver. You will then start your stay in a friendly hotel, ideal for a family trip. It is located in the tourist district of Quito, the capital of Ecuador.
day 2
Flight to the Galápagos, starting with San Cristóbal.
Your approximately 3-hour flight will take you to the fascinating Galápagos island of San Cristóbal, the easternmost of the archipelago. It is the one that begins to offer you a beautiful island-hopping journey. After some administrative formalities (after all, it is a national park whose fauna and flora are the jewels of Ecuador), you can go to the Interpretation Center, which will allow you to learn a little more about the islands, their richness, and their lushness. From there, you can climb Tijeretas Hill to begin your wildlife observation, especially the frigatebirds. If you wish, you can swim in the cove at the bottom of the hill.
day 3
A sleeping lion in the middle of the sea...
Today's outing takes place in an iconic spot of the islands: the Sleeping Lion rock, or Sleeping Lion. Split in two, this rock can be crossed through its channel, allowing you to quietly observe the animals that find refuge there: sea lions, turtles, colorful fish, crayfish, sharks (hammerhead sharks and Galapagos sharks). It is an impressive sight, because even if Mother Nature is mischievous, it is impossible not to see anything there. On the way back, you will see the port and make a stop at one of the island's splendid beaches to relax or continue swimming with the sea lions.
day 4
Departing for Santa Cruz
After San Cristobal, you will head south and see Santa Cruz. This is the most active island of the archipelago. You will visit the Charles Darwin Research Center, which gives you a fairly accurate overview of the rich fauna and flora of the group of islands, with some specimens of giant land tortoises and iguanas. You will then head towards what is considered the most beautiful beach in these places: Tortuga Bay, the bay of turtles.
day 5
Isabela, the wildest
You will board a boat to Isabela, about 2 h 30 of crossing. It is the heart island where you can observe many species. It combines the wild side with its immense volcanoes and its incredible nature along the coasts. Upon your arrival, enjoy a swim at Concha y Perla, a small cove near the port to swim among the sea lions. In the afternoon, you will be taken by boat to the islet called "Tintoreras," named after the harmless sharks that come to find refuge in the lava channels carving the rock. They can be easily seen from land, then you will continue with a snorkeling session to get a closer look at these marine giants, including the turtles.
day 6
A unique volcano
Hike up to the Sierra Negra volcano to discover breathtaking landscapes. Not just any volcano, since it is the second largest volcano in the world in terms of the diameter of its mouth: a curious landscape, combining volcanic rock as far as the eye can see, with fumaroles (its last eruption was in 2005), and finches like those Darwin studied for his research on the theory of evolution, flitting among guava trees and scalesia. You continue this walk to the Chico volcano, to appreciate the oxidized colors of the rock. Back at your boat's port, enjoy some free time to discover the beaches or visit the Wall of Tears, built by the forces of the time.
day 7
Blue-footed boobies, giant sea turtles, who can top that?
This is one of our favorite days: swimming just a few centimeters above a giant turtle (which can be taller than you) and following its slow rhythm! It's like a yoga session, but in nature. After this snorkeling session, and after playing with the penguins or chasing the sharks, you walk among the nesting sites of the blue-footed boobies (a seabird). Try to unravel the mystery of the color of their feet. Return to the port for some free time.
day 8
Towards the end of the stay... in the Galápagos
It's your last day and your return flight to the continent is waiting for you, to take you to Guayaquil. Back to your homeland or on your way to a new trip to discover other magnificent landscapes of Ecuador.