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Family: Galapagos, Quito & cloud forest
Ecuador in 9 Days, 8 Nights in Destination
From
$7,729
$5,399
/person
-30%
Travel crafter
Discover the breathtaking island of Santa Cruz, the vibrant city of Quito, and Mindo, the Andean paradise. Where memories are made on this trip: spotting giant Galapagos tortoises as they roam among the trees.
Trip Highlights
- Galapagos Islands
- Mindo
- Quito
- Santa Cruz Island
Included
All flights
Accommodation
All transfers
Activities
Breakfast only
Availability
Departures available until December 2025
Available Group tours
Solo travelers from + $960
Add up to 3 nights to your stay
- WHAT'S THIS?
Categories available
charm included
- WHAT'S THIS?
Itinerary
Embark on a thrilling family adventure through Ecuador's diverse landscapes. Discover the pristine beaches and abundant wildlife of Santa Cruz Island. Explore the historic streets of vibrant Quito, with its colonial architecture and cultural treasures. Then, delve into the lush rainforests of Mindo, teeming with diverse flora and fauna for unforgettable nature experiences.
1st Day: Australia - Quito
Welcome to Ecuador! A transfer will be waiting for you and your family at the international airport to take you to your accommodation in Quito. Overnight stay in Quito.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Mercure Alameda or similar
1051 Reviews
See our full selection
2nd Day: Quito - Mindo
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, get your family ready as your kids receive a Welcome Kit. This morning, you’re embarking on a Treasure Hunt in which there will be surprises for the little ones! Discover Quito's beautiful colonial center, renowned as one of the best-preserved in Latin America. Wander its narrow streets, see the charming squares, such as Independence Plaza and the Government Palace, and savor typical Ecuadorian fruits and local desserts at a nearby market.
Next, head northwest to Mindo, stop on-route to taste delicious artisanal ice cream that your kids will love. Mindo is famed for its diverse array of endemic bird species, as well as a haven for adventure-seeking families. The transfer takes approximately 2 hours. Overnight stay in Mindo.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Las Terrazas de Dana Lodg... or similar
452 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Meet and Greet
Light
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Quito city tour and Treasure Hunt
Light
See more
3rd Day: Mindo
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, embark on an exciting family adventure along the waterfall route. Your guided tour to Nambillo Waterfall is an exciting and revitalizing experience perfect for everyone to enjoy!
Enjoy jumping from different points into the refreshing waters or bathing in a small pool at the base of the waterfall. In the afternoon, enjoy time at leisure to choose from our optional activities, such as the canopy* and tubing** tours in Mindo. Overnight stay in Mindo.
*Canopy tour in Mindo: enjoy this immersive family adventure. Glide among the trees and feel the thrill of flying while admiring breathtaking views. Equipped with harnesses and helmets, and certified guides, you'll enjoy a safe and professional zipline experience. The itinerary may change depending on weather conditions.
**Tubing experience in Mindo: enjoy gentle rapids and stunning scenery as you and your family float downstream on tubes through the cloud forest's rivers. See the stunning vegetation as you glide down the river. Equipped with professional gear and certified guides, you’ll enjoy a safe and professional experience. The itinerary may change depending on weather conditions.
Please note that these optional activities do not overlap, so you can do both if you wish.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Las Terrazas de Dana Lodg... or similar
452 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Waterfalls route and tarabita ride
Moderate
See more
Canopy Tour in Mindo
Moderate
See more
Tubing experience in Mindo
Moderate
See more
4th Day: Mindo - Quito
Breakfast at the hotel. Head back to Quito today, stopping at the Intiñan Museum, where you will enjoy interactive experiences like trying balancing an egg on a nail and observe how water spins in opposite directions.
The Museum also offers insight into Ecuadorian culture, from the biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands to the Amazonian tribes. A truly authentic experience for you to enjoy with your family! Afterward, enjoy a rest at the hotel near the airport. Overnight stay in Quito.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Holiday Inn Quito Airport... or similar
171 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Half day excursion in the middle of the world in Museo Intiñan
Light
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5th Day: Quito - Santa Cruz (Galápagos)
Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, take the hotel shuttle to the airport to begin the adventure to the enchanted islands. Arrive in Galapagos and transfer to Santa Cruz Island. First, cross the Itabaca Channel by ferry and then continue by private transportation. Your first stop will be in the highlands of Santa Cruz, natural habitat of the giant Galapagos tortoises.
Visit a private ranch where you and your family can head into the forest and spot the giant tortoises. Visit the lava tunnels, and then continue by private transport to the hotel. Here you will be greeted by one of our team members, who will explain the rest of your itinerary. Then, you will have the rest of the afternoon free to explore Santa Cruz on your own. Overnight stay in Santa Cruz.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Albatross or similar
49 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Visit to the Highlands of Santa Cruz
Light
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6th Day: Santa Cruz
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy a free day with your family, such as exploring the island’s magnificent surroundings. We recommend making the most of your time by taking an exciting tour of Santa Cruz*. Overnight stay in Santa Cruz.
*Santa Cruz Day Tour: embark on an exciting tour to Tortuga Bay to enjoy a family hike along trails surrounded by cacti, where you can observe Darwin's finches and other endemic species. Here you can enjoy family activities such as surfing, swimming, snorkeling or kayaking at an extra cost. Next, head back to Puerto Ayora and participate in a ceviche class under guidance of a local chef. Following lunch, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, where you’ll learn all about the conservation and sustainable development projects in the area.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Albatross or similar
49 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Santa Cruz Day Tour
Moderate
See more
7th Day: Santa Cruz
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy the day at leisure with your family! Why not explore the surroundings and visit some of the island’s top destinations. We recommend our exciting half-day tour in Bahia*. Overnight stay in Santa Cruz.
*Optional half-day Bahia tour: explore Santa Cruz and its bays on this unforgettable family adventure. Discover the island's most stunning areas and learn all about the archipelago's significance, starting with a boat ride from Puerto Ayora through the canal to Academy Bay, also known as La Loberia. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking seascapes with your knowledgeable guide, where you can enjoy the turquoise ocean, enormous cacti, and the red rocks, finishing with a hike to Las Grietas.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Albatross or similar
49 Reviews
See our full selection
Activities
Half-day Santa Cruz Bahia Tour
Moderate
See more
8th Day: Santa Cruz - Quito
Breakfast at the hotel. Bid farewell to the magical Galapagos Islands and head back to Quito. Take the same route back to the airport to catch your flight. Once in Quito, take the shuttle and head to your hotel for a well-deserved rest. Overnight stay in Quito.
Accommodation
ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Holiday Inn Quito Airport... or similar
171 Reviews
See our full selection
9th Day: Quito - Australia
Breakfast at the hotel.* Sadly, it's time to bring your adventure through Ecuador and the amazing Galapagos Islands to an end. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to Australia.**
*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.
** Depending on your choice of flight, you may arrive in Australia the next day or two days later.
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Categories Available:
charm
From $5,399
Selected
Accommodation: 8 Nights
Day 1 to 2
Mercure Alameda
Location
Quito
Category
Nights
1
Rating TripAdvisor travelers
The hotels we select comply with our high standards and requirements per category. The allocation is dependent on availability and seasonality, so you can be assigned any of our selection, including the following: Dann Carlton Quito - Standard Room, Hotel Rio Amazonas, La Quinta by Wyndham Quito
Included activities
Show more
Available Activities
The price includes
- Departures from main Australian airports.
- International flights: Australia - Quito - Australia.
- Internal flights: Quito - Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz - Quito. *more information
- 8 nights accommodation in Charm & Superior category hotels.See hotels included
- 8 breakfasts.
- Visits and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary.See itinerary
- All air taxes & fuel surcharge.
- English-speaking guide in the indicated activities.
Not included
Transit Control Card (TCC) and entrance to the Galapagos National Park. More information in "Offer Conditions". More information in "Offer conditions".
Entrances, drinks, tips and any other services not mentioned in what's included.
*Documentation of the internal flights will be delivered at your destination. It is essential to fill in the passport information correctly for each passenger in the given boxes at the end of the reservations process.
We strongly recommend you consult your doctor regarding the possible effects of altitude sickness before you travel.
Included transfers are to be shared with other travelers. Please also note that drivers often only speak Spanish.
Depending on the weather, the public ferry service in the Galapagos Islands can become quite choppy at times. If you suffer from seasickness, we recommend taking precautions to alleviate your symptoms in case of rough seas.
The itinerary is subject to changes and alterations due to weather conditions or force majeure.
For the flight to Galapagos we will transfer you to the airport 3 hours in advance in order to complete the required formalities.
Entry requirements
Minimum of 6 months validity with one passport page.
Visa
No visa required for stays of up to 90 days
Currency
US Dollar
Language
Spanish
Electricity
Types A and B, 110 V North American type plug
Health
Please consult your doctor regarding the vaccination against yellow fever and malaria prophylaxis. Travellers over 60 years must consult their doctor as the Yellow Fever vaccine can have serious side effects.
Time zone
UTC -5
Other useful information
It is mandatory for tourists to carry a valid health insurance policy.
Tourist Office website
https://ecuador.travel/en/
Remember to download your e-ticket to confirm the times of your flights and to complete online check-in using the airline's website, or directly at the check-in desk at the airport.
Accommodation at the hotels is as indicated. In the event of any changes to accommodation, they will always be of the same or a higher category. The category of hotels is not standardized across all countries in the world. For this reason, the criteria may differ depending on the destination country's own standards.
In the case of adverse weather conditions, for safety reasons or for any other reasons deemed appropriate, the order and duration of the excursions included in the itinerary may be changed or canceled without prior notice.
Galapagos transit control card (TCC) is mandatory and is checked at the airport in both Quito and Guayaquil before travel to the Galapagos Islands. Cost US$20 per person (subject to change) and made by cash payment.
At the airport Galapagos passengers must present their transit control card (TCC) with their passport and pay the entrance fee to the Galapagos National Park. Cost: US$100 per person until July 31, 2024, and from August 1, 2024 US$200 for adults and US$100 for children.
Children: 8-11 years old.
If you have reduced mobility, require the use of a wheelchair, or you would prefer this tour to be a private experience for you and your group, you must contact our Experts at +61 02 8823 5094 before booking to ensure that your needs can be met.
While on the road, it is highly unlikely that the vehicle will be equipped with wifi or bathroom facilities, though rest stops will be made for long trips. We recommend purchasing a new SIM card at the airport or placing an e-SIM before travel to guarantee internet connection.
Room allocation: We will do our best to accommodate your family in the same room. If availability doesn't permit this, we guarantee your family will be accommodated as close together as possible. Children will always be accomodated in a room with at least 1 adult.
Booster seats: Not available in all destinations. Feel free to take your own if you need one.
Pay in installments
Pay only 60% today to reserve your trip.
Rest is paid in instalments according to your departure date.
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Exoticca Travel Australia PTY Ltd Unit 4/28 Down Street VIC 3066 Collingwood, Melbourne