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    Family: Galapagos, Quito & cloud forest

    Ecuador in 10 Days, 8 Nights in Destination

    GROUP TOURSSolo TravelerAdventureNatureSummer in AmericaCulture
    Valentine, Travel Expert

    Valentine
    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

    1. map-pin-check-icon
      Galapagos Islands
    2. map-pin-check-icon
      Mindo
    3. map-pin-check-icon
      Quito
    4. map-pin-check-icon
      Santa Cruz Island

    Included

    1. All flights

    2. Accommodation

    3. All transfers

    4. Activities

    5. Breakfast only

    Availability

    1. Departures available until August 2025

    2. Available Group tours

    3. Solo travelers from + $880

    4. Add up to 5 nights to your stay

    5. WHAT'S THIS?

    Categories available

    1. charm included

    2. WHAT'S THIS?

    From

    $4,869

    $3,399

    /person

    -30%

    Book with an expert:

    1 778 807 9750

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    Exoticca is a member of ASTA

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    Best Price Guarantee

    SmartFare has secured the lowest fares on flights & services for this trip

    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: Canada - Quito

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    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
    tripadvisor rating

    1059 Reviews

    See our full selection

    2nd Day: Quito - Mindo

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    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
    tripadvisor rating

    467 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    included
    Meet and Greet

    Light

    See more
    included
    Quito city tour and Treasure Hunt

    Moderate

    See more

    3rd Day: Mindo

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    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
    tripadvisor rating

    467 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    included
    Waterfalls route and tarabita ride

    Active

    See more
    Optional
    Canopy Tour in Mindo

    Moderate

    See more
    Optional
    Tubing experience in Mindo

    Moderate

    See more

    4th Day: Mindo - Quito

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    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
    tripadvisor rating

    227 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    included
    Half day excursion in the middle of the world in Museo Intiñan

    Light

    See more

    5th Day: Quito - Santa Cruz (Galápagos)

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    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
    tripadvisor rating

    51 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    included
    Visit to the Highlands of Santa Cruz

    Light

    See more

    6th Day: Santa Cruz

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    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
    tripadvisor rating

    51 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    Optional
    Santa Cruz Day Tour

    Moderate

    See more

    7th Day: Santa Cruz

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    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
    tripadvisor rating

    51 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    Optional
    Half-day Santa Cruz Bahia Tour

    Moderate

    See more

    8th Day: Santa Cruz - Quito

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    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
    tripadvisor rating

    227 Reviews

    See our full selection

    9th Day: Quito - Night on board

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    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 Canada. Night on board.

    Please note: Depending on the flight departure time you may arrive back in Canada today.

    *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.

    10th Day: Canada

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    Arrive in Canada and end your trip.

    Categories

    charm

    From $3,399

    Selected
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      Included activities

      Included

      Meet and Greet

      Included activity for day 2 in Quito

      A local representative will come to your hotel and give you all the information about your trip for the next few days.

      Duration 01:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

      Physical rating:

      Light

      more information
      Included

      Quito city tour and Treasure Hunt

      Included activity for day 2 in Quito

      This tour blends sightseeing with adventure, offering families an engaging exploration of Quito. Discover the city's rich history and culture through guided tours of iconic landmarks, interspersed with exciting treasure hunt challenges.

      Duration 02:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

      Physical rating:

      Moderate

      more information
      Included

      Waterfalls route and tarabita ride

      Included activity for day 3 in Mindo

      Experience the breathtaking Waterfalls Route in Ecuador, featuring a thrilling tarabita ride offering stunning aerial views of the lush landscapes.

      Duration 03:00h Approx. Pick up time: 09:00 Approx

      Physical rating:

      Active

      Natural jungle trails not suitable for people with physical mobility difficulties.

      more information
      Included

      Half day excursion in the middle of the world in Museo Intiñan

      Included activity for day 4 in Quito

      Visit the Intiñan Interactive Museum where you can perform experiments related to the equator and the Agave House for activities related to the Agave and its ancestral beverages.

      Duration 04:00h Approx. Pick up time: info at destination

      Physical rating:

      Light

      more information

      Show more

      Available Activities

      Activities are subject to availability. The price for each optional activity will be shown in the next step of the booking process.
      Optional

      Canopy Tour in Mindo

      Suggested activity for day 3 in Mindo

      Embark on a thrilling Canopy Tour in Mindo with your family, soaring through the treetops for an exhilarating adventure amidst lush rainforest scenery.

      Duration 01:00h Approx. Pick up time: 14:00 Approx

      Physical rating:

      Moderate

      This activity is only allowed for children over 6 years old. / Pick up is confirmed at destination according to weather conditions.

      more information
      Optional

      Tubing experience in Mindo

      Suggested activity for day 3 in Mindo

      Enjoy a family-friendly tubing adventure in Mindo, floating down scenic rivers surrounded by lush rainforest, perfect for an unforgettable experience together.

      Duration 01:00h Approx. Pick up time: 15:30 Approx

      Physical rating:

      Moderate

      This activity is only allowed for children over 6 years old. / Pick up is confirmed at destination according to weather conditions.

      more information
      Optional

      Santa Cruz Day Tour

      Suggested activity for day 6 in Santa Cruz Island

      Take this tour of Santa Cruz where you can visit Tortuga Bay, the Charles Darwin Research Station and take a ceviche class.

      Duration 05:00h Approx. Pick up time: 09:00 Approx

      Physical rating:

      Moderate

      The heat on the islands in certain months of the year (January to April) can be exhausting for passengers who are not used to it, the walk to Tortuga Bay is approximately 45 minutes.

      more information
      Optional

      Half-day Santa Cruz Bahia Tour

      Suggested activity for day 7 in Santa Cruz Island

      Discover Santa Cruz and its bays. Visit some of the most beautiful and important areas of the island and learn about the importance of the archipelago.

      Duration 04:00h Approx. Pick up time: 08:45

      Physical rating:

      Moderate

      Depending on availability, the activity may take place on a different day. There is a second departure at 1:45 pm.

      more information

      The price includes

      • Departures from main Canada airports.
      • International flights: Canada - Quito - Canada.
      • Internal flights: Quito - Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz - Quito. *
        more information
      • 8 nights accommodation in Charm & Superior category hotels.
        See hotels included
      • 8 breakfasts.
      • All transfers
      • 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. Galapagos transit control card 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.

      Entrances, drinks, tips and any other services not mentioned in what's included.

      Please Note: Travelers with passports from the following countries are required to present a tourist visa in their country of origin:
       
      Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Burma, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Haiti, India, Iraq, Iran, Kenya, Libya, Mali, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Republic of Congo, Senegal, North Korea, Syria, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Venezuela, Vietnam, Myanmar and Yemen.

      *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

        Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Ecuador. Mandatory travel insurance.

      • Visa

        Canadians do not require a visa for stays of less than 90 days in a 365-day period.

      • 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 +1 778 807 9750 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.

      Pay the rest in installments depending on your departure date

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