Great Tips for Family Travel in Ecuador & Galapagos Islands 

If you are looking for an unforgettable family adventure in Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands, consider these 5 trip planning tips. Brought to you by Rebecca Braak, owner of a boutique travel agency in Quito, Rebecca is an authority on this region. She is a mom of 2 and knows all ins and outs of traveling in Ecuador & Galapagos with kids

Embark on an unforgettable family adventure to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, where vibrant cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and unique wildlife await! From exploring the colorful markets and colonial charm of Quito to venturing into the Amazon rainforest’s lush wilderness, Ecuador offers diverse experiences for all ages. The Galapagos Islands, a living laboratory of evolution, captivate with their fearless animals and pristine ecosystems, perfect for sparking curiosity in young explorers. Planning this journey requires balancing adventure, education, and relaxation to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Create an itinerary where you visit the different regions.

In Ecuador you have lots of Biodiversity. The country is considered the 17th most diverse country in the world due to the high density of natural species scattered throughout its territory.

Amazon Rainforest 

You can visit the Amazon region; for example, the Yasuni National Park and the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve.

Andes Mountains 

You can also visit the Andean mountains, with Quito as capital. The animals you might see here are condors, Andean bears and the cock of the rock.

Ecuadorian Coast 

Along the Ecuadorian, Pacific Coast, you can visit beautiful villages and explore local cultures. This can be a very nice family activity where you mingle with other families. You can cruise with a luxury catamaran while exploring the Ecuadorian Coast.

Galapagos Islands 

The most famous family travel destination; the Galapagos Islands! All the biodiversity you find here is unbelievable. Every island has a different type of bird, tortoise or shark that you can discover…

Discover Adventurous activities as a family

In Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands there are lots of different adventurous family activities available. How can you enjoy nature in the best way? Be part of nature while hiking, biking, rafting, tubing, or horseback riding. Did you know you can go horseback riding on an active volcano like the Cotopaxi?

If you’re planning your Ecuador family vacation, you should know that the country has multiple snorkeling and diving places. Thanks to its location on the Equator, there are lots of underwater hot spots.

The Galapagos Islands are a world-class nature sanctuary, where you can see flora and fauna everywhere thanks to its crystalline waters. The unique marine life makes the Galapagos one of the best spots in the world.

The amazing thing about snorkeling is that you don’t need to be a diver to engage in the amazing underwater experience! Even so, it’s an excellent option for families with kids and teenagers. You only need a diving mask, a breathing tube (snorkel), and swim fins. If the kids are a bit scared you can also use a swim ring.

Arrange your trip upfront with a private guide

When traveling with a family the attention from guides is very important. You might travel with small kids who don’t want to follow a trail, might be tired, might get hungry, might want to visit specific attractions and therefore it is highly recommended to book a trip with a private guide. Make sure the guide speaks your language and is familiar working with families and kids. You can find an example of a guided vacation in Ecuador & Galapagos Islands with a private guide through this link.

Important Trip Planning Considerations

Take some practical things into account like age, distance, budget When traveling with a family it is important to think about all details upfront to make sure you can enjoy your vacation instead of improvising during your stay. Some practical recommendations that I want to share with you.

Age – You can read about kids’ friendly activity on a family trip to Ecuador & Galapagos but there is a huge difference between babies, toddlers, teenagers, etc. There are also some activities that are simply impossible with small(er) kids like some cruises. If you are looking for a Galapagos Cruise for small kids the Legend Yacht is an excellent option with lots of activities for the little guests.

Distance – Ecuador is almost as big as Colorado but the geography is a bit complicated with lots of mountains. When planning your family holiday you have to take into account not to travel too much daily with small kids.

Budget – As any other destination you can spend as much as you want traveling with your family to Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands. There are cheap accommodations, mid range hotels and luxury lodges. Also in activities there are different options for each budget range. You should make sure only to book the ones with good reviews and reliable service.

Enjoy the quality time with your family!

Keep in mind that there are lots of places in Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands where there is limited or no cell phone reception. The WIFI connection is limited too, especially on the Galapagos Islands. In most boutique style, family owned hotels, there are no TVs in the rooms. This is the perfect way of disconnecting and connecting with your family.

Family Travel can provide a chance to learn and grow together, whether by trying new foods, exploring different cultures, or simply enjoying an activity together. By stepping outside of your normal routine and experiencing new things together, you can deepen your connection and appreciation for each other.

If you are still not convinced on your next destination for a family vacation to Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands, read more about family travel in Ecuador & Galapagos or contact one of the destination experts specialized in family travel in Ecuador & Galapagos.