The Galapagos Islands Family Adventure

Flight from the U.S. to Guayaquil, Ecuador. (1 Night)

Fly to Baltra Island in the center of the Galápagos Archipelago and board the M/V Isabela II. In the afternoon disembark on North Santa Cruz Island for a great introduction to the Galápagos. (6 Nights)

Disembark at Puerto Baquerizo. At Cerro Colorado, visit the breeding center for highly endangered giant tortoises amid a fantastic deciduous forest, home to dozens of bird species, including 3 species of boobies as well as the two species of frigate birds. Opportunities to swim, kayak, or snorkel from the beach or take an inflatable dinghy ride.

Disembark in beautiful Gardner Bay, white coral beach to observe sea lions, mockingbirds, finches, or enjoy the beach. There is excellent snorkeling in this area. Kayak, dinghy-ride, or a ride on the glass-bottom boat are also offered. Afternoon outing at Punta Suarez. See unique sea bird colonies, including the beautiful waved albatrosses, boobies, and swallow-tail gulls. This island is also renowned for its colorful and sizable marine iguanas.

Disembark at the curiously green-tinged, olivine-crystal beach and easy walk to a brackish water lagoon to observe American flamingos. On the other side of the island, come to a white-sand beach where sea turtles come out at night to nest. Opportunities for snorkeling, panga ride, or a ride in a glass-bottom boat. After lunch, land at Post Office Bay to visit the historic barrel that has served as an informal post office in the archipelago for over two centuries. Snorkeling off the beach is available.

Disembark amid a landscape dominated by the giant volcanoes of southern Isabela Island, some still active. See unique lava formations, lava cactus, and exotic scalesia trees, and plenty of wildlife: Galápagos penguins, flightless cormorants, brown pelicans, herons, sea lions, marine iguanas, and dozens of Sally Lightfoot crabs. The inland lagoons are home to a great diversity of birdlife. Afterward, take to the glass-bottom boats or go deep- water snorkel. Explore Fernandina’s coastline aboard pangas (inflatable dinghies). Beneath the waves, rays and sea turtles might glide by.

A zodiac ride takes you to Eden Islet, located off the coast of Santa Cruz, where you can observe blue-footed boobies, reef sharks, and frigates. The volcanic setting of this area is quite stunning. See numerous nesting frigate birds as well as land iguanas and sea lion colonies along the coastline. Explore the coast by dinghy, seeking out fur seals, and enjoying a fun, deep- water snorkel. Evening briefing and farewell.

After breakfast, disembark at Baltra Island and transfer to the airport for a flight back to Guayaquil. After an afternoon at leisure, gather tonight for a farewell dinner. (1 Night)

Transfer to the Guayaquil Airport for your flight home to the U.S.

Discover the breathtaking Lost City of the Inca, Machu Picchu. Flight to Cusco, the capital city of the Inca Empire, transfer to the Urubamba Valley for overnight stay. Explore the massive fortress of Sacsayhuamán, and other Inca ruins around Cusco. In the afternoon, stop at the colorful native market in Pisac. The next day a dramatic train ride through the Urubamba Valley takes us to the enchanting and mystical site of Machu Picchu. On the return spend two nights in Cusco. This is a 5-night, 6-day post-trip extension (one night in Lima at the Costa del Sol Wyndham Lima Airport hotel and four nights in the highlands.)