Itinerary Details
Abercrombie & Kent: Family Galápagos
DAYS 1–2 Quito, Ecuador
Arrive in Quito, the capital of Ecuador, where you are met
and transferred to your hotel. The next day, begin your
day with a wildlife photography workshop ahead of your
Galápagos adventure. Then, transfer north to the edge of
the city for an awesome Ride Like a Local on TelefériQo, an
aerial gondola offering breathtaking views over Quito. The
gondola deposits you at the top of an active volcano, 12,950
feet above sea level, where you take in the marvelous vistas.
Afterward, make your way to La Mitad del Mundo Equatorial
Line Monument, dedicated to the 18th-century French
expedition that first established the position of the equator.
Return to Quito to walk its historic district with its beautiful
churches and colorful plazas, and take in firsthand views of
local life and the city’s charming colonial architecture. Enjoy
a top-spinning demonstration before returning to your hotel. Tonight, gather for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Casa Gangotena
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Day 2)
Day 3 Baltra, the GalápagosFly to Baltra in the Galápagos Islands, where you board ‘La
Pinta.’ After a welcome briefing, enjoy lunch on board. This
afternoon, begin exploring the Galápagos, starting at South
Plaza Island. Observe the native flora, such as the prickly
pear cactus, a favorite snack of the land iguanas that roam
the island like real-life dragons. Scan the coastline for playful
sea lions and colorful wild birds. Tonight, and each evening,
back aboard ‘La Pinta,’ enjoy a variety of all-ages activities
designed to capture the imaginations of young explorers,
including fun quizzes, making handicrafts and learning
some Spanish words.
'la Pinta'
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 Cruising the GalápagosToday, discover Santa Fe Island as you Ride Like a Local aboard a panga (small
boat) for a brief ride to its idyllic sandy-white beaches. Walk
the onshore terrain, keeping a lookout for wild residents:
a curious sea lion coming to greet you, a Galápagos hawk
perched atop salt bushes or a Santa Fe land iguana sunning
itself on a rock. Then, snorkel and swim along a natural wave
barrier or ride in a glass-bottom boat for a cool glimpse into
life beneath the waves. Break for lunch back on board, as
you set a course toward San Cristobal Island. Disembark at
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and drive to the breeding center
for highly endangered giant tortoises at Cerro Colorado, set
in a fantastic deciduous forest.
'la Pinta'
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 Cruising the GalápagosLand on San Cristobal Island and set out on a trail that
ascends from the beach to a lookout offering you spectacular shoreline views. Observe frigatebirds and a colony of sea
lions, and, if conditions are favorable, swim from the beach.
After lunch on board, take a panga to Cerro Brujo and walk
the same sandy shore once trod by Charles Darwin, the
19th-century English naturalist whose theory of evolution
began with the firsthand observations he made of life in the
Galápagos.
'la Pinta'
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 Cruising the GalápagosBegin at Punta Suárez, walking on lava terrain to visit the
island’s seabird colonies. Depending on the time of year, you
may spy soaring waved albatrosses, boobies or swallow-tail
gulls; watch for marine iguanas, too. After lunch aboard,
cruise Gardner Bay and go ashore to observe the sea lions,
mockingbirds and finches. The bay has a magnificent beach;
this is a great place to snorkel, kayak or ride a glass-bottomed
boat. Tonight enjoy a Scenic Sundowner with your fellow travellers.
'la Pinta'
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 Baltra & QuitoDisembark on Santa Cruz Island to visit the Charles Darwin
Research Station and learn about the captive rearing
program for giant tortoises. Afterward, ferry to Baltra and
fly to Quito for a farewell dinner and overnight.
Casa Gangotena
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8 QuitoAfter breakfast, transfer to the airport to depart.
Meals: Breakfast