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Galapagos family holiday

country:Ecuador, Galapagos Islands
location:Galapagos Islands
departures:2008: 21 Jul, 28 Jul, 4 Aug, 11 Aug, 18 Aug, 20 Oct, 22 Dec
2009: 5 Apr, 19 Jul, 26 Jul, 2 Aug, 9 Aug, 16 Aug, 18 Oct, 13 Dec
price:From £2299 - £2599 (16 days) per adult and £2119 - £2319 per child including flights from UK, from £1649 - £1849 excluding flights. Local payment US $100
read 2 travellers reviews
the amazing things you'll be doing
Follow in the footsteps of Darwin to see the unique wildlife of the Galapagos and visit Indian villages on mainland Ecuador

Colonial Quito & Otavalo
After a day exploring Old Quito’s grand colonial buildings and visiting the equator, you travel north to Otavalo where you’ll stay at a hacienda (country estate). From here you’ll be able to take a walk through stunning mountain scenery around Lake Cuicocha, visit pre-Inca ruins, learn about traditional Indian villages famed for their art and hone your bargaining skills at Otavalo’s enormous and famous market.

In Darwins Footsteps
The Galapagos Islands offer a unique wildlife experience; a nature lover’s paradise where the animals have no fear of humans. Swim with penguins and turtles as friendly sea lions twist and turn around you, whilst their inquisitive pups frolic in the surf. Onland, step over clumps of tightly packed marine iguanas, marvel at the size of the giant tortoises and watch the blue-footed boobies dance whilst pterodactyl-like frigate birds soar overhead.

Galapagos Cruise
In the Galapagos we normally use the Amigo or similar tourist class motor yacht, custom designed exclusively for cruising the Galapagos archipelago. Amigo carries 16 passengers within eight twin cabins, each with private facilities. There is a dining room/saloon and a sun deck; the atmosphere on board is relaxed and friendly.
day-by-day itinerary
Day 1-2:Fly to Quito
Day 3:Quito sightseeing
Day 4-5:Hacienda stay; Indian villages, walks
Day 6:Otavalo market
Day 7-13:Fly to Galapagos; cruise visiting Plaza Islands & Santa Fe, Espanola Island, Floreana Island, Santa Cruz Island, Darwin Research Station, Bartolome Island & Sullivan Bay, James Bay & Rabida Island, Seymour Island.
Day 14:Fly to Quito
Day 15-16:Overnight flight to London
travellers' tales
We loved the holiday - it was the whole family's favourite to date and was made special because of the other families and the Guides, esp. in the Galapagos where Pedro, the local guide, was intelligent, fun and great with the children. (more)
small group family holiday
This is a 'small group family adventure' - typically you will join several other families and travel in a group of approx. 16 people. The trips are great value and a great way for you and your children to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of time to yourselves. Most adventure kids tend to be aged between 7 and 15, but some are younger (minimum age is usually 5) and some older (perhaps travelling as part of a larger family group). Please check with the operator to confirm the minimum age for this trip
how this holiday makes a difference
In the Galapagos we use locally owned transport, locally owned hotels and local guides. All rubbish is collected and disposed of responsibly. While on the trip we visit the Darwin Research Centre where talks are given about the maintenance and preservation of the Galapogos Islands. Using small boats ensures minimal disruption to the wildlife and ecosystems of the Galápagos. All visitors to the Galápagos Islands must pay a Park Tax which is used to protect this incredible natural paradise.

Our Responsible Travel Code: Clients who travel with us will automatically receive a copy of our Responsible Travel leaflet. This contains details and advice on how you can make a positive difference when you travel. If you would like a copy in advance of travel please contact us.

Charity Partnerships: We work in partnership with Plan International. Plan works with some of the world’s poorest communities where three out of four children die before the age of five. We also support Friends of Conservation – an international charity committed to working with local people to develop a balance between their needs and the wildlife with which they share the natural habitat and ecosystems.

Carbon Balancing: Global warming is a real issue and is a direct result of your travel. We have teamed up with Climate Care to give you the opportunity to offset the carbon emissions from your flight. You’ll be asked upon booking if you want to donate – with set amounts from £5. As a company we offset the carbon emissions from all staff travel in full.

Our Foundation: We’ve highlighted a few of the ways in which we offer our support, financially or otherwise, and now you can, too. We have set up our own foundation, which will administer funds donated by you. A small donation of £1 per person will be taken when booking a holiday and that money will be put to good use by one of our carefully selected projects. If you don’t want to make the donation, just tell us when you book.

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