Overview
A family adventure to Ecuador
The Galapagos is a haven for nature lovers.
Pristine volcanic islands, sand beaches and clear waters where a cast of fearless wildlife thrives – dinosaur-like giant tortoises and swimming iguanas, sea lions as friendly as Labradors, diving blue-footed boobies, scarlet throated frigate birds, sea turtles, flitting Darwin’s finches, countless tropical fish and many more besides.
There is nowhere else quite like it on earth and it can be a life-changing experience for those who venture here. However, for families with young children, the traditional Galapagos yacht-based cruise may not be ideal. So, for this trip, we’ve paired a relaxing stay at a chocolate and horse farm on mainland Ecuador with five nights at a safari-style camp on Santa Cruz Island, the ideal base for land and water-based excursions that can be tailored to your family.
Highlights
Trip highlights
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Wildlife activities in the Galapagos specially tailored to families
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Up close wildlife encounters
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Chocolate making at Hacienda Danesa
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Staying at a pair of unique family-run properties
Inclusions
What's included
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Seven nights of luxury accommodation
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Tours, experiences and safari activities
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Internal flights and private transfers
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Price per person based on a family of four
An unforgettable trip with a positive impact
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Community & Culture
Properties and experiences that uplift and empower local communities.
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Conservation
Supports wildlife projects, protected areas and ecosystem regeneration.
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Footprint
Lodges and camps chosen for their sustainability credentials and initiatives.
Days 1 — 3
Chocolate making hacienda
From Guayaquil, you'll be met and driven an hour inland to Hacienda La Danesa. Dairy and cacao farm, teak plantation, fresh cheese producer and breeder of beautiful pinto quarter horses, the Olsen Peet family have worked on these 500 hectares for three generations, recently inviting guests to stay at their charming farmhouse.
The hacienda is a place to relax and unwind. There are a number of activities included in any stay here, including cycling the estate, river tubing, hikes to spot sloths and iguanas, tastings and even helping milk the livestock, but we've also added a delectable chocolate making class where you'll harvest fresh organic cacao, learning about all the processes involved before creating your very own chocolate bars.
Days 3 — 8
Explore the Galapagos
From Guayaquil, fly out to the Baltra before being driven through the lush highlands of Santa Cruz Island, in the heart of the archipelago, to Galapagos Safari Camp, the ideal base and perfect springboard for discovering the other-worldly landscapes and amazing wildlife of these legendary islands made famous by Charles Darwin nearly two centuries ago.
Family-owned and with experience of raising their own children here, spend the next six days exploring the Galapagos on an itinerary tailored to you and your young ones. There's much to see on Santa Cruz itself, from giant tortoises and lava caves to pristine beaches and the fascinating Charles Darwin Research Centre, along with plenty of fearless wildlife. You'll also take day trips out on the boat to visit neighbouring islands, with hikes to see frigatebirds, blue-footed boobies and land iguanas along with a chance to snorkel with playful sea lions and marine iguanas.
Start your adventure here
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
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Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra
Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
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Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
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Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
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Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.
