“At 71 and 73, we realized we were standing in a precious window of time. We were still healthy and active, our youngest grandchild was finally old enough to keep up, and our oldest was just about to head off to college. We knew we wanted an extended educational experience to share with our three children, their spouses, our six grandkids, and my sister—fifteen of us in total.
The question wasn’t just where to go, but how to do it while we still could. We chose the Galapagos and Ecuador, and looking back, it was a great decision. We love South America and have traveled with Knowmad multiple times previously. It’s a beautiful continent, the people are friendly, the history fascinating, the food great, and it’s close to our time zone! Loving the natural world and surprise, I knew we’d someday visit the Galapagos, and realized our extended family would love it too.
Snorkeling with the tortoises and all the amazing day hikes, watching the cousins play on the beach next to the sea lions while frigate birds “dive-bombed” for fish, having a penguin swim by while snorkeling, riding the Zodiac with the entire family several times daily for unique adventures, watching many of the kids try their hand at photography; there were so many highlights. The kids were so fascinated by seeing all the new animals, and not in a zoo! We were surprised, but everyone got along for the entire trip and had fun the whole time. Knowmad set up kid-oriented activities around Quito, which they also loved.
Our advice is to do it before it’s too late. DO overanalyze the dynamics of each family and child to choose a place they will all enjoy. Communicate the personality details of your group with your Knowmad Trip Specialist; they have traveled there and can guide you in your choices. Seeing the islands by boat, and specifically the 100-passenger boat, was the answer to a great experience for all of us. Our Zodiac rides were short as the boat moved to each island by night; we could typically do two per day and have a break in between. Managing meals was easy as it was all included and each family and child could have as much together or as much alone time as needed. The guides and workers on the boat were very helpful and great with kids.
We’ve traveled with Knowmad on multiple previous trips. Working with our Trip Specialist, Renee, we chose a ship that offered more space, lots of excursions, and great downtime options. It still felt personal, not too crowded, and very safe for the kids to explore on their own. One of the Knowmad differences is that they personally go to every location. They’ve been on the boats; they vet their guides. We knew they’d be able to assist in choosing the right itinerary and boat, and could smoothly organize the travel needs of 4 families in different states with differing opinions. One family had more time, and Knowmad beautifully managed their trip extension.
The memories made on this trip were invaluable — for us as grandparents and for every member of the family. With Knowmad’s guidance, we chose the Galapagos and experienced countless fascinating adventures we’ll reminisce about together forever.”
Bill & Deb, Mahtomedi, MN, soon to travel on their 5th Knowmad trip
Interested in creating your own Galapagos & Ecuador family adventure? Give one of our Trip Specialists a call at 612-315-2894, or email us at [email protected] today!
ROBERTS FAMILY GALAPAGOS WILDLIFE ADVENTURE
A 10-day multi-generation family Galapagos and Ecuador trip
DAY 1 USA – Quito
Fly to Quito, where you’ll transfer with your Knowmad guide to your accommodations. Each group will be transferred upon arrival.
- No meals – Patio Andaluz
- Jessie Family – Quad Duplex Room
- Kelly Family – Quad Duplex Room
- Dana Family – Quad Duplex Room
- Gail – Standard Room
- Bill & Deb – Duplex Matrimonial Room
DAY 2 Quito
Visit the equator and Intiñan museum to learn about the nations of the area. Enjoy views of the city at Panecillo Hill before lunch in Old Town. Visit the Plaza de la Independencia, La Catedral de Quito and the Presidential Palace before ending the day at a small Ecuadorian chocolate shop for a tasting.
- B, L – Patio Andaluz
DAY 3 Quito – Baltra & North Seymour Island
Transfer with your Knowmad guide to the airport. Meet a cruise representative at the ticket counter to check in and receive your ticket and INGALA card (INGALA card & Galapagos National Park fee are pre-paid). To ensure that no plants/animals are brought to the islands, your luggage will be inspected. The plane will stop in Guayaquil before continuing to the Galapagos (stay onboard).
In the Galapagos, pass through inspection to have your Transit Control Card stamped (keep with passport, needed when leaving the Galapagos). Meet your Galapagos guide to board your cruise.
PM: Explore North Seymour Island, formed by a series of underwater volcanic eruptions. Walk ~2 hours amidst large nesting colonies of blue-footed boobies, magnificent frigate birds, and swallow-tailed gulls for an in-depth encounter with seabird breeding cycles. You may also encounter land iguanas, sea lions, or maybe even the endemic Galapagos Snake.
- B, L, D – Legend Yacht
- Jessie Family – 2 Connected Jr. Suites
- Kelly Family -2 Connected Jr. Suites
- Dana Family – Quad Jr. Suite
- Gail – Standard Plus Twin
- Bill & Deb – Jr. Suite
DAY 4 Bartolomé Island & Santiago Island
AM: Discover a fascinating landscape formed by different volcanic parasitic cones. While at the summit, enjoy a view of the surrounding islands, including the eroded tuff cone Pinnacle Rock. Encounter marine iguanas, lava lizards, and blue-footed boobies. Enjoy beach time on Bartolomé, snorkel, and look for the famous Galapagos Penguins, sea turtles and white-tipped reef sharks among a great variety of colorful fish.
PM: Visit Sullivan Bay and walk over the lava that flowed less than 100 years ago as you admire flora that grows in lava fields.
- B, L, D – Legend Yacht
DAY 5 San Cristobal Island
AM: A wet landing followed by a high-intensity hike on rocky terrain leads to the top of a volcanic tuff. This is the only site where the three booby species of the Galapagos can be seen together, as well as two species of frigate birds and a sea lion colony. It is also an excellent location for dinghy rides and snorkeling; a range of sea birds can also be observed.
PM: Cerro Brujo is an eroding tuff cone that, at several locations, is composed of AA lava formations and a beautiful white sandy beach, great for snorkeling and sunbathing. Visit a lagoon to see migratory bird species. Additionally, Cerro Brujo offers beautiful views of Kicker Rock, the southern part of San Cristobal, and the adjacent coast.
- B, L, D – Legend Yacht
DAY 6 San Cristobal Island
AM: Visit the San Cristobal Giant Tortoise Breeding Center to learn about the National Park’s conservation programs. Later, visit the village port for souvenir shopping or to have a drink.
PM: Visit the Interpretation Center, which offers an extensive history of the Galapagos, viewing the giant tortoises that roam here. Make the 1 hour high-intensity walk up Frigatebird Hill to enjoy a magnificent view at the foot of a frigatebird nesting colony.
- B, L, D – Legend Yacht
DAY 7 Española Island
AM: Disembark on the white sandy beach of Gardner Bay, home to a large colony of sea lions and incredibly blue and turquoise waters. Observe three different finches as well as the Española mockingbird. Snorkel in the bay to witness the incredible marine life.
PM: Admire Suarez Point and many of Española Island’s endemic animal species. Hike past the only Waved Albatross breeding site in all of the Galapagos. Spot other species such as marine iguanas, Galapagos doves, Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, red-billed tropic birds, and Darwin finches.
- B, L, D – Legend Yacht
DAY 8 Floreana Island
AM: Learn about Floreana Island’s Post Office Bay. Leave a letter in the barrel used by pirates and sailors. While you’re there, see if there are any other postcards you can take home with you to send to fellow travelers who have already left their messages!
PM: Continue your exploration of Floreana at Cormorant Point. Visit two beaches and a brackish lagoon with flamingos. Continue walking along powdery white sand, made from fine, pulverized coral. Watch your feet in the water, as stingrays also love to hang out here.
Devil’s Crown boasts one of the finest snorkeling opportunities. Below the surface are amazing volcanic structures that have submerged over time. Hundreds of colorful fish species can be seen along the reef, along with sharks, rays, sea turtles, sea lions, and rays. It’s a beautiful underwater spectacle that cannot be missed.
- B, L, D – Legend Yacht
DAY 9 Santa Cruz Island
AM: Visit Dragon Hill, located in the north-western part of Santa Cruz Island, named for the large population of Galapagos land iguanas that have made their home here. Walk through the forest of cacti and palo santo trees while possibly observing land iguanas, flamingos, pintail ducks and other endemic birds.
PM: Explore the hidden waters at Punta Bowditch. Hike beside salt pools and dried white corals, snorkel in turquoise water, or just relax on the powdery beach.
- B, L, D – Legend Yacht
DAY 10 Santa Cruz Island – Baltra – Quito
This morning, head up to the highlands to visit a Giant Tortoise reserve. Spend time in the giant tortoises’ natural habitat, surrounded by abundant birdlife. After this last visit, transfer to Baltra airport for your return flight to mainland Ecuador. In Quito, meet a Wyndham representative to take the airport shuttle. Enjoy a room before taking the airport shuttle back for your international flight home. Five rooms have been reserved to share for the group of 15, and 4 rooms for the group of 11 (all rooms with 2 full beds).
- B – Wyndham Quito Airport
DAY 11 USA
Arrive home.
Interested in creating your own Galapagos & Ecuador family adventure? Give one of our Trip Specialists a call at 612-315-2894, or email us at [email protected] today!
Knowmad Adventures works closely with independent-minded travelers, creating innovative trips to South America. Our specialists in Patagonia, Chile, Machu Picchu, Peru, Argentina, the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, and Antarctica are eager to collaborate and create a trip as unique and authentic as you are, and our experienced South American operations team guarantees you get an insider’s perspective, superior value, and a flawlessly operated trip.
