Tour Description

See playful seals, giant tortoises and distinct animals like pink iguanas as you and your family journey through the Amazon and Galapagos Islands. Stay in an eco-lodge in the Amazon, look for local wildlife and birds during your walk through the rainforest with an Indigenous guide and learn about the regions biodiverse landscape as you chase waterfalls in Banos. Kayak through the turquoise waters around Isla Isabela, join a local family for an empanada cooking class and discover how waste found in the ocean can be transformed into meaningful art.

Priced From:

$ 6030.00pp ^*

Valid From: 01JAN2026

Valid To: 31DEC2026

Start Location: Quito

End Location: Quito

Countries: Ecuador,

Tour Advisors

Tiffany McCrea-Lennon

Managing Director

Russell Mein

Travel Specialist

Caitlin Lennon

Travel Coordinator

Michelle Baldwin

Travel Specialist

Gaylyn Murdoch

Administration Manager

Holly Skene

Travel Co-ordinator

Kim Thomas

Broker

Highlights

Stay on the edge of the Amazon Rainforest in an eco-lodge, then explore the jungle on an evening walk under the night sky.

Travel along the avenue of volcanoes and go hiking in Cotopaxi National Park – home to the highest active volcano in the world!

Keep an eye out for local marine life of the Galapagos like penguins, turtles and seals as you kayak through the turquoise waters around Isla Isabela.

Visit the Arnaldo Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Centre, where you'll see giant tortoises at all stages of development roam free in their natural habitats.

Dive under the clear water and snorkel among the colourful fish, green sea turtles and the winding underground lava tubes.

Itinerary

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Ecuador. Your adventure starts with a welcome meeting at 5 pm tonight in Quito – Ecuador’s capital, which sits high in the Andean foothills at an altitude of 2850 m. If you arrive early, maybe visit the Church of the Society of Jesus (Compania de Jesus), join a market discovery Urban Adventure or take a walk down the famous Calle La Ronda – Quito's oldest street. Tonight, maybe join your fellow travellers and their families for dinner – a great way to get to know each other.

This morning, travel to the Amazon Jungle – the world’s largest tropical rainforest, spanning eight South American countries. On the way, stop at Guango Lodge near the hot springs of Papallacta. Here, you’ll see some of the 14 species of hummingbirds that call this region home. Then, take a motorised canoe through the rainforest to your eco lodge. When you arrive, sit down for dinner with your family, then set off on a night walk through the jungle. Be sure to pack your flashlight and camera for the best chance of seeing local wildlife like fishing bats, owls and toads.

Fuel up on breakfast this morning as you have a big day of adventures ahead. First, you’ll hike into the rainforest with a local Indigenous guide leading the way. Listen carefully as they point out local bird species and teach you about the incredible plant life that thrives here. After lunch, you'll visit a nearby animal rescue centre. Learn more about the local wildlife and what can be done to help protect them. Tonight, join your group for dinner at a local restaurant.

Say goodbye to the Amazon as you take a motorised canoe out of the jungle. Then, board a private vehicle and travel to Banos. When you arrive, join your local leader on an orientation walk around town. The rest of the day is then free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe explore the Ruta de las Cascadas (Waterfall Route) by bike, relax in the natural hot springs or discover the religious sites like the Basilica of Our Lady of Holy Water.

Travel out of Banos town this morning to the entrance of the Devils Cauldron, where you’ll visit Pailon del Diablo Waterfall. The 80 m waterfall has a mighty strength that showers anyone in its path – so be sure to bring a waterproof jacket! When you reach the top, take in the surrounding views over the region. After, travel back to Banos where you’ll have the afternoon free for you and your family to spend as you like.

This morning, drive along the Avenue of the Volcanoes to the Cotopaxi National Park. When you arrive, head out on a hike to Limpiopungo Lagoon for panoramic views of the Cotopaxi Volcano – Ecuador's second-highest peak and the tallest active volcano in the world! As you walk, look for wildlife like condors, deer and spectacles bears. Later, return to Quito this afternoon. Tonight, maybe join your group tonight for one last meal together and toast to an amazing adventure.

Today is a free day to explore Quito at your own pace until your second welcome meeting at 5 pm this afternoon. Maybe discover the Mindo Cloud and Tropical Forest, wander the Otavalo Indigenous Market and Condor Park or see a performance at the Ballet Folklorico Ecuatoriano de Jacchigua. After your meeting, you might like to head out for dinner with your fellow travellers to toast to the next part of your exciting adventure.

Today, you’ll take the short flight to Isla Santa Cruz, one of the main hubs of the Galapagos. When you arrive, visit the Highlands where you can see giant tortoises roaming free in their natural habitat. These fascinating animals can weigh as much as 400 kg (and naturally, are very popular with the kids!). Then, continue to the town of Puerto Ayora. Join your local leader on a short walk around town to get your bearings then enjoy some free time to continue exploring at your own pace.

Say goodbye to Santa Cruz and jump on a speedboat to Isla Isabela. Known for wildlife like penguins and sea lions, this island straddles the equator and is the largest island in the Galapagos archipelago. When you arrive this afternoon, set out on a family kayaking adventure. Navigate the distinct volcanic rock formations as you paddle on clear, turquoise waters, and be sure to look out for local wildlife and marine life along the way! Tonight, maybe wander through town and find a local restaurant for dinner.

This morning, hop on a small Zodiac boat and cruise to Las Tintoreras (Shark Alley) to look for blue-footed boobies and the Galapagos penguin. Then, take a short walk on this isolated islet and learn how it’s a popular iguana nesting site, before swapping your hiking boots for a snorkel. Dive under the clear water and swim with colourful fish and green sea turtles through the winding underground lava tubes. After, dry off and return to Isla Isabel. When you arrive, visit the Arnaldo Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Centre to see giant tortoises in all stages of their development. After learning about the thousand tortoises that live here, you’ll head to a brackish lagoon to observe flamingos. Later today, join a local family for a cooking class and learn to make empanadas for dinner.

Start your last day on Isla Isabela by heading to the Sierra Negra Volcano – one of the Galapagos’ most active volcanoes and the world's second-largest crater! When you arrive, you'll set off for a family-friendly hike to explore the unique landscapes and take in the views. After your hike, you’ll have some free time to find a local cafe for lunch. This afternoon, maybe go swimming and relax at Concha de Perla Beach. Known for its beautiful lagoons full of mangroves, this is a great spot to go for a walk along the sandy shore or snorkel among the vibrant coral reefs.

This morning, take a speedboat back to Isla Santa Cruz. When you arrive in Puerto Ayora, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station. Then, join a local artist who’s passionate about sustainability during a hands-on creative activity. Using plastic collected from the local beaches, you'll learn how waste can be transformed into meaningful art, while gaining insight into ocean conservation efforts. Tonight, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner – your local leader will have the best recommendations.

After breakfast, board a plane and make the return flight back to Quito. When you arrive, the rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace – maybe see the city from above on the teleferiqo sky cable cars. Tonight, maybe join your group tonight for one last meal together and toast to an amazing adventure.

With no activities planned for today, you can depart at any time. If you are staying in Quito longer, maybe wander the Otavalo Indigenous Market and Condor Park or see a performance at the Ballet Folklorico Ecuatoriano de Jacchigua. Your booking agent will be able to help you if you’d like to stay longer, just speak with them ahead of time!

Dates & prices

Dates

Prices

Availability

Departure Date :

29MAR2026

Return Date :

11APR2026

6030.00NZD

available

Departure Date :

05APR2026

Return Date :

18APR2026

6030.00NZD

available

Departure Date :

21JUN2026

Return Date :

04JUL2026

6030.00NZD

available

Departure Date :

12JUL2026

Return Date :

25JUL2026

6030.00NZD

available

Departure Date :

26JUL2026

Return Date :

08AUG2026

6030.00NZD

available

Departure Date :

09AUG2026

Return Date :

22AUG2026

6030.00NZD

available

Departure Date :

28MAR2027

Return Date :

10APR2027

6330.00NZD

available

Departure Date :

04APR2027

Return Date :

17APR2027

6330.00NZD

available

Departure Date :

20JUN2027

Return Date :

03JUL2027

6330.00NZD

available

Departure Date :

25JUL2027

Return Date :

07AUG2027

6330.00NZD

available

Trip Notes

Trip title

Ecuador Amazon & Galapagos Family Holiday

Trip code

GLFAC

Validity

Validity: 01 Jan 2026 to 31 Dec 2026

Extended validity

25 Jul 2027

Introduction

Style

Original

Themes

Family

Transport

Private vehicle, motorised canoe, plane, speed boat

Physical Rating

Physical preparation

These trips are setup to involve and include all the family so no real physical preparation is necessary. The trips all have some degree of physical activity but nothing that is too strenuous. Please check the physical rating on the trip notes and if you need further explanation please contact one of our sales consultants who will provide you with more detailed information.

Joining point

La Cartuja Hotel

Leonidas Plaza N20-08 y 18 de Septiembre

Quito

ECUADOR

Phone: +593 2523577

Joining point description

La Cartuja Hotel is a charming boutique property with spacious rooms, wifi and a central courtyard to relax in. It is located within walking distance to restaurants, shops and attractions.

Joining point instructions

Intrepid can assist with pre-booking an arrival transfer from the airport - enquire with your agent. Please advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your departure. If you have a confirmed arrival transfer, you’ll be met in the Arrivals Hall by a transfer representative holding an Intrepid sign. Please ask them who they’re picking up to confirm you’ve met the correct transfer representative. In case of flight cancellations, changes, or unforeseen delays, please contact our local office on the number in the ‘Problems and emergency contact information’ section.

Finish point

La Cartuja Hotel

Leonidas Plaza N20-08 y 18 de Septiembre

Quito

ECUADOR

Phone: +593 2523577

Finish point description

La Cartuja Hotel is a charming boutique property with spacious rooms, wifi and a central courtyard to relax in. It is located within walking distance to restaurants, shops and attractions.

Finish point instructions

If you have a confirmed departure transfer your leader will advise your pick up time the day before your trip ends. Alternatively, please ask your leader or hotel staff for assistance in arranging a taxi or instructions to reach the airport by public transport.

Important information

1. FAMILY TRIPS: Please note that these trips are for adults and children travelling together and there must be at least one child under 18 with you. 2. CHILD AGE: The minimum age for children on this trip is 5 years old. Most children travelling on Intrepid Family trips are between 10 and 14 years old. 3. DISCOUNT: A discount of 10% applies on this trip to children 17 years and under at time of travel. 4. SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: A single supplement is available for adults wishing to have a private room to themselves. The single supplement includes all days and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Group leader

All Intrepid Family trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to assist your family to take the hassle out of your travels and help you have the best trip possible. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for fun things to do and see - for both kids and parents, recommend great local eating venues that will even get the kids trying new things, and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. Our leaders are not babysitters on this trip - we leave that to you (the experts), but they will make sure that group members of all ages are able to explore their destination safely and with as much fun as possible. Our group leaders are not responsible for looking after children at any time and children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times throughout this itinerary.

Safety

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trip. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Though obvious please don't allow your children to carry their own passports while on tour. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities, however during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your Leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. For more details on the type of conditions and safety standards you can expect on your trip, please refer to Intrepid's operational safety policy on our website. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how well it's being implemented in the field: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us/safety FIRE PRECAUTIONS: Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in this region differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodation which we use has a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms. TRAFFIC AND DRIVING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD: Depending on where you come from please note that drivers in this part of the world may drive on the opposite side of the road from what you are used to. Look both ways before crossing any road. Traffic can be a little more chaotic than you might be used to at home. Be aware! SEAT BELTS: Please be aware that local laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and not all the transport which we use is able to provide seat belts. When travelling in private mini vans or trucks all children (and adults) must wear a seat belt. No children are allowed to sit in the front seat of a vehicle. PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY: While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing. LIFE JACKETS: While life jackets are generally available on water craft, there may be occasions where they are not provided and child size life jackets are not always readily available. If travelling with children and this safety issue concerns you we will be able to advise alternative methods of transport (where available) for you to travel to the next destination. You can choose to travel independently for this leg of the journey. This would be at your own expense. WATER SAFETY: Please take care when taking part in any activities in the ocean, river or open water with your children, where waves and currents can be unpredictable. It's expected that anyone taking part in water activities is able to swim and have experience in open water. All swimmers should seek local advice before entering the water.

Visas

PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here: www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements

Why we love it

Stay on the edge of the Amazon Rainforest in an eco-lodge, then explore the jungle on an evening walk under the night sky.

Travel along the avenue of volcanoes and go hiking in Cotopaxi National Park – home to the highest active volcano in the world!

Keep an eye out for local marine life of the Galapagos like penguins, turtles and seals as you kayak through the turquoise waters around Isla Isabela.

Visit the Arnaldo Tupiza Tortoise Breeding Centre, where you'll see giant tortoises at all stages of development roam free in their natural habitats.

Dive under the clear water and snorkel among the colourful fish, green sea turtles and the winding underground lava tubes.

Is this trip right for you

This trip visits places that are at high altitude, and as a result some people can suffer from altitude sickness, regardless of age or physical health. Please see the Medical and health information section of the Essential Trip Information for more detail., Temperatures in the Amazon can fluctuate from daytime humidity to night-time chill. Insects, especially mosquitoes, are common. We recommend tropical-strength insect repellent and light cotton clothing that covers your arms and legs, with warmer layers for the evening., This trip involves travel by speedboat between the Galapagos Islands. The rides can be quite bumpy at times, but the good news is that seasickness can often be managed with medication. Please consult a health professional to assess your suitability for such medication., From June to August the water in the Galapagos can be rougher than usual and travel times may be longer than usual.

Health

GENERAL HEALTH All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements.

Food and dietary requirements

While travelling with us you and your family will experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you and your family more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There's no obligation to do this though. If you or a member of your family have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure.

Money matters

The official currency of Ecuador is the US dollar (USD). Please note that in Ecuador automatic money machines often limit the amount you can withdraw. This can be $100 or $200 per day depending on your card. SPENDING MONEY: When it comes to spending money on the trip, every family is a little different. You know your families spending habits better than we do, so please budget a sensible amount for things like meals not included, drinks, shopping, optional activities and laundry. It's always better to bring a little more than you think you'll need. Also make sure you've read your trip details thoroughly so you know what's included in the trip price and what isn't. This should make budgeting a little easier. You'll find this info in the Inclusions section of your Essential Trip Information (that's this document). TIPPING If you are happy with the services providing a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Intrepid destinations. We recommend that any tips are given to the intended recipient by a member of your group, rather than collected and passed on by the group leader. The following amounts are based on local considerations and feedback from our past travellers: Restaurants: Please check the bill and if there’s an addition of 10% service charge, there’s no requirement for tipping. Otherwise, 10% of the total bill amount is appropriate. At local markets and basic restaurants: Leave the loose change. Local guides: Throughout your trip you may at times have a local guide in addition to your leader. We suggest US$1 per person, per day for local guides. Your crew (including the leader and driver, and perhaps cook depending on your trip): You may also consider tipping your crew for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however as a guideline US$2-3 per person, per day can be used. Of course you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service. Galapagos Islands - Tipping Though part of Ecuador, the economy in the Galapagos Islands is different to that of the mainland, which is generally reflected in higher costs of living. As such, a tipping guideline in the Galapagos Islands is of USD 1-3 per person per day for the crew and USD 5-8 per person per day for your Galapagos leader. Budget for meals not included: 180.00 CONTINGENCY FUNDS: We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. Please make sure you have access to an extra US$500 per family member for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result there may be some extra costs involved

What to take

CLIMATE & CLOTHING: Generally speaking you should pack as lightly as possible. On the vast majority of our trips you are expected to carry your own luggage, although you won't be required to walk long distances with it (max 30 minutes). Many travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are also convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips. Below we have listed the essentials for this trip: *Comfortable walking shoes or trainers * Sandals/flip-flops for relaxing * Sun-hat * High-factor sunscreen & lipsalve * Waterbottle * Insect repellent * Sunglasses * Personal first aid kit * Waterproof bags for valuable items like passports, cameras etc * A laundry service may be available in some hotels, but we recommend taking biodegradable travel detergent clothes can be washed as you wish. VALUABLES: Please try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables, and use your hotel safe and the safe on the overland truck to store the bulk of your money, passport, and airline tickets. It’s also a good idea to purchase a money belt or pouch that is easily hidden. We strongly recommend that you photocopy all important documents e.g. air tickets, passport, vaccination certificate, etc. and keep the copies separate from the originals. While not valid, a photocopy makes it very much easier to obtain replacements if necessary.

Climate and seasonal

GALAPAGOS PARK, TRANSIT CARD & ISABELA ISLAND PORT FEES: A Galapagos Transit Card fee of US$20 is payable on departure from Quito Airport (or whichever airport in Ecuador you are flying to the Galapagos from). The Galapagos park fee (US$100) and Isabela Port fee (US$5) are payable upon arrival to the islands (cash only). These amounts are in addition to your trip payment. When booking, please ensure that your details are correct, and double check them on your documents prior to departure. If your passport does not match your booking details, you may be refused entrance to Galapagos National Park. Please make sure that your name is spelt correctly, and that you book using the name in your passport (particularly if you are recently married). If you are issued a new passport with a different number between the time that you book and the time you travel, please take both the old and new passports with you.

A couple of rules

Intrepid won't tolerate any kind of violence, harassment (whether physical, verbal or sexual), or disrespect toward fellow travellers, our teams or local communities. To ensure the wellbeing of everyone on the trip, decisions made by your group leader are final. Romantic relationships between travellers and group leader or local representative are not permitted while on trip. Any behaviour that prevents your leader from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes any of these guidelines may result in Intrepid denying your booking or removing you from the trip. If something concerns you during your travels, please speak to your group leader immediately. Alternatively, you can contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in the Problems and Emergency Contact Information section of this Essential Trip Information.

Feedback

Can’t stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travellers like you. Share your experience with us at: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback/

Emergency contact

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip. We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager. You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time., For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us, For missed transfers or general inquiries once in Ecuador you can reach our local office on the number below: Available for phone call on +593 994014877 , In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below: , Available for phone call on +593 981840761

Responsible travel

Our Responsible Travel Policy outlines our commitment to preserving the environment, supporting local communities, protecting the vulnerable, and giving back to the places we travel. All our trip group leaders or local representatives, suppliers, and staff are trained on these principles and are core to us delivering sustainable, experience-rich travel. Explore the different parts of our Responsible Travel Policy by visiting: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/responsible-travel, Love wildlife? Us too. We believe nature should be protected, respected and never exploited for our entertainment. That’s why we design all of our wildlife trips and experiences to meet the standards set out in our animal welfare guidelines (https://www.intrepidtravel.com/en/animal-welfare), created in collaboration with World Animal Protection. This ensures that the unforgettable animal encounters our travellers rave about are conducted responsibly, with the utmost respect for all creatures. What does that mean for you? Well, we never ride, feed or handle wild animals for a start. Take a closer look at our animal welfare policy (https://www.intrepidtravel.com/sites/intrepid/files/Intrepid_Travel_Animal_Welfare_Policy.pdf) to learn more about how we champion responsible, cruelty-free experiences on our trips, and see how you can help make a difference when you travel with our animal-friendly travel tips (https://www.intrepidtravel.com/en/how-be-better-traveller-wildlife).

The Intrepid Foundation

Our non-profit, The Intrepid Foundation, gives travellers more opportunities to make a positive impact in the places they visit. We have over 50 Intrepid Foundation partners across the globe addressing four key focus areas: protecting the environment, taking a stand for wildlife, addressing inequality and empowering communities. Intrepid matches all post-trip donations dollar for dollar and takes care of the admin fees – this doubles your impact and ensures every cent goes to our partners on the ground. Visit our website for more info: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/ , This trip supports The Galapagos Conservancy, who help protect the unique biodiversity of the Galapagos. Donations support their Galápagos Conservancy Women in Sustainable Entrepreneurship (WISE) program, providing critical capital for sustainability initiatives and building the entrepreneurial capacity of Galápagos women. Intrepid will double your impact by dollar-matching post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation. To find out more or make a donation, visit: www.theintrepidfoundation.org/t/galapagos-conservancy

Accommodation notes

GENERAL ROOMING CONFIGURATIONS: Family of two - All family groupings of two will be put into a twin room. Family of three - Wherever possible we will put you in a triple room. Please be aware that in a handful of places triple rooms are in short supply. This means that, in practice, a triple room will often simply be a twin room with a mattress on the floor or a further bed squashed in. Where it is impossible to provide a triple room, you will have to decide which of your party takes the single room. Family of four or more - You will most likely stay in two twin rooms. If and wherever possible we will aim put you in a quadruple room. Whilst we will do our very best to ensure that families are roomed close together (in some cases, we can arrange adjoining rooms), we can’t guarantee this. Most family holidays occur during peak season and we sometimes have little to no control over where you will be put. You need to come prepared for this.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses, including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region, please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative. If you have credit card insurance, your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number, rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or the USA, the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However, the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and each country you visit may have its own specific entry requirements. For example, some mandate travel health insurance for all foreign travellers, regardless of their nationality. Travellers from the European Union, Switzerland or the USA who decline travel insurance when travelling outside their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below:

Your fellow travellers

As you and your family travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow families will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too (for both parents and children). We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow families is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you and your family have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow families booked on your trip prior to departure.

Itinerary disclaimer

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Accommodation

Hotel (11 nights), Eco Lodge (2 nights)

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