Amazon Basin & Galapagos Islands Family Adventure
This dream-come-true adventure is chocked full of family fun extending from the jungles of the Upper Amazon Basin to the primeval islands of the Galapagos archipelago. From Quito, head southeast over the Eastern Cordillera (13,335’) through the Andean highlands before dropping into the lush Amazon basin. Enjoy a soak in the famed Papallacta Hot Springs and a day of rock-and-roll rafting on the remote Rio Jatunyacu (Class III). Visit with the people of a Shiripuno Quichwa village to learn of their ancient traditions. Then it’s off to Darwin’s enchanted islands for several days of incredibly close wildlife encounters while you kayak in turquoise waters, swim off white sandy beaches with friendly sea lions, horseback ride and hike near active volcanoes, bike through the tortoise highlands, and snorkel in this world-class marine reserve. The Galapagos Islands are a virtual treasure trove of natural history and bio-diversity and our active adventure immerses you up-close-and-personal in the best of it. An unforgettable journey for the whole family!
Learn more about REI Family Adventures.
Important Notice: Day 1 is the day you should plan to arrive at the meeting point for the trip. This may require departing your hometown one or more days in advance and traveling on an overnight flight.
Amazon Basin & Galapagos Islands Family Adventure Itinerary:
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Day 1
Arrive in Quito any time today, pass through customs, gather your luggage and transfer on your own to our hotel for the evening. Dinner on your own.
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Day 2
This morning we have an early departure from Quito following the famed Avenue of the Volcanoes to Papallacta Hotsprings. Located in the verdant cloud forest between Antisana and Cayambe volcanoes, enjoy a soak in one of nine mineral rich thermal pools at Papallacta. Following lunch we continue east on a scenic road over a high mountain pass in the Easern Cordillera (13,335’) that descends into the upper Amazon basin and the small Quichwa town of Tena. Arrive early evening and in time for dinner at our remote and comfortable riverfront jungle lodge. Fall to sleep tonight to the sounds of the jungle and the river. All meals included.
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Day 3
After breakfast we transfer to Llanganates National Park which extends from the high Andes to the Amazon basin and has been declared a biosphere zone by the United Nations. Llanganates is singularly beautiful for its undisturbed nature and its colorful history.Legend has it that the fabulous gold treasure of Atahualpa (El Dorado) was hidden within this area by Rumiñahui, the famed 15thcentury Inca warrior. Since recorded history adventurers in search of the treasure have ventured into the park – to no avail.Ours is an easier journey today – a short hike to naturally formed swimming pools for a quick dip before our whitewater rafting adventure begins. The Rio Jatunyacu offers spectacular jungle scenery, crystal-clear water and glimpses into indigenous communities that live along its shores. Rock-and-roll waves make for an exciting several hours. Return to our jungle lodge for the evening.(Depending upon water conditions and other factors we may raft the Anzu River. Your guide will discuss this with the group.) Still have energy? Join us for a night time jungle hike! All meals included.
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Day 4
This morning we embark on a visit to a local Shiripuno Quichwa village where we learn a bit about their way of life and their traditions. There's the opportunity to participate in community activities that may include such things as creating ceramics with indigenous motifs, storytelling with a local shaman, visiting ancient petroglyph site, and a demonstration of the use of the "serbatana" (traditional blow pipe for hunting). We transfer this afternoon back to Quito – this is our one very long drive of the trip (5+ hours). Overnight in Quito. Breakfast and lunch included; dinner on your own.
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Day 5
This morning it’s up and out to the Galapagos Islands! After flying to Baltra Island and our welcome briefing we are fitted to our kayaks and head out for our first paddle on Santa Cruz Island. Exploring the quiet side of Divine Bay, we paddle through turquoise waters that wind through high walled lava channels where blue-footed boobies, herons and marine iguanas perch along jagged cliffs. Keep your eyes opened for white-tipped sharks and rays below the waves. Overnight on the waterfront Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz. All meals included.
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Day 6
After breakfast we head out to the lush highlands of the Chato Reserve, the natural habitat of the Galapagos tortoise. In addition to sighting these lumbering giants, we enjoy great bird watching as well. Think … frigate birds, finches, egrets, flycatchers and many, many more. If you haven’t started a "bird life list," now is the time! Enjoy a delicious lunch at a highlands hacienda. This afternoon you have the option of hiking to Tortuga Bay, a beautiful white sandy beach and nesting area for thousands of marine turtles. There’s the possibility for a swim here as well. Overnight Puerto Ayora. All meals included.
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Day 7
A visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station is a must in order to appreciate the current and ongoing efforts to manage and conserve this archipelago. Afterwards we will either fly or take a fast boat (choice is weather dependent) to Isabela Island, the largest in the Galapagos. Isabela is formed by five volcanoes and is one of the most volcanically active places on earth. This afternoon we jump on mountain bikes for a ride along the scenic coastline and to the historic El Muro de las Lagrimas (Wall of Tears). This wall was built with lava blocks during the time when Isabela was used as a penal colony (1946-1959) and had no other purpose than that of keeping the prisoners busy and from going mad with the isolation of their lives. Time permitting, there may be the option to paddle kayaks again this afternoon out to a small set of islets to see the Galapagos penguin, the only penguin living in an equatorial region. Overnight Puerto Villamil. All meals included.
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Day 8
Today it’s off to the highlands on horseback – saddle up. We ride up and then along the rim of the Sierra Negra volcano which is roughly 6 miles wide. (Hiking is an option for those not wanting to ride.) The views form the top can be awesome – out to the Perry Isthmus and beyond. We spend our final afternoon back at the water at Concha y Perla enjoying more snorkeling and marine wildlife viewing. A final, celebratory dinner together on the islands and overnight at our beachfront hotel. All meals included.
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Day 9
This morning we navigate back to Baltra Island (flight or boat transfer) for our flight back to Quito on the mainland. Evening on your own. Breakfast and lunch snack on flight included.
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Day 10
You can depart anytime today. Transfer on your own to airport and flight home. Breakfast included.
Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.
If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted above. If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign a roommate if one is available. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee, which is one-half of the full single supplement. Please be advised that there are a limited number of single rooms available.
Meals as noted in the daily itinerary; 9 nights accommodations; private transfer to the Amazon Basin; airport transfers Quito-Galapagos-Quito; transit fee Quito – Galapagos; park entrance fees (including the Galapagos park entrance fee of $100); internal flight (or boat transfer) from Santa Cruz-Isabela Island-Baltra Island; equipment necessary for itinerary including white water rafting, sea kayaks, bikes, snorkel/mask/fins and horseback riding; services of an expert bi-lingual guide/naturalist throughout the trip.
International airfare to and from Quito; airport transfers on international flights in and out of Quito; round trip airfare from Quito to Galapagos (mandatory $420 – subject to change); meals not specified in the itinerary; cost of medical immunizations as needed; insurance of any kind; cost of optional activities; optional wet-suit for snorkeling; excess baggage charges; airport taxes (if any); alcoholic beverages or soft drinks; optional gratuities to your guides; items of a personal nature.
In addition to the required $400 deposit to reserve your space on this trip, the cost of the internal flight to the islands ($420 Quito-Galapagos-Quito) is also due at the time of registration. The deposit and flight fee are non-refundable 90 days prior to departure. If you needed to cancel your participation on this trip for a reason covered by your optional Travel Insurance plan, this flight cost would be reimbursable by that plan.
This trip is rated Moderate [3]. It contains a variety of activities including moderate hikes, mountain biking, horseback riding, Class III rafting and sea kayaking. In general, the island hiking is moderate in both length and terrain. We are not moving at a fast pace as our primary objective is to take time to enjoy the abundant and unique wildlife. The biking on Isabela Island is on relatively flat terrain (mostly unpaved roads). You can choose not to bike this portion. Sea kayaking on Santa Cruz is broken up with stops to take advantage of the snorkeling opportunities. Rafting is on a Class III river (although guides may determine that the Anzu Class II river is more appropriate for a number of reasons) – and, while you will be outfitted with the appropriate PDF, you should know how to swim and be comfortable in moving water.
Unlike most equatorial regions, the Galapagos are not humid and hot; they are typically dry with cooler temperatures. From July to December (the cooler months) the average maximum air temperature is between 74° - 80° with an average water temperature hovering around 70°. There may be occasional misty and overcast skies. From January to June (the warmer, wetter months) the average maximum air temperature is between 78° - 88° with and average water temperature hovering around 74°. The average temperature in the AmazonBasin is in the low 80s with daily highs reaching the low 90s and nightly lows in the upper 60s. An occasional cold front during the “dry” season (May-October) can occur, bringing the daytime temperature down into the upper 60s. You are in the tropics and in a jungle rainforest – showers are always a possibility.
This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased within 21 days of your initial trip deposit, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).
We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.
Amazon Basin & Galapagos Islands Family Adventure
The key to staying comfortable during this trip is layering. To obtain maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. This gear list has been created to help you choose your clothing and gear for this trip. Bring only what is necessary, as this will help you and the field staff.
Weather
Unlike most equatorial regions, the Galapagos are not humid and hot; they are typically dry with cooler temperatures. From July to December (the cooler months) the average maximum air temperature is between 74° - 80° with an average water temperature hovering around 70°. There may be occasional misty and overcast skies. From January to June (the warmer, wetter months) the average maximum air temperature is between 78° - 88° with and average water temperature hovering around 74°. The average temperature in the Amazon Basin is in the low 80s with daily highs reaching the low 90s and nightly lows in the upper 60s. An occasional cold front during the “dry” season (May-October) can occur bring the daytime temperature down into the upper 60s. In all seasons, you are in the tropics and in a jungle rainforest – showers are always a possibility.
Gear Checklist
- Hybrid bicycle
- Bicycle helmet
- Mask and snorkel
- Rafting gear and PDF
- Kayak & related safety gear
- Passport
- Airline tickets
- Duffel bag, sturdy and large enough to hold all your gear
- Small daypack to carry camera, water bottle, light jacket, sun screen, etc.
- Passport pouch or money belt
- Luggage tags and luggage locks
- Lightweight, easily washable items for city wear - casual and comfortable clothes are recommended
- T-shirts, at least two synthetic
- Lightweight long- sleeve shirts (for cool evenings and sun protection)
- Hiking pants (zip-off legs are great)
- Lightweight, quick drying hiking shorts
- Sun hat with brim - this is essential!
- Bandana
- Swimsuit(s) and cover-up
- Lightweight 2 or 3mm neoprene short wetsuit – highly recommended for the June – October departures
- Hiking socks
- Lightweight fleece / sweater
- Lightweight rain / wind jacket
- Lightweight hiking shoes with good tread and sole support
- Watersport sandals
- Two 1-quart water bottles or hydration system
- Personal first-aid kit
- Toiletry kit
- Sunglasses and retainer strap
- Sunscreen and lip balm with high SPF rating and water-repellent
- Flashlight or headlamp and spare batteries
- Insect repellent
- Beach towel or sarong
- Plastic bags to keep your gear dry inside your daypack and to separate wet/dirty items from dry/clean items
- Zip lock bags to protect your camera from humidity in the rainforest
- Guide books to the Galapagos Islands for identification of species
- Journal or writing materials
- Stuff sacks, various sizes for organizing clothing and gear inside duffel
- Camera, film/memory card and spare batteries
- Disposable underwater camera
- Binoculars - highly recommended
- Small dry bag for camera gear while kayaking – highly recommended
- Electrical converter/adapter
- Watch with alarm or travel alarm
Things to Consider
- Always pack essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, medications, hiking shoes and one set of spare clothes in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed.
- Copies of birth certificates – It's become quite common these days for a family to have more than one surname. Maybe a mother has kept her maiden name, or perhaps the children are from different unions. Whatever the reason, you'll want to be able to prove that, yes, these kids are yours. (Even if you are the nuclear family, birth certificates aren't a bad thing to have along if your passports are lost or stolen.)
- Pack light! The flight(s) between the islands (should the weather dictate the need to fly rather than to boat between islands) have a strict luggage limit of 25lbs. If luggage exceeds this limit, luggage may be transferred by sea transportation with possible delay.
- A sweater and wind shell are often needed since it is often breezy and the evenings can be cool in temperature.
- Cotton is wonderful in warm weather. However, once it becomes wet it drains your body heat. Plan on bringing at least two synthetic t-shirts that maintains warmth when wet. Examples of these fabrics would be Capilene®, MTS® and Thermax®.
- Make sure you hiking boots/shoes are broken-in and bring moleskin, Second Skin® or Blister Block® for foot treatment. Thin liner socks worn under regular hiking socks may minimize the risk of blisters (the liner sock should be silk or synthetic).
- A short 3/2 mm wet suit is highly recommended for the June through November departures. While it is possible to snorkel without one, you will be much more comfortable and be able to snorkel & enjoy the marine life longer while wearing one.
- New FAA-certified scanning equipment may fog any unprocessed camera film that passes through the checked-baggage scanner. Don't place single-use cameras or unprocessed film in any luggage that will be checked onto any flights. This includes cameras that still have film in them. Put all unprocessed film into your carry-on luggage or ask for a hand inspection at passenger screening.
- Bring a spare duffel bag, as extra luggage can be stored at the hotel in Quito.
Feel free to give us a call at (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and REI’s Direct Sales (800-426-4840) will be happy to help you with gear questions. Or visit REI’s website at www.rei.com, the “Expert Advice” section has great information to help you prepare for your trip.
