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| Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands for Teens
A 9-Day tour starting from $5,190
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| About This Tour | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| T his teen trip is ideal for the family who wants to do it all. You can hop on a mountain bike and go for a ride through the stunning Andean Highlands, learn how to use a handheld GPS and read topographical maps for a treasure hunt, and of course snorkel, swim and hike among the planet’s most fascinating ecosystem – the Galapagos Islands. Each day we disembark on a different island to explore, swim and view the almost tame wildlife. Ecuador is one place where “been there, done that” just does not apply, so get your teens ready for a vacation where each day is filled with discovery and adventure. If you have a few more vacation days to take advantage of while you’re in South America, go on our Peru extension. A family adventure that includes the Galapagos Islands AND Machu Picchu can’t be beat. |
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• All entrance fees
• Accommodations based on double and triple occupancy at comfortable and distinctive tourist level hotels • Most meals; we leave off a couple so your family can explore on your own. • Travel in groups of 15 to 25 people • Services of a bilingual guide who will accompany you throughout your trip • Land transportation, airport transfers and internal air • All excursions • Bottled water and snacks • Travel insurance – Travel Insured International policy • Groups of 8 or more will be accompanied by a mentor whose primary jobs will be to provide kid-friendly enrichment activities for up to an hour each day that enhance the overall trip experience; to provide organized fun for kids that helps them get to know each other; to provide things for kids to do during delays, flights and long bus trips (our teen trips don’t include mentors) • Ages 6 to 16 will be matched with pen pals with whom they can correspond and then meet in country (our cruises of Inside Passage of Alaska and our teen trips don’t include penpals) • There may be slight variations to this listing for certain adventures
DAY 1 – DEPART U.S. / ARRIVE QUITO
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, where your family vacation in Ecuador begins. DAYS 2 TO 4 – ANDEAN HIGHLANDS So many families vacation in Ecuador and don’t get to experience the beauty and adventure of the highlands. With Thomson, your family will take in all this diverse region has to offer, and may even learn a thing or two in the process. In the highlands, teens will learn how to operate a GPS device that will later be used to find a buried treasure during our orienteering activity. Otavalo Market Mountain biking Condor Project Orienteering Community Service activity DAYS 5 TO 7 – GALAPAGOS ISLANDS CRUISE Let’s go island hopping! Board the Galapagos Explorer II for four days of incredible land and sea explorations. The ship’s naturalists will be your guides in the Galapagos and will lead two shore expeditions per day to seek out wildlife and learn about the natural history of these fascinating volcanic islands. When not snorkeling or discovering the islands on foot, you can enjoy all the amenities this first class ship has to offer – a Jacuzzi, solarium, reading room, internet access and your comfortable air-conditioned cabins. WELCOME TO DARWIN’S ENCHANTED ISLANDS… San Cristobal Island Española Island Santa Cruz & Rabida Islands DAY 8 – GALAPAGOS ISLANDS / QUITO Santa Cruz Island DAY 9 – DEPART QUITO / ARRIVE U.S.
The Galapagos Islands are home to more than 25,000 species of plants, 6,000 species of butterflies and 1,600 species of birds. On Santa Cruz Island, enormous tortoises find refuge at the Charles Darwin Research Station. Tiny Rabida Island is home to pelicans, pink flamingos and pintail ducks in its shallow salt water lagoons and red sand beaches. On San Cristobal, the incredible wildlife includes iguanas and the rare Chatham mockingbird. Walking on lovely, remote Española Island, your family may encounter sea lions, blue-footed boobies or sea turtles as you stroll past lava cliffs where sea water jets high in the air.
When you think of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands surely come to mind. Stunning beauty and an abundance of wildlife are the trademarks of these volcanic islands. For years to come, you and your children will reminisce about all of the wonderful species you saw on these islands – many of which are found nowhere else on earth. Famous for the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador’s Andean Highlands are often overlooked. With a history dating as far back as 3,500 B.C. and a stunning landscape, the area north of Quito is a hidden gem. From the rolling highlands and snow capped peaks of the Ecuadorian Andes to the villages where locals are happy to share their ancient culture and traditions, to Latin America’s second largest indigenous market where local artisans sell Panama hats, colorful handmade weavings and sweaters, the Highlands are not to be missed. All tour prices are per person, in US dollars, based on double occupancy.
Internal Air = $400 |
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| Note: All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
