Colombia & Galapagos Family Adventure

Welcome to the start of your Colombia and Galapagos adventure. On arrival in Bogotá, we’ll meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in the city’s historic centre. The rest of the day is free for you to settle in and begin exploring Colombia’s high-altitude capital, known for its colonial architecture, vibrant culture and Andean setting.

Discover Bogotá by bike on a guided tour through some of the city’s most characterful neighbourhoods. Cycle through the cobbled streets of La Candelaria, pass Plaza Bolívar and explore districts such as Teusaquillo and the English neighbourhood, each offering a different perspective on the city.

Along the way, admire Bogotá’s renowned street art, visit a local coffee roasting factory to learn about Colombia’s coffee culture, and sample exotic fruits at a bustling local market. If your visit falls on a Sunday, you’ll also experience the famous Ciclovía, when more than 120 km of roads are closed to traffic and opened to cyclists and pedestrians. We’ll also visit the lively handicraft market in Usaquén.

This morning, we’ll transfer you to Bogotá Airport for your flight to Yopal, gateway to Colombia’s eastern plains. On arrival, continue to the San Luis Nature Reserves, with your wildlife safari beginning en route to the lodge.

In the afternoon, explore the savannah and forest edges on foot or by jeep as we search for the region’s remarkable wildlife. The Llanos ecosystem is home to everything from colourful birdlife and reptiles to capybaras and elusive wild cats, offering an immersive introduction to one of Colombia’s lesser-visited natural regions.

After breakfast, set out on a classic 4WD safari through the reserve. Keep an eye out for capybaras, deer, spectacled caimans, tortoises and an impressive variety of bird species that thrive across the wetlands and grasslands.

Following lunch at the farm’s main house, there’s time to relax in a hammock and take in the scenery before heading out again in the late afternoon for a second safari during golden hour. As the sun sets over the plains, continue with a nocturnal drive back to the lodge in search of wildlife such as anteaters, night hawks and maikongs.

Today we leave the Llanos behind and return to city life. An English-speaking guide will accompany you to Yopal Airport for your onward flight to Medellín. On arrival at José María Córdova International Airport, we’ll transfer you to your hotel.

Known as Colombia’s ‘City of Eternal Spring’, Medellín has transformed itself into one of South America’s most innovative and creative cities.

Travel into the lush Eastern Highlands of Antioquia for a full-day excursion to Guatapé and the iconic El Peñol Rock. Climb the 740 steps to the top of this towering 200-metre granite monolith for sweeping views across the surrounding lakes and islands.

Afterwards, enjoy a traditional Colombian lunch by the reservoir before taking a leisurely boat ride on the water. There’s also time to wander through Guatapé’s colourful streets, famous for their brightly painted houses and decorative zócalos.

Explore Medellín’s transformation through the lens of its vibrant street art scene with a visit to Comuna 13. Once one of the city’s most troubled neighbourhoods, it is now recognised for its colourful murals, outdoor escalators and strong sense of community.

Led by local artists and guides, this experience offers insight into the area’s history and how graffiti became a powerful form of storytelling, political expression and social change.Later, continue to the airport for your flight to Ecuador. On arrival in Quito, we’ll meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.

Discover the highlights of Quito, Ecuador’s capital and one of the best-preserved colonial cities in South America. Begin in the historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we’ll visit landmarks including El Panecillo, the Basilica and San Francisco Church.

Stroll through the Old Town’s plazas and narrow streets before enjoying a local lunch. In the afternoon, continue to the Intiñan Equator Museum near the famous Middle of the World Monument to learn more about the significance of the equator line.End the day with a visit to the Pululahua Crater, one of the few inhabited volcanic craters in the world, with spectacular views over the surrounding landscape.

Travel south from Quito to Cotopaxi National Park, home to one of the world’s highest active volcanoes. Begin with a visit to Limpiopungo Lagoon, set against the dramatic backdrop of Cotopaxi and Rumiñahui volcanoes.

Enjoy a hike through the high-altitude páramo landscape, known for its unique flora and birdlife, before continuing to the Jorge Rivas Refuge at 4,800 metres above sea level.

Today marks the beginning of your Galapagos adventure. We’ll transfer you to Quito Airport for your flight to San Cristóbal Island. On arrival, a driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.

The Galapagos Islands are one of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife destinations, famous for their endemic species and volcanic landscapes.

Set out on a snorkelling excursion to Kicker Rock, also known as León Dormido, one of the Galapagos’ most iconic natural landmarks. Rising dramatically from the ocean, this volcanic formation is surrounded by nutrient-rich waters that attract an abundance of marine life.

Snorkel through the narrow channel between the rocks for the chance to spot reef sharks, manta rays, sea turtles and colourful fish, while seabirds circle overhead.

Travel into the highlands of San Cristóbal Island with a visit to El Junco Lagoon, the only freshwater lagoon in the Galapagos. Enjoy a walk around the crater lake before continuing to La Galapaguera, a conservation area where giant tortoises roam in their natural habitat.

Later, head to Puerto Chino beach, where you can relax, snorkel and look out for marine life along the coast.

This morning, transfer to the San Cristóbal passenger pier and board a speedboat to Santa Cruz Island. The crossing takes around two hours and sea conditions can sometimes be rough, so motion sickness medication may be helpful if you are sensitive to choppy waters.

On arrival in Puerto Ayora, continue to your hotel.Please note: water taxis are not included.

Today’s excursion takes you to either Santa Fe or Pinzón Island, depending on Galapagos National Park regulations and operational schedules.

If visiting Santa Fe, snorkel in crystal-clear waters before enjoying a wet landing at Playa Escondida or Garrapatero Beach on Santa Cruz Island. If heading to Pinzón Island, expect encounters with marine iguanas and sea lions, along with opportunities to spot sea turtles, reef sharks and tropical fish.

Some departures also include a traditional local fishing experience, offering an insight into island life beyond the wildlife encounters.

Today we continue to Isabela Island, the largest island in the Galapagos archipelago. On arrival at Puerto Villamil, you’ll pay the local tourist tax and present your passport before meeting your guide or driver for the short transfer to your hotel.

Please note: water taxis to and from the pier are not included.

After breakfast, join a guided kayaking excursion through the calm waters of Puerto Villamil Bay. Paddle along Isabela’s coastline while looking out for tropical fish, sea turtles, Galapagos penguins, blue-footed boobies and, occasionally, small sharks.

This relaxed excursion offers a different perspective on the island’s coastal ecosystems and abundant wildlife.

Today is free for you to explore Isabela Island at your own pace. You may wish to cycle around Puerto Villamil to Concha Perla Lagoon, known for its clear waters and opportunities to snorkel alongside sea lions, penguins and tropical fish.

Another option is visiting the historic Wall of Tears, built by prisoners during the island’s penal colony era. Nature lovers can also explore the nearby wetlands, home to bird species such as stilts, whimbrels, pintails and gallinules.

Set off on a memorable snorkelling excursion to Los Túneles, one of the Galapagos’ most spectacular marine sites. Formed by ancient lava flows, this unique landscape of lava arches and underwater tunnels creates ideal conditions for marine life.

Snorkel in calm, shallow waters while searching for sea turtles, rays, reef sharks and colourful fish. Depending on your departure time, a snack or boxed lunch will be included before returning to Puerto Villamil.

Your journey comes to an end today. Begin with an early transfer to the Isabela pier for the speedboat back to Santa Cruz Island. On arrival in Puerto Ayora, continue by road to Baltra Airport for your onward flight.

Filled with unforgettable wildlife encounters, dramatic landscapes and cultural experiences, your Colombia and Galapagos adventure concludes here.