{"id":21143,"date":"2020-01-23T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-01-23T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wanderbusecuador.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/23\/ecuador-family-tours\/"},"modified":"2021-07-24T19:56:51","modified_gmt":"2021-07-25T00:56:51","slug":"ecuador-family-tours","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wanderbusecuador.com\/es\/ecuador-family-tours\/","title":{"rendered":"Our Top Ecuador Family Tours"},"content":{"rendered":"

Many parents might be intimidated at the prospect of traveling to Ecuador, or really any international destination, which children. There are so many unpredictable factors, among which are safety and security. You\u2019ll be relieved to hear Ecuador is, in fact, an ideal destination for the jet-setting family. To get some ideas rolling, here are a few top Ecuador family tours you can plan for your trip.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ecuador family tour 1: Gal\u00e1pagos Islands<\/span><\/h2>\n

Not everyone can afford a trip to Ecuador that includes the Gal\u00e1pagos Islands, but if you can, this would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for you and your family.<\/span><\/p>\n

Visiting the islands is like walking through your highschool textbook, with a special focus on the chapter on evolution. Additionally, you\u2019ll see animals you can\u2019t find anywhere else on Earth and interact with them in a highly unusual way. Since they have always been protected on the Islands, many animals don\u2019t shy away from visitors, allowing you to observe their behavior in their natural environment.<\/span><\/p>\n

Before planning a tour to the Gal\u00e1pagos Islands, make sure you have a good idea of your family\u2019s preferences. That is, whether they prefer to snorkel, hike, birdwatch or even dive. If you\u2019re hoping to spot a specific type of bird, like the albatross, you\u2019ll have to visit the Gal\u00e1pagos at the right season.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Wanderbus offers a few <\/span>Galapagos Islands packages<\/span><\/a> that you can enjoy with your family. Alternatively, you can try to organize Gal\u00e1pagos day tours individually. Note that many day tours don\u2019t permit children below two years of age.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Ecuador family tour 2: Amazon Rainforest<\/span><\/h2>\n

Another can\u2019t-miss destination in Ecuador is the Amazon Rainforest, which is disappearing at an alarming rate. Tourism to this area in Ecuador supports local economies and encourages populations, as well as the Ecuadorian government, to protect, rather than exploit, the area.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Like the Gal\u00e1pagos Islands, the Amazon rainforest is a wonderful destination to take the family. Its natural wonders will inspire and educate in a way that is only beneficial to our society and the Earth.<\/span><\/p>\n

Among the activities you can do there with your family are bird and wildlife spotting, kayaking and canoeing, pira\u00f1a fishing and visiting indigenous communities to learn about their traditions. <\/span><\/p>\n

Wanderbus offers affordable <\/span>extra tours<\/span><\/a> to the Amazon that are easy to plan.<\/span>
\n If you prefer to organize your own Amazon trip, consider visiting the Yasun\u00ed Biosphere Reserve which is considered one of the world\u2019s most biodiverse areas. Other protected areas within the Amazon include the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, Cayambe-Coca National Park, Sumaco-Napo-Galeras National Park, and the Llanganates.<\/span><\/p>\n

Read about a few recommended <\/span>ecotourism destinations in Ecuador<\/span><\/a> and community projects in the Amazon.<\/p>\n

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Ecuador family tour 3: Cotopaxi, Quilotoa, and Ba\u00f1os<\/span><\/h2>\n

Rather than visiting one destination, consider combining some of Ecuador\u2019s top three destinations on this Ecuador family tour.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cotopaxi Volcano, located in Cotopaxi National Park, is definitely one of the country\u2019s highlights. It\u2019s also very easy to get to from Quito and to combine with other nearby sights. <\/span>
\nHere, on a clear day, you\u2019ll see an impressive, snow-capped <\/span>active<\/span><\/i> volcano regularly puffing ash into the air. <\/span><\/p>\n

There are numerous activities you can plan with your family, including horseback rides across the Andean <\/span>p\u00e1ramo<\/span><\/i>, hikes to the shelter or other nearby mountains and mountain biking.<\/span><\/p>\n

Next on the list is Quilotoa Crater, which is what Cotopaxi would look like if it exploded! (it\u2019s like a before and after experience) Quilotoa is a breathtaking, water-filled caldera that you can hike into and around. The water within is turquoise and really quite spectacular. <\/span>
\nOnce in the crater, you can camp and kayak in the lake. Quilotoa is a bit farther from Quito but combines well with Cotopaxi since they\u2019re relatively close.<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, spend a day or two in Ba\u00f1os, Ecuador\u2019s adventure capital. This is an exciting place for adults and children alike! Here you can zipline across lush gorges, visit impressive waterfalls like the Pail\u00f3n del Diablo, horseback ride, bike, hike and so much more.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are also many hotel and restaurant options in Ba\u00f1os, making trip planning a cinch. For more on <\/span>Ba\u00f1os with kids, read this.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

The Cotopaxi, Quilotoa and Ba\u00f1os circuit can be done with one of our Wanderbus passes: the <\/span>Jacamar Pass<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Ecuador family tours: Tips for traveling with children<\/span><\/h2>\n

Traveling internationally comes with risks, both for the adults and children in your party. With children, it can be particularly stressful. We\u2019ve listed some essential safety advice for traveling with children to consider as you plan your Ecuador family tour.<\/span><\/p>\n

Travel insurance<\/b><\/h3>\n

In many countries, travel insurance is required for all members of the travel party. Make sure you have obtained travel insurance for each family member or a general family plan, which is often available at discounted rates.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The main advantage of having travel insurance in Ecuador is that you won\u2019t rely on public health, which can be difficult to navigate if you don\u2019t speak Spanish. Instead, you can approach a specialist or go directly to a private Ecuadorian clinic.<\/span><\/p>\n

Though the main purpose would be to cover medical expenses, many travel insurance packages also cover loss and theft.<\/span><\/p>\n

Emergency numbers<\/b><\/h3>\n

You should keep these handy at all times, along with that of your embassy in case of an emergency.\u00a0<\/span>
\nKeep in mind that your embassy will likely have their own list of recommended hospitals and specialists in case you need one. Also, where applicable, register with your embassy so they know you\u2019re traveling in the country.<\/span><\/p>\n