A wonderful family trip to Galapagos!Just returning from an incredible 10 day fami...
Galapagos Islands | Mar 11 - Mar 22, 2026

Elinore
Elinore J.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Mar 23, 2026

Just returning from an incredible 10 day family trip to Ecuador and Galápagos Islands.
Our planning for this trip started with Alvaro, who worked tirelessly planning a trip that would appeal to all ages and abilities.
The communication with so many “moving parts” , was outstanding!
A short time before our trip was going to start, Alvaro introduced us to Ibeth, who was our contact person until we touched ground back in Canada. I’m not sure if she actually sleeps, because she responded instantly with all questions and requests! We met her on a video call before leaving which was very helpful for all.
Our guides in each and every stop were knowledgeable, kind and extremely flexible with our requests. True professionals!
Matteo, in Quito, communicated to Fabricio in San Cristobal that our youngest granddaughter was showing signs of altitude sickness, so that he was aware and offered a stop at a pharmacy if needed.
Fabricio was so passionate and knowledgeable at the breeding station.
Gabriel, on Isabella Island was the very same when it came to our snorkeling adventures as well. Gabriel was also able to obtain a missing suitcase for our 11 year old- so she didn’t miss out on our snorkel trip - he really came through for us!
As you can see, there is a theme here- kudos to James, Phillipe and Andreas as well!
Our accommodations were perfect for our family- small, family run hotels, with good breakfasts in the am and locations to restaurants, beaches, etc, were excellent.
Thanks to all that made this a once in a lifetime trip for our entire family!

Hotel Reviews
SeaSide Hotel
Galapagos

This was a quaint hotel - very quiet - perfect location to local beach and to town as well. It was perfect for a family stay with a small pool outside our door. Breakfast was home cooked and the “honour” fridge was really convenient with soft drinks and beer.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Close to local Beach and restaurants and stores, but secluded.
Staff
Provided towels and bag breakfasts for early morning trips.
Cleanliness & Comfort
The air conditioning worked well
EB Hotel by Eurobuilding Quito
Quito

Relaxing, accommodating hotel! We spent three nights total and we found that staff were very helpful and professional! We were able to store a bag for our return and they found an e-book that was left in the safe! Their complimentary breakfast was 5 Star! My only criticism would be the lack of a wine list - very little choice, considering the abundance of South American wines.

Authenticity & Character
I wouldn’t say it’s authentic decor- but the local roses in the lobby were unbelievable!
Location
Good location for airport - not great for exploring around unless with a taxi.
Staff
Covered in initial review
Cleanliness & Comfort
Albemarle
Puerto Villamil

The picture…is exactly the way it looks outside our room - but I would recommend requesting an exterior room. That being said - all the rooms were spacious and clean.

Authenticity & Character
The small pool and gardens were lovely and the rooftop pool view was stunning!
Location
Perfect- on a quiet sandy road - steps away from town!
Staff
Excellent- because of the island holiday celebrations, she warned us of noise/music that would go on quite late and offered ear plugs proactively!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Beach towels and robes provided
Plaza Luna Suites
Puerto Ayora

This is a gem!! Lovely, quaint accommodations, locally owned and with a history to go with it! Rooms were perfect with amenities well thought out. Breakfast on the terrace was a lovely way to start the day. Beach towels provided, unlimited filtered water and location couldn’t be better

Authenticity & Character
Authentic- but updated so well!
Location
Right on the Main Street, but you didn’t know it until you walked out of the high gate - all right there!
Staff
Delilah (owner) greeted us in a very personal way, learning about her family and their role in th Galápagos Islands. Us
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lovely- even a small communal kitchen area where we used the dishes for a take out dinner one night.
Activity Reviews
Wildlife Encountering at Lobos Island - Family Activities
Wildlife Encountering at Lobos Island - Family Activities
Isla San Cristóbal

This involves a boat ride and a stop at Lobos where we hiked about an 1 1/2 hours - we couldn’t believe our eyes being able to see the male frigate birds with their red expanded breasts hoping to be picked by a female. Also, blue footed boobies, iguanas, baby frigates.

Quality of Experience
The mating Frigates!
Food
Local restaurant - great food!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Very helpful, but there was really no alternative to not have to walk on the unstable rocks.
Transport
Visit Intiñan Museum
Visit Intiñan Museum
Quito

Great guides - super experience!

Quality of Experience
The guide!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
The guide!
Transport
Good driver
Exclusive Experience at The Agave Route in the Middle of the World!
Exclusive Experience at The Agave Route in the Middle of the World!
Quito

This was our second time to visit - bringing family this time…very cool experience for all ages - during the tasting, our 11 and13 yr old in the group was able to participate as well - with non alcoholic agave tastings.

Quality of Experience
The bartender was the same person as last year and he makes it all very fun during the cocktail making.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
As stated
Transport
Safe and prompt
Unforgettable Day Trip to Bartolome Island
Unforgettable Day Trip to Bartolome Island
Puerto Ayora

Our last full day in Galapagos and it couldn’t have been more enjoyable! Our family of 8 and 6 others gave us lots of space on a lovely cabin cruiser - with great staff and a delicious lunch!

Quality of Experience
Our skipper was skilled and the ride was smooth and relaxing
Food
A delicious full hot lunch! Very tasty- with a cash bar !
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Philippe was a wealth of information! And for those that did not want to walk up to the top, a zodiac ride around the island - pointing out a baby penguin, baby sea lions and many varieties of sea birds!
Transport
Safe and relaxing
Local specialist: Alvaro Pereira
Alvaro
Alvaro Pereira
Local specialist in Quito, Ecuador | Replied on Mar 24, 2026
Hi Elinore, Reading your message truly made my day thank you so much for taking the time to write such a thoughtful and detailed review. It was an absolute pleasure to have your family visiting Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands. I feel very lucky to have joined you along the way and the trip definitely reached your expectations. Your kind words about the team truly mean a lot. I’ll be sure to share your feedback with Ibeth, Matteo, Fabricio, Gabriel, as well as James, Phillipe, and Andreas... Read more

Hi Elinore,

Reading your message truly made my day thank you so much for taking the time to write such a thoughtful and detailed review.

It was an absolute pleasure to have your family visiting Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands. I feel very lucky to have joined you along the way and the trip definitely reached your expectations.

Your kind words about the team truly mean a lot. I’ll be sure to share your feedback with Ibeth, Matteo, Fabricio, Gabriel, as well as James, Phillipe, and Andreas they will be very happy to know they helped make your experience so memorable.

I hope we can welcome you back for another unforgettable journey in the future!

Hugs,
Alvaro