Ecuador Family Holidays

Its smaller size relative to many other South American countries means that there is much less travelling about between places, ensuring you can get a wonderful diversity of destinations within a relaxed pace itinerary.

Equally, despite being on the Equator, much of the country is at higher altitude giving it pleasant spring like weather much of the year.

Even the Galapagos islands nearby are cooled by the Humboldt currents making it a fantastic place to head to with children of any age, although you of course are the best judge as to how much your children will enjoy seeing all the myriad of amazing wildlife species there!

Quito

Quito’s historic centre has been beautifully restored and is so safe and easy to explore on foot from lovely easy-going hotels.

Quito also makes a great base for exploration from seeing the Equator line to tasting local chocolate, a cable car ride for great city views or some amazing child-friendly interactive museums.

Highlands

The highlands themselves are perfect for a whole host of adventures from exploring colourful local markets and craft villages to riding, hiking and exploring local rural communities, visiting condor rehabilitation projects or testing out your Spanish bartering for gifts to take back home.

There are some marvellous opportunities for riding adventures for all abilities here to make the perfect South America riding holiday.

Riding is especially wonderful in the highlands area, staying at fabulous family-run haciendas where one can ride, go trekking, and mountain bike. You can also explore the farm and dairy production, such as cheese-making.

The Amazon Basin

For older children and teenagers on your Ecuador family holiday, you could consider including a journey into the Amazon Basin. Discover by boat or on short hikes its fascinating and truly unique flora and fauna, and interact with local communities whilst staying in comfortable jungle lodges – a winner with our families every time!

Machalilla National Park

Machalilla National Park, north of Guayaquil on Ecuador’s Pacific coast, is a perfect place for combining a tranquil beach break, with the whale-watching season running from June to October, and is ideal for Ecuador family holidays.

From relaxed rustic coastal lodges, head out for day trips by boat to Isla de la Plata, an easily accessible ‘Galápagos in miniature’.

Here you can spot sea lions and blue-footed boobies, go kayaking amongst verdant mangroves and coastal bays, and see Panama hats being woven at Montecristi.

Combine your Ecuador family holiday either with a private Galápagos holiday (a truly wonderful wildlife destination for families) or perhaps with a luxury holiday to Peru.

Find out more about our unique Ecuador holidays >

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