E xplore Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands with a professional photographer! Learn photographic techniques such as composition, using lighting, wildlife photography and more. Your family will experience the rich culture of the Andes and the amazing natural history of the Galapagos on this truly incredible family vacation, and professional photographer Chris Gamel will be along every step of the way to help you record your family vacation using digital photography.

Our journey begins west of the mainland on our nature cruise among the Galapagos Islands, one of the planet's most fascinating ecosystems. Each day we disembark on a different island to explore, swim and take pictures of the almost tame wildlife.

Return to Quito and head to the rolling Highlands of the Ecuadorian Andes. Visit with villagers and artisans, learning about their ancient culture and shopping for crafts in colorful markets, and we’ll also go on a beautiful hike around Lake Cuicocha. Each day offers wonderful opportunities to take pictures of Ecuador’s stunning scenery and amazing wildlife, and Chris will offer informal lessons and workshops to help you improve your photography skills.

About Chris

As a wildlife photographer, Chris’s goal is to share the beauty and biology of the natural world. His photographs have won recognition in both the Valley Land Fund and Coastal Bend photography contests. In 2004, Chris’s dramatic image of an egret in flight received the Grand Prize at the Utah State Fair. This was followed by a highly honored designation for one of Chris’s Photoshop creations in the 2006 Nature’s Best photography contest. Chris is an active member of the North America Nature Photography Association and served as the chair of the Education Committee.

Chris’s knowledge of film and digital technologies help his students develop the underlying technical skills needed to create outstanding photographs. His background in wildlife behavior and ecology give his students the opportunity to enhance their understanding of their wildlife subjects. These skills provide students with the tools needed to produce stunning wildlife photographs that capture both the memory and emotion of their personal experiences.

Day 1 – Depart U.S. / Arrive Quito

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, where your Ecuador family vacation begins. Days 2 to 5 – Galapagos Islands Cruise The unique wildlife of the Galapagos Islands makes for wonderful photographs! Board the M/V Galapagos Explorer II for a first-class, four-night cruise through one of the true wonders of the natural world. Our cruise ship is 293 feet long and holds only 100 passengers, so families have plenty of room to spread out and can enjoy the journey without experiencing the motion of a smaller vessel. Experienced naturalists lead two shore expeditions per day to seek out wildlife and help our families learn about the fascinating natural history of these volcanic islands.

Days 2 to 5 Galapagos Islands Cruise

The unique wildlife of the Galapagos Islands makes for wonderful photographs!    Board the M/V Galapagos Explorer II for a first-class, four-night cruise through one of the true wonders of the natural world.  Our cruise ship is 293 feet long and holds only 100 passengers, so families have plenty of room to spread out and can enjoy the journey without experiencing the motion of a smaller vessel.  Experienced naturalists lead two shore expeditions per day to seek out wildlife and help our families learn about the fascinating natural history of these volcanic islands.

Welcome to Darwin’s Enchanted Islands…

Bartholomew & Santiago Islands Bartholomew is an island of varied volcanic formations with a 350-foot summit and a fabulous 360º view. After a wet landing in a cove, we can try to see a small colony of Galapagos penguins – the only penguins north of the equator. Behind the beach can be found red and white mangroves, salt bush, morning glory, and prickly pear cactuses.

The trail at Santiago crosses the dry interior, where the remains of a salt-mining enterprise can be seen, and then continues along the coast. Land iguanas are scattered around feeding on algae while oyster catchers try to capture sally lightfoot crabs, and it is one of the only places in the islands where fur seals can be seen. Fernandina & Isabela Islands Herons, sandpipers and wimbrels explore the mangrove roots on Fernandina, while marine iguanas sun themselves. Following a trail inland, two different types of lava flows can be seen and compared.

Isabela is composed of six shield volcanoes merged into a single land mass. The Galapagos Explorer II is one of only a few faster, better-equipped boats able to make the long journey to the visitor sites on its western side. The trip is more than worthwhile for the unique species that live only in this part of the archipelago, and because the landscape, with massive volcanoes silhouetted against the sky, offers a striking contrast to the lower-lying islands of the east. North Seymour & Santa Cruz Islands North Seymour is a small flat island composed mainly of rocks and a long sandy stretch where sea lions and marine iguanas hang out next to the surf. The interior has a  small Opuntia cactus forest with blue-footed boobies and magnificent frigate bird colonies.

We'll travel by bus through changing vegetation zones to the Santa Cruz Highlands.  Here, about 40 giant tortoises live in the wild.  By approaching quietly, we can find and observe turtles on our own.  We can also hike through tunnels made by cooling lava. Casual photography workshops We'll enjoy casual lectures, briefings or workshops that are appropriate to each day’s activities.  Professional photographer Chris Gamel offers flexible instruction topics to suit photographers of any and all skill levels.

Days 6 to 8 – Andean Highlands

Ecuador should not be known for the Galapagos Islands alone. Over the years we’ve found our families return raving about how unexpectedly wonderful the Highlands experience was. The stunning scenery makes a wonderful backdrop for taking pictures. Head to Cuicocha Lake, where you can hike and take pictures while learning about the orchids, hummingbirds, and other exotic birds of the region.

Condor Project Here you’ll have the opportunity to see the largest flying bird on Earth in its natural surroundings. Located at Hacienda Zuleta, a working hacienda that still produces cheese and plants crops, the Condor Project was created to reintroduce captive condors to the wild. Friends Across Borders meeting (pen pals) Thomson families love this program! Children traveling with us can choose to exchange letters with a local child of similar age before leaving on their adventure. While on the family trip we organize a pen pal meeting with a scheduled activity like soccer or hacky sacking. It’s amazing how such interaction can be a real eye-opener for everyone involved, and a great photo op for parents! Hike at Cuicocha Lake Hike around this scenic lake while learning about orchids, hummingbirds, Andean ducks and other exotic birds of the region. Free afternoon at Hacienda Cusin Relax and enjoy the Hacienda – check out the game room, film library or just step outside to see llamas, horses, peacocks and other animals. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, go horseback riding or take a scenic bike ride. Casual photography workshops Enjoy casual lectures, briefings or workshops that are appropriate to each day’s activities. Professional photographer Chris Gamel offers flexible instruction topics to suit photographers of any and all skill levels.

Day 9 – Andean Highlands / Quito

Get your bargaining skills honed! Travelers young and old love to go to Otavalo Market with just a few bucks and see what they come out with, and the color and whirl of the market is fun to try to capture in photos. Return to Quito for our farewell dinner.

Otavalo Market Welcome to Latin America’s second largest indigenous market. At Poncho Plaza you can shop for local crafts, handmade weavings, sweaters and panama hats.

Day 10 – Depart Quito / Arrive U.S.

Optional Community Service Extension

Have an extra week, and interested in community service? Add a week or more to your adventure and deepen your understanding of the lives of the people who live here. We’ll use our partnerships with the local community to connect you to their sustainable projects. Depending on the specific need at the time you might paint, build, plant, or simply read aloud. This is a great opportunity for our children to gain a sense of giving back to others, and to see that those who seem different can be very much the same. We've found that you need to devote at least a week to be even a small help to the sustainable project.

Please Note:   Thomson Family Adventures will attempt to adhere to this itinerary as much as possible. However, certain conditions (political, climatic, environmental, cultural, or availability) may necessitate changes in the accommodations.

Why Ecuador and the Galapagos?

Galapagos Islands geography 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. Galapagos Islands wildlife 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. Darwin’s Theory Charles Darwin visited the Galapagos Islands in 1835 on his return to England after repatriating the Fuegians. He collected various birds, which he took back to John Gould, a famous ornithologist, in England. While Darwin initially thought the birds were not closely related, Gould concluded that the birds were in fact, "a series of ground Finches which are so peculiar" as to form "an entirely new group, containing 12 species." This story made the newspapers and formed the basis for Darwin’s groundbreaking theory. Culture and history of the Andean Highlands 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.

Why Ecuador and the Galapagos with Thomson?

Perfect combination of Galapagos and Andean Highlands Our adventure offers you the best of all worlds. Your itinerary starts in Quito, where you’ll tour the colonial sites of the city. Then head north into the Andean Highlands, where we’ve included three nights at Hacienda Cusin. With the picturesque hacienda as your home base, there will be opportunities to hike, check out local markets, and tour a condor rescue park. Our families return raving about how unexpectedly wonderful their time in the Andean Highlands was. Next we head west into the Pacific for our three or four night nature cruise among the Galapagos Islands. Our ship holds only 100 passengers, so you have plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the passage. Experienced naturalists will take you on shore to seek out, and learn about, the wildlife on these volcanic islands. You will visit San Cristobal and Espanola islands, where you will enjoy exploring, swimming and interacting with wildlife that is unfazed by your presence. And three or four nights in the Galapagos is perfect for most families; enough time to see the highlights and the vast array of wildlife, but not so much time that kids start to get bored. Visit to Condor reclamation project at Hacienda Zuleta As a special treat, we’ve included a visit to The Condor Project. Your family will love seeing the largest flying bird on the planet. Located at Hacienda Zuleta, a working hacienda that produces cheese, the Condor Project is reintroducing captive condors into the wild. There is also the option to take a scenic hike through the spectacular highlands to get to Zuleta. Otavalo Market No visit is complete without a trip to Otavalo Market, Latin America’s second largest indigenous market. Here you will find textiles woven by the Otavalo Indians, who have been practicing their art for 400 years. Test out your bargaining skills at Poncho Plaza, where you can shop for local crafts, textiles, handmade weavings, sweaters and panama hats. Staying at Hacienda Cusin Relax and enjoy this Hacienda that dates back to the early 17th century. Each room is unique, and the grounds are dotted with cobblestone courtyards, flowering gardens, and green spaces. Check out the game room, film library or just step outside to see llamas, horses, peacocks and other animals and the distant snowcapped peaks. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, go horseback riding or take a scenic bike ride. Extra special treatment on board the Galapagos Explorer II! On board the Galapagos Explorer II, the wonderful crew gives you VIP treatment. The cruise ship is 293 feet long and holds only 100 passengers, so families have plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the journey. Our experienced naturalists lead two onshore expeditions each day, to help you seek out wildlife and learn about the fascinating natural history of these 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 comfortable air-conditioned cabins. Friends Across Borders meeting Thomson families love this program! Children traveling with us can choose to exchange letters with a local child of a similar age before leaving on their adventure. In Ecuador, your child will get to meet his or her pen pal through a fun activity like soccer or hacky sack. It’s amazing how much kids learn about one another — and the appreciation they gain for one another’s culture — when they meet through this eye-opening program. Perfect place for a Family Reunion When was the last time your extended family got together? A Thomson trip is the perfect way for your entire family – near and far – to spend time with relatives that you might not see as often as you would like. Pick a destination and a date, and we’ll do the rest! Let Thomson help you plan the perfect family reunion amidst the beauty and splendor of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. Mountain biking, volunteer activity and orienteering for teens Thomson has created a bunch of great activities for teens to enjoy in the Andean Highlands. Novice or experienced bikers will enjoy mountain biking through the countryside and centuries-old villages. Or you can try their hand at orienteering. After your teens have learned how to use a handheld GPS device and read topographical maps, we will put their new skills to work as we set out on a hike in search of a buried treasure. Ever think of “giving back to the community” while on vacation? We can help you and your teen choose an activity that supports sustainable tourism — and your family will feel good knowing you’ve made a difference.