Episode 190 features Erin Kilpatrick sharing how she has built a fully nomadic lifestyle around points, miles, and travel. After selling her home, car, and belongings and moving to Ecuador in 2023, Erin has spent the past several years living one to three months at a time in different countries. Awa…Episode 190 features Erin Kilpatrick sharing how she has built a fully nomadic lifestyle around points, miles, and travel. After selling her home, car, and belongings and moving to Ecuador in 2023, Erin has spent the past several years living one to three months at a time in different countries. Award travel is a major part of making that lifestyle possible, covering roughly 80% of her flights and 30% of her lodging, while she also maximizes credit-card offers, shopping portals, credits, and ...more
Did you know you can visit the Galápagos Islands without taking a cruise?
Before planning our family trip to Ecuador, I honestly assumed a Galápagos cruise was the only realistic way to experience the islands. And with a family of six, I also assumed it would be WAY out of our budget.
Then I start…Did you know you can visit the Galápagos Islands without taking a cruise?
Before planning our family trip to Ecuador, I honestly assumed a Galápagos cruise was the only realistic way to experience the islands. And with a family of six, I also assumed it would be WAY out of our budget.
Then I started researching land-based Galápagos trips.
Instead of sleeping on a boat, we stayed in hotels and Airbnbs on the inhabited islands, took a ferry between islands, planned our own activities, and booked a snorkeling excursion to Kicker Rock. It gave us more flexibility with the kids and allowed us to experience the Galápagos for significantly less than many of the cruise options I had researched.
In this episode of Travel with Kids, I'm breaking down exactly how we planned our 5-day, 4-night Galápagos trip with four kids, including what worked, what didn't, and what I would change if we did it again.
We'll talk about:
• Why we chose a land-based Galápagos trip instead of a cruise
• The pros and cons of land-based travel with kids
• How many days I think you REALLY need in the Galápagos
• Why we chose Santa Cruz and San Cristóbal
• Our complete 5-day Galápagos itinerary
• Flying into one island and out of another
• What it's actually like taking the inter-island ferries with kids
• Seeing giant Galápagos tortoises on Santa Cruz
• Visiting Tortuga Bay
• Our Kicker Rock snorkeling tour—and why it ended up being the highlight of our trip
• How our first-time snorkelers handled snorkeling in the open ocean
• The island I really regret skipping
• What I would do differently if I planned this trip again
• How much our Galápagos trip cost for a family of six
• Whether I would choose a land-based trip again—or splurge on a cruise next time
Our land-based Galápagos trip cost around $7,000 for our family of six, including our flights to Ecuador, flights between mainland Ecuador and the Galápagos, accommodations, transportation, park fees, excursions, food, and other expenses. We used miles for part of our international airfare, but I break down those costs in the episode so you can get a better idea of what to budget for your own trip.
And while I LOVED the freedom of traveling the Galápagos this way, my biggest regret is that we didn't stay longer. If I were planning this trip again, I would give ourselves at least 6–7 nights so we could add Isabela Island and another snorkeling excursion.
If the Galápagos Islands have always felt too expensive, too complicated, or like a destination you need to save until your kids are older, I hope this episode shows you that there's another way to experience this incredible destination as a family.
Read the full Galápagos with Kids guide:
https://www.emilymkrause.com/blog/galpagos-with-kids-how-we-planned-our-land-based-galpagos-islands-trip
Thinking about visiting Ecuador with kids? In this episode, I'm sharing our family's experience traveling through mainland Ecuador, including Quito, Cotopaxi National Park, and the Amazon Rainforest.
Ecuador has had a special place in my heart since I first visited while studying Spanish in college…Thinking about visiting Ecuador with kids? In this episode, I'm sharing our family's experience traveling through mainland Ecuador, including Quito, Cotopaxi National Park, and the Amazon Rainforest.
Ecuador has had a special place in my heart since I first visited while studying Spanish in college, so getting to return years later with my husband and four kids was incredibly special.
One of the things I love most about Ecuador is how much variety you can experience in one relatively small country. You can explore a historic city high in the Andes, stand on the equator, ride horses beneath a volcano, and venture into the Amazon Rainforest, all in the same trip.
In this episode, I'm sharing what we did, what our kids loved, where we stayed, and a few things I would definitely do differently next time.
We talk about:
• How we flew our family of six to Ecuador using points
• What it was like flying Avianca with kids
• Visiting the Intiñan Equator Museum
• Exploring Quito with kids
• Riding the TelefériQo high above Quito
• Climbing the towers of the Basílica del Voto Nacional
• Dealing with Quito's high altitude as a family
• Our overnight adventure in Cotopaxi National Park
• Staying at Tambopaxi Lodge and horseback riding in the Andes
• The mistake we made arriving at Cotopaxi National Park too late
• Hiring a private driver to get around Ecuador
• Traveling from Quito to the Amazon Rainforest
• Staying at El Jardín Lodge & Spa in Misahuallí
• Canoeing, visiting a butterfly garden, trying a blowdart, and searching for monkeys in the rainforest
• What surprised us about traveling Ecuador with four kids
• Tips I would give another family planning a similar trip
And yes, our trip also included the Galápagos Islands, but I'm saving that entire part of our adventure for next week's episode!
If Ecuador has never been on your family travel radar, I hope this episode gives you a little inspiration. It was easily one of the most memorable family trips we've ever taken.
Resources Mentioned:
Portugal Women's Group Trip
Read my full Ecuador + Galápagos family itinerary
Read my Ecuador Packing List
Coming next week: I'm sharing everything you need to know about visiting the Galápagos Islands with kids, including how we planned a land-based trip, where we stayed, what we did, and whether I think the Galápagos is actually worth the cost for families.
Having visited all 63 U.S. national parks, we felt it was time to broaden our scope and explore one of the most popular and biologically diverse national parks outside the United States: Galápagos National Park. Located hundreds of miles west of mainland Ecuador, this archipelago of tropical islands…Having visited all 63 U.S. national parks, we felt it was time to broaden our scope and explore one of the most popular and biologically diverse national parks outside the United States: Galápagos National Park. Located hundreds of miles west of mainland Ecuador, this archipelago of tropical islands straddles the equator.
Because the islands were isolated from other landmasses for millions of years, many plants and animals evolved into species found nowhere else on Earth. Much of the wildlife you encounter in the Galápagos exists only there.
Galaxy Cruises recently hosted our visit to this remarkable national park for four days and five nights aboard their EcoGalaxy catamaran. If you’d like to learn more about Galaxy Cruises, follow this link. And if you use the promo code MattandKaren at checkout, you’ll receive a 5% discount. If you use this code, we may earn a marketing fee, but you won’t pay anything extra.
Here are some of the topics we cover in this episode:
· A brief overview of the Galápagos, including a bit of history
· Our stay in Quito, Ecuador’s capital, for a couple of days before the cruise
· The flight from Quito to the islands and the process of getting through immigration, customs, and paying the park entrance fee
· Our daily activities during the cruise, including what we did and what we saw - like snorkeling in deep water for the first time while sea lions swam alongside of us
· Our impressions of the EcoGalaxy, the crew, and the accommodations
· And more!
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We head back to Ecuador to explore a lesser-visited southeastern loop that moves from the high Andes into the Amazon in just a few hours. David and Tim swap rainforest lodge stories, then David sits down in Cuenca with Felipe from Two Degrees Expeditions to unpack a new, community-driven route that …We head back to Ecuador to explore a lesser-visited southeastern loop that moves from the high Andes into the Amazon in just a few hours. David and Tim swap rainforest lodge stories, then David sits down in Cuenca with Felipe from Two Degrees Expeditions to unpack a new, community-driven route that threads cacao and guayusa farms, light-adventure rafting, birding lodges, Shuar cultural experiences, and standout gastronomy in Saraguro.
Why listen:
• Discover how quickly you can link the Andes and Amazon in southern Ecuador
• Learn what “light adventure” looks like for families and curious first-timers
• Hear how Shuar and Saraguro communities are leading culture-forward, sustainable tourism
• Get ideas for unique stays, from river-perched rooms to forest cabins
Places and experiences mentioned
• Cuenca
• The Andes and the Amazon of southern Ecuador
• Cacao farm visit and chocolate tasting
• Guayusa farming and tea tradition
• Family-friendly rafting experience
• Shuar community visit and cultural exchange
• Saraguro town and Chamuico restaurant (six-course tasting)
• Lodges referenced: Rio Vida Lodge (Hualaquiza), Copalinga Forest Lodge
Responsible travel notes
• This route is intentionally community-based. Please book with operators who compensate local partners fairly and cap group sizes.
• Follow lodge guidance on river and rainforest safety, stick to marked paths, and use insect repellent that is rainforest-safe.
• Cultural photography: always ask permission, especially during ceremonies.
Connect with the guest
Book directly with Two Degrees Expeditions or find them on Instagram at 2 degrees expeditions.
Note: Some of the above are affiliate links. if you book using them you will not be charged any extra, but we will receive a small commission to help support the show.more
This week we’re in Cuenca, Ecuador — a UNESCO World Heritage city nestled in the Andes. Known for its cobblestone streets, historic charm, bohemian spirit, and Panama hats (which, despite the name, actually come from Ecuador), Cuenca is a city where history, culture, food, and nature blend seamlessl…This week we’re in Cuenca, Ecuador — a UNESCO World Heritage city nestled in the Andes. Known for its cobblestone streets, historic charm, bohemian spirit, and Panama hats (which, despite the name, actually come from Ecuador), Cuenca is a city where history, culture, food, and nature blend seamlessly.
Host David Brodie is joined by Felipe Neira from 2 Degrees Expeditions, a Cuenca local and guide, to share the best of this remarkable destination — from markets and hot springs to Inca history and modern gastronomy.
What You’ll Discover in This Episode
• The deep history of Cuenca, once the northern capital of the Inca empire.
• Why the city’s rivers, surrounding mountains, and fertile valley make it so unique.
• The spiritual and cultural experiences found in Cuenca’s markets, including traditional healing rituals.
• Relaxing escapes at the region’s hot springs and boutique hotels.
• Felipe’s favorite restaurants that highlight Ecuadorian ingredients and innovation.
• Why simply walking Cuenca’s streets and riverside paths is one of the city’s greatest pleasures.
Where to Stay
• Parc Royale Cuenca – Boutique charm in a historic building with cathedral views
• Itza Hotel – Stylish design and stunning city viewpoints.
• Santa Lucia House – A colonial mansion with a tranquil courtyard and French restaurant.
What to Do
• Visit the vibrant 10 de Agosto Market — for fresh produce, traditional dishes like hornado, and encounters with healers.
• Experience traditional healing rituals — with herbs, energy cleanses, and spiritual traditions unique to the region.
• Soak in the Baños de Cuenca Hot Springs , a perfect place to relax among the Andes.
• Explore the Pumapungo Archaeological Park — ancient Inca ruins right in the city.
• Take in the creativity of Cuenca’s Street Art, with murals and painted cityscapes transforming urban spaces.
Where to Eat
• La María – Women-led kitchen creating innovative cuisine from traditional Ecuadorian ingredients.
• Dos Sucres – Seasonal, farm-to-table dining with produce from their own gardens.
Plan Your Trip
• Learn more about tours with 2 Degrees Expeditions, Felipe’s company offering guided experiences in Cuenca and beyond.more
Could guided group travel be your next brave step? In this episode, Cheryl sits down with Avery Hale-Smith, Chief Experience Officer at Backroads, to explore how active, guided adventures are changing the way women experience travel around the world. From immersive childhood travel in Ecuador to stu…Could guided group travel be your next brave step? In this episode, Cheryl sits down with Avery Hale-Smith, Chief Experience Officer at Backroads, to explore how active, guided adventures are changing the way women experience travel around the world. From immersive childhood travel in Ecuador to studying abroad in India, Avery shares how meaningful cultural experiences shaped her view of travel—and how that perspective now informs Backroads’ active journeys across six continents. In This Epis...more
Please click here to 'Follow' the show - it really helps get the show to a wider audience (which I really thank you for!). 🚨 Don't FORGET to Join the Adventure Newsletter Here 🚨😎 In this enlightening recap episode of The Adventure Diaries, Chris Watson sits revisits the Call to Adventure & Pay It Fo…Please click here to 'Follow' the show - it really helps get the show to a wider audience (which I really thank you for!). 🚨 Don't FORGET to Join the Adventure Newsletter Here 🚨😎 In this enlightening recap episode of The Adventure Diaries, Chris Watson sits revisits the Call to Adventure & Pay It Forward segments with Hazen Audel, the charismatic explorer and host of Primal Survivor. Hazen shares his passion for rewilding, the importance of ecotourism, and his experiences in some of the...more
This week on the pod, join Ryan as he explores Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city. Discover a Millennial Malecon, delve into miniature history museums teeming with pirates, and encounter feral iguanas. Also, stay tuned as Kiernan learns what a chameleon is.
Things we talk about in this week's episod…This week on the pod, join Ryan as he explores Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city. Discover a Millennial Malecon, delve into miniature history museums teeming with pirates, and encounter feral iguanas. Also, stay tuned as Kiernan learns what a chameleon is.
