The Perfect Family Trip

Stepping foot on these lands for the first time, it's hard not to stare in disbelief as hundreds of sunbathing iguanas block your path, completely unphased by human interference. Here the tortoises are older than the radio, lava oozes from ocean floors, and folklore says that lost&nbsp;treasure might still be found thanks to the pirates and buccaneers who prowled the waters in the 16th century.This isn’t an excerpt taken from a mythical legend, these are the Galápagos Islands.

While I've been designing trips to the <a href="https://butterfield.com/trip/bespoke/ecuador-galapagos-bespoke" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Galápagos Islands</a> for years, the magic of stepping off the plane never fails to be an assault on all my senses. Travellers have been crossing off the Islands as one of those once-in-a-lifetime destinations for decades—and rightfully so.With its lunar-like landscapes and rare flora and fauna found nowhere else on earth, it's an other-worldly haven.&nbsp;A haven and a vibrant backdrop for a family adventure.Getting up close with wildlife isn’t only magical for the kids, the close encounters with multiple species are something to engage you at any age. Learning about this ecosystem never stops, and what better way to adventure with multiple generations?

George Butterfield called on his family of 13 to join him on a trip, the challenge was to find a destination and itinerary that appeals to everyone – from 83-year-old George and 9-year-old granddaughter Ellie. But when you travel to the Galápagos, you’ll find it’s a place that keeps families together. Or in George’s words: “the perfect family trip.”&nbsp;“There are very few perfect family trips,” George says. “You must have something that appeals to everyone, so it's hard to encompass something that’s interesting for all age groups. Animal life and bird life are two of them, and that’s why the Galápagos is the perfect trip. It’s just like an African safari. There’s life on land and life in the water, and you’re all together exploring at the same time. There are no diversions.”Over 17 days, the Butterfields were able to reconnect after being straddled across the globe for the first time in two years thanks to a certain pandemic. By day they spotted rare animals like the blue-footed boobie; snorkelled, surfed, kayaked and hiked through white sand beaches and turquoise waters; and learned about Charles Darwin’s rare discoveries alongside naturalist guides. By night they motored to the next island via a 16-passenger private yacht, allowing the freedom to explore the lesser-known islands, each with its own unique wildlife (which is in fact our <a href="https://butterfield.com/get-inspired/a-boat-cruise-around-the-galapagos-islands" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">favourite way</a> to see the Galápagos!). When they weren't cruising the waters, the Butterfields also stayed at Galápagos Safari Camp, an intimate glamping experience comprising luxury tented camps, similar to what you would see in Africa.

The Butterfields Take On The Galápagos

While the Galápagos can be compared to an African safari, the animals here are much more up-close-and-personal; because of the harmonious existence with humans, the animals are not afraid of us. Iguanas mingle with sea lions, 600 lb giant tortoises meander along in groups and the various birds observe it all from above (or below in the penguin's case!).“I don’t think I know a place in the world where human beings haven’t taken it and changed it,” George said. “On these islands, there’s nothing except the way life was thousands of years ago. It’s very primeval. When you step around the iguanas, they don’t move. They don’t even scatter. That’s because human beings haven’t been predators to them, whereas in so much of the world human beings have killed them off.”But maintaining one of the world’s last Shangri-La is no easy task. The islands are 97% National Park and governed by a special law that restricts the number of travellers that can visit. And with more and more travellers looking to explore far-flung, remote, bucket-list destinations, it’s often advised to book a full year in advance for normal travel and 2 or more years in advance for festive dates and school holidays.

The Last Shangri-La

For George, the exclusivity of the island was what made it so appealing for a family trip in the first place. People should want to visit the Galápagos because they limit the number of visitors. The privacy is in fact one of the best parts, and sharing that special magic with loved ones is bound to create memories to last a lifetime.&nbsp;But you don't have to take it from George, take it from the grandkids themselves! From snorkelling among hammerhead sharks to watching unique birdlife at Darwin's Research Centre, we asked George’s family to share their most memorable trip highlights.&nbsp;

When you travel to the Galápagos Islands, you’ll find it’s a place that keeps families together. Or in George Butterfield's words: “the perfect family trip.”

Ecuador & Galapagos

Ecuador is a country of extraordinary diversity, from the Andean highlands and Amazon rainforest to the iconic Galápagos Islands—a living museum of wildlife and natural wonder. In mainland Ecuador, explore Quito’s colonial architecture, wander through vibrant markets, and uncover Incan history against stunning mountain backdrops. Then, step into the world of the Galápagos, where giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, and sea lions thrive in unspoiled landscapes. With Butterfield &amp; Robinson, journey through Ecuador’s cultural richness and the Galápagos’ wild beauty, immersing yourself in adventures that blend discovery, nature, and the magic of one of the world’s most unique destinations.

Ancient cultures meet pristine wildlife

Ecuador & Galapagos | Butterfield & Robinson

Here, you can sail into a turquoise cove with no other boats in sight, walk barefoot down a powdery white beach, sit yourself down on lava rock and watch a baby sea lion sneak up for a closer inspection. A pantheon of the animal kingdom's strangest and most wonderful creatures await just off the coast of Ecuador, and here, you'll get closer to them than you ever thought possible. Discover Ecuador &amp; the Galapagos Islands on a private, bespoke trip—tailored-made your way. Here are a few ideas to help get you started.

Explore the land that stirred Darwin and turned science on its ear

Bespoke travel lets you take our inspirational cues and craft them into your personalized, private adventure. Collaborate one-on-one with an Experience Designer to put together your tailor-made trip.

Ecuador & Galapagos

The Perfect Family Trip

The Butterfields Take On The Galápagos

The Last Shangri-La

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