Galapagos Islands

Fun food –

Kids will love the French fries – they are made fresh from the delicious local potatoes (potatoes originated in the Andes). For drinks, try the local soft drink, FlorAvanti, and fresh orange juice. Ice cream in fruit flavors such as coconut and pineapple are good. Sample the wide variety of tropical fruits, large papayas, guavas, passion fruit, mangos, local bananas.

Shopping –

Ecuador is a shoppers paradise, with tons of stuff for kids. Look for painted wooden animals such as parrots and toucans, Andean flutes and drums, CDs of Andean music, pottery figurines, dolls, handwoven sweaters and ponchos, silver and beaded jewelry, miniature fluffy llamas.

We hadn't a clue about chumbi belts or blue-footed boobies before we went to Ecuador, and combining the Andrean Highlands with the Galapagos Island is a trip that will stay with your kids forever.

Here's our editors' choice for Ecuador family tours, with itineraries that offer travel with other families, knowledgeable guides, and a kid-friendly balance of organized activities and the freedom to explore. Whether it's hiking in the rain forest, visiting a traditional market, observing awesome wildlife up close, these tour companies will arrange an unforgettable trip to Ecuador: