Due to limited availability for our frequent flyer mile tickets, we had to book first class (poor us!) for the first time ever. My mom and I were thrilled with the real dinnerware, table cloths and excellent food- such a treat! We were preparing my kids, Hailey and Matthew, to be impressed and letting them know how lucky they were. My 5 year old …

We woke early for the bumpy transfer to our canopy tour near Cotopaxi National Park. We opted for the 5 cable zipline that required a bit of extra hiking. Mom struggled on the walk at such high elevation, but we stopped along the way and snacked on blueberries. Jorge, our guide, told us that they make a special soup of the blueberries to eat with …

We met our horseback riding guide and got fitted in chaps and ponchos for the ride. I was worried about Matthew riding by himself, but he did great despite my hesitancy (and his own). The guide led Matthew's horse and Hailey gamely took hers by the reins without help. We headed straight up the hill for a stunning view over the hacienda.

After …

This morning we drove to Otavalo Market, stopping enroute to taste chirrimoya, a local fruit that is supposed to help stomach cancer, and cheese and biscuits. We also stopped at the Equator where Matthew tried unsuccessfully to balance an egg and accidentally broke it!

At the market, mom got busy buying all kinds of gifts for friends and family …

We divided into groups this morning for horseback riding, hiking and biking. Both kids wanted to go horseback riding again, but mom opted out since there were limited horses. Matthew rode with me on our short trip up the mountain for a view over the community.

After the ride, we started back to Quito, stopping along the way for lunch at a …

I must say that I am very impressed by Aerogal. Our coach seats rivaled the first class of American. We were served two beverages, a snack and a light meal and were given headphones for private video screens,

We arrived relaxed to Baltra airport where we were met by our Legend guide and escorted to the port. There we saw our first Galapagos …

So said my son as he sat at the edge of the Legend pool with a bowl of popcorn after our morning walk around Dragon Hill. The comment was all the more impressive because Dragon Hill was the least exciting of our land visits with a steep uphill walk and less wildlife than most islands.

We were back on the ship by 9 for the long voyage to …

So said my daughter while eating chocolate fondue after our morning excursion to Espanola. This excursion was the best yet- lots of sea lions, iguanas, lava lizards, albatros, masked boobies, finches, and blue-footed boobies. I particularly loved watching the albatros courtship ritual that consisted of rapid beaks clicking together (kissing) and …

We had a panga ride to see the fur sea lions along the craggy rocks and then took a final dip in the pool before heading to the airport.

This evening we rode in a restored chiva, a 50s wooden bus and had a nice dinner at Patio Andaluz, a beautiful colonial hotel in downtown Quito.