Summary
The family went zip lining through a cloud forest, ate guinea pig, and cruised around the Galapagos.
On their first night in Quito, Ecuador, Neil Patrick Harris, his husband, David Burtka, and their two twin children went to the hotspot Zazu for dinner. Of all the dishes they tried off the tasting menu, their favorite was the roasted guinea pig prepared three ways.
“When we travel, we try everything; that’s just our style,” Burtka, a professional chef, told GoTravelDaily. “When it comes to food, the rule is that you don’t have to like everything, but you at least have to try it.”
Thus began the family’s whirlwind two-week trip in Ecuador. It was their first time in the country, but the Harris-Burtkas—who have traveled extensively through Europe and Latin America—hit the ground running with their 11-year-old twins, Harper Grace and Gideon Scott, leading the way.
“They’re seasoned travelers,” said Burtka.
“And GoTravelDaily readers,” added Harris.
During their time in Quito, the family stayed at the luxurious Casa Gangotena hotel, took a day trip to the Middle of the World monument, and explored the city’s colorful streets, peeking inside churches to admire the ornate decorations and gilded surfaces.
2. A Cruise Adventure in the Galapagos
However, nothing could compare to what came next: a weeklong journey through the Galapagos with Hurtigruten Expeditions, the Norwegian cruise line that recently expanded into the archipelago in partnership with Ecuador’s Metropolitan Touring. The cruise itinerary included daily aquatic and on-land excursions, expert-led talks, and visits to pristine islands like Española and Santa Fe.
For Burtka, who had long dreamed of traveling to the Galapagos, the cruise exceeded his every expectation.
“We just loved it,” he said. “The excursions were phenomenal, and the Hurtigruten guides were so knowledgeable.”
For Harris, the trip was the perfect fusion of fun and education.
“As much as I love watching Planet Earth, it doesn’t quite compare to being in the Galapagos, blowing bubbles five feet from a baby sea lion,” he explained, emphasizing that “when education can be experiential, it has more impact. We’ve been trying to fill our kids’ and our lives with more of that.”
The cruise also featured highlights such as swimming with sharks and dolphins, and snorkeling in the waters around San Cristóbal Islands, where they encountered colorful schools of parrotfish.
3. Stay at Mashpi Lodge
Subsequently, the family embarked on the next leg of their trip: a two-night stay at Mashpi Lodge, a pioneering eco-hotel on the western flanks of the Andes.
Reaching the lodge, a 3.5-hour drive from Quito, involved navigating narrow, winding roads that passed through small villages, dramatic valleys, and sugar cane plantations. It was quite a bumpy adventure, Harris recalled, especially following the family’s week at sea. However, once they arrived, they were instantly immersed in the soothing sounds of chirping birds and the rainforest ambiance.
While at Mashpi, the family swam in waterfalls, hiked through dense cloud forests, and engaged in night walks to glimpse spiders and snakes. They even rode an aerial bike across the canopy of the forest.
On their last night, the family enjoyed a special farewell experience at the Hummingbird Garden, a platform in the forest where approximately 19 species of hummingbirds can be identified. As the sun set, the family held feeders and marveled as dozens of birds circled them.
4. Family Travel Tips
Following their grand adventure, the Harris-Burtkas returned to New York City, looking forward to some downtime—albeit briefly—as they are already eyeing their next family adventure.
“There are trips that we waited to take until our kids were old enough to appreciate them,” noted Harris. “Now that they’re older and more self-sufficient, we’re pushing them to get out there. We still have safaris to do and Asia to discover!”
Conveying a valuable tip for families pondering a trip, Burtka remarked, “Ecuador isn’t necessarily a chill family vacation. There are a lot of excursions. Thus, I would recommend it for families with children ages 8 and above. Be sure to balance all the adventuring with relaxation time.”
Regardless of whether they’re off on an exciting journey or unwinding at home, Harris remains engaged with travel through his newsletter, Wondercade.
“I just wanted to talk about things that are worth discussing,” Harris stated, referring to his newsletter, which covers topics ranging from family favorite recipes to dream vacations and recommendations for kid-friendly entertainment.
