Advice for Families Traveling Abroad by Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka on Their Magnificent Galapagos Expedition

Dinner at Quito, Ecuador's trendy Zazu was on the menu for Neil Patrick Harris, David Burtka, and their twin children on their maiden night there. The roasted guinea pig served three ways was their favorite meal from the tasting menu. 

Professional chef Burtka told Travel + Leisure, "When we travel, we try everything, that's just our style." Thus ended their conversation. "When it comes to food, the rule is that you don't have to like everything, but you at least have to try it." 

This was the beginning of the family's rapid two-week journey through Ecuador. The Harris-Burtka family, who have traversed the globe extensively, have arrived in the nation for the first time. However, their eleven-year-old twins, Harper Grace and Gideon Scott, were the ones to get things rolling. 

"They're very experienced travelers," Burtka remarked. 

"And readers of Travel + Leisure," Harris chimed in. 

Staying at the five-star Casa Gangotena hotel, taking a day trip to the Middle of the World monument, and exploring the city's vibrant streets while peeking inside churches to admire their golden surfaces and elaborate decorations were all things the family did in their little over two days in Quito. 

The following week, though, was a whole other ballgame: a circumnavigation of the Galapagos with Hurtigruten Expeditions, a Norwegian cruise line that has just joined up with Metropolitan Touring of Ecuador to explore the archipelago. Perched islands like as Española and Santa Fe, as well as daily aquatic and on-land excursions, expert-led lectures, and port calls were all part of the cruise program. 

The cruise was more than Burtka could have imagined for his lifelong goal of visiting the Galapagos. 

“We simply adored it,” he continued. "The excursions were phenomenal, and the Hurtigruten guides were so knowledgeable." 

Harris thought the trip was just right because it was both entertaining and educational. 

"When education can be experiential, it has more impact. 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 remarked, with an exclamation point. Both our children's and our own lives have been striving to incorporate more of it. 

While snorkeling near the San Cristóbal islands, they beheld vibrant schools of parrot fish, and swimming among dolphins and sharks was another highlight of their voyage. 

The family continued their journey by spending two nights at Mashpi Lodge, an innovative eco-hotel located on the Andes' western flanks. 

The lodge is three and a half hours away from Quito, and the road leading there is narrow and twisting, passing through tiny towns, beautiful valleys, and sugar cane fields. According to Harris, the journey was particularly rocky following the family's week at sea. However, the calming sounds of the jungle and birdsong greeted them as soon as they reached their destination. 

The Mashpi family went on nocturnal hikes to spot spiders and snakes, swam in waterfalls, and climbed through thick cloud forests. Even more thrilling was their ride on an aerial bike through the forest canopy. 

As a farewell treat, the family spent their final night in the Hummingbird Garden, a platform in the heart of the forest that is home to around 19 different species of hummingbirds. Holding feeders aloft, the family watched as a swarm of birds around them as the sun dipped below the horizon. 

Following their exciting journey, the Harris-Burtkas have returned to New York City, where they intend to relax for a bit. However, they are already planning their next family excursion. 

"There are trips that we waited to take until our kids were old enough to appreciate them," Harris added. Now that they're older and can take care of themselves, we're encouraging them to venture out. We have yet to explore Asia and go on safari! 

While snorkeling near the San Cristóbal islands, they beheld vibrant schools of parrot fish, and swimming among dolphins and sharks was another highlight of their voyage. 

The family continued their journey by spending two nights at Mashpi Lodge, an innovative eco-hotel located on the Andes' western flanks. 

The lodge is three and a half hours away from Quito, and the road leading there is narrow and twisting, passing through tiny towns, beautiful valleys, and sugar cane fields. According to Harris, the journey was particularly rocky following the family's week at sea. However, the calming sounds of the jungle and birdsong greeted them as soon as they reached their destination. 

The Mashpi family went on nocturnal hikes to spot spiders and snakes, swam in waterfalls, and climbed through thick cloud forests. Even more thrilling was their ride on an aerial bike through the forest canopy. Burtka added his two cents for families planning a trip, expressing the same opinion. 

"Ecuador isn't necessarily a chill family vacation," according to him. There are many outings. Therefore, I think it would be a good fit for families with kids older than eight. And in between all that exploring, make sure you get some iPad time in. 

But the actor is still involved with travel through his newsletter, Wondercade, whether they're going on an adventure or just lounging around the house. 

"I just wanted to talk about things that are worth talking about," Harris said of his newsletter, which includes subjects such as his family's favorite dishes, their fantasy vacations, and his ideas for kid-friendly entertainment.