On their first night in Quito, Ecuador, Neil Patrick Harris, his husband, David Burtka, and their two twin children went to dinner in Zazu, a popular spot. Of all the dishes on their tasting menu, their favorite was the three-way roast guinea pig.
“When we travel, we try everything, that’s our style,” Burtka, a professional chef, told Travel + Leisure. “Regarding food, the rule is you don’t have to like everything, but you must at least try it.”
So, the family embarked on a two-week whirlwind trip to Ecuador. It was their first time in the country, but the Harris-Burtkas began their lives led by their 11-year-old twins, Harper Grace and Gideon Scott. The Harris-Burtkas have traveled the world, including to Europe and Latin America.
“They are seasoned travelers,” Mr. Burtka said.
“And the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine,” Harris added.
In less than two days in Quito, the family stayed at the luxurious Casa Gangotena hotel, took a day trip to the Central Monument of the World, walked the city’s colorful streets, and poked their heads into the church to admire the ornate decorations and gilded surfaces.
But nothing compares to what’s next: a week-long trip to the Galapagos Islands with Hurtigruten Expeditions. This Norwegian cruise line recently partnered with Metropolitan Touring in Ecuador, Expanding to the Galapagos Islands. The cruise itinerary includes daily water and land excursions, lectures led by experts, and visits to pristine islands such as Espanola and Santa Fe.
For Burtka, who had always dreamed of traveling to the Galapagos Islands, the voyage exceeded all his expectations.
“We just love it,” he said. “The short trips are great, and the guides in Hurtigruten are knowledgeable.”
For Harris, the trip was the perfect combination of fun and education.
“As much as I love watching ‘Planet Earth,’ it doesn’t compare to blowing bubbles five feet from baby sea lions on the Galapagos Islands,” he said, explaining that “when education can be experiential, it makes a bigger impact.” We’re always trying to fill our kids’ and our lives with more of that.”
Their other highlights included swimming with sharks and dolphins and snorkeling around the Santa Cristobal Islands, where they saw schools of colorful parrots.
The family then moved on to the next leg of their trip: a two-night stay at Mashpi Lodge, a pioneering eco-hotel on the western side of the Andes.
The 3.5-hour drive from Quito to the lodge involves crossing narrow, winding roads past small villages, spectacular valleys, and sugar plantations. Harris recalled that it was quite a bumpy adventure, especially after the family had been at sea for a week. But once they arrived, they were immediately soothed by birdsong and the rainforest sounds.
During the Mashpi days, the family swam in waterfalls, hiked in dense cloud forests, and took evening walks to see spiders and snakes. They even rode their skybikes through the forest canopy.
On their last night, the family attended a special farewell at the Hummingbird Garden, a platform in the middle of the forest where about 19 bird species can be identified. As the sun set, the family watched as dozens of birds surrounded them, feeder in hand.
After their big adventure, Harris-Burtka returned to New York City, hoping to put their feet up for a while—but not very long; they were already looking forward to their next family adventure.
“There are some trips we wait until our kids are older to go on,” Harris said. “Now that they are older and more self-sufficient, we are pushing them to go out. We have to travel and discover Asia!”
Echoing the same sentiment, Burtka advises families who want to travel.
“Ecuador is not necessarily a relaxing family vacation,” he said. “There are a lot of short trips. So, I recommend families with children 8 years and older. Be sure to balance all adventure and iPad time.”
However, whether they’re jetting off on an adventure or relaxing at home, the actor still participates in the trip through his newsletter Wondercade.
“I just want to talk about things that are worth talking about,” Harris said of his newsletter. His newsletter covers everything from his family’s favorite recipes to their dream vacations and his recommendations for kid-friendly entertainment.
