GALAPAGOS ISLANDS SERVICE PROJECT + ANDEAN HIGHLANDS

Registration Form (English PDF file)
Registration Form (French PDF file)

Click here to download a .pdf photo album

Trip details
13 days
Trip dates customized to fit school breaks
Departure dates: To be announced
Cost: $3495CAD (includes flight from Toronto)
Flights can be arranged from other locations
Medium fitness required
Two teachers travel free with 16 students


This journey is:

  • An exploration of the extraordinary natural beauty of Ecuador, a land of many treasures. Experience the unique wildlife mysteries of the Galapagos Islands and the Paramos and high lakes of the Andes.

  • A volunteer experience on the Galapagos Islands working with local families who are trying to better their lives.

  • An opportunity to experience the wild life of the Galapagos Islands. Swim with the penguins and sea lions, witness the mating rituals of the graceful Frigate birds and walk with blue-footed boobies.

  • An immersion into the rich indigenous culture of the Otavalo region of Ecuador, renowned for its weaving, markets and Andean music.


Itinerary

Day one
 Upon arrival in Quito , transfer to a comfortable hotel in town.

Day two
 Tour the "old town", with its magnificent colonial churches, government buildings, hotels and private residences. Be introduced to the coming adventure on the Galapagos.

Day three
 Fly to the Galapagos Islands , transfer to your country lodge and settle in. Walk to a local village, meet members of the community and be introduced to the community projects that you will be working on.

Day four
Community project work.

Day five
Community project work.

Day six
Experience a day trip via boat to Isla Plaza to walk amidst its unique wildlife.

Day seven
 Community project work and a visit to the Darwin research station, a world-renowned centre promoting both conservation and research on the islands.

Day eight
Enjoy anotherBoat trip, this time to Isla Bartolome and its famed Pinnacle Rock. There will be an opportunity there to snorkel and possibly swim with the sea lions or tropical penguins.

Day nine
Fly to Quito then transfer to Otavalo, the centre of a rich indigenous culture set high in the Andes .

Day ten
Visit local indigenousvillages, meet the people and see the ancient weaving skills in action .

Day eleven
Spend a day at the famed market in Otavalo, the largest and oldest continuous indigenous market on the planet. Stay overnight in Otavalo.

Day twelve
Transfer to Quito via the Centro del Mundo. Share a celebration meal with your group before returning home.

Day thirteen
Transfer to the airport for the flight home.

Registration Form (English PDF file)
Registration Form (French PDF file)