ECUADOR
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS SERVICE EXPERIENCE

For University Students

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

Click here to download a .pdf photo album

Ecuador is a magical country blessed with extraordinary natural beauty. The Andean highlands with its hauntingly beautiful lakes and volcanos, the Amazon river basin with its verdant rainforests and the Galapagos Islands, one of the wonders of the world, provide this relatively small country with a natural diversity found in few places on the planet.

The vibrant indigenous culture that permeates the country has a rich cultural history that stretches back thousands of years and offers visitors the opportunity to walk back in time. In Otavalo, travellers can experience the ancient weaving skills of the Incas and their descendents. "Old Town" Quito, a world heritage site, is a beautifully preserved example of colonial architecture.

Trip details
12 days
Departure dates: To be announced
Cost: $2995CAD (includes flight from Toronto)
Flights can be arranged from other locations
Medium fitness required

Minimum 16 participants, maximum 20
Custom dates for groups possible
Contact us regarding incentives for organizing a group.


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 and be introduced to the coming adventure on the Galapagos.

Day two
Fly to the Galapagos Islands, transfer to your country lodge and settle in.

Day three
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
Boat trip to Isla Plaza.

Day seven
Community project work and visit the famed Darwin Research station.

Day eight
Boat trip to Isla Bartolome.

Day nine
Fly to Quito transfer to Otavalo.

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

Day eleven
Transfer to Quito via the Centro del Mundo. Tour the "old town" in Quito, with its magnificent colonial churches, government buildings, hotels and private residences.

Share a celebration meal with your group before returning home.

Day twelve
Transfer to the airport for the flight home.

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