People to People Moments

• Have lunch in a local hacienda.
• Explore the Huasquila eco-lodge tucked away in the jungle, hike through the rainforest, and savor an amazing dinner at the lodge that you won’t soon forget.
• Educate yourself on the local economy and culture as you explore agricultural areas.
• Learn about the local ethnic group the Salasacas and their weavings.

Enhance Your Education

• Ecology and bio-diversity of the Galápagos Islands
• Habitat preservation
• Green living and eco-friendly local lifestyles
• Cultural anthropology
• Local economy
• Native and Colonial-era history

Top Program Activities

• Explore the Charles Darwin Research Station. Learn about the flora and fauna of the Galápagos Islands before meeting Lonesome George, the last tortoise of his species.
• Hop back and forth across the equator when you visit the Middle of the World monument.
• Snorkel the beautiful waters of the Galapagos Islands.
• Come close to marine iguanas, birds, and lava lizards as you explore the area of Las Tintoreras.
• Saddle up and ride to the edge of Sierra Negra volcano, then enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by nature’s beauty.
• Visit La Casa del Suizo, an Amazonian refuge built alongside the river. You can only get so close by motor coach—the final ten minutes of the journey will be by canoe!
• After one final hike around the area, depart for Baños and hike to the Pailón del Diablo waterfall. Weather permitting, after dinner enjoy marshmallows around the campfire.

Quito, Ecuador

• Journey back in time as you explore Colonial Quito.
• Hop back and forth across the equator when you visit the Middle of the World monument.
• Take in the breathtaking beauty of La Compañía Church.
• Spend time at Santa Catalina de Siena cloister. 
• Explore the nearby village of Calderón.
• Marvel at the handicrafts and sights of the Otavalo market.
• Have lunch in a local hacienda, and learn about San Antonio de Ibarra.
• Hike through lava tunnels.

Puerto Ayora, Galápagos Islands

• Saddle up and ride to the edge of Sierra Negra volcano, then enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by nature’s beauty.
• Return to Santa Cruz Island by speedboat. 
• Have a farewell dinner at a famous local restaurant, La Tintorera.

Floreana Island, Galápagos Islands

• Travel by speedboat to Floreana Island.
• Dip into the waters of the beautiful Galápagos Islands as you go snorkeling at The Bottle.
• Visit Black Beach and Asilo de la Paz.

Puerto Villamil, Galápagos Islands

• Travel by boat to Isabela Island, where you see the Wall of Tears.
• Learn more about one of the island’s inhabitants at the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center.
• Spend an afternoon searching the surrounding waters for marine wildlife like green sea turtles, penguins, marine iguanas, and stingrays.
• Come close to marine iguanas, various birds, and lava lizards as you explore the area of Las Tintoreras.

Huasquila, Ecuador

• Head over the Andes Mountains and into the tropical rainforest.
• Explore the Huasquila eco-lodge tucked away in the jungle, and enjoy a demanding hike through the rainforest and an amazing dinner at the lodge that you won’t soon forget.

La Casa de Suizo, Ecuador

• Gain insight into Ecuador’s ancient past when you hike to the petroglyphs.
• Visit a preserve for some of Ecuador’s most endangered species at the El Arca zoo and rescue center.
• Visit La Casa del Suizo, an Amazonian refuge built alongside the river. You can only get so close by motor coach—the final ten minutes of the journey will be by canoe!
• Hike through the rainforest, and visit a nearby butterfly garden.

Hacienda Manteles, Ecuador

• Depart for Baños, and spend time on a hike to the Pailón del Diablo waterfall.
• Wander through the Basilica.
• Educate yourself on the local economy and culture as you explore agricultural areas.
• Work up a hearty appetite for dinner this evening with a hike in the stunningly beautiful forest.

Manteles, Ecuador

• After breakfast, enjoy a morning walk to a nearby waterfall to learn about the highlands and the active volcano Tungurahua.
• After lunch, learn about the local ethnic group the Salasacas and their weavings.
• Weather permitting, after dinner enjoy marshmallows around the campfire.

Note: Highlights featured represent past programs. Your program may differ slightly in some areas due to scheduling conflicts, unforeseen changes, and the arrival of new opportunities. Your program’s Schedule of Activities will be provided as confirmed, closer to actual travel.