EDUCATIONAL TRIP TO THE GALAPAGOS

EXPLORING DARWIN'S LOST WORLD

TRIP LENGTH: 8 DAYS (*Starting at $2995)

Itinerary can be customized to fit within your time frame or budgetary needs. 

On this educational class trip to the Galapagos students are immersed into the South American culture while learning about the flora and fauna of the Galapagos.  Additionally,  student trips to the Galapagos are meant to inspire students to use their gifts and talents to make a difference in this global community. The Galapagos has many geographical ecosystems and each of these unique habitats is rich in plant and animal biodiversity. The ecologically rich Galapagos are one of the only remaining untouched biomes in the world and provide the perfect back drop for an educational field trip that focuses on science and conservation.  It reminds many of a lost world where prehistoric species still dominate the landscape. Discover ecological treasures ranging from Galapagos sharks to the endemic marine iguanas and giant tortoises. (*Does not include airfare. Please contact our office for price including airfare)

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive in Quito, Ecuador

Board your flight to Ecuador, one of the most ecologically diverse countries in the world. Your professional tour guide will greet your school group at the airport in Quito and escort you to your hotel. Dinner and a program introduction will wrap up the day.

Day 2 – Transfer from Quito to San Cristobal Islands

Grab a morning flight to San Cristobal Island. After checking into your hotel, the day gets started with an easy hike up Frigate Hill to get a panoramic view of the island.  Take in the beauty of the volcanic shoreline and examine the wildlife.

Day 3 – Isla Lobos and Snorkel at Kicker Rock

Take a walk on the inlet of  this small island near Playa Ochoa, and take in the calm turquoise water where marine turtles and rays make their home. Your school students will snorkel near Kicker Rock, filled with colorful sponges, barnacles, coral formations, dozens of tropical fish species, and hammerhead sharks.

Day 4 – Volunteer with a Tortoise Restoration Program

This volunteer opportunity is located on a farm with a 50-hectare plot of land located in the tiny 15 family farming community located on San Cristobal Island. This farm is dedicated to restoring tortoises to their original feeding grounds.  Student will help conservationists with the planting of trees that provide endemic food for the giant tortoises and thus restore this ecosystem to its original status.

Day 5 – Isla Floreana Island

Visit and explore the nesting sites for marine turtles, sea lions, Galapagos Penguins and other various sea birds. You will see the pink flamingos and depending on the season, may run into rays and sharks when snorkeling.

Day 6 – Back to Quito to Volunteer at Pan de Vida

Fly back to Quito. Later in the afternoon, students will aid the community of Quito by serving with “Pan de Vida” meaning “Bread of Life”. They will help with a food distribution program that aids the Quechua people.

Day 7 – Visit Cotopaxi National Park

Today your students will walk in the shadows of snow capped Volcano Cotopaxi, the world’s highest active volcano (19,700 ft) located within Cotopaxi National Park, home to the endangered Andean condor and other rare birds.

Day 8 – The Journey Home

Pack up and head home after an exciting and educational trip.

Add Two Days and Explore the Volcanoes of Isabela or Swim with Penguins at Pinnacle Rock.

Explore the most geologic active island in the Galapagos of Isabela or snorkel with sea life at Pinnacle Rock.

Itinerary subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control including availability with vendors, weather conditions and flight schedules.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Swim with sharks at Kicker Rock
  • Interact with giant tortoises
  • Help restore tortoise habitat
  • Swim with marine iguanas
  • Explore amazing remote islands
  • Take in Darwin’s Research Center
  • Hike an active volcano

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Qualified trip leader – Accompanying each expedition is a diverse team of experts from naturalists to regional specialists who will share their knowledge and insights on the wildlife, landscapes and local culture. Your guide is with the group 24/7 and also staying with you at the same hotel
Daily reflections lead by your tour leader
Overnight stays are in hotels with private bathrooms rated 4 star or more on Trip Advisor
All Meals are included but please note: On arrival day only dinner is provided; on departure day, only breakfast is provided
Tour Journal, T-shirt and Luggage tag
Note: Tour cost does not include airline-imposed baggage fees, or fees for any required passport or visa. Please visit our Fees FAQ page for a full list of items that may not be included in the cost of your tour.