CAPITAL CITY
Quito
POPULATION
18.14 million
NATIONAL ANIMAL
Andean Condor
CURRENCY
US Dollar
LANGUAGE
Spanish
Inspiring leadership through student-led school expeditions.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Culture
Ecuadorian culture is rich, diverse, and shaped by an extraordinary connection to both land and sea. Hospitality is woven into daily life, reflecting Indigenous roots, colonial history, and coastal traditions. From mountain fiestas and bustling mercados to coastal seafood, Amazonian flavors, and Andean melodies, Ecuador’s spirit is vibrant and alive. Add to this the otherworldly beauty of the Galápagos Islands, where nature and culture meet in rare harmony and you’ll discover a country as fascinating, biodiverse, and unforgettable as the equator it straddles.
Unmissable Experiences
Trekking and white water rafting in Ecuador offer an exciting mix of challenge and thrill. Alongside this, snorkelling in the Galápagos invites students to explore vibrant underwater worlds teeming with unique wildlife. Together, these experiences build confidence, teamwork, and a deep connection to Ecuador’s incredible landscapes, both on land and beneath the waves.
Cultural R&R
Explore Ecuador’s rich culture across Quito and beyond. Wander the historic Old Town, South America’s oldest capital, to uncover centuries of history. Try your hand at local cooking, visit Mindo’s butterfly sanctuary, and discover the art of chocolate-making. Then journey to the Galapagos Islands, encountering unique wildlife and pristine landscapes that make this adventure truly unforgettable.
Accommodation
In Ecuador, overnight stays are as diverse as the landscapes; jungle and mountain camps where you fall asleep to the sounds of the wild, cosy lodges and shared dorms tucked into misty cloudforest, and vibrant hostels in towns and cities where culture and community collide. Each place brings you closer to the heart of this extraordinary country, one night at a time.
Community Initiatives
On a community or conservation initiative in Ecuador and the Galápagos, students may join conservation projects protecting endemic species, support waste reduction and recycling initiatives, or work with local communities balancing tourism growth with cultural preservation. Alongside these projects, students may also take part in cultural activities such as cooking classes, exchanges with local students, learning traditional crafts, and staying with local families for a deeper connection with the community.
Your school trip to Ecuador & Galapagos awaits
Pack your bags for a once-in-a-lifetime school expedition to Ecuador & Galapagos, a country where adventure and culture collide. Straddling the equator on South America’s northwest coast, Ecuador is too intrepid for the average tourist, offering an unforgettable journey from the depths of the Amazon to the heights of the Andes, and from bustling cities to ancient Inca ruins and indigenous villages.
On this student adventure, explore Ecuador’s vibrant traditions, trek through cloud forests, and connect with local communities to gain an authentic insight into life in this extraordinary country. Then, journey west across the Pacific to the legendary Galápagos Islands, a living laboratory of evolution where much of the wildlife exists nowhere else on Earth. Encounter giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and the iconic blue-footed boobies, an experience that will forever change the way you see the natural world.
This school tour is more than just an incredible trip, it’s an opportunity to develop resilience, step outside your comfort zone, and gain a deeper understanding of both culture and conservation. Are you ready to explore Ecuador & Galapagos Islands like never before?
Un sustainable development goal
Key UN SDGs explored on our school trips to Ecuador and Galapagos include 4: Quality Education, working with rural and island communities to expand access to schooling and resources; 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, as towns and villages balance modernization and tourism growth while preserving cultural heritage and resilience; 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, local initiatives focus on sustainable farming, waste reduction, and recycling; and 15: Life on Land, as Ecuador protects its extraordinary biodiversity in the Andes and Amazon while addressing threats from deforestation and habitat loss.
