Biology & Evolution in Ecuador & Galapagos

Wake up to your first morning in Ecuador and dive into expedition life. Assign some team roles and meet the ground team to discuss your plans. Hit the markets to buy some food supplies and a SIM card for the team phone, the currency here is US dollars. Quito sits high in the Andes mountains and is brimming with colonial buildings, Inca relics and buzzing markets. Delve into ‘gringoland’, hear the toll of cathedral bells and smell fresh roses in La Carolina park. Fill up on ceviche (lime-marinated fish) and arroz con pollo (chicken rice).

Spend the next few days living in the cloud forest reserve on the slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes. This lush landscape offers a vast array of plant and animal life, however decades of deforestation have threatened the forests and their inhabitants. The hosting organisation works to protect 700 hectares of tropical forest through research, reforestation, and community education. They believe that environmental conservation and human development are deeply interconnected, and the team also runs an organic farm and develops sustainable production processes. Get hands-on with reforestation, research, and farming activities throughout your stay. There will also be many opportunities to learn about Ecuador’s biodiversity and time to connect with the local community. Wrap up your stay with a traditional Ecuadorian dinner, celebrate your experience and connect with the local researchers and learn about their lives.

Travel back to Quito; the capital is packed with culture, and there’s loads to experience. You could ride the cable car for panoramic views of the city or explore the vibrant street art and hidden courtyards that showcase the city’s creative spirit. Wander through the historic neighborhoods with their charming colonial architecture and local eateries, where you can sample Ecuadorian specialties like empanadas and locro de papa. Grab the team and celebrate in style and experience new flavors with a group meal.

Nothing quite prepares you for the Galapagos! Get your first glimpse of these isolated islands from the air before landing in San Cristobal, one of the four islands you’ll explore during this visit. Get ready to head to the Interpretation Centre at Tijeretas for an introduction to the islands. Afterward, embark on a scenic walk, where panoramic views await. Next, suit up with snorkel gear and a wetsuit for an exhilarating snorkel in Darwin Bay, where sea turtles, rays, and colourful fish swim in clear waters. Grab a bite at a local spot, savouring the flavors of the islands. Then, head to Carola and La Loberia Beaches to relax and enjoy the epic views.

Explore Floreana Island, a hidden gem of history and natural beauty in the Galapagos. Begin in the highlands at the Peace Asylum, a serene spot with a colourful past as a refuge for pirates and settlers. Here, your guide’s stories will bring the tales of survival and adventure to life. Discover the island’s historical caves, once home to its first inhabitants, offering a glimpse into the rugged lives of Floreana’s early settlers. Keep an eye out for the iconic giant tortoises as you wander. After a local lunch, board a boat for a scenic ride to Isabela Island, known for its seahorse shape, volcanic landscapes, lush mangroves, and diverse wildlife, including marine iguanas and playful sea lions.

Embark on a trek across the rugged landscapes of Volcán Sierra Negra and Chico on Isabela Island. Begin with a hike up Sierra Negra, one of the oldest and most active volcanoes in the Galapagos. As you ascend, take in the vast landscape shaped by ancient lava flows. At the summit, enjoy breathtaking views of the world’s second-largest volcanic crater, a truly awe-inspiring sight. Continue to Volcán Chico, where the vibrant, multi-coloured lava fields create a surreal, almost otherworldly terrain. Conclude your trek at Flamingo Lagoon, where delicate pink flamingos contrast beautifully with the tranquil waters.

Start your morning with snorkeling in the serene waters of Concha Y Perla Lagoon. Located near the pier and surrounded by lush mangroves, this natural swimming pool is home to turtles, sea lions, and rays. The underwater world here is full of life, making it a must-see experience. Afterward, head to Santa Cruz Island and visit the pristine sands of Tortuga Bay. Keep an eye out for iguanas basking in the sun as you stroll along the shore. You can also relax close to the calm waters of a nearby lagoon and take in the beautiful surroundings. During your free time, explore the local markets for unique souvenirs. Experience the lively scene at the fish market at dusk, where sea lions, pelicans, and frigate birds gather as they compete for the day’s catch.

Back in Quito it’s your final opportunity to experience all this historic city has to offer. Stroll through cobblestone streets and visit the stunning La Compañía de Jesús Church. Climb the towers of the Basilica del Voto Nacional for breathtaking city views. For a unique experience, take a day trip to the Mitad del Mundo monument, where you can literally have one foot in each hemisphere. As the day winds down, indulge in Quito’s culinary scene, sampling traditional dishes like shrimp ceviche or ‘encocado’. End your evening with a visit to La Ronda, a lively street filled with music, art, and local crafts.

After the best two weeks of your life, it’s time to travel home, so cram everything into your backpack and head to the airport. Check in, sit back and let it all sink in. After a stopover in Miami and then Dallas, you’re heading back home. You’ve just experienced something incredible, Ecuador has opened your eyes and challenged you more than you ever imagined. You’ve fast-tracked your life skills and connected with locals; you’ve led your team and made new friends for life. These experiences will shape who you are and put you on the path to becoming a true global citizen.