Step into a summer that changes how you see the world… and yourself. The Ecuador & Galapagos Summer Program is designed for students who want more than sightseeing. It’s an immersive journey that blends meaningful community connection, adventure, cultural discovery, and wildlife encounters into an experience that builds confidence, resilience, and perspective.
From the cobblestone streets of Quito to the high Andes and deep Amazon rainforest, students learn what it means to live with curiosity and purpose. Through homestays and community projects with indigenous families, participants move beyond travel and into genuine cultural exchange, developing empathy, leadership skills, and a deeper understanding of sustainability and global citizenship. The impact goes far beyond the destination; students leave with stronger communication skills, a renewed sense of independence, and friendships built through shared challenge and discovery.
Adventure is woven throughout the journey, creating moments that push comfort zones in supportive and safe ways. Hiking volcanic crater lakes, rafting jungle rivers, ziplining through cloud forests, and soaking in natural hot springs are more than activities, they become opportunities to build courage, adaptability, and trust in oneself. Every experience is intentionally designed to help students grow while feeling connected to a close-knit group and instructors.
The program culminates in the iconic Galapagos Islands, where learning comes alive through close encounters with wildlife and exploration of one of the world’s most extraordinary ecosystems. Snorkeling alongside sea lions and turtles, kayaking through pristine waters, and learning about conservation from local experts gives students a powerful sense of responsibility toward the natural world. These moments inspire not just awe, but a lasting commitment to protecting the environments they explore.
Throughout the program, students gain 25 hours of community service and a Certificate of Community Development and Conservation, but the true outcome goes deeper. Participants return home more confident in who they are, more capable of navigating new environments, and more inspired to pursue meaningful paths forward.
This is not just a summer abroad, it’s a transformational experience that blends adventure, cultural immersion, and personal growth in one unforgettable journey through Ecuador and the Galapagos.
Step beyond travel and into real cultural immersion through homestays in the village of Agato. Work alongside local families on a community development project, share daily life, and build genuine cross-cultural connections that deepen empathy, confidence, and global awareness.
Hike the rim of the breathtaking Quilotoa Crater Lake and explore the dramatic landscapes of Ecuador’s Andes. These moments challenge you physically while rewarding you with unforgettable views, new resilience, and a sense of accomplishment.
Zipline through cloud forests, try canyoning, ride horseback through mountain landscapes, and unwind in natural hot springs. With expert guidance and a supportive group, adventure becomes a pathway to confidence and personal growth.
Journey into the rainforest to learn directly from indigenous leaders about sustainability, traditional knowledge, and responsible travel. From rafting jungle rivers to making chocolate from cacao beans, every experience connects you more deeply to people and place.
Snorkel alongside sea lions, turtles, and vibrant marine life in one of the most extraordinary ecosystems on Earth. Guided by local experts, you’ll explore protected environments while gaining a deeper understanding of conservation and biodiversity.
Traveling with a close-knit group and experienced instructors, you’ll step outside your comfort zone in a supportive environment. The result is more independence, stronger friendships, and a deeper belief in what you’re capable of.
Welcome to Quito! We will spend the first days of the program getting acquainted with the group whilst strolling the European-feeling cobblestone streets of the Ecuadorian capital. The Old Town is one of Ecuador's first UNESCO protected sites (along with the Galapagos). It was built in the 16th century on the ruins of an Incan city. We will get an eagle eye view of the beautiful city from the Teleferico, a cable car system set above Quito.
From here, we travel into the northern highlands to a small Andean village, Agato. The people of Agato are Kichwa and proudly maintain a very traditional life, rich in a culture and lifestyle that highly values connection with the earth. The community get their livelihood from farming and the production of various handicrafts.
In Agato, we will work alongside local families on a community-initiated development project while planning fun activities (art/craft/sport etc.) with the children in the afternoon and immersing ourselves in their culture during homestays. We will also participate in daily community life such as food preparation and harvesting quinoa and corn. In all of this, we will build strong relationships with the families of Agato while experiencing a completely different way of life.
Spectacular crater lakes, volcanoes, glacial peaks and lush valleys studded with rural villages are a feature of Ecuador’s central highlands. Leaving Agato, we stop at Otavalo, to check out the largest market in South America! This world-famous market bustles with hundreds of stall holders selling textiles, jewelry, musical instruments, art and leather goods. After trawling the market and practicing our bartering skills, we continue upwards to Quilotoa. This is a tiny community of artisans in an area famous for its breathtaking crater lake. We stay in a guesthouse run by a local artist couple and enjoy hiking in and around the pristine volcanic crater.
Baños is a charming town nestled on the flanks of the impressive Tungurahua mountain. Our time in Baños is busy, as there is much to experience between its cloud forest, hot springs, waterfalls and rivers. We will get amongst the action by ziplining, canyoning and horse riding over the course of four days.
The focus of our time in the Amazon Basin is to learn about the rainforest and the lives of the indigenous communities who live in this unique environment. Beginning in Tena, we take a safe, though adventurous rafting expedition down the Jatunyacu River.
The river takes us to Misuahilli, a small town on the edge of the jungle. We get to stay at the Sinchi Warmi Center, an inspiring indigenous women’s ecotourism initiative. Sustainability is at the heart of this inspiring center; while our patronage helps sustain the communities’ livelihood, we learn more sustainable means of production and consumption. The women will teach us many things about their way of life, including how artisanal chocolate is produced – and we’ll get to try the process ourselves, from cacao bean through to chocolate.
Before the week is over we take a flight to San Cristobal Island in the Galapagos. We bus to Guayaquil and spend a night before taking a flight to San Cristobal Island - the first island Darwin visited in the Galapagos Archipelago. The Galapagos is made up of at least 14 islands, and 97% of the area is considered so special that the public has been banned from visiting! Over the 10 days, we visit sites of ecological significance and incredible biodiversity on two distinct islands.
We will swim, kayak and have close encounters with amazing wildlife. It’s beautiful to walk around San Cristobal - there are sea lions out your front door and delicious local food to be found at the local markets.
A highlight of any visit to the Galapagos is the incredible snorkeling opportunities available. From Kicker Rock, you’ll spot sea lions, harmless reef sharks, rays, turtles and other diverse marine life. We also swim and snorkel at La Loberia beach, a stretch of coastline home to sea lions, yellow warblers, frigates, various species of finches and large Galapagos marine iguanas. We will learn about farming and restoration work whilst here, bringing color to our understanding of the islands with relevant knowledge.
We will spend our final days on the remote and beautiful Isabela Island, exploring our surroundings. This week sees us kayaking in beautiful secluded coves, watching the wildlife, and snorkeling again to make sure you don't miss out on any turtle-spotting opportunities!
In the last days on Santa Cruz, we have our final swim with the sea lions and reflect on the diverse experience we’ve shared in Ecuador. In the last days on Santa Cruz, we have our final swim in the best swimming spot in all of the Galapagos, the Grietas. Three crystal clear pools in an idyllic setting make this a highlight of the program!
The program instructors will hold an end-of-trip wrap-up, and we will share the lessons we’ve learned and the tools and techniques we may take forward with us in life. We are sure that you will reflect on how amazing it was to have a chance to take a break from everything. We fly home with a sandal tan, new friends and lots of wonderful memories.
Ecuador & Galapagos Summer Program
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