Galapagos

Depart for Ecuador and arrive in Quito. Settle in near the airport and prepare for onward travel to the Galápagos.

Take a morning flight from Quito to Baltra Airport. Cross the Itabaca Channel by ferry and transfer to Puerto Ayora, the main town on Santa Cruz Island.

Begin with orientation and a brief Spanish language session before heading out on an evening walking exploration of Puerto Ayora’s waterfront and fish market. Observe sea lions, pelicans, and marine iguanas adapting to human presence, and discuss first impressions of life inside a national park.

Engage with the science that made the Galápagos famous. Through interactive learning with researchers and educators, explore evolution, adaptation, food webs, and genetics as living processes rather than historical ideas.

In the afternoon, head to Tortuga Bay for beach time with optional kayaking, using the coastline as a living classroom to observe species behavior and adaptation at the land–sea interface.

Travel into the highlands of Santa Cruz to explore how geology and isolation shape life. Observe giant tortoises in their natural habitat and examine how elevation and climate create distinct ecosystems across a small geographic area.

Walk through lava tunnels to understand the volcanic origins of the islands, then take part in a reforestation or habitat restoration activity, connecting conservation science to physical action.

Spend the day on a snorkeling boat excursion within the Galápagos Marine Reserve. Observe sea lions, rays, reef fish, and other marine species while learning how currents and food chains connect ocean and land ecosystems.

Back on shore, engage with conservation initiatives focused on plastic reduction and waste management. Participate in a beach cleanup and a creative workshop that transforms collected plastic into art, exploring how storytelling and creativity support environmental advocacy.

Explore how people live, learn, and adapt in a World Heritage Site. Engage with local community organizations and educators working to align schooling, outreach, and sustainability with the realities of island life.

The evening offers a shift in perspective with a guided stargazing experience, connecting the Galápagos’ isolation, dark skies, and navigation history to broader questions of exploration and curiosity.

Snorkel at Las Grietas, a dramatic crevice where freshwater and saltwater meet. Observe how species adapt to changing conditions across microhabitats, and reflect on how small environmental differences shape behavior and survival.

Later, engage with youth leaders and conservation practitioners working on projects related to noise pollution, coastal resilience, and community awareness. Discussions focus on how human activity influences ecosystems—and how informed action can support long-term sustainability.

Conclude with a final reflection connecting science, community life, and stewardship, and consider how lessons from Santa Cruz apply beyond the islands. Depart the Galápagos and return to Quito before continuing onward home.