The Experiment: Ecuador: The Galápagos Islands & The Cloud Forest
Location
- Ecuador
- Quito
- Galapagos
Length
2 - 4 weeks
Need-based funding, General grants/scholarships
Health & Safety
Oct 25, 2024
Sep 18, 2022
5 travelers are looking at this program
About Program
Begin your Experiment by landing in Ecuador’s vibrant capital, Quito, where you’ll explore the 16th-century gold-adorned churches and colonial architecture of the Old Town. Your journey begins with a visit to the equator, where you can stand at the intersection of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Dive into the rich biodiversity of the Mindo Nambillo cloud forest, part of the unique Chocó Andino region, home to over 600 bird species. Get hands-on with conservation efforts by planting native species, preparing soil and compost, or participating in forest maintenance.
Video and Photos
Diversity & Inclusion
Diverse identities and experiences are essential to intercultural exchange. We are committed to recruiting and supporting participants of the broadest socioeconomic, racial, ethnic, and geographic diversity of any high school exchange program in the world.
Diverse identities and experiences are essential to intercultural exchange. We are committed to recruiting and supporting participants of the broadest socioeconomic, racial, ethnic, and geographic diversity of any high school exchange program in the world.
Impact
Environmental sustainability is a key component of all programs. Participants minimize their environmental footprint by using public transit, eating local food, and participating in community service projects in collaboration with, and according to, the needs of local communities.
Social and environmental responsibility is more critical now than ever. We are committed to delivering programs that support and are respectful of the diverse communities and ecosystems that host our programs.
Our programs are developed in close consultation with local and international partners and with a critical understanding of the communities and regions we visit.
Our programs are developed in close consultation with local and international partners and with a critical understanding of the communities and regions we visit.
Program Highlights
- Develop your Spanish language skills through interactive lessons with local teachers and conversations with locals and try your hand at preparing a typical Ecuadorian dish (such as ceviche or empanadas).
- Participate in a community service project to support environmental efforts or the local community.
- Hike from the first base camp to the second shelter of Chimborazo, an inactive volcano that rises 20,548 feet above sea level, and bike back down through a beautiful Andean landscape.
- Become fully immersed in the daily life of an Ecuadorian family and community. Travel to Tena Puerto Ahuano and stay at Gaia Eco Lodge.
- At the conclusion of this program, each participant will earn a community service certificate noting the number of hours of community service completed.