ECUADOR & GALAPAGOS

Each program has a specific packing list that has been designed to fit the program’s activities, length, climate and cultural differences. A thorough explanation will be made available in the Pre-Trip Welcome Packet.

In Ecuador the weather is a lot like Florida in the summer time. During the day it can be hot, sunny and humid (80’s-90’s) and late afternoons often bring showers, which will cool us off. You will often go to bed with only a simple cover as it is warm enough to sleep without your sleeping bag. While at a higher altitude (Quito) the temperature is a bit cooler (60’s). In the Galápagos, the weather will be quite warm and tropical.

ARCC has been operating programs in Ecuador for several years, and we have built relationships with a variety of individuals and small communities who enjoy hosting ARCC student groups. The specific service projects that each group will work on depend on what is most needed in these communities at the time. Often times there is a light construction or building aspect as well as partnering with a local tree nursery to assist on a reforestation project.

Ecuador is a relatively clean and safe place to travel. However, ARCC does recommend that you take some health precautions before your trip to Ecuador. When you enroll in the program, you will receive more complete information on pertinent travel vaccinations and immunizations. Please also refer to the Traveler’s Health section of the CDC website. Our leaders carry a full first aid kit, and are all certified Wilderness First Responders (WFR).

During this program we sleep in a variety of accommodations: hostels, small simple hotels, an eco lodge, and rustic community buildings.

While in Ecuador, we will be travel by private bus with a professional driver and by boat. We will also travel to and from the Galápagos on a commercial airliner.

We will have the opportunity to sample traditional Ecuadorian cuisine such as chicken, fish, rice, plantains, soups and fresh fruit. We will also be cooking our own meals while we are staying in the rural communities. ARCC works with our local partners and restaurants to accommodate dietary restrictions.

For Ecuador/Galápagos, ARCC recommends that you bring an additional $75 of spending money for each week of travel. Most cash should come home, but you will want some personal money to pay for airline baggage fees at the airport, souvenirs/gifts, laundry, extra snacks, and emergencies (lost items, clinic visit, etc.). Most students opt to bring small amount of cash, as well as personal debit or credit cards.

As with any international program, we strongly recommend talking to your bank about its international withdrawal policies to avoid any surprise fees or card freezes.

Yes, all students traveling to Ecuador need to have a valid passport. Please make sure the passport expiration date is at least six months after you travel. Passport applications are available at the post office. If you do not already have a passport, you should apply for one as soon as you enroll in this program.

No. US Citizens do not need a visa for this program.

During the summer, mainland Ecuador is 1 hour earlier than New York and 2 hours later than San Francisco while the Galápagos islands are 2 hours earlier than New York and 1 hour later than San Francisco.

Although you will not be doing traditional backpacking on this program, it is important that you bring a backpack as your main piece of luggage. During the program the group will be navigating through airports, on and off buses, up and down stairways, and taking short hikes on unpaved paths. Everyone must be able to carry all of their own belongings which is more comfortable and efficient with a backpack.

No. You will be able to participate in all the activities even if you do not speak any Spanish. However, if you study Spanish in school, you will have many opportunities to practice your language skills with the locals you encounter during your program. Having some basic conversational skills will enable you to form stronger bonds with the local people you will be meeting and helping.

We have the chance to live amongst some people who have the very basics for survival. With education being a tool to better their lives, basic school supplies are welcomed with open arms. Pens, pencils, notepads, and books are widely accepted. Soccer balls are also an incredible way to cross the cultural border and share smiles. Because of limited space on our vehicles, ARCC would ask that every person bring no more than a gym bag of goods to donate.