Experience one of the world’s most remarkable destinations, complete with towering mountain ranges, lush rainforests, and tropical isles on this unique service program to South America. Live and work alongside Andean villagers to help rebuild their homes and improve their living environment. Navigate the thrilling rapids of the Upper Napo River, one of the tributaries of the mighty Amazon. Immerse yourself in an Amazon village as you partner with locals on reforestation initiatives. Visit the famous Otavalo market filled with native handicrafts and sample delicious Ecuadorian treats like potato llapingachos. Explore the incomparable Galápagos Islands, kayak through mysterious caves and canyons, and snorkel alongside playful sea lions. Appreciate the beauty of Ecuador through the eyes of those who call it home!
Ecuador & Galápagos
Island & Village Impact
19 days
Trip duration
9th – 12th
Grades
19 days
July 8 - July 26, 2024
Miami, FL
Arrival & Departure
$6,495
Tuition
19 days
Trip duration
July 8 - July 26, 2024
9th – 12th
Grades
*Airfare for group flight from Miami additional
Overview
Highlights
- Explore the Galápagos by Kayak and Boat
- Whitewater Raft Through the Lush Amazon Rainforest
- Zipline Through the Misty Mindo Cloud Forest
- Lend a Hand on an Amazonian Forest Rehabilitation Initiative
- Snorkel Alongside Sea Lions in the Galápagos Islands’ Crystal Clear Waters
- Partner with Andean Hosts Families on a Vital Community Improvement Project
- 35 Service-Learning Hours
Discover the Untamed Beauty of Nature
Kayak amidst the rocky coastline and renowned wildlife of the Galápagos Islands. See the iconic Galápagos giant tortoises, swim with sea lions at San Cristobal, and snorkel in the beautiful Tortuga Bay. Explore local island communities and tour the Charles Darwin Research Station, feeling the powerful thrill of historical and active scientific discovery. Travel to Imbabura, known as the “Province of the Lakes” and catch a glimpse of Cayambe or Cotopaxi, two of Ecuador’s picturesque, snow-capped volcanoes.
Exploration
Explore the Otavalo Market
Visit the famous market of Otavalo, one of the largest and most important markets in South America. The stalls teem with vibrant colors and handicrafts, including brightly woven textiles, paintings, jewelry, and traditional Ecuadorian clothing expertly created by the Octavaleño community. The alluring sights and smells will keep you enthralled as you practice your newly learned Spanish skills and try your hand at bargaining.
Experience the Culture
Learn New Skills
Work side by side with community members near the city, assisting in construction improvement projects for communities in need. Practice your Spanish language and share some laughs while helping to make a difference in the lives of those you meet. Work alongside residents of a small Amazonian village in their ecological restoration efforts. Help the community to plant saplings, set feeding stations, and collect data.
Service
Feed Your Adventurous Spirit
Straddle two hemispheres at once with a visit to the World Equator Line. Raft down the exhilarating whitewater rapids of the Napo River and zipline in an Andean cloud forest. Swim, snorkel, and mingle with prehistoric lava lizards, flamingos, blue-footed boobies, baby sea lion pups, dolphins, and playful penguins in the Galápagos Islands.
Rafting
Snorkel
Common Questions
Each program has a specific packing list that has been designed to fit the program’s activities, length, climate, and cultural differences. You will receive this packing list in the comprehensive Welcome Packet that is sent to all students after they enroll in a program.
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 depending 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).
While in Ecuador, we will 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. Students should inform ARCC of any dietary needs before the start of the program.
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.
Have questions? Speak to one of our Program Directors, give them a call at (415) 332.5075 , they love talking about their trips!
