Ecuador
Galapagos & Andean Service
About the Program
Explore the magic of Ecuador with a unique school service program combining community service in the Andes and conservation efforts in the world-famous Galapagos Islands. Students will engage in meaningful service projects that support local communities and protect the Galapagos’ extraordinary biodiversity, home to species found nowhere else on Earth. This immersive experience allows students to deepen their understanding of conservation, culture, and the vital importance of preserving these iconic ecosystems.
Itinerary
Discover the exciting adventures and impactful moments that await each day on this itinerary!
- Arrive at Quito airport and meet the Global Works leader
- Transfer via private bus to the selected accommodation in Quito
- Safety briefing, snacks, and settle into bed
- Start with group orientation and language activities
- Visit Plaza de Independencia and El Panecillo for breathtaking views
- Enjoy a traditional lunch
- Explore the Quito Teleferico
- Return to the hotel for dinner and continue orientation activities
- Rise early to transfer via private bus to Lago Cuicocha for a hike to the spectacular crater lake
- Learn about the geological and cultural histories of the area, while taking in amazing views
- Lunch at a local spot
- Afternoon of games and soccer with our new community hosts- break the ice while practicing your spanish!
- Settle into our local lodge for the night – workshop on service learning
- Explore our host community, a small indigenous community outside of Cotacachi. The economic activities here are mainly agriculture, artisan works, and community tourism
- Meet our community coordinator, community members, and local school staff for a warm and traditional opening ceremony
- Service Begins! Past projects include work in the school on upkeep, reconstruction of facilities, and restoring a local kindergarten. Projects are determined closer to travel dates baed on community need
- Afternoon trip to the Otavalo Market, the largest indigenous market in South America. We split into smaller groups to explore the many colorful, handmade items that the market has to offer- ponchos, jewelry, textiles, and more!
- Return to our lodge for dinner and rest after a busy day
- Jump back into our service projects today – continue work alongside community members, teachers, and students
- Delicious lunch home cooked in the community
- This afternoon, engage in hand-on workshops with community members. Visit a local tannery and try our hand at shoe or wallet making! Or work on jewelry project with a local women’s cooperative
- Dinner and evening activities at the lodge – group reflection on our experiences thus far
- Community farewell ceremony including a traditional pot luck style lunch
- Transfer vis private bus back to Quito
- Rest and Galapagos orientation this evening
- Early morning flight to Galapagos!
- Meet our local Galapagos guide and transfer to our new hotel
- Afternoon activities include a visit to the giant tortoise habitat, land bird and vegetation sightings, and exploring underground lava tunnels
- Rest and bedtime
- Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and its tortoise breeding center
- Take a trail to Tortuga Bay, known for its nesting black sea turtles and surrounded by a giant cactus forest. Kayaking, snorkeling, and beach time activities at this beautiful beach
- Get ready to experience the Galapagos Islands from the sea!
- Explore an island inhabited by large colonies of sea lions, land iguanas, and birds. The famous Galapagos blue-footed boobies and other tropical birds are easily spotted here
- Lunch served on board the boat
- Afternoon visit to Carrion point for more views of local fauna
- Evening reflection on our time spent on these magical islands thus far
- Take a boat ride to Isla Isabela
- Partner with a local tortoise breeding program for service projects, including maintenance and fence repair
- Learn about Galápagos conservation efforts and coastal ecosystems from an expert
- Explore the Sierra Negra Volcano, the world’s second-largest volcanic crater
- Visit the Wall of Tears and learn its complex history
- Snorkel at Los Tuneles, a prime spot for viewing sea life like penguins, turtles, and sea lions
- Participate in group reflections and a final celebratory dinner
- Transfer to Santa Cruz for flight departure from Baltra
- Upon arrival in Quito, transfer to our hotel for the night
- Final closing ceremony and celebratory dinner to close out our time together
- Head to the airport according to your flight schedule
- Say goodbye to Ecuador – ¡Adios, Ecuador!
Educational Focus & Highlights
Serve in Cotacachi
Work alongside local communities in Cotacachi, engaging in service projects with schools and nonprofits. Participate in cultural exchanges like the Pambamesa lunch, fostering meaningful connections.
Protect the Islands
Partner with local conservation efforts on Isla Isabela, assisting in tortoise breeding programs and learning about the Galápagos’ unique ecosystems.
Discover Quito’s History
Explore the rich cultural and historical sites of Quito, from the Plaza de Independencia to the stunning views at El Panecillo, immersing students in the heart of Ecuador’s capital.
Explore the Galápagos
Snorkel in Concha Perla, explore volcanic craters, and visit Tortuga Bay, experiencing the incredible biodiversity and stunning landscapes of the Galápagos Islands.
Gallery
Lodging
Participants
Participants stay in comfortable, dorm-style rooms that typically accommodate 4-6 students per room. These accommodations are carefully selected and often include locally run hotels or eco-lodges that reflect the culture of the area. Each location is selected to have private meeting spaces for group activities, ensuring both a supportive and appropriate environment for our programs.
Chaperones
Chaperones can expect to stay in private rooms, unless otherwise noted by the Global Works operations team. These rooms are located in the same facility as the student accommodations, allowing for a peaceful environment to relax and recharge without compromising proximity to the group. During homestays, chaperones typically have a choice to either stay with a homestay family or in a nearby hotel (location dependent).
Bring Your Classroom to the World
Collaborate with Global Works on an impactful service-learning travel program for your students.
