The Expedition
Mist-shrouded cloud forests, rolling Andean highlands, and the species-rich Galápagos Islands have put Ecuador on the map as a biodiversity hotspot. In recent decades, the country has embarked on an ambitious program of environmental conservation, resulting in nine national parks and more than 20 natural refuges and reserves. Discover ecological treasures ranging from orchids, toucans, and condors to the endemic marine iguanas and giant tortoises of the Galápagos Islands. Delve further into Ecuador's natural wonders through an On Assignment project of your choice — Photography, Writing, or Wildlife & Conservation.
QUITO
3 days. Located at 9,000-feet in a high Andean valley ringed by snowcapped volcanoes, Quito is the second highest capital city in the world. Its rich colonial architecture, built on the remains of an Inca city, earned its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site. We'll get oriented to the history, culture, and ecology of Ecuador, and then break into exploration teams to discover the city through our specific projects. Stroll along streets that have scarcely changed since the 17th century and marvel at the well-preserved buildings of the Spanish Empire. Step into the bustle of traditional culture at an ancient city plaza where Andean music fills the air and vendors hawk exotic rain forest herbs and natural medicines.
MINDO AND THE CLOUD FOREST
5 days. Travel west to the lower altitude slopes of the Andes where our base is the relaxed and welcoming village of Mindo. Join your exploration team on adventurous daily outings into the region's impressive array of protected natural areas. Catch the tarabita, an open-air tram, to ride over a deep ravine into the undisturbed cloud forest of the Bosque Protector Mindo-Nambillo. Swim in freshwater pools where waterfalls cascade down cliffs overgrown with orchids and bromeliads. Hone your wildlife observation skills by identifying some of Ecuador's 1,500 bird species. Get to know young Ecuadorans by playing soccer.
COTOPAXI VOLCANO AND THE HIGH PÁRAMO
4 days. From Mindo, head south along the famous Avenue of the Volcanoes to our next base, a working hacienda high in the central Andes. Ride horseback over the páramo, a rare ecosystem found between the dwarf forest and the snow line in the equatorial Andes. Spot Andean condors soaring above a landscape of mossy bogs and tussock grasses. Visit colorful markets in remote indigenous villages. Set up camp in majestic Cotopaxi National Park and take part in important conservation projects such as making trail signs, maintaining trails, or reforestation. Ascend to the snowcap of Volcán Cotopaxi, the world's highest active volcano.
GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS
8 days. Next, we'll set off on a once-in-a-lifetime island-hopping adventure to the legendary Galápagos Islands. This volcanic archipelago, cut off from humans for millennia, helped inspire Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection. As we move from island to island, discover the distinct character of the Galápagos — and get acquainted with their incredible endemic species. Climb to the crater of an active volcano, and play beach soccer with local kids. Spot fire-red Sally Lightfoot crabs sunning on the rocks alongside spiky marine iguanas — the only sea lizard on the planet. Photograph albatrosses and magnificent frigatebirds in their natural habitat. Get closer than you ever imagined to blue-footed boobies and giant Galápagos tortoises, and snorkel with penguins, sea lions, and sea turtles in one of the most fascinating and fragile environments in the world.
Return to Quito for the final night of our adventure, and share On Assignment projects before flying back to the United States.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Get behind the lens and create a photo essay depicting Ecuador's diverse landscapes, vibrant cultures, and spectacular wildlife. Capture the swirl of colors at a remote Andean market. Catch the sunlight on the snow-clad peak of an active volcano. Practice your wildlife photography skills on the amazingly approachable animals of the Galápagos Islands.
WRITING: Sharpen your writing skills during field workshops with your team and one-on-one consultations with your leader. Interpret local traditions at a mountain festival, or pen your thoughts amid orchids and butterflies in the cloud forest. Record your observations of sea lions and Sally Lightfoot crabs in the Galápagos Islands.
WILDLIFE & CONSERVATION: Study wildlife and conservation policies on an in-depth exploration of Ecuador's protected areas. Hike through the cloud forest in search of rare birds. Interview community members about local conservation efforts. Learn about evolution and animal behavior by observing turtles and marine iguanas.
