National Geographic Student Expeditions - Ecuador and the Galapagos

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. Explore Ecuador's natural wonders through an On Assignment project of your choice—Photography or Wildlife & Conservation.

Student Expedition Map for Galapagos and Ecuador

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. Stroll along streets that have scarcely changed since the 17th century, past the well-preserved buildings of the Spanish Empire. Step into the bustle of everyday life in 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

4 days. Travel northwest to the lower altitude slopes of the Andes to our base: the relaxed and welcoming village of Mindo. Break into your On Assignment teams, and set out on daily adventures in 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 reserve. 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. Fly through the cloud forest canopy on zip lines, and float down the river on a tubing adventure. Get to know young Ecuadorans by playing soccer, and spend an afternoon teaching English at the local elementary school.

Cotopaxi Volcano and the High PÁramo

3 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.

Cotopaxi National Park is home to Volcán Cotopaxi, the world's highest active volcano and the Earth's closest point to the sun. Here, take part in important conservation projects, such as trail sign construction, trail maintenance, or reforestation. Drive up the switchbacks of Cotopaxi, stopping to hike up to the mountain's spectacular glacier (16,000 feet). On the way back to Quito, visit the Mitad del Mundo, Ecuador's monument to the equator.

Galápagos Islands

8 days. Set off on an island-hopping adventure to the legendary Galápagos Islands. This volcanic archipelago, cut off from humans for millennia, helped shape Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection. Discover the distinct character of each island we visit and get acquainted with its incredible endemic species. Climb to the crater of an active volcano, and explore the remarkable landscape formed by recent lava flows. Spot fire red Sally Lightfoot crabs sunning on the rocks alongside spiky marine iguanas—the only sea lizard on the planet. Visit Lonesome George, the last surviving member of one of the eleven tortoise subspecies, and learn about the conservation efforts he has inspired. Get closer than you ever imagined to blue-footed boobies; 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 home.

Choose one of these On Assignment projects. Throughout your expedition, break into teams to delve further into your selected area of focus.

icon for Photography On Assignment Project PHOTOGRAPHY: Create a photo-essay depicting Ecuador's diverse landscapes, vibrant cultures, or spectacular wildlife. Capture the swirl of colors at an Andean market. Shoot portraits of caballeros at a working hacienda. Practice your wildlife photography skills on the amazingly approachable animals of the Galápagos Islands. At the end of the program, present your images to your friends.

icon for Wildlife and Conservation On Assignment Project WILDLIFE & CONSERVATION: Study Ecuador's conservation policies with local experts in the field. Set out in teams to interview community members about local conservation efforts. Learn about evolution, biodiversity, and animal behavior firsthand by observing turtles and marine iguanas. Write about your findings, and share them with the group.

The internal flight from Quito to the Galápagos and return is included in the tuition. International airfare is not included. We have arranged round-trip international group flights between Miami and Quito. Click here for information on transportation to and from expeditions.

Accommodations: We will stay at a hacienda in the páramo (elevation 11,800 feet), in rustic cabanas in Mindo, and in family-run inns and small hotels elsewhere.

Your participation in a National Geographic Student Expedition provides support to National Geographic's mission of increasing global understanding through exploration, geography education, and research.