School Trips To Ecuador

From the heights of the Andean highlands to the depths of the Amazon Rainforest, and onward to the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador is a land of breathtaking contrasts. This immersive experience takes us through indigenous markets, volcanic landscapes, cloud forests, and marine ecosystems, offering encounters with diverse communities, conservationists, and wildlife found nowhere else on Earth. Through hands-on workshops, guided treks, and field research, we gain a deeper understanding of Ecuador’s rich cultural heritage and its role in global sustainability.

Quito
Otavalo
Mindo Cloud Forest
Cotopaxi National Park
Amazon Rainforest
Santa Cruz
Bartolomé
North Seymour
Floreana

School Trips To

Day 1: Arrival in Quito – Welcome to the Middle of the World

Our journey begins in Quito, Ecuador’s high-altitude capital city, nestled in the Andes at 9,350 feet above sea level. Upon arrival, we take in sweeping views of the surrounding Pichincha Volcano before setting out to explore Quito’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its beautifully preserved Spanish colonial architecture. Walking through Plaza Grande, we encounter centuries-old churches such as La Compañía de Jesús, where intricate gold leaf detailing tells the story of Ecuador’s colonial past. As we step into La Ronda Street, a historic alley lined with artisan workshops, we meet local craftsmen preserving traditions such as hand-rolled chocolate making and Andean music production. A visit to the Mitad del Mundo monument allows us to stand directly on the equator, where we test Ecuador’s unique gravitational phenomena. As the sun sets, we gather for a welcome dinner featuring locro de papa (potato soup with avocado & cheese) and empanadas, discussing the journey ahead.
Day 2: Otavalo – Indigenous Markets & Weaving Traditions

A scenic drive through rolling Andean valleys and mist-covered mountains takes us to Otavalo, home to South America’s most famous indigenous market. As we weave through vibrant stalls overflowing with handwoven textiles, leather goods, and intricate jewelry, we engage in conversations with Otavaleño artisans, learning about the rich traditions passed down through generations. In the afternoon, we visit a Kichwa weaving cooperative, where we witness the intricate process of dyeing and spinning wool using natural pigments. Under the guidance of a local weaver, we try our hand at creating traditional patterns. A home-cooked meal with an Otavaleño family introduces us to local delicacies such as fritada (fried pork), llapingachos (cheese-stuffed potato cakes), and freshly brewed Andean herbal tea.
Day 3: Cloud Forest Conservation in Mindo

Descending from the highlands into the Mindo Cloud Forest, we find ourselves in a world of lush greenery, where the air hums with the calls of hummingbirds and howler monkeys. A guided hike along the Nambillo Waterfall Trail immerses us in one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems, home to over 400 species of birds, butterflies, and orchids. In the afternoon, we visit a sustainable chocolate farm, where we follow the journey of cacao from bean to bar. A hands-on tasting session allows us to compare flavors while learning about Ecuador’s role in ethical cacao production.
Day 4: Cotopaxi National Park – Volcanic Landscapes & Andean Wildlife

Our journey continues to Cotopaxi National Park, where the snow-capped Cotopaxi Volcano (19,347 ft) towers above us. A guided trek through the páramo (Andean high-altitude grasslands) introduces us to wild horses, condors, and llamas, as we learn about the delicate balance between Ecuador’s ecosystems and traditional farming practices. After lunch at a historic hacienda, we meet Andean cowboys (chagras), who share insights into Ecuador’s ranching traditions before demonstrating their horseback herding techniques.
Day 5: Entering the Amazon – Canoeing into the Jungle

A morning drive takes us to the edge of the Ecuadorian Amazon, where we board motorized canoes and navigate winding jungle rivers lined with dense rainforest canopies. Arriving at our eco-lodge, we settle into cabins built using traditional sustainable materials. In the afternoon, a local Kichwa guide leads us on a medicinal plant walk, showing us how indigenous communities use the rainforest’s natural resources for healing. At nightfall, we embark on a night safari, spotting caimans, tree frogs, and tarantulas while listening to the Amazon’s symphony of nocturnal creatures.
Day 6: Amazon Community Engagement & Survival Skills

We spend the day with an indigenous Kichwa community, where elders welcome us with a ceremonial greeting. Engaging in daily life activities, we learn to weave baskets from palm fronds, prepare chicha (a traditional fermented yucca drink), and test our accuracy with a blowgun hunting practice. A traditional feast, cooked over an open fire, introduces us to Amazonian fish wrapped in banana leaves, grilled plantains, and heart of palm salad. Before departing, we join in storytelling and dance, experiencing the spiritual connection between the Kichwa people and the forest.
Day 7: Arrival in the Galápagos – Charles Darwin Research Station

A flight takes us to the Galápagos Islands, where we are welcomed by a landscape shaped by volcanic eruptions and ocean currents. On Santa Cruz Island, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, learning about giant tortoise conservation, invasive species management, and the ecological challenges faced by the archipelago. After checking into our eco-lodge, we explore Puerto Ayora, the largest town in the Galápagos, before watching marine iguanas basking on volcanic rocks at sunset.
Day 8: Snorkeling with Sea Lions & Blue-Footed Boobies

A speedboat takes us to Bartolomé Island, where we hike up a volcanic cone for sweeping views of Pinnacle Rock. Snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters, we swim alongside sea lions, Galápagos penguins, and colorful reef fish. In the afternoon, we land on North Seymour Island, where blue-footed boobies perform their signature mating dance, while frigatebirds inflate their red throat pouches in courtship displays.
Day 9: Kayaking & Mangrove Exploration

We navigate through mangrove-lined estuaries, spotting baby sharks, golden rays, and marine turtles gliding beneath our kayaks. A visit to Floreana Island introduces us to the island’s pirate history and unique human settlement challenges.
Day 10: Departure – A Journey of Reflection

As we leave the Galápagos, we reflect on the delicate balance between conservation and tourism, carrying home lessons about our role in preserving the world’s most fragile ecosystems. Our journey through Ecuador’s Andes, Amazon, and the Galápagos has deepened our understanding of the planet’s diversity—not only in its landscapes and wildlife but in the resilience and traditions of the communities that call it home.