How to Plan the Perfect Student Trip to Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands: A Complete Guide by Evolve Tours

If you're looking to create a life-changing, curriculum-connected travel experience for your students, Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands should be at the top of your list. From hands-on conservation work in the Andes to snorkelling with sea lions in the Galápagos, this is the kind of student trip that leaves a lasting impact.

At Evolve Tours, we’ve been leading student trips to Ecuador and the Galápagos since 2010. We partner with local conservation groups, Indigenous communities, and science educators to deliver safe, immersive, and transformative travel experiences. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to plan the perfect school trip to Ecuador - including time on the mainland and in the world-famous Galápagos.

Why Plan a Student Trip to Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands

Ecuador offers remarkable ecological and cultural diversity within a small, manageable country. You can explore colonial cities, cloud forests, volcanoes, Amazon jungle, and world-class biodiversity - all in a single itinerary. Then, cap it off with a visit to the Galápagos Islands, where Darwin’s theory of evolution comes to life.

Top Reasons to Choose Ecuador:

See four ecosystems in one trip: Andes, Amazon, coast, and Galápagos
Hands-on learning in biology, conservation, and environmental science
Safe, compact, and student-friendly destination
Deep cultural learning through Indigenous communities and historic cities
A meaningful mix of adventure, education, and cultural connection

Galápagos Islands Student Trip | Mountains surrounding a city | Evolve Tours

When Is the Best Time to Visit Ecuador & the Galápagos?

You can visit Ecuador and the Galápagos year-round, but the best months for school travel are:

December to May – warmer weather, calmer seas in the Galápagos, and lush landscapes
June to August – cooler temps, ideal for hiking and dry season activities on the mainland

Most trips run 10 to 14 days, giving time for cultural exploration in Ecuador and a multi-day extension to the Galápagos.

What Kind of Educational Trips Work Well Here?

Environmental Science & Ecology

Study endemic species, volcanic ecosystems, and climate threats
Participate in conservation work and biodiversity monitoring
Snorkel, hike, and learn from local ecologists in the Galápagos

Sustainability & Service Learning

Contribute to permaculture farms, reforestation projects, or plastic-free campaigns
Learn from Indigenous Kichwa or Quechua communities about sustainable practices

Spanish Language & Culture

Practice Spanish daily in markets, activities, and homestays
Tour colonial cities like Quito and Cuenca, UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Adventure & Outdoor Leadership

Hike volcanic landscapes, zipline cloud forests, or paddle in the Amazon basin
Build resilience, teamwork, and curiosity through active, real-world learning

Galápagos Islands Student Trip | Seal on the beach | Evolve Tours

Top Student-Friendly Activities in Ecuador & the Galápagos

On the Ecuador Mainland

Quito City Tour – Explore colonial architecture, vibrant plazas, and the equator line
Otavalo Market Visit – Practice Spanish and support Indigenous artisans
Andean Village Immersion – Participate in traditional farming or weaving workshops
Cloud Forest Exploration – Hike through lush ecosystems, visit butterfly farms, and zipline over treetops
Service Learning Day – Join local environmental or community-based projects
Thermal Springs in Papallacta – Reflect and relax in the Andes after an active itinerary

In the Galápagos Islands

Island Hopping by Boat – Travel between islands like Santa Cruz, Isabela, or San Cristóbal
Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station – Learn about conservation programs and giant tortoises
Snorkelling with Sea Lions and Marine Iguanas – Explore crystal-clear waters full of unique species
Volcano Hike on Isabela Island – Observe lava fields and endemic flora
Beach Clean-up or Marine Education Session – Give back to the fragile island environment
Wildlife Photography or Sketching Activity – Observe blue-footed boobies, penguins, or frigatebirds up close

Galápagos Islands Student Trip | Colorful pole with city signs | Evolve Tours

Where Do Student Groups Stay?

Evolve Tours partners with safe, comfortable, and locally owned accommodations. All are vetted for student groups and located near the best educational sites.

In Ecuador

Small eco-lodges, rural hostels, and family-run guesthouses
Meals provided, often with fresh local ingredients
Some itineraries include optional home-stays for immersive language and cultural learning

In the Galápagos

Beachside hostels and island guesthouses
Locally prepared meals and early-morning access to nature sites
Basic but clean accommodations designed to minimize environmental impact

What Will Students Eat?

Meals focus on local produce, clean proteins, and international-friendly flavours. We cater to vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-sensitive diets.

Sample Dishes:

Ecuadorian ceviche, plantain chips, and fresh tropical fruit
Lomo saltado (beef stir fry), arroz con pollo, or veggie rice bowls
Locally sourced fish and seafood in the Galápagos
Fresh juices (passionfruit, pineapple, watermelon) served daily

Galápagos Islands Student Trip | Colorful bags of beans, grains, and spices | Evolve Tours

How Do Students Travel?

We handle all transportation so your trip runs smoothly from start to finish.

On Mainland Ecuador: Private coach or minivans with professional drivers
To Galápagos Islands: Flight from Quito or Guayaquil + guided island ferry transfers
On the Islands: Local boats, vans, and walking—designed to keep environmental impact low

Why Travel With Evolve Tours?

Traveling in Ecuador and the Galápagos requires cultural sensitivity, environmental respect, and safety awareness. With Evolve Tours, you get a partner that understands how to deliver deep, safe, and meaningful student experiences.

What You Get:

Custom itineraries aligned to your school’s goals
Bilingual tour leaders and expert naturalist guides
24/7 on-the-ground support and medical-ready planning
Pre-trip materials for your school: info nights, registration links, and packing lists
Programs designed for low ecological footprint and cultural respect

Bonus: Free Student Scholarship

Book your 2026 Ecuador & Galápagos school trip and receive one full student scholarship - up to $4,000 value. Award it to a student based on need, leadership, or school values.

Final Steps to Plan Your School Trip to Ecuador and the Galápagos

Choose your trip theme: science, Spanish, culture, service - or all of the above
Select your preferred dates (we’ll help with flights)
Work with Evolve Tours to build your customized itinerary
Launch your trip at school with posters, sign-up links, and a parent night
Begin registration and prepare for the experience of a lifetime!