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Ecuador and Galapagos – 2024
St Mary's School - California | Leila Volkmann
A unique trip to the Galapagos Islands
Activities & Attractions
Community Service Programming:
- Stay at a local Hacienda, organic farm on the Galapagos Islands
- Harvest legumes, eradicate invasive species and build a greenhouse to grow native species.
Adventure and Biology Programming:
- Visit to the Galapagos Science Center
- See colonies of sea lions, marine turtles, blue-footed boobies, and frigate birds up close in the wild
- Snorkeling as a group
- Visit the natural habitat of the Galápagos tortoise
- Come across pintail ducks, egrets, flycatchers, finches, and frigate birds
- Visit a tortoise reserve—learn about the history and preservation efforts surrounding this amazing species
- Field to plate cooking class
- Lava tubes activity
Trip Details
Accommodations
- 1 nights’ hotel accommodations in Quito
- 6 nights’ dorm accommodations on an organic farm on San Cristobal Island, Galapagos
- 1 night’s hotel accommodations on Santa Cruz Island
Meals
- All breakfasts, lunches and dinners will be provided
Transportation
- International round trip airfare is included
- Return coach airfare from Quito, Ecuador to Galapagos Islands is included
- Includes Galapagos Islands Park Fee
- Includes Galapagos Islands Transit Control Card
- Private coach/van transportation (depends on size of group)
Additional Personnel
- 1 Evolve Tour Directors
- Local supplier & guest family support staff
Exclusives
- Creative Trip programming and leadership activities
- Videography and Photography
- Forever Green by Evolve Tours- Carbon Offset this whole trip (ask for details)
Insurance
Optional Insurance with CFAR coverage. School to organize insurance on its own.
Package Price is based on
- Prices subject to availability and change until contract signed
- Total Package price may vary if number of paying customers changes
- Does not include airline baggage fees if applicable
- Tips for drivers and guides are appreciated
- This quote expires Aug 30th, 2023
- Happy with what you see? Sign a 2-year contract with Evolve and pay the same rate for two years. Ask us for more information. *Based on same group size
Itinerary
Day 1: March 20, 2024
DEPART
Morning: Meet at St. Mary’s to kick-start our journey to John Wayne Airport. Get ready to board your flight and set the stage for an amazing adventure.
Evening: Arrive in Quito, where your enthusiastic Evolve Tours Guide will be waiting. A private bus will take us to our comfortable hotel, ensuring a relaxing evening as we prepare for the days ahead.
Day 2: March 21, 2024
WELCOME TO SAN CRISTOBAL ISLAND
Breakfast: Grab a quick breakfast to fuel up for the day.
Morning: Take a flight to the mesmerizing Galapagos Islands, touching down on San Cristobal island.
Afternoon: Head to an organic farm on the island’s southern part. Get acquainted with Hacienda Tranquila, your home for the upcoming days. After lunch, engage in enlightening conversations with our hosts about the challenges facing the Galapagos.
Evening: Participate in a workshop led by a local biologist, gaining insights into the impact of your efforts.
Day 3-6: March 22, 2024
WORKING IN HACIENDA PROJECTS
Morning: Begin the day with a satisfying group breakfast.
Midday: Dive into hands-on work at the hacienda, contributing to reforestation and the removal of invasive species.
Lunch: Enjoy a communal lunch followed by a refreshing break from the sun.
Afternoon: Return to your tasks, and look forward to evening sports and games on the hacienda’s sports field.
Dinner: Reunite over dinner, sharing stories of your achievements.
Day 4: March 23, 2024
HACIENDA TRANQUILA WORK
Morning: Start the day with a hearty breakfast.
Midday: Engage in organic farming tasks, assisting the hacienda in its sustainable practices.
Lunch: Gather for lunch and a break from the midday heat.
Afternoon: Work on your tasks before exploring the town and preparing for the upcoming snorkeling adventure.
Dinner: Wrap up the day with a group dinner, celebrating your accomplishments.
Day 5: March 24, 2024
HACIENDA TRANQUILA WORK
Morning: Enjoy breakfast together, setting the tone for the day.
Midday: Continue your impactful work, this time focusing on reforestation efforts in a different sector of the hacienda’s lands.
Lunch: Break for lunch followed by a short respite from the sun.
Afternoon: Indulge in an afternoon snack and games, further strengthening your bonds.
Dinner: Share another satisfying dinner, reflecting on the significance of your efforts.
Day 6: March 25, 2024
HACIENDA TRANQUILA WORK
Morning: Gather for breakfast and prepare for another productive day.
Midday: Engage in reforestation activities, fostering a deeper connection with the land.
Lunch: Take a break for lunch and a moment of rest.
Afternoon: Visit the Galapagos Science Center to learn about the environmental efforts in the region.
Dinner: Conclude the day with dinner, proud of your continued impact.
Day 7: March 26, 2024
SNORKELLING
Morning: Enjoy breakfast together before setting out for the day’s adventure.
Midday: Head to a local beach for snorkeling and encounters with marine life.
Lunch: Share lunch together, recharging for the afternoon.
Afternoon: Watch the sunset in town before returning to the hacienda.
Dinner: Gather for a final dinner on the island, savoring the memories you’ve created.
Day 8: March 27, 2024
SANTA CRUZ
Morning: Start your day with an early breakfast as we journey to Santa Cruz island.
Afternoon: Explore the outdoor reserve for Galapagos tortoises, marvel at lava cave formations, and enjoy a group lunch.
Afternoon: Settle into your new accommodations and refresh.
Afternoon: Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, deepening your understanding of Galapagos preservation.
Evening: Enjoy dinner in the town area and collect souvenirs.
Day 9: March 28, 2024
RETURN TO QUITO
Morning: Enjoy a group breakfast as you prepare to depart.
Morning: Travel back to mainland Ecuador and enjoy a farewell dinner in Cumbaya Valley.
Day 10: March 29, 2024
HOMEWARD BOUND
Early Morning: Board your flight just after midnight, beginning your journey home.
Morning: Arrive home with cherished memories of an enriching and inspiring Ecuadorian adventure.
