check out a typical ecuador and galapagos islands session 2 itinerary!
Since in-country logistics are subject to change from year to year - please take the table below as a guide only. And, as always, feel free to give us a call at 800.317.6789 or +1.941.924.6789 for the most up-to-date information.
DAY |
DESCRIPTION |
1 |
Fly day! - Students fly together from Miami to Quito with the help of Arc's professional staff. Afternoon and evening activities include getting settled into a beautiful downtown hotel, Arc's orientation, and check-in. Students enjoy their first of many fantastic Ecuadorian meals, and try to get some sleep after months of anticipation come to an end! |
2 |
Orientation and City Tour - Morning Ecuadorian culture and safety briefing. At a local park, students participate in group building games and initiatives, amidst the majestic backdrop of the Andes mountains. Students have an afternoon Quito city tour of historic plazas, cathedrals, and markets. |
3 |
Great Greetings to the Galapagos! - Students fly from Quito to Baltra in the Galapagos Islands. First impressions last forever in this natural wonderland - "magical" sums it up best for most! Transport to the Darwin Research Station to see the endangered Galapagos tortoises and the famed "Lonesome George." Students have an evening fresh water swim at "Las Grietas", a beautiful fissure formation with cliffs 40+ feet - perfect for the first snorkel! - and settle into their warm and welcoming Galapagos hotel. |
4 |
Bartolome Play Day - Students embark on an unforgettable tour to Bartolome Island and Pinnacle Rock, one of the most photographed and famous islands...also featured in the Hollywood movie "Master and Commander." A favorite day for all, students swim with the resident penguins, sea lions, marine turtles, reef sharks, tropical fish, and climb to the highest peak for breathtaking panoramas of the archipelago. |
5 - 9 |
Now Let's Clean Up This
Place! - After undoubtedly developing a love of the islands, students lend a hand on conservation service projects with the Galapagos National Park Service and local schools. Projects in the past have included... - Removing invasive species - Planting native trees - Testing water quality - Beach cleanups - Recycling and compost initiatives - Educational mural painting - School maintenance projects - Playground construction Students also spend their time playing games and activities of all kinds with the children of the Galapagos, swimming at some of the most pristine beaches in the world, exploring local towns and fisherman's markets, and much, much more. |
10 |
Transfer to San Cristobal - Students have a leisurely transfer from Santa Cruz Island to San Cristobal Island, with stops along the way to beautiful Santa Fe Island for some relaxing beach time, hiking, and, of course, more snorkeling! |
11 - 14 |
San Cristobal - With projects similar in nature to their time in Santa Cruz, students aid the community and environment on the beautiful island of San Cristobal, while exploring famous local sites such as Kicker Rock, a monumental pillar of rock rising dramatically from deep blue water. |
15 |
Return To The Mainland - Students pack their bags and head to the San Cristobal airport. Students fly to Quito for a lively evening salsa lesson in downtown Quito. No experience necessary! |
16 - 19 |
The Amazon Awaits! - Students fly Quito to Coca and begin their journey into the famed Amazon rainforest. Over their stay, students tour the wonders of the Amazon ecological system. Cameras do not stop clicking with the sighting of monkeys, caimans, sloths, parrots, macaws, frogs, snakes, iguanas, insects of all shapes and colors, and much more. Activities includes fishing for piranhas, visiting indigenous communities, exploring markets, and community service work with the indigenous school of Sumak Allpa. The closing evening program is a night to remember! |
20 |
Amazon Retreat - Students have their last jungle morning and fly back to Quito. The last evening is a busy one! - with a grand feast and our special slide show and closing program. |
21 |
So Hard To Say Goodbye - Students say goodbye to their new friends at Lifeworks. Without fail there is a mix of emotions - there is excitement to return home; there is sadness to leave. Students fly together Quito to Miami with the help of Lifeworks' professional staff and continue on to their respective homes and families. |
