Ecuador & Galapagos 27 Nights (EXP-ECU-27-6)

S O G A P A L A G ECUADOR & , K E R T S E N A C LOS VOL A R A L C A T N A S COMMUNITY, ) S T H G I N 7 2 ( TREK & TENA ECUADOR AND GALAPAGOS 27 NIGHT ITINERARY

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COLOMBIA

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

QUITO ACCLIMATISE AVENIDA DE LOS VOLCANES COTOPAXI COMMUNITY INITIATIVE GUAYAQUIL

SEE THE WORLD Y! DIFFERENTL

TENA SANTA CLARA TREK

ECUADOR PERU

We believe in the power of extraordinary experiences. They allow us to see ourselves, others and the world differently, and develop our confidence, independence and resilience.

27 NIGHT EXPEDITION ECUADOR & GALAPAGOS Trek through the Avenida de los Volcanes, contribute to a community initiative, experience jungle life and discover the Galapagos. With you and your team tackling fresh challenges each day, this once-in-alifetime experience proves just how much you’re capable of. It could change the way you see yourself and the world, forever.

ECUADOR AND GALAPAGOS 27 NIGHT ITINERARY

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START HERE

DAY 1 ARRIVE IN QUITO Sleep: Hostel

Touch down in the mountain city of Quito. You’ve made it to Ecuador – home of the Andes, the Equator and Panama hats.

Make sure you get some rest after your flight. You’re about to take the road less travelled and experience the places you’ve been dreaming about.

Volcanic peaks, misty forests and Inca ruins – they’re all here, waiting to be explored.

DAY 2 DISCOVER THE CAPITAL Sleep: Hostel

TRAVELLING RESPONSIBLY REMEMBER, YOU’RE MORE THAN A TOURIST IN THIS PLACE. YOU’RE PART OF A TEAM OF GLOBAL CITIZENS, EMBRACING DIVERSITY AND COMMITTED TO LIFELONG LEARNING. STAY OPEN TO OPPORTUNITIES, CONTRIBUTE WHERE YOU CAN, AND CONNECT WITH THE MANY PEOPLE YOU MEET ALONG THE ROAD.

Wake up to your first morning in Ecuador and dive into expedition life.

Assign some team roles and meet the ground team to discuss your plans.

You’ll also need to hit the markets to buy some food supplies and a SIM card for the team phone – the currency here is US dollars.

Quito sits high in the Andes mountains and is brimming with colonial buildings, Inca relics and buzzing markets. Delve into ‘gringoland’, hear the toll of cathedral bells and smell fresh roses in La Carolina park. Fill up on ceviche (lime-marinated fish) and arroz con pollo (chicken rice).

PLAN AHEAD NOW’S YOUR CHANCE TO BOOK ANY OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES. CHAT WITH THE GROUND TEAM AND GET PLANNING!

ECUADOR AND GALAPAGOS 27 NIGHT ITINERARY

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DAYS 3-5 ACCLIMATISATION TREKS Sleep: Camp Travel: Transfer 1.5hrs + bus 15mins to the start point Trek: 2 days

It’s time for your first high altitude trek in the Andes.

Travel to the village of Machachi, just outside Cotopaxi National Park, then continue by local bus to a 180-yearold farm where you can research the best trekking routes for the team.

At more than 3,000 metres above sea level, this is the perfect place to acclimatise. Spend the next two days trekking in the Andean Mountains, honing your teamwork skills and getting to grips with camping and cooking.

NATURE HAS RIGHTS! ECUADOR IS THE FIRST COUNTRY TO RECOGNISE NATURE’S RIGHTS. IN 2008, THE CONSTITUTION STATED THAT NATURE HAS THE RIGHT TO ‘EXIST, PERSIST, MAINTAIN AND REGENERATE’.

DAYS 6-9 AVENIDA DE LOS VOLCANES TREK Sleep: Camp Travel: Transfer 2hrs to start point Trek: 4 days

Now for something bigger – the Avenida de los Volcanes. This string of volcanoes stretches for 200 miles.

Your team just got bigger. Say ‘hola’ to your guides – they’re insanely experienced, so learn all you can from these mountain masters. Enter the ecological reserve, home to endangered mountain tapirs and white-fronted monkeys.

Step forward as team leader and set the pace up Cotopaxi, the world’s highest active volcano. Once you’ve made it to the refuge (4,800m), you could push on to the glacier at 5,200m.

Just look at those views!

ECUADOR AND GALAPAGOS 27 NIGHT ITINERARY

Trekking at altitude is tough, so pace yourselves and work as a team. At night, take turns to cook dinner and pitch your tents.

Crash out back at base camp. You’ll sleep like a log tonight.

VOLCANO-MANIA THIS VOLCANO-LINED CORRIDOR INCLUDES ECUADOR’S HIGHEST PEAK, CHIMBORAZO (6,263M).

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DAYS 10-12 COMMUNITY INITIATIVE Sleep: Camp, hostel Travel: Transfer 2hrs to the community

DAYS 13-16 SANTA CLARA TREK Sleep: Camp/cabanas, hostel Travel: Transfer 3.5hrs to Tena, transfer 30mins back to Tena Trek: 3 days

DAYS 17-19 EXPLORE TENA Sleep: Hostels Travel: Transfer 9hrs to Guayaquil

Strike south and spend the next three days living alongside a Kichwa community and contributing to a local initiative.

Learn about efforts to conserve local landscapes and cultural heritage, then lend a hand in the greenhouses, where plants are grown for reforestation. Sharpen your handicraft skills when you try some traditional weaving with the local women, then dive deeper into community life by trekking to a sacred mountain.

Time for a whole new challenge – trekking for three days straight through the Amazon rainforest, camping in tents and cabanas (raised wooden huts). This is one of the world’s most biologically rich areas, so look out for bats, sloths, river dolphins and more.

This is a side of Ecuador that few tourists see. Grab this opportunity to connect with the locals and discover the true meaning of ‘minga’ – the Kichwa word for ‘teamwork’.

LIFE ON LAND CONTRIBUTE TO AN INITIATIVE THAT AIMS TO REVERSE BIODIVERSITY LOSS AND PROMOTE THE SUSTAINABLE USE OF ECOSYSTEMS.

When you reach camp each evening, you’ll refuel with a team meal then fall asleep to the soundtrack of Amazonian wildlife.

Travel to the town of Tena and set off through thick jungle, tracing rivers and taking care on wet rocks.

Pass cascading waterfalls and spot monkeys and parrots in the canopy, then stop to catch your breath while checking out epic views of the Anzu Basin.

Back in Tena, it’s up to you how you spend your time in this lush, jungle town – chat with the ground team and make a plan.

Check out the town, which is known as the cinnamon capital thanks to its spice farms, then seek out adventure with an optional white water rafting trip. Grab a paddle, strap on your helmet and ride the Jatunyacu river rapids. Or how about kayaking on the

ECUADOR AND GALAPAGOS 27 NIGHT ITINERARY

Anzu, a beautiful, slow-moving river with pools, beaches and fishermen?

You’ll also have time to relax on the river beaches, or explore plazas and parks, like the Parque Amazonica, a botanical garden and zoo.

Next up, it’s time for the long trip to Guayaquil. Your trip is about to get even better!

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DAYS 20-25 THE GALAPAGOS Sleep: Hostels Travel: Fly 2hrs to the Galapagos, fly 2hrs back to Guayaquil

Hop on a domestic flight to the Galapagos. Nothing can prepare you for these incredible islands – many of the creatures aren’t found anywhere else in the world, and they’re unfazed by human contact.

Get your first glimpse of this isolated archipelago from the air before you touch down on San Cristobal island.

– Isabella is famous for its lava fields and awesome views. In the evening, get ready to hit the fish market where sea lions, pelicans and frigate birds flock to steal the fish!

After an incredible few days, say farewell to the Galapagos and fly back to Guayaquil.

Your first stop is the Interpretation Centre where you’ll get an introduction to the islands before heading to Darwin Bay to go snorkelling. Continue to La Loberia beach, and come face-to-face with blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas at and Galapagos fur seals.

On Floreana island, you’ll hike into the highlands, and on Isabela Island you’ll trek past lagoons and volcanoes

DAYS 26-27 EXPLORE GUAYAQUIL Sleep: Hostel

Ecuador’s largest city, Guayaquil has colourful favelas and a beautiful riverfront. Gather the team and head out to explore.

Stroll along the famous Malecon 2000 – a riverside boardwalk with sculptures, monuments and gardens.

For the best view of the city, head to the hillside enclave of Cerro Santa Ana, with its brightly coloured buildings. Tackle the 444 steps to Fortin del Cerro hilltop and climb to the viewpoint for a staggering panorama.

Before the sun sets on your final day, take stock of everything you’ve achieved. You’ve accomplished so much but you couldn’t have done it without your team. Celebrate in style with a final group meal.

The Historical Park is another top attraction, or you could seek out the city cathedral and the historical houses of Las Penas.

DAY 28 TRAVEL HOME FROM GUAYAQUIL

After the best four weeks of your life, it’s time to travel home. Cram everything into your backpack and head to the airport.

you ever imagined. You’ve fast-tracked your life skills and connected with locals; you’ve led your team and made new friends for life.

Check in, sit back and let it all sink in. You’ve just experienced something incredible. Ecuador has opened your eyes and challenged you more than

These experiences will shape who you are and put you on the path to becoming a true global citizen. Prepare to return home forever changed.

ECUADOR AND GALAPAGOS 27 NIGHT ITINERARY

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WE CARE ABOUT

EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES. Students will gain a greater understanding of how to act for a more sustainable future, at both local and global levels.

Students will be empowered to build on their self-care strategies, enhancing their physical and mental wellbeing.

Students will be immersed in different cultures and experiences, growing to understand their role within our global community.

Students will experience and reflect on the power of being pushed outside of their comfort zone, allowing the development of initiative, confidence, and resilience.

Students will be challenged to think critically about topical issues that affect our past, present and future around the world.

Students will build a deeper connection to their own identity & personal values, developing their independence and sense of self.

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

OUR JOURNEY towardEsL RESPONSIBLE TRAV NO MORE ELEPHANT RIDING

WAP PARTNERSHIP

2016

SUSTAINABLE PAPER

RETHINK PARTNERSHIP

2017

ETHICAL STUDENT TRAVEL FORUM CIRCUIT

TRAVELLERS AGAINST PLASTICS

RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL WORKSHOPS

NO MORE ORPHANAGES

2018 2019

COMMUNITY INITIATIVES AUDITED

UK OFFICE GREEN ENERGY

2020

ECUADOR AND GALAPAGOS 27 NIGHT ITINERARY

CARBON OFFSET ALL FLIGHTS

TOURISM DECLARES CLIMATE EMERGENCY

WE ARE CLIMATE POSITIVE

2021

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SPARKING GREATER POSSIBILITY

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